Leonard Cohen, a legendary singer-songwriter from Canada whose most popular single has been covered more times than any other track in history, passed away on Thursday.
He was 82 years old.
A beloved and respected figure in the world of music, Cohen is likely best known to the general public for having written "Hallelujah."
It’s a song that has been recorded by hundreds of artists and used in an endless number of television shows.
Cohen penned the moving ballad way back in 1984.
"It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away," read a message last night on Cohen’s Facebook page.
It continued:
"We have lost one of music’s most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."
The musician’s 14th studio album, "You Want It Darker," had just been released on October 21.
Cohen’s son, Adam, who assisted with the production of his dad’s latest album, said in a statement his father died with the knowledge that he’d made "one of his greatest records."
Cohen’s manager, meanwhile, said the artist’s work would inspire "for generations to come,” adding:
"Unmatched in his creativity, insight and crippling candor, Leonard Cohen was a true visionary whose voice will be sorely missed."
The loss of Cohen, who was also an accomplished poet, reverberated throughout the music industry on Thursday and early Friday.
Here are few examples of tributes stars made to him on social media:
Bette Midler: Leonard Cohen has died. Another magical voice stilled.
Kristin Chenoweth: RIP Leonard Cohen. Thank you for your enormous talent. #heartbroken.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: "Like a bird on the wire. Like a drunk in a midnight choir. I have tried, in my way, to be free." -Leonard Cohen
Josh Groban: One of the best concerts of my life. Could hear a pin drop. The poetry & the reverence. Waiting for every precious word. RIP Leonard Cohen.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter, writing the following:
“No other artist’s music felt or sounded like Leonard Cohen’s. Yet his work resonated across generations. Canada and the world will miss him."
We’ll give Courtney Love the final say here:
Goodbye old friend, demon cleanser, touchstone, my inspiration on everything I have ever done – I am crying for you tonight in your native land.
I want to know you’re happy where you’ve landed and save me a spot next to you please.(and Kurt) I love you Leonard. I love you so much. I’m sorry I never got to tell you. Rest in peace and exultation. Xxxxx
Cohen is survived by his two children.