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The native Canadian died at age 82, according to a post on his Facebook page. The time and location of his death were not immediately released, but a recent New Yorker profile indicated he had been living in the westside of Los Angeles.
The gravelly voiced, world-weary singer was legendary for his meaningful, poetic lyrics that could take him years to perfect before being incorporated in music. In his early years in the 1960s he was often compared to Bob Dylan, but in recent years his low tones exhibited all the concerns of fans who had experienced the ups and downs of life.
That New Yorker article focused on Cohen’s humor and views of life, but also provided a glimpse of a famed entertainer who could be a bit abrupt at times with visitors. The article described his early performing years as highly difficult, as he was far from comfortable on stage.
“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen has passed away,” according to the Facebook post. “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, known for songs such as the oft-covered “Hallelujah” and “Bird on the Wire,” began as a writer and poet, penning two novels — “The Favourite Game” and “Beautiful Losers.” But failing to achieve success as a writer, he turned in the 1960s to singing and songwriting, releasing his debut album “Songs of Leonard Cohen” in 1967 and “Songs from a Room” two years later, followed by “Songs of Love and Hate” in 1971.
He is perhaps best known for his early hit “Suzanne,” but recent songs that garnered much attention included the cynical “I’m Your Man.”
He explored various musical styles in his career, ranging from sparse compositions to working with Phil Spector, father of the multi-layered “Wall of Sound” recording technique who later was convicted of the shooting death of a woman friend in Southern California. Cohen’s work often explored political, religious and social justice themes.
His most recent album, “You Want it Darker,” was released on Oct. 21. He had reteurned to performing and recording recently due to financial setbacks.
—City News Service