Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82.
Sony Music confirmed the legendary artist’s passing on his Facebook page, Thursday writing:
“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.”
The Huffington Post reported that Cohen’s death comes just weeks after the release of his 14th studio album, “You Want It Darker” ― a befitting final farewell on which he sings plainly and beautifully about death knocking at his door.
During a listening party last month in Los Angeles, however, Cohen backpedaled on those comments.
“I said I was ready to die recently, and I think that was exaggerating,” he said, drawing laughs. “One is given to self-dramatization from time to time. I intend to live forever.”
Cohen was inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
One of Cohen’s most famous songs was “Hallelujah” which has been performed by almost 200 artists in various languages.
