Shortly after his 82nd birthday, Leonard Cohen sat down with KCRW's Chris Douridas for an interview. The two talked about Cohen's health, the role of religion in his life, his 14th and final album, You Want It Darker,and much more.
The conversation took place at the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles on Oct. 13 as part of a special listening session for You Want It Darker. It's the last interview Cohen gave before his death on November 7.
After thanking the audience for coming — and Douridas for his support — Cohen said he may have made a mistake in October when he told The New Yorkerhe was ready to die. "I may have exaggerated," he tells Douridas. "One is given to self-dramatization from time to time." Then he added, "I intend to live forever."
Cohen was joined at the interview and listening session by his son and producer, Adam Cohen. He released a statement late Wednesday night about his father's passing:
"My father passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles with the knowledge that he had completed what he felt was one of his greatest records. He was writing up until his last moments with his unique brand of humor."
You can hear the full interview, courtesy of Douridas, KCRW and Sony Music Canada, via the play button at the top of this page.
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