Hallelujah
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 BBC Radio 4 in April 2015.
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Broadcasts
Tue 14 Apr 201511:30BBC Radio 4- Sat 18 Apr 201515:30BBC Radio 4
- Fri 22 Sep 201718:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 23 Sep 201700:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 1 Mar 202218:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 2 Mar 202200:30BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 28 Jun 202410:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Fri 28 Jun 202416:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Sat 29 Jun 202400:00BBC Radio 4 Extra
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