6 Amazing Leonard Cohen Covers You Need To Hear

A tough act to follow, legendary musician, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen passed away at age 82. Although not always recognized as the genius that he was by the general public, artists from around the world saw his talent, and couldn’t resist but paying rendition through covering his songs.

Here’s a list of six moving, inspiring, tear-shedding covers of Leonard Cohen tunes to always remember one of the great songwriters of the 20^th century.

6) Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

Probably the best-known cover on this list. Younger folks may remember it from Twenty-First Century Fox Inc FOX FOXA’s hit show "The O.C.," or virtually any other TV show or movie that wanted viewers to wet their cheeks. This version by the late Jeff Buckley is deeply moving.

Producer: Sony Corp (ADR) SNE’s Columbia Records.

5) Nina Simone - Suzanne

Another one of the great voices of last century, Nina Simone, could not escape from Cohen either.

Producer: Sony’s RCA Records

4) Johnny Cash - Bird On A Wire

Performing what was probably one of the most faithful renditions to Cohen’s music in the video below is Johnny Cash.

Producer: Vivendi SA (ADR) VIVHY’s American Recordings

3) Nick Cave – I’m Your Man

Australian Nick Cave was a known fan of Cohen and, as such, recorded numerous covers. One of the grooviest was released in 2006, 18 years after the original version came out.

Producer: Vivendi’s Verve Forecast Records

2) Anna Calvi - Joan Of Arc

If you're one of those fans who believe there's no substitute for Leonard Cohen’s voice, you might like this next, instrumental cover, by Anna Calvi. This version dismisses the lyrics and focuses on a complex tune the late music prodigy came up with.

Producer: Domino Recording Company

1) The Civil Wars - Dance Me To The End Of Love

One of the most popular Leonard Cohen covers on YouTube is John Paul White & Joy Williams’ gorgeous version of "Dance Me To The End Of Love." Enjoy, remember, be thankful.

Producer: Sony’s Columbia Records and Sensibility Recordings

Image: jonl1973, Flickr