Leonard Cohen met a girl during a visit to the Greek Island of Hydra— and stayed a decade. The Canadian singer-songwriter became a local, buying a home on the island and becoming one with residents, fisherman and artists that frequented the island.

He gathered with friends under large plane trees in tiny squares, strumming his guitar and creating new music— inspired by the people he met and the idyllic life he lived on the island.

The island became more of an escape for Cohen— it became his muse, his inspiration.

His first novel— The Favourite Game, was actually inspired by his time on Hydra in his early years.

Hydra is mourning Cohen’s death— like millions of adoring fans throughout the world. But Hydra residents also know Cohen’s music and legacy will be immortal— especially on the island he loved and impacted so much.

Plans are currently under way to rename the street in front of his house in his honor and a Leonard Cohen bench will be installed at Hydra’s harbor.

Locals who knew Cohen— some of whom sat with him on warm summer nights singing and playing the guitar— have already scheduled a meet up on the island in June and local authorities have said they will continue to host concerts, film screenings and other events— once held in his honor and now, to he held in his memory.