Artists work in many mediums and genres. Music appeals to all and evokes feelings and emotions that are different for everyone. Of the many people we lost in 2016, one of my favorites was Leonard Cohen. He was a poet, songwriter and visionary.

Mr. Cohen's life began in Montreal, Canada in a comfortable home, the grandson of a Talmudic scholar. His father died when he was 9, and fortunately provided a small trust fund for him, which provided the freedom for him to pursue his passions. After graduating from McGill University, where he studied English and wrote many books of poetry, he was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Canada Council of the Arts, and headed to London, England to write.

After a while in London, he found it a bit dreary, and headed to Hydra in Greece where he completed two novels, "The Favorite Game," published in 1963, and "Beautiful Losers," published in 1966. It was there he met the Marianne, of "So Long, Marianne" fame. Though his poetry and books had a cultish following, he turned to music hoping it would provide him with more of an income. While in New York, he met various musicians: Tim Hardin, Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and many others in the folk scene. It was Judy Collins' rendition of "Suzanne," that gave him some recognition.

He was a reluctant performer, but Ms. Collins brought out the best in him and introduced him on stage in 1967. He recorded his first album shortly after that which included the songs, "Sisters of Mercy," "So Long, Marianne" and "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye." If you are not familiar with his work, please do check out his albums. You can listen to "That's No Way to Say Goodbye" here:

If is often noted that great artists suffer bouts of depression and so was it true for Leonard Cohen. He was relentless in his pursuit of a spiritual existence. While he maintained his Jewish roots, he also became an ordained Buddhist Monk at the Mount Baldy monastery East of Los Angeles, where he continued to write. He released two albums after 2001, but ran into financial problems. Thanks to his son, Adam, he became aware that his former manager, Kelly Lynch, had cheated him out of millions. He won a lawsuit against her and was awarded over $9 million, none of which he was able to collect.

Thankfully in 2008, he hit the road and so many who had never seen him got their chance. He was appreciated by people of his generation and became popular with younger audiences as well. Many will remember the performance of K. D. Lang singing his song "Hallelujah" at the Olympic ceremonies.

We are so glad that even though our great artists do pass, they leave us with many memories and fortunately, Leonard Cohen left us with poems, books and recordings of his music. Many artists will continue to cover his timeless songs. We will never forget him.