Leonard Cohen was a Canadian poet, singer-songwriter, and novelist born in 1934 in Westmount, Quebec. He was a prolific artist who significantly impacted the literary and musical world. Cohen began his career as a poet, publishing his first book of poetry, "Let Us Compare Mythologies," in 1956 while still a student at McGill University. His poetry was characterized by a reflective and melancholy tone, exploring themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.

Cohen's poetic achievements were recognized early on, and he received numerous awards and honours throughout his life. In 1967, he won the Governor General's Award for his poetry collection, "Selected Poems 1956-1968." He was also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Additionally, Cohen was awarded the Glenn Gould Prize in 2011 for his contributions to music and poetry.

Cohen's influence extended beyond the literary world and into music. He began recording music in the late 1960s, and his songs, characterized by their intimate lyrics and haunting melodies, became instant classics. Some of his most well-known songs include "Hallelujah," "Suzanne," and "Bird on a Wire." Countless artists have covered his music and featured him in numerous films and television shows.