Corey Banks Declares Full Support for Kelley Lynch, Leonard Cohen's Former Personal Manager, Amidst Legal Battle and Defamation Claims

Los Angeles – Corey Banks, the renowned rapper, producer, and founder of Banks Brand Music Unlimited (BBMUnlimited), has issued a powerful and deeply personal declaration supporting his longtime close friend, Kelley Lynch. In a statement made public today, Banks, also known as Corey Drumz, denounced the attacks on Lynch’s character and emphasized her unwavering professionalism, intelligence, and dedication to his career and family’s musical legacy.

Banks, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles music scene and an influential artist hailing from the rich musical history of Hollis, Queens, has had a colorful and impactful career in the entertainment industry. The son of legendary musicians Larry Banks and Joan "Jaibi" Banks, Corey grew up surrounded by music, with his father co-writing the iconic song "Go Now" that became a cornerstone of the British Invasion. Having co-founded underground 90s hip-hop group Total Pack and later working with industry figures such as MC Serch, Banks carved out his own space as both an artist and a business entrepreneur. He currently runs BBMUnlimited, a successful independent label that promotes integrity and authenticity in the music industry.

In his declaration, Corey Banks unequivocally defends Kelley Lynch, who he approached to serve as his personal manager and publishing administrator. He describes Lynch as a "genuine, straightforward, direct, and fiercely loyal" professional. Banks emphasizes that Lynch’s expertise in the entertainment industry is extensive, and she has shown a deep commitment to his work as well as his family’s musical catalog. He recounts how, after meeting Lynch in early 2018, he quickly grew to trust her judgment and approach to business, describing their relationship as one of mutual respect and admiration.

"I have seen Kelley in action and can personally attest to her professionalism and integrity," Banks said. "She has been a loyal and dedicated friend, and genuinely cares about my work and that of my family’s."

Banks also provided insight into the harassment Lynch has faced from an individual named Stephen Gianelli, whom he claims has been relentlessly targeting Lynch with libelous emails and defamation. In his declaration, Banks reveals that Gianelli, who he believes is associated with Leonard Cohen’s legal team, has sent him a barage of harassing emails in an attempt to discredit Lynch. Banks explains that despite initially reaching out to Gianelli for more information (as Gianelli was all over the internet about Kelley Lynch), he was soon bombarded with unsolicited, defamatory content. "I can unequivocally state that she is not a 'good con artist.' Kelley is genuine, straightforward, direct, and fiercely loyal," he asserts. Artwork - Corey Banks standing tall and strong, facing off against the clownish figure of Stephen Gianelli.

As a direct witness to the legal proceedings involving Lynch, Banks expressed his concern over the bias and prejudice he observed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. According to Banks, the prosecutor’s treatment of Lynch was both dismissive and discriminatory, with Lynch’s attempts to speak or ask questions being frequently shut down. He highlights a particularly troubling moment when Lynch’s request for a continuance was dismissed because the prosecutor had "vacation plans," a moment that Banks describes as emblematic of the prosecutor’s lack of interest in seeking justice. Artwork - Kelley Lynch in the courtroom, facing a hostile prosecutor and an indifferent judge.

"The prosecutor seemed more interested in his vacation plans than seeking justice," Banks writes, reflecting on the apparent bias in the courtroom. "It felt like the court was doing everything they could to make Kelley look bad, regardless of the facts." Artwork - In the courtroom, the prosecutor rambled incoherently, more focused on his upcoming vacation than on delivering justice. His monotonous chatter filled the air as he droned on.

Banks further points out that Lynch has been unfairly targeted in relation to her advocacy for Phil Spector, the legendary producer who was convicted of murder in 2009. According to Banks, Lynch’s vocal defense of Spector and her efforts to shine a light on the discrepancies in his case have made her a target for legal and personal attacks. "It seems like Kelley is actually being targeted over Phil Spector," he declares. "He is no doubt still privately fighting his conviction. Kelley is publicly drawing attention to the case. Cohen’s testimony about Phil Spector and a gun is a more likely reason for the targeting of Kelley." Artwork - Kelley Lynch and her date, Phil Spector, at a Beverly Hills venue.

