Canada Post issued three stamps in honor of Leonard Cohen who was a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, and novelist. The issue celebrates the life and work of this beloved Montreal-born artist. The director of stamp services at Canada Post, Jim Phillips, worked closely with the Cohen family to create a collection that honoured the Canadian icon. Four million stamps were produced - a number that "will be sufficient for fans and collectors worldwide".
The first stamp, “Silver,” features a portrait taken by U.S. photographer Jack Robinson for Vogue magazine in 1967, the year that saw Judy Collins release a version of Cohen’s Suzanne and the appearance of Cohen at the Newport Jazz Festival. Cohen is in a crouch, looking up. The Gold stamp is Cohen in serious I’m Your Man pose, greying in his mid-fifties. The silhouette is from a 1988 beach shot by the Frenchman Claude Gassian. With the Bronze stamp, Cohen is placed on the lettering – sitting on his name. The portrait was done by British photographer Platon. As with the two other stamps, Cohen is shown as back-lit and shined upon.
Jim Phillips, director of stamp services at Canada Post, says the Crown corporation worked closely with the singer’s family and estate to ensure the stamps will be a fitting tribute.
“This particular one of Leonard Cohen is one of the most significant stamps we’ve ever issued,” Phillips said. “We’re so honoured and thrilled at having the responsibility to do this … in a proper, classy, professional way that would have made Leonard and his family extremely happy and proud.”
See also other stamps honoring famous singers.
