Artist · EveryDisc catalogue

Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen (September 21, 1934, Montreal, Canada – November 7, 2016, Los Angeles, USA) was a Canadian poet, writer, singer, and songwriter. His first poetry collection was published in 1956, and his first novel in 1963. In his early years, Cohen's songs were based on folk music; in the 1970s, they gravitated towards pop music and cabaret. From the 1980s, Cohen sang with a low voice accompanied by music with synthesizers and female backing vocals. His songs are often emotionally heavy and have complex lyrics. Among the themes Cohen sang about are religion, loneliness, sexuality, and complex human relationships. Cohen's songs and poetry have had a great influence on many songwriters and musicians. Leonard Cohen was inducted into the "Canadian Music Hall of Fame"; from April 19, 1991, he was an Officer of the Order of Canada, and from October 10, 2002, a Companion of the Order of Canada, which is the highest award for a Canadian citizen. There are many cover versions of his songs.