As Banks continues to work on his music, including upcoming albums set for release, he remains adamant that Lynch’s professionalism and integrity have been key to his own career success. He explains that Lynch was the one who encouraged him to resume his music career when he was initially considering simply releasing his old masters. "Kelley has always believed in me, and her encouragement helped me refocus on my music." he adds.

In his statement, Banks also touches on the ongoing mental competence claims by deviant, dishonest "prosecutors" that have plagued Lynch. Banks strongly refutes any claims regarding Lynch's mental health, asserting that Lynch is a "competent individual" with no history of substance abuse. "Kelley does not do drugs and does not even touch marijuana," Banks states. "When I heard about these allegations, I immediately thought 'It has to do with Spector.' It's an attempt to undermine her credibility."

Banks goes on to express his frustration with the ongoing legal battles that have hampered Lynch’s ability to perform her professional duties. "These proceedings are interfering with Kelley’s ability to do her job efficiently and fully," he explains. "She has been forced to miss work, is frequently unable to meet certain requirements, and has been given warnings about her job performance. These proceedings are the cause of that."

"Kelley's being targeted because of her support for Phil Spector," Corey Banks stated. "She’s making people question his conviction, and Cohen’s conflicting gun stories only add to the doubt. It’s hard to believe this is about tax forms—this feels more like retaliation for Kelley exposing the truth."

Corey Banks' declaration adds to the growing chorus of voices supporting Kelley Lynch in her fight for justice. As the music industry veteran continues to expand his empire through BBMUnlimited, which currently boasts over 35 artists worldwide and has achieved nearly 4 million streams in 2024, his commitment to supporting the people who have stood by him is clear. Banks has built his label on the principles of authenticity and integrity, values that he and Kelley Lynch are dedicated to in every aspect of their lives and work.

"I’ve witnessed firsthand what Kelley has been through, and I can tell you she’s one of the most competent and capable individuals I know," Banks concludes. "She has earned my deepest respect, and I am proud to have her as my friend." Banks' support for Lynch comes at a critical time, as she faces ongoing legal and personal attacks. Whether in the courtroom or the music industry, Banks remains committed to fighting for truth and justice. His declaration is a powerful testament to the loyalty and integrity that define his professional relationships.

Leonard Cohen, Phil Spector, and Kelley Lynch: Machiavelli’s Shadow in the Studio of Manipulated Narratives

Leonard Cohen, Phil Spector, and Kelley Lynch: Machiavelli’s Shadow in the Studio of Manipulated Narratives

Nestled within the world of Leonard Cohen's poetic musings and Kelley Lynch's sharp management skills lies a Machiavellian dynamic—marked by the interplay of power, narrative, and obfuscation. Like Machiavelli retreating to his studiolo to pen The Prince, Cohen crafted an image that blurred the line between rebellion, spirituality, and chaos, while Lynch managed the machinery behind the myth, only to become the scapegoat for the artist’s financial mismanagement.

________________________________________ The Studiolo of Leonard Cohen

Cohen’s “studiolo” was both real and symbolic. At Mount Baldy, the ordained Zen monk inhabited a two-room cabin outfitted with a red recording studio, a computer, and a fax machine. Yet, this space of spiritual retreat also played host to journalists and documentary makers, reinforcing his dual identity as monk and poet-revolutionary. Like Machiavelli, Cohen transformed his inner sanctum into a theater of ideas and performance.

Cohen’s narratives extended far beyond his artistic work. His tales of Cuban adventures—being held at gunpoint by a 14-year-old military officer and suspected of being part of the CIA’s first landing group during the Bay of Pigs—shaped his mythos as a man enmeshed in chaos and intrigue. Lights! Cameras! Action!

Cohen's adventures with NSA in Havana. Lights! Cameras! Action!

Equally central to his mystique were the “good rock ’n roll stories” involving legendary producer Phil Spector, whose career included producing iconic hits for The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Ike & Tina Turner.

Spector’s Wall of Sound production style revolutionized popular music, shaping classics like Be My Baby and River Deep, Mountain High.

By the 1970s, Spector’s influence reached new heights with productions for The Beatles’ Let It Be and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.

