Leonard Cohen has passed away at age 82.
What a guy, he was my parents favourite artist so he was always being played in my house and had a huge impact on my musical taste. Glad they got to see him a few years ago.
Seemed he was ready to go a few months ago anyway.
Brilliant songwriter.
His song "Hallelujah" has been covered by dozens of well known artists - most notably by Jeff Buckley whose version has appeared in a number of major films.
Other songs of his have been recorded by Judy Collins, Nina Simone, The Pixies, Concrete Blonde, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson and many more.
He's cited as a major influence by a long list of songwriters.
RIP.
RIP, Mr. Cohen and thanks for "Hallelujah"
I used to listen to Leonard Cohen when I was 14 years old. I played it for other people, and they remarked about how depressing his stuff was.
When they poured across the border
I was cautioned to surrender,
this I could not do;
I took my gun and vanished.
I have changed my name so often,
I've lost my wife and children
but I have many friends,
and some of them are with me.
An old woman gave us shelter,
kept us hidden in the garret,
then the soldiers came;
she died without a whisper.
There were three of us this morning
I'm the only one this evening
but I must go on;
the frontiers are my prison.
Can you imagine a 14 year old boy listening to stuff like that? I'm amazed I didn't put a gun to my head.
If you are a fan of music, at least one of your favorite songs has been written by someone inspired by Leonard Cohen.
I have no words better to describe him than with the words of another poet:
“Very sad to learn of the death of Leonard Cohen.
Anyone looking at an empty page trying to write a song lyric sits in the shadow of the mountain that was Leonard Cohen.
He knew the exact weight and flavour of every word and phrase he used and applied them with the precision of a surgeon. His unique voice painted unforgettable pictures that will stay with me and my generation until we drop.
I met Leonard a few times, we were introduced by our American lawyer Marty Machat, who had represented him for many years. One time I met Leonard, he drove me around Montreal and I really got to enjoy his wicked sense of humour and all his droll commentaries.
Through Marty, we also ended up as partners in a New York art gallery founded by Avril Giacobbi called the Art Palace.
There is a big hole where he stood, we will miss you.”
– Peter Gabriel
http://petergabriel.com/news/remembering-leonard-cohen/
Good dude. The SNL tribute was also pretty sweet. RIP.