Now 82, Cohen has a new album, You Want It Darker, with songs that wrestle with mortality, question God and long for transcendence. Originally broadcast May 22, 2006.
The 82-year-old songwriter mixes serious contemplation with mordant humor on his new album. Critic Ken Tucker says You Want It Darker features some of Cohen's simplest, most effective lyrics.
Leonard Cohen, an influential singer and songwriter who gained popularity 1960s and 1970s, has died at the age of 82. Biographer Sylvie Simmons talks with NPR about Cohen's work and contributions.
The conversation with KCRW's Chris Douridas was recorded just after Leonard Cohen's 82nd birthday. The two talked about the singer's health and final album, You Want It Darker.