Leonard Cohen, Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, novelist and Order of Canada and Order of Quebec recipient, died on November 7th, and was announced last night according to a post via his Facebook page.
The note reads, “We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries.” Although the cause of death is not yet known the full statement discloses that Cohen had, “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.” According to his son, Adam Cohen, “He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour.”
Cohen’s last album You Want It Darker was released earlier this year.
Active as a novelist in the early 60’s with his first two novels The Favourite Game and Beautiful Losers Cohen made the switch to songwriting after being disappointed with the lack of financial success offered writers of the day.
Discovered in 1967 by Columbia talent scout John H. Hammond, Cohen released his first album Songs of Leonard Cohen featuring tracks like “Suzanne”. His best known work, 1984’s “Hallelujah”, has been covered many times over by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, John Cale, Willie Nelson, and many more. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and was made a Companion to the Order of Canada in 2003, the highest civilian honour Canada can bestow.
Leonard Cohen is survived by his children Lorca and Adam, and grandchilden Viva and Cassius. He was 82, and he was at peace.
