On That Note: Hello, Goodbye

“Goodbye to you, my trusted friend … Goodbye, Papa … Goodbye, Michelle … ”

Wonderfully cheesy in a ‘70s way … Backstory summary below, to read while listening.



Adapted from “Le Moribond” by Jacques Brel, a Belgian singer-songwriter, American singer-poet Rod McKuen translated the lyrics to English and did some rewriting. The Kingston Trio recorded a version in 1964; Jacks heard that and did yet another rewrite. The Beach Boys apparently were to record a version, w/ Jacks as producer, but abandoned the project. In 1974, Jacks recorded it and released it … went to #1.