Leonard Cohen Dead At 82

Leonard Cohen, the hugely influential singer, songwriter and poet whose work spanned nearly 50 years, died at the age of 82.

The news was announced on his official Facebook page, but no details about the cause of death were given.

“It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away,” the statement said.

Cohen’s music, which was so unlike any other artists’, resonated across generations. His 1984 song Hallelujah – a meditation on love, sex and music – would become his best known composition and one of the most memorable songs thanks to Jeff Buckley’s 1994 rendition.

In 1995, Cohen halted his career, became an ordained Buddhist monk at Mt. Baldy Zen Center outside of Los Angeles and took on the Dharma name Jikan, meaning ‘silence’, Rolling Stone reports.

But in 2001, Cohen broke his musical silence with Ten New Songs, a collaboration with Sharon Robinson, and Dear Heather (2004), with girlfriend Anjani Thomas.

Tributes from the music industry and elsewhere have been pouring in remembering his extraordinary life and music:

Cohen’s manager Robert Kory said in a statement:

Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed. I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, 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’s son, Adam, said in a statement to Rolling Stone that his father ‘passed away peacefully at his home’, but was ‘writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humor.’

You’ll be missed, Leonard Cohen.