“Legendary” is an overused term but is appropriate in the case of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, as we mark the 10th anniversary of his passing this month. One of Canada’s most famous cultural exports, he was known around the world for his works covering topics such as faith, love, loss and everything in between and is often to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

Perhaps more than any other Canadian artist, Cohen’s music was profoundly shaped by his Jewish identity and he continuously drew on Jewish scripture, tradition and history in his work. Born in Montreal in 1934, Cohen was the grandson of businessman and philanthropist Lyon Cohen, who made Canada his home in 1871. He grew up in a prominent, scholarly Jewish family in Westmount, Montreal, and his musical and lyrical cadence was deeply shaped by his childhood congregation at the Shaar Hashomayim synagogue.

Cohen’s love of poetry and music can be further attributed to the works of Federico Garcia Lorca, who would remain an influence for the rest of his life, as well as his friendship with poet Irving Layton. Cohen’s career began when he was still a student at McGill University, winning prizes and acclaim, including being considered as ‘probably the best young poet in English Canada.  

Eventually, he would gravitate toward music for which he became best known.  

His debut album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, released in 1967, won international acclaim and saw him touring not only Canada, but also the United States, the UK, Europe and Israel. His most famous song, Hallelujah, was released in 1984. It didn’t receive immediate attention, but became a staple and beloved song over the years in the English-speaking world and beyond.

Cohen continued to tour until 2013. He died in 2016, just a few weeks after releasing an album. His final album was released posthumously in 2019. In his lifetime, Cohen was awarded the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec, as well as several music prizes, and was inducted into a number of Halls of Fame for his work. Beyond awards, Cohen is widely thought to have paved the way for Canadian poetry and artistry around the world, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame aptly saying: “his music and words will resonate forever.”