"Dear Heather" is the 11th studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, released in 2004 by Columbia Records. Dedicated to the memory of Jack McClelland, the album showcases Cohen's exploration of various musical styles. Notably, "To a Teacher" includes a self-quote from his 1961 poetry collection, The Spice-Box of Earth, and features a live rendition of "Tennessee Waltz" from his earlier tour.
Cohen initially considered naming the album Old Ideas but changed it to Dear Heather to avoid confusion with a compilation. The album leans more toward spoken poetry than singing, with two tracks incorporating works by other poets, including Lord Byron and F. R. Scott. The gospel-influenced "On That Day" reflects on the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, adding a poignant layer to the album's themes.
