Leonard Cohen 1934–2016

Legendary singer-songwriter, novelist and poet who addressed  the themes of love and faith,
agony and ecstasy, solitude, war and politics

Sep 21, 1934: Leonard Norman Cohen born in Montreal, Canada. Father Nathan is from Poland,
mother Masha is of Lithuanian descent, daughter of Talmudic scholar

1951-55: Graduates with Bachelor of Arts from McGill University

1956: First book of poetry, “Let Us Compare Mythologies,” published

1960s: After sojourn in London, Cohen purchases house on Greek island of Hydra. “The Spice-Box
of Earth,” critically acclaimed book of poetry (1961) is followed by novels The Favourite Game (1963) and Beautiful Losers (1966).  Meets Marianne Ihlen, muse and inspiration behind “So Long, Marianne”

1967: Signed to Columbia Records by John Hammond – talent scout who also signed Bob Dylan.
Releases debut album “Songs of Leonard Cohen.” Album features two of his most famous compositions,
“Suzanne” and “Sisters of Mercy”

1984: “Various Positions” includes iconic song, “Hallelujah”

1988: Releases “I’m Your Man” to wide international acclaim

1992: “The Future” – album describes advanced decay of society

1994-99: Enters Buddhist monastery, ordained as a monk

2001: Releases “Ten New Songs”

2005: Successfully sues former manager for taking $5 million from his savings, but does not receive any money

2008: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Returns to touring

2010: Receives Lifetime Achievement Grammy award

2012: Gruelling world tour of Europe, North America and Australia

Oct 2016: Album “You Want It Darker” – last of 14 studio albums – is met with rave reviews

Nov 10, 2016: Leonard Cohen dies in Los Angeles at age of 82

Source: The Canadian Press

Pictures: Associated Press, albums, book coversLeonard Cohen 1934–2016

Legendary singer-songwriter, novelist and poet who addressed  the themes of love and faith,
agony and ecstasy, solitude, war and politics

Sep 21, 1934: Leonard Norman Cohen born in Montreal, Canada. Father Nathan is from Poland,
mother Masha is of Lithuanian descent, daughter of Talmudic scholar

1951-55: Graduates with Bachelor of Arts from McGill University

1956: First book of poetry, “Let Us Compare Mythologies,” published

1960s: After sojourn in London, Cohen purchases house on Greek island of Hydra. “The Spice-Box
of Earth,” critically acclaimed book of poetry (1961) is followed by novels The Favourite Game (1963) and Beautiful Losers (1966).  Meets Marianne Ihlen, muse and inspiration behind “So Long, Marianne”

1967: Signed to Columbia Records by John Hammond – talent scout who also signed Bob Dylan.
Releases debut album “Songs of Leonard Cohen.” Album features two of his most famous compositions,
“Suzanne” and “Sisters of Mercy”

1984: “Various Positions” includes iconic song, “Hallelujah”

1988: Releases “I’m Your Man” to wide international acclaim

1992: “The Future” – album describes advanced decay of society

1994-99: Enters Buddhist monastery, ordained as a monk

2001: Releases “Ten New Songs”

2005: Successfully sues former manager for taking $5 million from his savings, but does not receive any money

2008: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Returns to touring

2010: Receives Lifetime Achievement Grammy award

2012: Gruelling world tour of Europe, North America and Australia

Oct 2016: Album “You Want It Darker” – last of 14 studio albums – is met with rave reviews

Nov 10, 2016: Leonard Cohen dies in Los Angeles at age of 82

Source: The Canadian Press

Pictures: Associated Press, albums, book covers