Episode 1
An early loss for the passionate poet-turned-musician. Liel Leibovitz's biography read by Julian Barrett and Colin Stinton.
As Leonard Cohen turns 80, a new biography by Liel Leibovitz explores the life, work and passion of the poet-turned-musician. What makes Cohen such an enduring international figure in the cultural imagination?
Granted extraordinary access to Cohen's personal papers, Leibovitz evokes a complicated, sometimes contradictory figure. Born into a Canadian religious Jewish family, for years a reclusive lyricist on the Greek island of Hydra, known for his bold political commentary, his devotion to Buddhist thought and his later despair over contemporary Zionism, Cohen hardly follows the rules of a conventional rock star.
An intimate look at a man who, despite battles with depression and years spent in hermit-like isolation, is still touring and now seems to be reaching a new peak of popularity.
Read by Julian Barratt, with Leonard Cohen quotes read by Colin Stinton.
Abridged by: Jo Coombs
Producer: Pippa Vaughan
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4.
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Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Reader | Julian Barratt |
Reader | Colin Stinton |
Producer | Pippa Vaughan |
Abridger | Jo Coombs |
Author | Liel Leibovitz |
Broadcasts
- Mon 2 Jun 2014 09:45BBC Radio 4 FM
- Tue 3 Jun 2014 00:30BBC Radio 4
- Mon 23 Jan 2017 14:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 24 Jan 2017 02:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Mon 25 Mar 2019 14:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 26 Mar 2019 02:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
Featured in...
The Leonard Cohen Collection—Soul Music
A selection of interviews and reflections on the songwriting of Leonard Cohen.