Sadness and shock passed throughout the music world again last night as the year of the reaper has claimed another talented soul in 2016. Songwriter, Author, Poet and unequivocal genius Leonard Cohen has passed away at age 82. A future public memorial is being planned for a future date.
Although the cause of death was not released, Cohen’s family and manager released statements to the press:
“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.”
Adam Cohen, wrote in a message to Rolling Stone:
“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 humor.” “Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed,”
His manager Robert Kory wrote in a statement.
“I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, was a privilege and great gift. He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration and healing for generations to come.”
Best known for deep resonant bass voice, and his insightful and deep emotive lyrics, Cohen shaped a generation of songwriters who followed him. Although he got a late start in music not releasing an album until his 30s, his albums would dot the signposts of the pop culture landscape for the next 50 years. Beginning with his celebrated Songs of Leonard Cohen, New Skin For Old Ceremony, Death Of A Ladies Man, Various Positions, and 1992s The Future (all for Columbia), Cohen waxed and mused on themes of life, death, sex, politics, war and literature. His song ‘Halleujah’ is one of the best known, and covered compositions of all time. He went on in 1967 to win every music award of his native Canada, as well as The Rock N ‘Roll Hall Of Fame in America.
Cohen leaves behind a prolific legacy one of the most important songwriters of the last century. Twenty-three albums (8 of them live affairs) numerous compilations, Eps, singles, and special releases included his final album You Want it Darker (Columbia) released just three weeks before his death. Ever concerned with his live output, his constantly reinterpreted himself live, in manner critics and fans often cited his peers such as Bob Dylan , Tom Waits, and David Bowie for with greater fondness. Also a celebrated author, Cohen wrote two novels, dozens of poetry and lyric books and other stories. One of the most celebrate pure writers to also have a long career in music, Cohen can be said to be a true Renaissance man and irreplaceable great.
KEITH CHACHKES