Q essay: Happy 80th birthday, Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen is a musical icon, poet, songwriter, novelist -- and on September 21st, he added octogenarian to the list. To mark the occasion, Jian dedicates his opening essay to a great artist that just keeps getting better.

Cohen fans may also relish Jian's 2009 interview with the artist, which took home the gold at the 2010 New York Festivals International Radio Awards. In a wide-ranging interview filmed at his home, Cohen talks about life, love, and how to cultivate one's own tiny garden. 

Last week, our friends at CBC Music celebrated Leonard Cohen Week, underscoring the literary and lyrical genius of a musician that has inspired so many. 

Well into the third act of his life, the celebrated Canadian musician is showing no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, he'll be celebrating the big 8-0 with the release of his new album Popular Problems.