Remembering Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, the craggy-voiced singer songwriter died on November 10 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of music that transcends musical genres, echoing his life as a spiritual seeker. His songs are present at weddings, funerals, and at the emotional climax of films.

His arrangements weren’t flashy or catchy and his stage shows never were gilded with choreography. So what fuels his enduring power?

As a long-time fan intrigued by that question, I have read several biographies of Cohen, the most recent, A Broken Hallelujah: Rock and Roll, Redemption, and the Life of Leonard Cohen by Tablet Magazine senior writer Liel Leibovitz, who delves into Cohen's lasting impact as a poet, lyricist, songwriter, and Jewish icon. A full review of the book provides some answers.