Leonard Cohen (1933-2016)
Leonard Cohen was a multi-dimensional artist. As a singer, songwriter, poet, and novelist, his work explored sexuality and romantic relationships, politics and religion. He was deeply committed to his art and often went to great lengths to cultivate his inner muse. He even lived as a monk for several years.
However you spin it, Leonard Cohen had a prolific career. At Bynx we’re big fans of his, so it only makes sense to highlight his impressive resume.
Leonard Cohen The Writer
Born in Quebec in 1933, Leonard Cohen began his artistic pursuits as a writer early in life. In 1956 he published his first book of poetry, Let Us Compare Mythologies. It featured poems he wrote between the ages of 15 and 20. He famously bought a house on the Greek island Hydra, where he lived and worked throughout the sixties. It’s also where he published his first novel, The Favourite Game.
Leonard Cohen would continue to write and publish poetry for the rest of his life. The Flame — his last collection — was posthumously released in 2018.
Leonard Cohen The Musician
In 1967, Leonard Cohen, disappointed with his success as a writer, decided he’d try his hand instead as a songwriter. He was 33 but his developed age didn’t stop him. He moved to New York and joined the already-flourishing ranks of folk musicians, and his genius quickly became apparent. Once Judy Collins got hold of his song, Suzanne, the rest — as they say — is history.
His first solo album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, was released later that year. Just prior to his death, Cohen released his 14th studio album, You Want It Darker (2016). It was received positively and seen by some as a late-life masterpiece. The album, Thanks For The Dance, was then posthumously released in 2019. This last release epitomized Leonard Cohen the Musician; it is full of candor, self depreciation and spirituality.
Leonard Cohen The Legend
Leonard Cohen is widely recognized for his contributions to art and received several awards for his efforts. He was also inducted into the was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, Cohen received one of the Prince of Asturias Awards for literature and the ninth Glenn Gould Prize. In some sense, Leonard Cohen was a true artistic renaissance man.
The Leonard Cohen collection at Bynx features some incredible work from this legendary artist. Check it out for yourself!
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