Phil Spector, the legendary maestro of the Wall of Sound, was present for one of the most iconic moments in rock history, flying alongside the Beatles on Pan Am Flight 101 from London’s Heathrow to New York’s JFK in 1964. According to Ringo, Phil Spector, notoriously anxious about flying, reportedly paced the aisles the entire journey, a stark contrast to the Fab Four’s calm anticipation of their American debut. The plane touched down to the chaos of 3,000 screaming fans, an electric prelude to the Beatles’ historic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Behind the scenes, the moment wasn’t just music history but a nexus of global intrigue—FBI, CIA, and KGB were all watching, underscoring the cultural and political weight of this transatlantic musical invasion. Spector’s role, both as an observer and eventual collaborator with members of the Beatles, added yet another layer to his repository of good rock ’n roll stories.

Despite their professional collaboration, Cohen used these stories—of crossbows and chaotic recording sessions at Spector’s infamous Wall of Sound studio—to reinforce his carefully curated persona as a creative maverick. These anecdotes, however, served as convenient distractions from his mounting financial troubles, including tax irregularities and disguised income that would later come under scrutiny.

________________________________________ Kelley Lynch’s Office: A Studiolo of Stability

In contrast, Kelley Lynch’s office became a studiolo of a different kind—a space of order and focus. Elegantly understated with Tibetan carpets, flowers, and sophisticated décor, it reflected her professionalism and her Tibetan Buddhist practice. Over nearly two decades, Lynch worked tirelessly to stabilize Cohen’s chaotic personal life, manage his career, and raise his daughter, Lorca. She negotiated lucrative deals, championed his son Adam’s musical ambitions, and helped build Cohen’s legacy.

Yet, like Machiavelli in exile, Lynch was cast out when her utility waned, scapegoated as Cohen sought to deflect attention from his financial missteps. Cohen’s penchant for borrowing against intellectual property and misclassifying income only exacerbated his financial instability. Lynch, despite her pivotal role in keeping Cohen’s career afloat, became the convenient villain in his narrative—a sacrifice to protect his reputation.

________________________________________ The Machiavellian Manipulator Cohen wielded narrative as Machiavelli wielded prose. His stories—equal parts fact, fiction, and theater—cast him as the monkish poet wrestling with inner demons and external forces. Tales of Phil Spector’s crossbows, Cuban gunmen, and spiritual detachment from wealth veiled a pattern of substance abuse, financial mismanagement, and outsized spending on properties, gifts, and personal indulgences. His public image, curated through interviews and performances, became a modern The Prince—a guide on how to maintain power through narrative control.

Behind this carefully crafted persona lay significant financial and legal challenges. Cohen’s dealings with the IRS revealed a pattern of tax irregularities, including unreported income and self-dealing through Traditional Holdings. These issues—rooted in Cohen’s own decisions—became a centerpiece of his deflection campaign, with Lynch portrayed as the architect of his financial woes.

________________________________________ Lynch as the Convenient Villain Much like Machiavelli’s fictionalized princes who consolidate their rule through calculated sacrifices, Cohen engineered Lynch’s public downfall. Through lawsuits, media campaigns, and orchestrated narratives, Cohen painted Lynch as the villain responsible for his financial troubles. This Machiavellian scapegoating obscured deeper truths: Cohen’s penchant for self-indulgence, his failure to report millions in income, and his deliberate mischaracterization of financial realities.

________________________________________ Parallel Lives: Machiavelli, Cohen, and Lynch If Machiavelli’s exile produced The Prince, Cohen’s self-imposed retreats—whether at Mount Baldy or in his modest duplex in Los Angeles—generated an arsenal of stories that immortalized his mystique.

Kelley Lynch, like Machiavelli’s confidants, played the role of advisor, witness, and, eventually, scapegoat.

While Machiavelli sought to advise rulers, Lynch sought to guide Cohen toward stability and success, only to be vilified for her efforts.

________________________________________ The Legacy of Manipulated Narratives Cohen’s ability to weave tales of spirituality and rebellion captivated audiences, but they also served as a smokescreen, diverting attention from his personal failings. Meanwhile, Lynch’s contributions remain overshadowed by the narrative Cohen so carefully curated.

Like the libraries of Machiavelli and Montaigne, these narratives are spaces where truth, artifice, and legacy collide.

