Legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen dies aged 82
Famed singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has died, aged 82.
The Hallelujah star’s death was confirmed on Facebook by Cohen’s family.
A message read: “It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. 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.”
Cohen, who was born in Quebec, Canada, rose to prominence in the 1960s as a poet, singer and novelist.
His stardom spanned five decades, and he had just released his 14th album ‘You Want it Darker’.
Speaking recently to the New Yorker, Cohen said: “I am ready to die. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me.”
Cohen was shy of the stage despite his prominence. He came out of retirement in his late 70s after his former manager Kelley Lynch was found guilty of stealing millions of dollars of his money.
His latest album was co-produced by his son Adam who described him as “the last of his kind”.
Speaking to CBC host Tom Power, Adam reflected on working together on the album: “This old man, who was truly in pain and discomfort, would at some intervals get out of his medical chair and dance in front of his speakers.
“And sometimes, we would put on a song and listen to it on repeat just like teenagers, with the help of medical marijuana.
“I think in states of pain and discomfort, what do you seek with more energy and more clarity than joy and jubilance?”
“Unlike so many from that golden era, from which he comes, he’s not a nostalgia act,” he added.
“This guy is speaking from his particular vantage point, he’s speaking about things that are meaningful to him at his particular rung in life — he will be leaving a giant void when he leaves us.”
Speaking to journalist Gavin Martin back in 1993, Cohen said he didn’t regret never having relationships with men.
He said: “No, because I have had intimate relationships with men all my life and I still do have. I’ve seen men as beautiful, I’ve felt sexual stirrings towards men so I don’t think I’ve missed out. Maybe I have, maybe it’s time to look into it. Maybe not, maybe I’ve left it too late. Maybe I’ll not be able to get anybody.”
