I first heard his music while watching Robert Altman’s anti-Western, McCabe and Mrs Miller, in Camden during the late eighties. That cinema is now long-gone, but the film – made not long before I was born – left a lasting impression.

I don’t consider myself a pessimist at all. I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel completely soaked to the skin.

Despite Cohen’s dour reputation, his wry humour and compassion won me over. At a time when so many of the old masters are fading away, I know he won’t be forgotten. ‘Sisters of Mercy’ is probably the one I’ll take to my grave, but today, this seems more fitting.

Trav’ling lady, stay awhile
Until the night is over.
I’m just a station on your way,
I know I’m not your lover…

And a final word from Lana Del Rey…

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t kind of break my heart that I never got to tell you how much you changed me. Not that it would’ve mattered to ya, it’s just that other than Bob and Joan you were the only person I ever really felt spoke my language.