“A giant of a man”: The singer-songwriter Elton John deemed irreplaceable
Over half a century after he burst onto the global music scene with his enduring hit ‘Your Song’, Elton John is still standing as a giant of the pop world. With an eclectic selection of eyeglasses and a wardrobe full of glitter, the Rocket Man remains beloved for his close collaborations with Bernie Taupin, his enduring LGBTQ+ advocacy, and his endlessly loveable presence on and off the stage.
Throughout his lengthy career, John has spawned pop classics in abundance. From his harmonies with Kiki Dee on ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ to the gentle keys of ‘Tiny Dancer’, his voice is ever-present on party playlists and endlessly emulated in karaoke rooms worldwide. While John has rarely strayed far from pop in his own output, he does have a real appreciation for artists and songwriters who exist outside of it, namely, Leonard Cohen.
While John spent the 1960s gearing up for two subsequent decades of pop stardom, Cohen was penning turning poetry into song on the other side of the Atlantic. He had honed a career in writing which he translated into music, delving into weighty topics like religion and rejection with literary prowess. Affording his words the weightiness of his low vocal tones and gorgeous folk instrumentation, he became one of the most covered and celebrated songwriters of all time.
Amongst Cohen’s admirers was John, who shared his admiration for the Canadian poet-turned-songwriter upon his death in 2016. The pop singer took to Facebook to share a tribute to Cohen, deeming him “irreplaceable.” He wrote: “Leonard Cohen was unique, a giant of a man and a brilliant songwriter.”
John’s praise is certainly well-earned. Cohen really was a unique and irreplaceable figure within songwriting. This was clear from the moment he released his debut album, the aptly titled Songs of Leonard Cohen. The record opened with the twinkling ‘Suzanne’, a gorgeous distillation of a relationship with lyrics and instrumentation steeped in beauty. Soft plucks and backing vocals underscored his words as he began his sonic endeavours.
Between ‘So Long, Marianne’ and ‘Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye’, Cohen’s debut album, alone, spawned countless songs that would be covered for years to come. From Roberta Flack to Nina Simone, Cohen’s words were continually echoed by the voices of those who admired him. This trend continued as the Canadian’s career progressed, perhaps most noticeably with ‘Hallelujah’, which would be covered by the legendary Jeff Buckley.
But no matter how many voices reinvented and revitalised Cohen’s lyrics, the songwriter could never be replaced. His knack for weaving dense and detailed stories of life, love and loss into folk rock soundscapes was completely unmatched. It’s the reason so many of his musical musings remain staple songs and covers today. His songs have endured for decades beyond their release and for years beyond his death.
From the low hum of ‘You Want It Darker’ to the eerily enchanting twangs of ‘The Partisan’, Cohen’s brilliant songwriting remains irreplaceable. His admirers extend far beyond John, too. From Lou Reed to Julia Jacklin, Cohen’s impact knows no bounds, influencing and affecting artists across genres and generations.
While Cohen changed the worlds of poetic songwriting and folk music forever, John’s impact on pop has been equally unique and irreplaceable. He is a giant of his own realm.
Listen to ‘Suzanne’ by Leonard Cohen below.