One of my favorites - understated songwriting, but intense performances:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Brel
Youtube:
Seul (Alone)
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=tulNfZVi3qI[/youtube]
Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don't Leave Me)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJIZu37Hfr0[/youtube]
Amsterdam
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=POGegLVKjdQ[/youtube]
Photographs:
He's somewhat reminiscent of David Bowie, for me (who consequently recorded "Amsterdam.")