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Hallelujah

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The lasting impact of 'Hallelujah', a relatively obscure song by Leonard Cohen, that became a global anthem. From 2015.

Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' took him years to write.

It originally had as many as 80 verses. Recorded for his 'Various Positions' album, it was almost ignored when first released in 1984.

Only Bob Dylan saw its true worth and would play it live. John Cale eventually recorded a version which was heard by an obscure musician called Jeff Buckley.

The song has been covered by hundreds of artists including Rufus Wainwright, kd lang and Alexandra Burke.

We hear from those whose relationship with the song is deep and profound.

Singer Brandi Carlisle listened to it over and over again as a troubled teenager; it became a soundtrack to James Talerico falling in love and Jim Kullander made a connection with the song after the death of his wife.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in April 2015.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 29 Jun 2024 00:00

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  • Tue 14 Apr 2015 11:30
  • Sat 18 Apr 2015 15:30
  • Fri 22 Sep 2017 18:30
  • Sat 23 Sep 2017 00:30
  • Tue 1 Mar 2022 18:30
  • Wed 2 Mar 2022 00:30
  • Fri 28 Jun 2024 10:00
  • Fri 28 Jun 2024 16:00
  • Sat 29 Jun 2024 00:00

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