Leonard Cohen

LEONARD COHEN d2016. Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist. His work explored religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships. He pursued a career as a poet and novelist during the 1950-early 1960s and did not launch a music career until 1967, at the age of 33. His first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967) was followed by three more albums of folk music ; Songs from a Room (1969) / Songs of Love and Hate (1971) and New Skin for the Old Ceremony (1974). His 1977 record Death of a Ladies Man was co-written and produced by Phil Spector which was a move away from his previous minimalist sound. In 1979, Cohen returned with the more traditional Recent Songs which blended his acoustic style with jazz and Oriental and Mediterranean influences. Perhaps his most famous song "Hallelujah" was first released on his studio album Various Positions in 1984. I'm Your Man in 1988 marked his turn to synthesized productions and remains his most popular album. In 1992, he released its follow-up, The Future which had dark lyrics and references to political and social unrest. He returned to music in 2001 with the release of Ten New Songs which was a major hit in Canada and Europe. His eleventh album Dear Heather followed in 2004. After a successful string of tours between 2008 and 2010, he released three more albums in the final four years of his life. He died in Los Angeles aged 82 on November 7th 2016.