In the end, Leonard Cohen’s life mirrored Machiavelli’s teachings: that power lies not just in action but in the control of perception. Yet, in casting Phil Spector and Kelley Lynch as the villains of his story, he failed to see that the true strength of a studiolo is its ability to illuminate rather than obscure. Artwork - Kelley and Phil attend an Opera in Florence.

Disclaimer: The article and accompanying illustrations present Kelley Lynch as a "haute couture Buddhist" hipster character in an imaginative and stylized portrayal. This depiction reflects an artistic and surreal interpretation inspired by the complex legal disputes and public narratives that followed her split from Leonard Cohen. The choice to portray Lynch adorned in jewels and sophisticated attire references Cohen's statements after their parting, where he attributed her alleged “downfall” to extravagant spending on items like jewelry, shoes, and haute couture—a narrative Lynch firmly disputes.

Copyright © 2024 Kelley Lynch. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or use of artwork on this site in any form is strictly prohibited without written consent. All rights reserved. Artwork - Kelley and Phil in Florence

Artwork - Kelley and Phil Once Upon A Time In Tibet

Up Close and Personal with Leonard Cohen: The Myth, the Man, and the Manipulated Narrative

Leonard Cohen: The Myth, the Man, and the Manipulated Narrative

Leonard Cohen, celebrated poet, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon, is widely known for his introspective music and enigmatic personality. Yet, beneath the surface of his carefully curated image lies a far more complex reality—one marked by financial mismanagement, substance abuse, and a deliberate campaign to deflect responsibility onto others, particularly his former manager, Kelley Lynch.

At the heart of Cohen’s mystique is his ability to weave narratives that blur the line between fact and fiction, crafting an image of danger, rebellion, and spirituality that captivates audiences. But how much of this narrative is genuine, and how much is a calculated effort to protect his legacy?

Cohen’s Dual Persona: The Ascetic and the Gunslinger Cohen’s public persona is an intricate blend of opposites. On the one hand, he is portrayed as a spiritual seeker—a Buddhist monk who spent years meditating at Mount Baldy Zen Center. On the other hand, he embraces the image of a rebellious rock ’n roll gunslinger, regaling audiences with tales of danger and chaos.

Leonard Cohen’s modest abode reflected his carefully curated persona, blending simplicity with eccentric charm.

Guests at his home might be served egg salad sandwiches paired with expensive wine or fine whiskey—a juxtaposition that mirrored his own contradictions. The décor was eclectic, with religious kitsch adorning the walls: crosses, Buddhist prayer flags, and Jewish artifacts sharing space, reflecting his multifaceted spiritual identity. The furniture was sparse yet purposeful, with worn Persian rugs underfoot and a well-used recording studio tucked in the corner, showcasing the humble yet artistic life he projected to the world.

During his time at Mount Baldy, Cohen’s lifestyle was far from the ascetic image he cultivated. Living in a renovated two-room guest cabin outfitted with a recording studio, computer, and fax machine, Cohen continued to work on music, art, and poetry while hosting journalists and participating in a documentary.

He frequently visited Los Angeles to spend time with Kelley Lynch and his daughter, Lorca, as he confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.

While Cohen was an ordained Buddhist monk, he simultaneously maintained his Jewish identity, adding layers to his public image but also raising questions about its authenticity.

Guns, Chaos, and the Rock ’n Roll Persona Central to Cohen’s cultivated mystique is his fascination with weapons and chaos, which he wove into his anecdotes to create a persona of danger and rebellion.

Phil Spector and Crossbows: Cohen’s “good rock ’n roll stories” about Phil Spector, including tales of guns and crossbows, have become legendary.

These anecdotes played into the narrative of a chaotic, high-stakes rock ’n roll lifestyle.

Time in Nashville: During his time in Nashville, Cohen embraced target shooting, further demonstrating his fascination with firearms and their symbolism.

Marty Machat Incident: In New York City, Cohen’s lawyer, Marty Machat, reportedly had to disarm him when Cohen was walking around armed and high on methamphetamine—a stark example of the chaotic lifestyle he romanticized.

Canadian Exhibit: A new exhibit in Canada showcasing Cohen’s devotion to armaments highlights his fascination with weapons and their place in his life and art. These stories, while entertaining, served a larger purpose: to construct a persona of rebellion and intrigue, distracting from the more mundane realities of Cohen’s life, including his financial and personal mismanagement.

