Leonard Cohen: Musicians

Reassurance Dept: The 77-year-old Cohen struck a modest tone as he claimed the award, first by hushing a standing ovation and then by offering his reassurance to the roster of musicians set to perform in his honour, according to Winnipeg Free Press. "I'm going to make these remarks mercifully short because I want to hear the music ... if there is any anxiety about performing in front of me, please let it dissolve completely. I go into bouts of childlike ecstasy ... when I hear anyone cover my songs." TORONTO -- Leonard Cohen humbly accepted the Glenn Gould Prize on Monday, but not the $50,000 prize that accompanied it, instead donating the cash to the Canada Council for the Arts. "Thank you so much ... how very kind of you to greet me with such hospitality," said Cohen, briefly doffing his trademark black fedora. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.