Francoise Hardy

The French Connection: Spéciale Bastille 2026

This Tuesday July 14, we celebrate Bastille Day, commemorating the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, a pivotal event that dismantled the absolute monarchy and launched the French Revolution.

For modern democracies (c’est nous?) the day symbolizes the triumph of popular sovereignty over tyranny, the power of collective civic action, and the universal principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The French Connection 6/28/26 Jacques Brel

Beginning in 1953, Belgian singer/songwriter Jacques Brel wrote and performed poignant and passionate songs that brought him a devoted following in France. By the 1960s, Brel had become a major influence on counterculture performers such as Judy Collins, Leonard Cohen and David Bowie. Translations of Brel’s songs have been recorded by a wide range of singers from Nina Simone to Frank Sinatra.

Francoise Hardy

“The French Connection” Playlist & Replay 6/7/26

In the opening set, we hear mon homme, Francis Cabrel singing a sublime cover of Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist of Fate” from Cabrel’s 2010 tribute album to Dylan, “Vise Le Ciel.” Cabrel also closes this first episode of summer with the country-tinged “Quand j’aime une fois j’aime Pour Toujours,” from the singer’s classic “Double Live” album (1999.)