Justin Timberlake, Bette Midler and Boy George among the stars who remember singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen following his death aged 82
Bette Midler said "another magical voice stilled" in tribute to the Hallelujah writer
TRIBUTES have poured in from across the globe as everyone from Justin Timberlake to Boy George remembered Leonard Cohen after he died at the age of 82 on Thursday.
The iconic singer-songwriter, known for penning iconic tracks such as Hallelujah, had a widespread influence which Bette Midler recognised in her tribute which read: "Leonard Cohen has died. Another magical voice stilled.”
Justin Timberlake took to Twitter to say: "#RIPLeonardCohen, A spirit and soul beyond compare" while Boy George wrote: "We have lost a great artist, poet and poignant force of energy. R.I.P Leonard Cohen."
Harry Potter author J.K. quoted one of his most famous musings: "'There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in.' RIP Leonard Cohen."
Singer Carole King simply wrote "R.I.P Leonard Cohen" and Canadian singer Alanis Morissette typed his name alongside a crying emoji.
Elsewhere, actor Russell Crowe thanked the Suzanne singer for his work.
He posted: "Dear Leonard Cohen, thanks for the quiet nights, the reflection, the perspective, the wry smiles and the truth #towerofsong (sic)."
Former Velvet Underground member John Cale, who covered Halleluja for a 1991 tribute album - the version the late Jeff Buckley based his famous rendition on - said he is "very upset" by the news.
He tweeted: "Very upsetting news 2 learn of Leonard's passing. the world has 1 less gentle soul tnight. we thank u 4 the multitude of gifts u left us. jc (sic)"
Singer Lily Allen tweeted: "As of the week could get any worse. Thank you Leonard Cohen, for all the things. Rest In Peace."
Comic Sarah Silverman feels the singer's passing will point people in the direction of songs that seem fitting for the moment, likely referring to Donald Trump's recent presidential election victory.
She tweeted: "RIP Leonard Cohen. Ugh. It feels pointed, this death. It's making us remember songs like Come Healing which is a good one for these days."
Canadian stars Kiefer Sutherland and Ron Howard also paid tribute to their fellow countryman.
Kiefer posted: "A brilliant Canadian artist passed today. Leonard Cohen, rest in peace. Hallelujah."
And Ron tweeted: "One of my favorite singer-poets. RIP Legendary Musician Leonard Cohen (sic)."
A number of stars, including Broadway actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actress Mia Farrow simply tweeted lyrics from the singer.
The singer’s death was announced on Facebook, with the announcement saying: “It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away.
“We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries.”
His son Adam also confirmed the news to Rolling Stone, saying: "My father passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records.
"He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humour."
Leonard Cohen was one of the most influential songwriters of his generation who alongside musicians such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan brought a new book based lyricism to his songs in the late sixties and early seventies.
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Tracks such as the much covered Bird on the Wire, Suzanne and the widely covered Hallelujah continued to be highly regarded despite Cohen retiring from music in 1995.
Cohen began touring again in 2005 after it was revealed that a former accountant had swindled him out of his retirement fund.
The cause of death is yet to be announced but Cohen had been been in poor health for some time.
In August this year Cohen wrote a poignant eulogy to his Marianne Ilhen, the inspiration for the songs Bird on a Wire and So Long, Marianne.
“It said well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine."
A makeshift memorial has now sprung up at the Chelsea Hotel with red wine, candles and album sleeves left by fans.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement, speaking out over his "deep sorrow".
He said: "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.
"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."
He listed the singer's achievements, which include being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as well as a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2010.
Trudeau 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."
The memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date.
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