Hallelujah! 'The Holy or the Broken' at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity, Brooklyn Heights

This just in from St. Ann and the Holy Trinity: Music critic Alan Light will read from his new book, "The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley and the Unlikely Ascent of 'Hallelujah,'" on Sunday, March 10, 3 p.m. at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights, corner of Montague and Clinton streets.

Praised as a “masterful work of critical journalism” (Kirkus Reviews), "The Holy or the Broken" tells the story of how Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” rocked an entire culture. Through in-depth interviews with its interpreters and the key figures who were actually there for its original recordings, Alan Light follows the unlikely journey of Cohen’s song from obscurity to international anthem.

The reading will begin with a live performance of “Hallelujah” by the Guggenheim Grotto, an Irish folk-pop group now based in Brooklyn.

First recorded in 1984, “Hallelujah” is now a pop culture staple, covered by hundreds of artists including Bob Dylan, U2, Bon Jovi, k.d.lang, Justin Timberlake, Susan Boyle, and Celine Dion. It has been featured in movies and on television shows ranging from Shrek to The West Wing. It eventually became the go-to song in times of national tragedy, chosen by VH1 for its official post-9/11 tribute video, and most recently by The Voice in tribute to the victims of Sandy Hook.

Alan Light is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and Rolling Stone, and former editor-in-chief of Vibe and Spin magazines.

Copies of The Holy or the Broken will be availablefor purchase and signing at the reading.

Suggested donation $10. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 718-875-6960 or office@stannholytrinity.org or visit www.stannholytrinity.org.

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