When Did Leonard Cohen Make It Big?

Leonard Cohen's journey to fame is a fascinating tale of perseverance and artistic evolution. As a poet and literary figure, he spent much of the 1960s honing his craft, living on a Greek island and writing poetry and novels. His first foray into the world of music came in his mid-30s when he released his debut album, The Songs of Leonard Cohen, in 1967. Despite decades of dedication to his art, Cohen didn't achieve widespread recognition in the music industry until his songs began to gain popularity in the late 1990s and 2000s.

The Early Years: From Poetry to Music

Leonard Cohen spent most of the 1960s immersed in the world of poetry and writing. He moved between various places, including Greece, and was introduced to the music world when Judy Collins, an American folk singer, recorded his song "Suzanne." This marked the first time his music gained significant attention. Judy Collins, who later went on to become his beloved companion, helped Cohen overcome his stage fright, allowing him to perform in front of live audiences.

John Hammond, a renowned record producer, signed Cohen in 1967, giving him a chance to pursue a career in music. Cohen’s first album, The Songs of Leonard Cohen, was released that same year. While his early audience was small, and he remained an enigmatic figure in the public eye, Cohen continued to develop his songwriting skills across several albums, including Songs from a Room (1969), Songs of Love and Hate (1971), and Live Songs (1973).

Phil Spector and the Disowned Album

In 1977, Phil Spector produced Cohen's album, Death of a Ladies' Man. However, Cohen later disowned this album, stating that it was a far cry from his true artistic vision. It was only in 1979 with the release of Recent Songs that Cohen began to gain more attention and respect as a songwriter. The album includes the song that would become his most famous: "Hallelujah."

Hallelujah: The Embodiment of Cohen's Legacy

While Cohen was relatively unknown in the general public until the late 1990s, the release of "Hallelujah" in 1984 and its subsequent popularity helped cement his reputation. The song covers the album Various Positions (1984) and later became a subject of numerous cover versions and cultural references. John Cale, Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and k.d. Lang have all recorded their own versions, each contributing to its enduring legacy.

Phil Spector's production of Cohen's album Death of a Ladies' Man in 1977 stands as a notable point in Cohen's career. While it was produced under Spector's influence, Cohen later expressed dissatisfaction with the album's sound, maintaining that it diverged from his creative vision. This period of Cohen's career, marked by mixed critical reception and personal challenges, provides a rich tapestry of his dedication to his art and his journey to musical success.