Leonard Cohen dead at 82 after long period of poor health and revealing last month ‘I’m ready to die’
Leonard Cohen was one of the most influential songwriters of his generation who became famous for the classic track Hallelujah
CANADIAN singer-songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82.
Best known for his song 'Hallelujah', the novelist and poet's death has been met with an outpouring of grief with singers, songwriters and public figures alike paying tribute to the legendary artist.
His son Adam confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, saying: "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 humour."
Just last month he told the he was not afraid of death and the lyrics of the first song on his latest album featured the words "I'm ready, my Lord."
A SECRET CHORD: The incredible success of 'Hallelujah'
Cohen's 'Hallelujah' was first released on the 1984 album 'Various Positions' and had little success initially.
However, a popular cover by John Cale and then another by Jeff Buckley propelled it into the public's conscious. It has since been covered an estimated 500 times.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4, producer John Lissauer said the record company hated it and called it "un-releasable".
A poll of 50 songwriters by Q magazine had the song as one of the 10 greatest tracks of all time.
'All Of Me' singer John Legend said Buckley's version is "as near perfect as you can get. The lyrics to 'Hallelujah' are just incredible and the melody's gorgeous and then there's Jeff's interpretation of it. It's one of the most beautiful pieces of recorded music I’ve ever heard."
He said: "I am ready to die. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me."
The singer's death was announced on Facebook: "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."
Leonard Cohen was one of the most influential songwriters of his generation who alongside musicians such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan brought a new book-based lyricism to his songs in the late sixties and early seventies.
He was born on September 21 1934 in Westmount, Montreal, to a middle-class Jewish family.
After becoming frustrated as a novelist, he travelled to the island of Hydra in Greece where he met Norwegian Marianne Ihlen.
Inspired, he wrote the song "So Long, Marianne" to and about her and they were lovers for most of the 1960s.
Marianne died in July 2016 and Cohen's farewell letter was read at her funeral.
He wrote: "Our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine."
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Tracks such as Bird on the Wire, Suzanne and the widely-covered Hallelujah continued to be highly regarded despite Cohen retiring from music in 1995.
Cohen began touring again in 2005 after it was revealed that a former accountant had swindled him out of his retirement fund.
Others, including Brit singer Lily Allen, also shared their condolences with Allen writing: "As of (sic) the week could get any worse. Thank you Leonard Cohen, for all the things. Rest in Peace".
Boy George also tweeted, writing: "We have lost a great artist, poet and poignant force of energy. R.I.P Leonard Cohen."
The cause of death is yet to be announced but Cohen had been been in poor health for some time.
In August this year Cohen wrote a poignant eulogy to his Marianne Ilhen, the inspiration for the songs Bird on a Wire and So Long, Marianne.
“It said well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine."
A makeshift memorial has now sprung up at the Chelsea Hotel with red wine, candles and album sleeves left by fans.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement, speaking out over his "deep sorrow".
He said: "A most remarkable Montrealer, Leonard Cohen managed to reach the highest of artistic achievement, both as an acclaimed poet and a world-renowned singer-songwriter.
"He will be fondly remembered for his gruff vocals, his self-deprecating humour and the haunting lyrics that made his songs the perennial favourite of so many generations.
"Leonard Cohen is as relevant today as he was in the 1960s.
"His ability to conjure the vast array of human emotion made him one of the most influential and enduring musicians ever. His style transcended the vagaries of fashion."He listed the singer's achievements, which include being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as well as a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2010.
Trudeau said: "On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Leonard Cohen’s family, friends, colleagues and many, many fans.
"Leonard, no other artist's poetry and music felt or sounded quite like yours. We'll miss you."
The memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date.
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