Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

September 21, 1934 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Death

:

November 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist who was born on September 21, 1934, in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. He was the son of a wealthy Jewish family, and his father was a successful businessman. Cohen was raised in a bilingual environment, speaking both English and French fluently. Cohen began playing the guitar at the age of 13 and was influenced by the music of Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, and the blues. He attended McGill University in Montreal, where he studied English literature and poetry. During his time at university, he formed a folk group called the Buckskin Boys and began performing at local coffeehouses. After graduating from university, Cohen moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He quickly became a fixture in the Greenwich Village folk scene and was signed to Columbia Records in 1967. His debut album, "Songs of Leonard Cohen," was released that same year and included the now-classic songs "Suzanne" and "So Long, Marianne." Cohen's music was characterized by his deep, gravelly voice and his poetic lyrics, which often dealt with themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition. He was also known for his use of religious imagery and his exploration of Jewish mysticism. Over the course of his career, Cohen released 14 studio albums, including "Songs from a Room," "New Skin for the Old Ceremony," and "I'm Your Man." He was also a prolific poet and novelist, publishing several collections of poetry and two novels, "The Favorite Game" and "Beautiful Losers." Cohen's music was widely acclaimed and influenced generations of musicians. His songs have been covered by artists such as Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and k.d. lang. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Canada and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature. Cohen's later years were marked by personal and health struggles. He suffered from depression and was forced to go on hiatus from music in the 1990s. He also underwent a series of financial setbacks, including the loss of his retirement savings in a fraudulent investment scheme. Despite these challenges, Cohen continued to create music and poetry until his death on November 7, 2016, at the age of 82. His final album, "You Want It Darker," was released just weeks before his death and was hailed as a masterpiece. Leonard Cohen's legacy as a musician, poet, and novelist is one of profound influence and enduring artistry. His music and words continue to inspire and move audiences around the world, and his contributions to the world of art and culture will be remembered for generations to come.

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