Leonard Cohen dies

OHMYGOSSIP — Leonard Cohen has died.
The ‘Hallelujah’ singer – who released his final album, ‘You Want It Darker’ last month – passed away “peacefully” at home at the age of 82, though the exact date and cause of death have not yet been confirmed.
A statement released on his Facebook page read: “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.”
His son Adam added to Rolling Stone magazine: “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.Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candour, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed.
“He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour.”
A memorial service for the Montreal-born singer-and-poet will take place in Los Angeles, with details to be announced at a later date.
The ‘Suzanne’ singer is survived by his children Adam and Lorca – who he had with partner Suzanne Elrod – and two grandchildren.
The statement concluded: “The family requests privacy during their time of grief.”
Leonard – who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 – released his first album, ‘Songs of Leonard Cohen’ in 1967 and his record label Sony Music said they were proud to have “celebrated Cohen’s artistry” throughout his career.
They said in a statement: “Leonard Cohen was an unparalleled artist whose stunning body of original work has been embraced by generations of fans and artists alike.
“The Sony Music Canada family joins the world in mourning Leonard Cohen’s passing.”
The ‘Bird on a Wire singer was hailed as a “true visionary” whose work will influence generations to come by his manager Robert Kory.
He wrote in a statement: “Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed.
“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.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – whose father Pierre was a friend of the singer – has paid a lengthy tribute to the star, in which he celebrated a number of his career achievements.
His statement read: “It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of the legendary Leonard Cohen.
“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.
“Leonard Cohen was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2003 and received many artistic honours during his lifetime, including being inducted into the Canadian Music hall of fame, the Canadian Songwriters hall of fame, and the American Rock and Roll hall of fame.
“He received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2010 and was awarded the Glenn Gould prize for lifetime achievement in the arts in 2011. In 2013, with a career already spanning more than fifty years, he won Junos as Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year for his 2012 album ‘Old Ideas’. His music had withstood the test of time.
“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.”
Just a month ago, the singer claimed he was “ready to die” amid reports he was in poor health.
However, he later insisted he was “exaggerating”.
He added: “I’ve always been into self-dramatisation. I intend to live forever.”

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