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[StephanieVanbryce]

OMG!___Poet and Singer-Songwriter Leonard Cohen Dies at 82

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k

where does the time go? geeez ..

by Phil Helsel, Reuters and The Associated Press

Musician, poet and author Leonard Cohen, whose works spanned six decades and inspired numerous other artists, has died at the age of 82, his label announced.

"It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away," a statement on his Facebook page said. "We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries."

His music label, Sony Music Canada, confirmed the death 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."

Cohen's most famous song, "Hallelujah," in which he invoked the biblical King David and drew parallels between physical love and a desire for spiritual connection, has been covered hundreds of times since he released it in 1984.

Cohen, a native of Quebec, was already a celebrated poet and novelist when he moved to New York in 1966 at age 31 to break into the music business. He released his first album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, in 1967 and his musical career has been compared to Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in terms of the influence on other artists.

As a songwriter, his themes encompassed love in all its manifestations, religion, faith and the tenuous state of the world. Like "Hallelujah," many of his tunes — his breakthrough composition "Suzanne," "Bird on the Wire," "Tower of Song" — became much-covered keystones of the popular songbook.

His longtime accompanist Jennifer Warnes recorded several of his best-known works on her 1987 Cohen recital "Famous Blue Raincoat."

"Unmatched in his creativity, insight, and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed," Cohen's manager, Robert B. Kory, said in a statement. "I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit first hand, was a privilege and great gift. He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration, and healing for generations to come."

Cohen released his latest album, "You Want it Darker" in October. It was his 14th studio album. Rolling Stone called the album possibly his darkest yet, and characterized it as "the sound of a master soundtracking his exit, with advice for those left behind."

Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

Cohen was awarded the Companion in the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2003. He was awarded the Glenn Gould Prize, given for a lifetime contribution to the arts, in 2011.

Columbia Records said in a statement: "We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries."

Cohen's family has requested privacy. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date, the statement on Cohen's Facebook page said.

He is survived by a son and daughter from his relationship with Suzanne Elrod.

Among those paying tribute to Cohen online were "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and singer-songwriter k.d. lang. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said "Canada and the world will miss him."

There's much more and photos are worth seeing especially when you pop them up ! ... Such a GREAT GREAT TALENTED MAN!

http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/poet-singer-songwriter-leonard-cohen-dies-82-n682326