Probably the greatest Canadian artist of the last century. Underrated guitarist, the picking on Avalanche is masterful. He told a story while accepting an award from Prince of Spain how he learned flamenco guitar from a homeless Spanish immigrant in Montreal.
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So saddened to hear this. Such a great man and an amazing perspective on life. In his late 70's he was counting down the days to his 80th birthday when he planned to start smoking again, unconcerned about the health ramifications. We dressed up in dark suits and bought fedoras on his last pass through Edmonton. It felt like an honour to be there to watch him play. The respect that he poured out to the musicians and singers, and the crowd, was so geniune. An amazing person and a great Canadian.
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I can remember hating when his songs would come on the radio or much music when I was young. As I grew older I really started to appreciate what a talent he was. Great musician and song writer.
Probably the greatest Canadian artist of the last century. Underrated guitarist, the picking on Avalanche is masterful. He told a story while accepting an award from Prince of Spain how he learned flamenco guitar from a homeless Spanish immigrant in Montreal.
Avalanche covered by Nick Cave was my first real exposure to Cohen and made me go out and buy a bunch of his tapes (ugh, that was 30 years ago?!?). Without a doubt Canada's greatest songwriter.
A very sad day, but I'd take his life in a minute. To be that cool and dignified into his 80s and then to die quickly sounds pretty good to me. I bet he would have died a lot more peacefully on Monday though.
I think my first exposure to Leonard Cohen was from the Pump up the Volume soundtrack. He had a couple of songs on there.
I have to admit, I bought it for the Sonic Youth, Soundgarden and Pixies songs and didn't know who he was at the time but it ended up being a good investment because I found him that way.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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AltaGuy has a magnetic personality and exudes positive energy, which is infectious to those around him. He has an unparalleled ability to communicate with people, whether he is speaking to a room of three or an arena of 30,000.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: At le pub...
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I live a half block from his childhood home now. Very beautiful silent vigil occuring outside right now was how I discovered the news. Can't describe just how much of a lyrical genius I think that man is. RIP.
Leonard Cohen has died at 82
