Leonard Cohen dead at 82: Justin Trudeau leads tributes to 'remarkable' musician and poet
'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,' writes Canadia Prime Minister
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Your support makes all the difference.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has led the tributes for singer, songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, who has died aged 82.
Mr Trudeau said: “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 achie
vement, both as an acclaimed poet and a world-renowned singer-songwriter.m
“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 ... 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.”
The PM tweeted lyrics to Cohen's oft-covered song, Hallelujah: “There's a blaze of light In every word It doesn't matter which you heard The holy or the broken Hallelujah £RIPLeonard”.
Neil Portnow, chief executive of the Recording Academy who honoured Cohen with a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2010, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Grammy Award winner and 2010 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Leonard Cohen.
“During an influential career that spanned more than five decades, Leonard became one of the most revered pop poets and a musical touchstone for many songwriters. His extraordinary talent had a profound impact on countless singers and songwriters, as well as the wider culture.
“We have lost a cherished artist and our sincerest condolences go out to Leonard's family, friends, and collaborators. He will be missed terribly.”
Former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello said the artist was “one of the greatest, deepest and wisest to ever bless us with his songs”.
Carole King tweeted: “R.I.P Leonard Cohen.”
Countryman Kiefer Sutherland said: “A brilliant Canadian artist passed today. Leonard Cohen, rest in peace. Hallelujah.”
Canadian director Ron Howard tweeted: “One of my favorite singer-poets. RIP Legendary Musician Leonard Cohen.”
Russell Crowe wrote: “Dear Leonard Cohen, thanks for the quiet nights, the reflection, the perspective, the wry smiles and the truth £towerofsong”
US comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted: “RIP Leonard Cohen. Ugh. It feels pointed, this death. It's making us remember songs like Come Healing which is a good one for these days.”
US band OneRepublic tweeted: “R.I.P Leonard Cohen. U are without a doubt one of the greatest songs writers of any generation. THANK YOU for your life. £RIPLeonard”.
American singer-songwriter Regina Spektor wrote on twitter; “Such sad news ... The great Leonard Cohen has passed away. Thank's for what your music has done for humanity ... Kindness, love, beauty, poetry.”
Lily Allen tweeted: “As if the week could get any worse. Thank you Leonard Cohen, for all the things. Rest In Peace”
Bastille founder Dan Smith said: “Leonard Cohen was a proper genius. I was raised on his music.”
Jennifer Hudson tweeted: “RIP Leonard Cohen. Thank you for you dedication to music, & writing one of my favorite songs to sing ”Hallelujah“.
Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig wrote on Twitter: “Leonard Cohen, what a guy - first album at 33 - dropped ”Hallelujah“ at 50 - first arena shows in his 70s He did it til the end. RIP”
Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook tweeted: “RIP Leonard Cohen - God bless. X”
US singer-songwriter Ben Folds tweeted: “Kids. Take a moment to listen to Leonard Cohen's song Going Home when you can. RIP L Cohen and thank you.”
American composer Eric Whiteacre tweeted: “Leonard Cohen has passed, one of the truest and purest poets I know. There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.”
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