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Topic spans: 1961 - 1993
Leonard Cohen: Canada's Melancholy Bard
Poet, musician, novelist, ladies' man, monk, actor... Leonard Norman Cohen, one of Canada's most influential cultural icons was born on Sept. 21, 1934 in Montreal. Whether from a mountaintop at a Buddhist retreat in California, on the Greek island of Hydra or strolling along the streets of his beloved ville d'amour, the melancholy bard of popular music has delighted fans worldwide with his poetry, novels and music.
6 television clips
7 radio clips
Canada honours Cohen
Broadcast Date: Dec. 3, 1993
In the 1990s, Cohen enjoys a resurgence in popularity in North America. In 1991, he is inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame for his contribution towards "the greater international recognition of Canadian artists and music." In 1993, Cohen receives the Juno Award for Male Vocalist of the Year, following the success of his 11th record The Future. Upon accepting the award he quips how, only in a country like Canada, could he get the male vocalist of the year.Cohen also receives the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 1993. The following year Cohen becomes a full-time resident of the Mount Baldy Zen Center near Los Angeles. He is officially ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk five years later and is given the name of Jikan (Silent One). He has since come down from the mountain, and continues to delight his fans with his words and songs.
Canada honours Cohen
• In 1969, Cohen declined the Governor General's Literary Award for English Language Poetry (for his Selected Poems 1956-1968). Critics considered his refusal of the award an unpatriotic act but Cohen says it was simply a spontaneous gesture that felt right at the time.• Leonard Cohen's son, Adam Cohen, is also a musician. Adam says his famous father has always been a huge source of inspiration.
Canada honours Cohen
Medium: Television
Program: Prime Time News
Broadcast Date: Dec. 3, 1993
Guest(s): Leonard Cohen
Host: Laurie Brown
Duration: 10:47
Last updated:
March 31, 2008
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13 clips in this topic . page
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Canada honours Cohen .
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: March 31, 2008.
[Page consulted on Feb. 14, 2012.]