Episode: 203 Leonard Cohen

VHF-203 (Leonard Cohen) samples some of the music created by the late Canadian singer, songwriter, poet and novelist. He passed away on November 7, 2016.. Leonard was 82 years old young.

Leonard Cohen was first and foremost a poet. In the late 1950’s and early ‘60’s he was a full time poet and novelist. In 1966 he decided to write songs. He was thirty years old by the time he released his first album in 1967. A late bloomer, nonetheless he found adoring fans in his homeland of Canada as well as in England and much of Europe. The USA was slower to appreciate his unique repertoire. Adult themes and morose delivery could not compete with the AM radio pop that was popular at the time. Fortunately other artists covered his songs, often to much success.

The writing and performing process was not easy for him. He said that he spent hours, days and even years perfecting his lyrics to his songs. He described the process as agonizing and painful, like giving birth or dying; but that didn’t stop him from chasing his muse. 

What exactly was his muse? He really liked the ladies. A lot of alcohol was consumed, along with a bunch of drugs, sex, zen meditation, religious quests, and other extremes. 

The tales of his inebriated 1977 recording studio shenanigans with Phil Spector )and his pistol) are frightening and foretelling. 

Profoundly affected by being robbed of his life savings and publishing rights by his long time manager, Leonard was forced quite late in life to partake in ambitious world tours to recoup his losses. To Leonard’s surprise he enjoyed performing live to an adoring audience. 

We toast the artist with just some of the music he put out in his lifetime. Studio tracks, movie soundtrack cuts, and a few live songs here and there all get their due on this episode of Very High Frequencies. Check out some of the work of influential artist Leonard Cohen. Oh, and let’s not forget to thank the ladies. Mr. Cohen was a very busy gentleman and a one of a kind artist.