Sunday, November 13, 2016

A Huge Loss To The Music World This Week With The Death Of Legend Leonard Cohen at 82

The Montreal-born singer and songwriter had a lengthy career, filled with songs that so many of us know, "Hallelujah" arguably being the one that fans and fellow musicians most readily identified him with over the years. The soulful singer was also known for his romances with singer Joni Mitchell, his musical muse Mariannen Ihlen, who passed away in July and actress Rebecca DeMornay, to whom he was once engaged.

In a lengthy tribute, Prime Minister Trudeau wrote that he was "a most remarkable Montrealer" and "one of the most influential and enduring musicians ever."

Countless musicians took to Twitter to express their admiration for Cohen including Elton John and Justin Timberlake. John tweeted "Leonard Cohen was unique. A giant of a man and a brilliant songwriter. Irreplaceable. Loved him and his wonderful music." Timberlake said he was "A spirit and soul beyond compare." Singer Rufus Wainwright, who was raised in Montreal, became famous in his career for his soulful rendition of "Hallelujah." He co-parents a daughter with his childhood friend Lorca Cohen.

Cohen's funeral was Thursday afternoon in Montreal at the Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery on the slopes of Mount Royal. Per his wishes, he was laid to rest in a traditional Jewish rite in a family plot.

Watch Wainwright pay his respects  here: https://twitter.com/rufuswainwright/status/797163133710135296/video/1

And read Trudeau's tribute here: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7573428/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-tribute-leonard-cohen

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