Legendary singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen who is known for his soulful rendition of "Hallelujah" has died at 82. The announcement was made by the singer's music label, Sony Music Canada, on his Facebook page.
"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. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief," Rollingstone.com quoted the statement. Details on the cause of death, however, were not disclosed.
Leonard Cohen is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with an illustrious career that spanned almost five decades. Leonard Cohen's almost forgotten classic hit "Hallelujah" became his biggest legacy. The song was interpreted and made popular by Jeff Buckley in 1994. BBC reports that Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" became one of the most covered compositions of all time.
The Canadian-born Leonard Cohen was also a poet and novelist. He moved around the same circles as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Paul Simon. His music is characterized by a deep and haunting bass voice accompanied by a nylon-stringed guitar.
Leonard Cohen is one of the few artists who has maintained popularity and a cult following well into the twilight of his years. He was even able to release a new album "You Want It Darker" in October. The album was produced by his son, Adam, and was recorded inside the house. At that time, Cohen was already said to have been in poor health.
"I am ready to die. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. That's about it for me," Cohen was quoted as having said. Shortly after news of Leonard Cohen's death was made public, artists and celebrities started outpouring of tributes and messages on social media.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "No other artist's music felt or sounded like Leonard Cohen's. Yet his work resonated across generations. Canada and the world will miss him."