Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen dies at age 82

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter who penned “Hallelujah,” “Suzanne” and “Bird on a Wire,” has died at age 82. His management confirmed his death today but gave no further details. Cohen blended folk music with a sense of despair, often accompanied by warped spiritual themes. He was also known for his poetry, novels, and aspirations to become a Zen monk. “Hallelujah” became a cult hit when musician Jeff Buckley discovered it in 1994. Dozens of artists, including Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, k.d. lang, and Justin Timberlake, have since recorded the song. Cohen remained popular into his 80s, touring as recently as earlier this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.