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Early Life and Literary Beginnings

Born in Westmount, Quebec, Leonard Cohen published his first poetry collection at age 22. His literary works like 'Beautiful Losers' (1966) established him as a major Canadian writer before he pursued music.

Music Career Breakthrough

Cohen moved to New York in 1966, where Judy Collins famously covered his song 'Suzanne'. His debut album 'Songs of Leonard Cohen' (1967) featured classics like 'So Long, Marianne', blending folk with poetic lyricism.

Creating Hallelujah

Cohen spent years writing 'Hallelujah', crafting over 80 draft verses. Though his original 1984 version had modest success, it became iconic through covers by Jeff Buckley, k.d. lang, and John Cale. The song explores spiritual and earthly love through biblical references.

Signature Songwriting Style

Known for profound lyrics and gravelly vocals, Cohen's songs like 'Bird on a Wire', 'Dance Me to the End of Love', and 'Who by Fire' fused folk, jazz, and Mediterranean influences. His work often examined mortality and human vulnerability.

Later Career Renaissance

After five years in a Zen Buddhist monastery, Cohen discovered financial ruin caused by his manager's embezzlement. This prompted triumphant world tours from 2008-2013. His final album 'You Want It Darker' (2016) was released weeks before his death.

Enduring Influence

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Cohen influenced generations of artists. His handwritten lyrics and notebooks are archived at the University of Toronto.

• Cohen battled severe depression throughout his life, once telling a reporter: 'I was born in a suit'
• He was ordained as a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk during his monastery years, taking the name Jikan (Silent One)
• At 73, Cohen began his first tour in 15 years to recover stolen retirement funds, performing 387 shows across five continents
• His final letter to dying muse Marianne Ihlen read: 'I’m just a little behind you... I’ve never forgotten your love'