It was also a shock for me to realize that he was well known in many parts of the world. I had always thought Leonard was mainly known in Canada.
Leonard wrote about religion, politics, isolation ,sexuality, personal relations and much more. His words kept on smoothly flowing until he had said what he wanted to say.
Leonard was a master when it came to music. First of all, he had the voice that everyone recognized. The voice could change from time to time. There was the usual low haunting whisper that he is well known for. Then he jazzed it up for closing time and other tunes. I wish he'd sung harmony more as in Mary Anne. He used back up singers extremely well as in closing time. He played a number of instruments. He used different instruments to great effect. He touched jazz, rock and roll, folk and more.
So thanks to Leonard for all his poetry, songs and music. I will listen to the music until my closing time.
He was a marvelous musician:)
ReplyDeleteYes, he came up with many great arrangements.
DeleteThanks for this nice post, we had the same idea...
ReplyDeleteI've been surprised at how well he was known in other places.
DeleteOne of Canada's greatest sons.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't get the recognition here he should have.
DeleteHe was quite the character!
ReplyDeleteHe lived in L.A., where he died, and was quite multinational!
He was a very quiet mannered man.
Deletei admit, i did not know him. but when they said 'hallelujah' was his, i immediately became a fan, albeit a bit late.
ReplyDeleteHallelujah is a great song and I also like the way K.D. Lang sang it.
DeleteI didn't think about his age until I saw he passed
ReplyDeleteFunny that he didn't seem that old.
DeleteHalleluja! I will never forget that song or that voice. I claimed him as my own and didn't even know he was Canadian. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteTake a listen to his other CDs You'll find lots of other tunes you'll like.
DeleteHi Red, What a nice tribute to Leonard Cohen. He was one of the greats, for sure. By the way, just wanted to say thank you for your very kind words about my photos looking out over the bay. Have a great weekend, Red!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised at how many people listened to him...most of my blog followers.
DeleteHe was a great talent.
ReplyDeleteHe covered a wide range in his music.
DeleteI heard when I first got online in the morning- the first blog in my list had news of his death. I got into his music late- his album The Future made an impression. He was one of a kind, a great light in this world.
ReplyDeleteHe didn't play to the kid crowd. He played to adults.
DeleteHe was an amazing musician. And I also had no idea he was so popular!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that many of my blog followers listened to him.
DeleteA name so many knew but, apart from 'Hallelujah' I couldn't name any of his songs. I bet, though, that if they were played I would know many more. I suspect I am not alone.
ReplyDeleteI have loved his music since I was quite young and a teacher introduced a few of his songs to the class. Along with his fame in his (and my) native Montreal, I knew he had a large European following back in the day. He was clearly loved. And now very missed. Nice tribute to him, Red.
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