Singer Leonard Cohen Wins Spanish Songwriting Prize

Influential singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen has received a prestigious Prince of Asturias prize for his poetic, thought-provoking compositions.

Cohen, who wrote the imparting-gravitas tune for all pop-culture and entertainment ever- “Hallelujah,” famously covered by deceased singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley- penned similarly haunting and beautiful tunes like “The Sisters of Mercy,” and “Everybody Knows.”

Cohen’s influence was cited by the committee in selecting him for the honor:

The prize foundation said it was awarding the Canadian star its Letters prize, praising him as one of the most influential authors of modern times.

The foundation said: “His poems and songs explore with depth and beauty the major questions concerning humanity.”

The award bestowed upon Cohen is one of eight awarded each year by the foundation. Others are given for topics ranging from arts and humanities to science and research. Crown Prince Felipe presents the awards.