Leonard Cohen turns 80 on September 21, two days before his 13 studio album comes out, and he has never been more popular. Cohen has long fascinated his chroniclers; hinting at a performative aspect of his public persona, disappearing for long stretches, and candidly discussing his battles with depression and lost love.
Jeff Burger has written extensively about music and other topics. He is editor of the new book Leonard Cohen on Leonard Cohen: Interviews and Encounters from Chicago Review Press.