Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen, CC (born September 21, 1934 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a poet, novelist, and singer-songwriter. His musical career has largely overshadowed his prior work as a poet and novelist, although he has continued to publish poetry sporadically after his breakthrough in the music industry.

Titles and honours

• In 1991, Cohen was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
• In 1996, he was ordained a Buddhist monk.
• In 2003, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honour.
• In 2004, Beautiful Losers was chosen for the inclusion in Canada Reads 2005; it was chosen and originally to be championed by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright; tour commitments meant that Wainright had to be replaced by singer Molly Johnson