Scott Walker, who died today, was inspired by Jacques Brel after he left teen heart-throbs The Walker Brothers. It was one of the most dramatic left-turns in recent rock music history.
At the height of their fame in 1967, when Walker was still considered a heart-throb and a potential superstar, he called time on the band and ran away to a monastery on the Isle of Wight. Not, as rumour had it, because of a nervous breakdown, but to study Gregorian chant.
He remained disillusioned with the industry until his girlfriend introduced him to the music of Jacques Brel, whose literate, passionate torch songs inspired him to embark on a solo career.
Here he is with Brel's Jackie, translated by Mort Shulman, from 1967:
Or, more appositely, Brel's My Death. And Funeral Tango.
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