2016 has just gone from bad to worse in the 'losing musical icons' stakes: Leonard Cohen has died at the age of 82.
The world-renowned Canadian musician and poet, born in Quebec in 1932, had said in a recent interview that he was 'ready to die' and paid tribute to the woman who inspired 'So Long, Marianne' by writing her a letter before her own death which said: "...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."
Over the course of his extraordinary career which spanned six decades, Cohen was responsible for some timeless songs and albums - too many to name here - and toured up until very recently. His most recent album, 'You Want It Darker', was released just three weeks ago.
His death was confirmed in a statement posted to Facebook, which read: "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. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."
A cause of death was not given. He leaves two children, son Adam and daughter Lorca, and two grandchildren, Cassius and Viva.
R.I.P.
