British Columbia·Video

Hear Leonard Cohen discuss his life and career at a different 'rung of life'

Leonard Cohen died this week at the age of 82. In recent years he often spoke resignedly about facing death, but in 1988, a different side to Cohen emerged in an interview with CBC Vancouver.

1988's I'm Your Man returned Cohen to relevance for critics; he talked life & music in an interview

Leonard Cohen in 1989. The legendary Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, author died this week at 82. (CBC)

Leonard Cohen's son, Adam, recently said of his father, "Unlike so many from that golden era, from which he comes, he's not a nostalgia act."

"This guy is speaking from his particular vantage point, he's speaking about things that are meaningful to him at his particular rung in life."

In 1988, on a tour stop in Vancouver, Cohen — who died this week at 82 — spoke about the current rung he was on with CBC Vancouver's Michelle Gibson.

"I feel I have a right to exist," he said. "I've been extremely lucky. Except for, you know, some prolonged bouts with clinical depression. I've had a very, very good time."

At that time, Cohen was coming off a disappointing decade professionally, but one closing on a high note with the release of his album, I'm Your Man, which returned him to relevance for many critics.

Here is Cohen in conversation with Gibson, reflecting on his music and his more "pressing interests": women and wine.

Leonard Cohen speaks with CBC Vancouver in 1988

8 years ago
Duration 3:28
Michelle Gibson sits down with Leonard Cohen to speak about his album I'm Your Man and other "pressing matters."