Episode image for What Leonard Cohen Did for Me

Duration: 30 minutes

Poet, singer, songwriter, lover of women, buddhist monk, in his seventies Leonard Cohen continues to fascinate his fans both old and new. Since his mid-50s his reputation has risen steadily, and he continues to give pleasure to the million or so people who buy his records.

As well as being a poet of iconic status, the godfather of gloom a musician's musician and a primary influence on generations of new artists. Cohen's songwriting says his most passionate fans set him above his contemporaries. And over the years there have been several tribute albums and covers by artists as diverse as Bono, Nina Simone, and REM.

This documentary celebrates the singer-songwriter's original career - from promising young poet and novelist in Canada, to international pop sensation. Musicians, writers and performers including Nick Cave, Ian McCulloch, Arthur Smith, Kathryn Williams and Paul Morley, pay tribute to his work.

Last on

Fri 19 Jun 2009 23:10 BBC Four

Credits

Participant
Nick Cave
Participant
Ian McCulloch
Participant
Arthur Smith
Participant
Kathryn Williams
Participant
Paul Morley
Producer
Martina Hall

Broadcasts

BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.