Kelley Lynch: The Professional Scapegoat Amid Cohen’s tales of chaos and danger, Kelley Lynch emerges as a stark contrast.

A devoted mother of two and a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, Lynch spent nearly two decades managing Cohen’s career, promoting his work, and stabilizing his personal life.

Far from living extravagantly, Lynch led a relatively modest life in Los Angeles with record producer Steve Lindsey and their children, dedicating herself to her family and spiritual practice. She played a pivotal role in securing lucrative deals for Cohen, promoting his son Adam’s music career, and helping raise his daughter, Lorca. Yet, despite her contributions, Lynch became the target of Cohen’s calculated campaign to deflect blame for his financial troubles.

Financial Mismanagement and Substance Abuse Cohen’s financial troubles were not the result of betrayal by Kelley Lynch but stemmed from his own decisions and actions. A long history of substance abuse, including documented struggles with drugs and alcohol, compounded his financial mismanagement.

After his grueling 1993 Future tour, Cohen retreated to Mount Baldy in part to recover from these issues, while continuing to work on creative projects.

Key issues include: Mismanaged Entities: Cohen failed to file tax returns for multiple entities, misappropriated funds from Traditional Holdings, LLC, and used millions in loans disguised as income.

Personal Spending: Despite claims of a frugal lifestyle, Cohen’s spending included properties for family members, substantial gifts, and significant withdrawals from business accounts.

Shifting Blame: Cohen repeatedly mischaracterized his financial decisions to shift responsibility onto Lynch, creating a false narrative of betrayal.

Media Manipulation and the Manufactured Narrative - Who sent SWAT to Kelley Lynch's Home? Kelley's African Grey Screams at LAPD "I see dead people!"

Kelley Lynch grilled by LAPD about her friendship with Phil Spector and any gun stories she heard

Cohen’s ability to manipulate the media has been instrumental in shaping his public image. Tales of guns, Cuban military officers, and CIA intrigue dominate interviews, distracting from the financial and legal realities of his life.

Cuban Adventures: Cohen claimed that a 14-year-old Cuban military officer held him at gunpoint as he tried to flee the country, adding an air of peril to his anecdotes. He also suggested that Cuban intelligence suspected him of being part of the CIA’s first landing group during the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Self-Styled Revolutionary: Cohen’s fascination with García Lorca and his morbid interest in dying by firing squad further fueled his image as a poetic revolutionary. These narratives, much like his accusations against Lynch, serve to obscure the truth and shift focus away from his own actions.

Conclusion: The True Story Leonard Cohen’s financial and personal troubles were not the result of Kelley Lynch’s actions but a direct consequence of his own decisions and lifestyle.

Lynch, a professional and devoted mother, worked tirelessly to promote Cohen’s career and stabilize his personal life, only to be vilified in the media as part of Cohen’s calculated effort to protect his legacy.

Cohen’s ability to weave tales of danger, rebellion, and spirituality has captivated audiences for decades. Yet these stories, while compelling, mask the deeper truths of his life: a pattern of financial mismanagement, substance abuse, and deliberate obfuscation.

The Leonard Cohen saga is not just a tale of a troubled artist but a masterclass in media manipulation and narrative control. In the end, Cohen’s greatest creation may not have been his music or poetry but the myth of Leonard Cohen himself.

Disclaimer: The article and accompanying illustrations present Kelley Lynch as a "haute couture Buddhist" hipster character in an imaginative and stylized portrayal. This depiction reflects an artistic and surreal interpretation inspired by the complex legal disputes and public narratives that followed her split from Leonard Cohen. The choice to portray Lynch adorned in jewels and sophisticated attire references Cohen's statements after their parting, where he attributed her alleged “downfall” to extravagant spending on items like jewelry, shoes, and haute couture—a narrative Lynch firmly disputes.

The artistic representation, while not intended as a literal portrayal, emphasizes the intensity and multifaceted nature of her legal claims, offering a metaphorical view into the high-stakes drama of her experience. This stylized depiction serves to underscore the layers of conflict, public perception, and personal resilience inherent in her story.

Artwork: Kelley Lynch and Phil Spector

Copyright © 2024 Kelley Lynch. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or use of artwork on this site in any form is strictly prohibited without written consent. All rights reserved.