Leonard Cohen, legendary singer-songwriter, dies aged 82

Leonard Cohen, the legendary Canadian singer, songwriter and poet, has 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 son Adam told Rolling Stone: "My father passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records.

"He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour."

In a recent interview with the New Yorker, Cohen spoke about the prospect of death, explaining: “I am ready to die. I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led tributes to Cohen with the statement: "It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of the legendary Leonard Cohen.

"He will be fondly remembered for his gruff vocals, his self-deprecating humour and the haunting lyrics that made his songs the perennial favourite of so many generations."

Cohen was best known for his hits Hallelujah and Dance Me to the End of Love and scored 15 Top 40 records on the Official UK Albums Chart. Click here to view his complete Official UK Chart history.

His latest record, You Want It Darker, was released just three weeks ago, entering at Number 4 on the chart. In 2008, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his influence on the industry has been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

Cohen's best known song Hallelujah was only a modest hit when he released it was released in 1984, peaking at Number 36 - his only UK Top 40 single. But cover versions by John Cale in 1991 and later Jeff Buckley saw it find a wider audience. In 2008, it was covered by Alexander Burke as her X Factor winner's single, taking it to Number 1. 

A selection of tributes to Leonard Cohen from stars appear below:

As of the week could get any worse. Thank you Leonard Cohen, for all the things. Rest In Peace

— lily allen (@lilyallen) November 11, 2016

very upsetting news 2 learn of Leonard's passing. the world has 1 less gentle soul tnight. we thank u 4 the multitude of gifts u left us. jc

— John Cale (@therealjohncale) November 11, 2016

#RIPLeonardCohen

A spirit and soul beyond compare.

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) November 11, 2016

leonard cohen 😥

— Alanis Morissette (@Alanis) November 11, 2016

I've experienced the loss of many legends but never have I seen so many of their works quoted in their passing. #LeonardCohen

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) November 11, 2016

One of the best concerts of my life. Could hear a pin drop. The poetry & the reverence. Waiting for every precious word. RIP Leonard Cohen.

— josh groban (@joshgroban) November 11, 2016

R.I.P. Leonard Cohen

— Carole King (@Carole_King) November 11, 2016

"There is a crack in everything,
That's how the light gets in."

RIP Leonard Cohen.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 11, 2016

One of the best ever. So sad. Rest with the angels, Leonard, Hallelujah. https://t.co/Um2TYlGjae

— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) November 11, 2016

Article image: Rex