Cohen was a singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist whose work explored faith, love, and mortality.

His honors include appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada (2003), induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2008), and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature (2011).

• Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in Montreal, he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in 1996 while maintaining his Jewish identity.

His discography includes: • Suzanne (1967) • Bird on the Wire (1969) • Hallelujah (1984) • You Want It Darker (2016)