When Denise lost heart over poet’s Marianne
Former Sony president ignored artist’s wishes on album tracklist
The last time I’d heard from Leonard (aside from on his birthday in September) was about three months ago. I’d sent him a copy of a story I’d written about him in my book.
It was about an argument we’d had over a beloved song while I was the president of Sony Music Canada and I wanted to include his apology note in the story. Not only because it was beautiful, but because it was illustrative of how true artists will go to the wall for their work — and so they should. I thought he might find the story cranky, but he said it made him laugh and gave his blessing to publish it. This is a shortened version of that story. It was 2002 and we were about to release a compilation record called The Essential Leonard Cohen. We anticipated it would sell well around the world and Leonard was involved in the artwork and remastering the songs. But when the tracklisting arrived, “So Long, Marianne” was missing.
This was a problem. How can you call it an “essentials” record without one of the most essential songs? His view (at the time) was that the song “was never as good in reality as it was in memory.”
It’s tough to argue with an artist about one of their songs.
It’s too subjective. It’s like arguing about funny. “That joke’s funny.” “No, it isn’t.” End of argument. I suggested that his fans would be disappointed. He countered that his fans would understand. Weeks went by. He wouldn’t budge. We were running into manufacturing deadlines.
I hated to bring up the point that many artist contracts don’t require the artist’s permission to compile, but the next time we talked, I had no choice: “Leonard, you know we can put it out without your blessing.”
That did it. The poet was pissed. I literally had to hold the phone away from my ear. He wasn’t just angry at me — it was every publisher, every label executive, every corporate suit who profited from artistic work but disrespected the talent. I was crushed, but I had to push back. “Leonard,” I said, “I have always respected your work. Even in the MuchMusic days, when I used to interview you, I’d read everything you’d ever written, cherished every song you ever wrote.” It was true. I placed Leonard on an artistic pedestal so high it had its own lighting. And cherubs. “I hate to disappoint you, but I have no choice.”
Leonard replied: “Denise, if you insist on this course, if you insist on going against my wishes and including this song when I have asked you not to, then go ahead. But you need to know that you will forever hold a much smaller place in my heart.” I could barely breathe. “Leonard,” I said, “I’m very sorry, but that’s a risk I have to take.” I put the phone down totally shattered. At home, I sat around for hours, miserable.
The next day, I relayed to his manager that we would be including “Marianne” on the record. Later that afternoon, I got an email from Leonard: Sept 5, 2002 Subject: Marianne Dear Denise, Your place in my heart is as secure as ever. That conversation was “just business.” I kind of enjoyed it. I rarely get a chance to argue with anyone. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, and I sincerely apologize. I have to answer to my superiors just as you must answer to yours. The Master Song or So Long Marianne — nothing really hangs on this issue. These are all very tiny matters and have no weight at all in the butchershop we call the world. All that matters here is the heart. So let’s keep ours open. Your old friend, Leonard Despite the dreadful circumstances that forced him into touring in his later years, it was thrilling to see Leonard return to the stage; selling out arenas to crowds all over the world, adored on the scale he should be and, yes, still singing “So Long, Marianne.”
Today, we are marvelling at his extraordinary artistic legacy and deeply mourning his loss. I’ve felt jet-lagged ever since the news broke. But I found a smile in a drawing he’d once sent. It’s a craggy selfportrait with the caption “Happy at last”. I trust that’s true. Denise Donlon’s book Fearless as Possible (Under the Circumstances) is out now from Anansi Press.