Singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen dies at 82

LOS ANGELES (CNS / FOX 11) - Plans for a Los Angeles memorial service were pending Thursday for influential singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen.

The native Canadian died at age 82, according to a post on his Facebook page. The time and location of his death were not immediately released.

"It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen has passed away," according to the Facebook post. "We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief."

Cohen, known for songs such as the oft-covered "Hallelujah" and "Bird on the Wire," began as a writer and poet, penning two novels -- "The Favourite Game" and "Beautiful Losers." But failing to achieve success as a writer, he turned in the 1960s to singing and songwriting, releasing his debut album "Songs of Leonard Cohen" in 1967 and "Songs from a Room" two years later, followed by "Songs of Love and Hate" in 1971.

He explored various musical styles in his career, ranging from sparse compositions to working with Phil Spector, father of the multi-layered "Wall of Sound" recording technique. His work often explored political, religious and social justice themes.

His most recent album, "You Want it Darker," was released on Oct. 21.

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