Seasons in the Sun – Today’s classic song, its lesser known French origin, and an interesting cover. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #JaquesBrel #TerryJacks #TheKingstonTrio

Today’s feature is a song that has always intrigued me. I knew there was a story behind it but I had never delved into it. So, today as a I write I will learn, and as I learn I will share the story. Some of you may already know. If that is the case, forgive me for being late to the party.

‘Seasons in the Sun’ was a worldwide hit for Terry Jacks in 1974. Jacks was a Canadian singer who struck Gold on this sentimental piece. It is one of fewer than forty songs that have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. This version is obviously the most well known of the releases, but it is far from the beginning. This is where we take a trip back to 1961 and a song written by Jaques Brel called ‘Le Moribond (The Dying Man)’. Brel was a Belgian singer, songwriter, actor and director. This is a man who had a reputation for being a master of musical theatre and his ability to write thoughtful lyrics and deliver them in a passionate way allowed him to become widely respected, not only to his fan base, but in a vast array of the musical community. Well known artists who have either covered or adapted his songs include Ray Charles, Judy Collins, John Denver, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, The Kingston Trio and Rod McKuen. Here is Jaques Brel doing Le Moribond (The Dying Man). Pay attention to his style. A combination of singing and acting. The lyrics are dark due to the subject matter, but what strikes me the most is the seemingly moribund lyrics are contrasted with the humorous undertone. Very European.

Le Moribond (The Dying Man) appeared on his 1961 album, simply called No. 5. The success of this song and album saw Brel, not only touring heavily in Europe where he was renowned, but in North America where he was beginning to make a massive impact. As his audience grew, other artists became intrigued by his writing and presentation. Two such examples were Rod McKuen and The Kingston Trio.

Acclaimed writer, Rod McKuen began to translate Brel’s songs and one of those translations was an adaptation of Le Morbond (The Dying Man) called ‘Seasons in the Sun’. Where Brel’s rendition is dark, fatalistic and still funny, McKuen’s is longing and sentimental. The first English language version of ‘Seasons in the Sun’ was by The Kingston Trio, released in 1963 on their ‘Time to Think’ album.

As a quick aside, a good friend of mine had the privilege of being a London, Ontario DJ for several years. As part of that gig he had a window to some great acts as they came through that western Ontario hub. Around 1965 The Kingston Trio rolled through town and he was a part of the presenting radio station. As a result of that connection he was given the honour of introducing The Kingston Trio. In his eye, The Kingston Trio could do no wrong. They were right up there with the Beatles. Shortly before their set he thought he would drop by their dressing room and let them know it was nearing show time. This would include a brief exchange about how much they had meant to him as artists. He envisioned a moment where he would share his memories of the indelible mark the trio had left on his life. They would thank him profusely for spreading their songs and message over the radio waves. They would all embrace. The trio would briefly become a quartet. Perhaps do a cheer together before hitting the stage. Maybe he would be invited to play the tambourine during the encore? The daydream ended and as he approached the dressing room area he noted that each of the trio had their own rooms rather than one common area. He knocked on the first door and was greeted with an acerbic “Fuck off!” Tail between his legs he went to the other two rooms and was greeted with a stony silence. A short time later he introduced the act to the adoring London audience and left the stage. The Kingston Trio played their set and were greeted with the appropriate adulation. They went through the motions of being a unit but, evidently they were in a state of decline in terms of their cohesion. This seemed to impact their civility in some way. My friend was left with the all too common reality that one should never meet their heroes. Oh well. I suspect they performed ‘Seasons in the Sun’ during that concert.