Leonard Cohen, the hugely influential singer and songwriter from Canada has died at age 82. His death was confirmed on the legend’s facebook page by his label, Sony Music Canada.
“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away,” the statement read. “We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief.”
Singers, writers and politicians paid tribute to the singer on social media after his death was announced. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, also paid tribute to the legend and said, “It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of the legendary Leonard Cohen. He will be fondly remembered for his gruff vocals, his self-deprecating humour and the haunting lyrics that made his songs the perennial favourite of so many generations.” Many of Cohen’s fans gathered outside his Montreal home.
Cohen’s son Adam said, “My father passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records. He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour,” reports the Rolling Stone.
John Lissauer, Cohen’s music producer said he was almost mythical. He told BBC Radio 4, “He was just an iconic figure, because his duration was so great and he was so consistent in his devotion to the craft, and his devotion to recording and performing.”Record label Sony Music said in a statement that it was proud to host Cohen’s artistry for such a long decade. Cohen’s original and unique work will be appreciated by generations of fans and artists.
Life and works of Cohen
Leonard Norman Cohen was born on Sept 21, 1934, in Montreal, Canada. He was a singer, songwriter, poet and novelist. He was called the high priest of pathos and godfather of gloom. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Roll Hall of Fame. His most famous work was Hallelujah. In 2011, he received the Prince of Asturias Award for literature and the ninth Glenn Gould Prize.
He dabbled in country music in his youth. Only after he became an established poet and novelist, he started performing and recording. Cohen’s name comes right along with Bob Dylan and Paul Simon as lyricists of note. This is a remarkable achievement as till age 30 he did not aspire to a musical career.
In 1955, he published his first collection Let Us Compare Mythologies. This collection got good reviews but was not sold properly. His other works include The Spice of the Earth (1961), The Favourite Game (1963), Parasites of Heaven and Beautiful Losers (1966), Death of a Ladys Man. In 1966 Cohen’s debut album Songs of Leonard Cohen was released. This was followed by Songs from a Room, Songs of Love and Hate, I’m Your Man, Old Ideas (2012), Popular Problems (2014) and You Want it Darker (2016). The last one was released three weeks before his death.
