Trudeau laments death of Canadian singer Cohen
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By Femi Shodunke
CANADA: PRIME Minister, Justin Trudeau, has paid tribute to the legendary Canadian singer, songwriter, poet and novelist, Leonard Cohen, who died at his Los Angeles, US home.
Cohen, whose work explored religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships, died last Thursday, November 10 at the age of 82.
The Prime Minister, who said that he received the news of Cohen’s death with deep sorrow, described the music legend as “a most remarkable Montrealer.”
“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of the legendary Leonard Cohen,” Trudeau said, adding: “A most remarkable Montrealer, Leonard Cohen managed to reach the highest of artistic achievement, both as an acclaimed poet and a world-renowned singer-songwriter.”
“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,” Trudeau stated.
He further said: “Leonard Cohen is as relevant today as he was in the 1960s. His ability to conjure the vast array of human emotion made him one of the most influential and enduring musicians ever. His style transcended the vagaries of fashion.
“Leonard Cohen was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2003 and received many artistic honours during his lifetime, including being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
“He received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2010 and was awarded the Glenn Gould Prize for lifetime achievement in the arts in 2011,” the Prime Minister stressed, adding: “In 2013, with a career already spanning more than fifty years, he won Junos as Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year for his 2012 album Old Ideas. His music had withstood the test of time.”
Trudeau also said: “On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Leonard Cohen’s family, friends, colleagues and many, many fans.
“Leonard, no other artist’s poetry and music felt or sounded quite like yours. We’ll miss you.”
