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Leonard Cohen - All about the musician: biography and facts

About the great Poet and Musician.....

Leonard Cohen's biography: he left to come back!

Leonard was, above all, a poet. A master of the word, which, as the Gospel says, was in the beginning of all things. Cohen said:

"I've always felt that the world is made with words."

However, he realised that lyrics connect much more deeply when accompanied by music. He released 14 studio albums in his lifetime. He passed away on 7 November 2016. Three years after his death, his work resounds once again for connoisseurs of talent and simply for everyone who loves good music and appreciates real poetry. The 15th album of the author and performer was released on 22 November this year.

The songs for this collection were the last thing Leonard worked on during his lifetime. In an interview with the New Yorker magazine three weeks before his passing, Cohen spoke about these works:

"Here are some songs that are half finished. But I don't think I'll have time to finish them."

Cohen's son Adam fulfilled his father's request. He processed and compiled these compositions into the album "Thanks for the Dance". In this connection we recall the creative and life paths of Leonard Cohen. However, they are inseparable from each other.

The early years and the stakes of literature

Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen

Leonard was born to a Polish Jewish immigrant family in Montreal, Canada, on 21 September 1934. His father owned a well-known ready-to-wear shop in the city. But he died when the boy was only nine.

The Cohen family adhered to the canonical traditions. The bearers of this surname are considered among the Jews to be descendants of the first ministers of the cult. Leonard recalled with some irony:

"I had a very messianic childhood. I was told I was a descendant of the high priest Aaron."

The aura of the Old Testament stories that filled Leonard's childhood were reflected in his future works. Cohen began writing poetry quite early. This activity was encouraged in every possible way by those close to him.

At the age of 13, the future star learnt the guitar. And a little later, as part of the collective "Buskin Boys" performs in a cafe in Montreal, as well as on various dance floors. But Cohen still sees his future in poetry.

Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen

In 1951 Cohen became a student at McGill University. During his studies he gives himself to poetry and in 1956 he published his first book of poems "Let's Compare Mythologies". The criticism of the collection was not bad. However, the readers did not have a serious success. Then Leonard first realised that poetry in its pure form is not a very profitable occupation.

Around the same time, Cohen spent a year at Columbia University. Then he returned home to Montreal, where he changed several professions, while continuing to write poetry, some of which was published in 1961 in the collection The Spice Box of the Earth. This book brought the poet fame in the literary milieu of Canada and the first serious money earned by his work.

Having invested the royalties and inheritance he received from his father in the purchase of a small house on a Greek island, Cohen moves there to spend the next seven years, as he puts it, "writing and sailing, sailing and writing."

Leading an almost reclusive life, Leonard during this time released two more collections of poetry and prose - novels "The Favourite Game" and "Beautiful Losers". These works, although they had some success, but finally convinced Cohen that for real commercial success should expand creative horizons and take up music.

Music

English singer Royston Wood, frontman of the folk band The Young Tradition, Cohen and Judy Collins at a folk festival in Newport Rhode Island. July 1967
English singer Royston Wood, frontman of the folk band The Young Tradition, Cohen and Judy Collins at a folk festival in Newport Rhode Island. July 1967

In 1967, Cohen moved to the United States to conquer musical Olympus. By then mega-popular singer Judy Collins had included two Cohen compositions on her 1966 album, "Suzanne" and "Dress Rehearsal Rag". But, because of his age, managers were sceptical about promoting Cohen as a solo artist, not seeing him as a commercially successful project. They preferred to invest in younger singers.

However, with Judy's help, Leonard becomes a participant in the Newport Festival. Here he is noticed by producer John Hammond. He helps Cohen to record his first album "Songs of Leonard Cohen". It also includes "Suzanne", but in the author's own version.

Compositions from the debut compilation occupied high places in American charts for more than a year, but did not become top in terms of finances. Then there were several more albums, among which "Songs from a Room" should be noted. It was on it that such hits as "Bird on a Wire" and "Guerrilla" were released.

In 1971, Cohen's songs became the soundtrack to the film McCabe and Mrs Miller. Before that, the performer toured extensively in the States, Canada and Europe, gradually gaining international fame.

In 1977, Leonard collaborated with producer Phil Spector. They recorded the album "Death of a Ladies Man" together. The work progressed hard because of creative differences. Phil wanted more sound, while Cohen was in favour of minimal use of musical instruments, prioritising the verses and his soulful voice. It got to the point where Spectre even threatened the performer with a gun.

During a Cohen concert. 1972
During a Cohen concert. 1972

In the end, the finished product was heavily altered by the producer without the author's input. Cohen called the album "grotesque" and considered it his most unsuccessful work.

In 1979, Recent Songs was recorded, in which Cohen experiments by incorporating mandolin, oud and violin into the sound.

And then Cohen dropped out of the critical and public eye for five years to appear with a new collection of poems, "The Book of Mercy" and the film "Hotel", which he directed himself from his own script, and also wrote the music for the film.

But the most significant event, marking the return of the artist, was the album "Various Positions" with the main song of Leonard's entire work - "Hallelujah", which was performed and will be performed by many famous singers.

By the end of the 80s Cohen's work is a sarcastic reflection of the author's attitude to what is happening in the world. And this mood finds a wide response from listeners. The 1988 album "I'm Your Man" almost repeats the success of the debut record. The track of the same name, as well as "Everybody Knows" and "First We Take Manhattan" from this album will join the list of Cohen's most recognisable musical works.

"The Future" album cover
"The Future" album cover

In 1994, Oliver Stone's cult, scandalous, ironic film was released. Its bloody plot is accompanied by songs from Cohen's album The Future, which was an unexpected success with a wide range of listeners.

After the release of the film Leonard takes a vow of silence and spends five years in a Buddhist centre near Los Angeles. It was only in 2001 that a new album "Ten New Songs" appeared, probably written under the impression of being away from the world. These songs are imbued with the energy of sadness and detachment from reality.

Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen

Then two more discs are released, in which the mood changes somewhat to a more positive one ("Dear Heather" and "Blue Alert").

In 2008, Cohen embarks on a two-year world tour to improve his financial situation. During this time he became one of the legends of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to European and Canadian cities, he visits Moscow in 2010, giving the only concert in Russia.

From 2012 to 2016 came the albums "Old ideas", "Popular Prodlems" and the last lifetime album, "You Want it Darker", which was recorded at home as Cohen's health was deteriorating by the day.

Leonard Cohen in 2016
Leonard Cohen in 2016

On 7 November 2016, Leonard's heart stopped in his sleep. Cohen's half-century career as a musician came to an end in this world.

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