Leonard Cohen wins Spanish prize for poetic songwriting

(CBS/AP) Everybody knows Leonard Cohen is deserving of awards, just like everybody knows the dice are loaded.

The Canadian singer has won one of Spain's prestigious Prince of Asturias awards for his poetic gifts and thought-provoking songs.

The prize foundation said Wednesday it was awarding Cohen its Letters prize, praising him as one of the most influential authors of modern times.

The foundations said "his poems and songs explore with depth and beauty the major questions concerning humanity."

Cohen, 76, is famous for songs such as "Suzanne," "Everybody Knows" and "So Long, Marianne." Jeff Buckley, k.d. lang and John Cale are among the many musicians who have performed his songs.

The award is one of eight the foundation gives out each year. They range from the arts and humanities to scientific research.

The prizes are presented by Crown Prince Felipe in the northern city of Oviedo, capital of the Asturias region.