Remembering Gordon Lightfoot
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- Check out my CBC piece on Gordon Lightfoot's Railroad Trilogy: • Re-examining Gordon Li...
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As a Michigander, the lyrics of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald are seminal to me. I love his music for the juxtaposition of old and new, tragedy and hopefulness, as well as that traditional folk feel. RIP to a legend and may he be forever remembered by those who live in Canada and the Great Lakes area of the US.
Well said.
They recorded the song in one take.First time the band played it.Unbelievable.
Ditto! I read your reply only after posting mine which is similar.
A truly great songwriter. One of the first LP's I ever bought. Rest well Mr. Lightfoot.
I know there’s a complaint about the states adopting musicians, but I feel like us Michiganders at least have *some* claim. Absolute legend.
As a Northern Michigander, who went to school in "The Soo", there's a special - Northern Great Lakes - feeling I can't describe. Gordon Lightfoot captured that feeling often in his music, and it's part of my soul. Canadian, though he was through and through, I've always felt his connection to the lakes, forests, and mood of a very special place on this planet. Thank you Gordo.
The UP is beautiful. I miss living near it.
I live like 15 miles from the soo, proud to be a yooper
Couldn’t have said it better Esiwmah ❤ So glad we saw him perform live a few years ago. His music always feels like home.
:) thanks for sharing this.
This guy is probably my favorite Canadian singer writer, performer of all time.
I really like his early stuff, like Dans Old Record !
Man, your articulate reverence for this accomplished artist has me going back to get acquainted with his music.
here here.
Not a big folk music guy but good music is good music. I'm going to explore his career after this passionately informed video.
My favorite song of his is "If you could read my mind". It tells a story with words and music that you can feel his emotions pouring through.
I am only here for that one song
Carefree highway and Sundown are 2 other favs as well.
i have listened to this song almost everyday for years
@@RandallSkala Another one is the song "Beautiful". The song, the lyrics, strings arrangement put you at ease just like his biggest hit "If You Could Read My Mind".
Interesting that Gordon officially changed some of his lyrics after he recorded some songs. In "If you could read my mind" he changed the line that went.: "and if you read between the lines you'll know that I'm just trying to understand...the feelings that YOU lacked." In a sense he was blaming his ex-wife. But after talking to his daughter, who said, that was really a 2-way street Dad, and don't you think you might have been part to blame? Gordon officially changed that lyric to "the feelings that WE lacked." He also amended the song in Wreck of the Fitzgerald, that tended to blame a young seaman for not locking down a hatch, when divers discovered that it wasn't his fault and the hatch was indeed locked down. I liked that about Gordon Lightfoot.
RIP Gordon Lightfoot, one of the greatest songwriters to ever do it, he is a Canadian national treasure.
Him and Gord Downie for sure. The two Gord's!
Rest in Peace to a Canadian Legend
This video had me in goosebumps for 7 minutes, very well done tribute. I'm sad I won't ever be able to see him perform. I had tickets to last months show but was ultimately cancelled. He said "If I'm still kicking, I'm still picking" and he kept that promise.
Requiescat in Pace Gord
I has tickets too. RIP Gord, travel that carefree highway.
Someone once told me that every Canadian should have at least one Gordon Lightfoot album in their house, and because he was so prolific all of our introductions to his music get to come from many different directions. My first Lightfoot album was Dream Street Rose, so songs like Sea of Tranquility, Ghosts of Cape Horn, or Dream Street Rose are the first things I think of when remembering his music, and have been on a constant loop since Monday night.
You didn’t want to write an obituary, but you’ve made me feel like I’ve lost a close loved one.
Beautifully said. I did love his music, He will be sorely missed.
I'm a Floridian, quite far removed from the context of Canada and the Great Lakes region, but in the past year, his music has solidified itself among my playlists. It was there for me in a very dark moment last summer, and as a history student, it enraptured me immediately. The end of a life well lived. I've certainly gone deeper and deeper in the past two days.
a Texan here and all my family up to my grandparents are big Gorgon fans, none of us have been near Canada lol
I remember hearing sundown all the time as a kid. He has a lot of good songs but that was a hit
@@itsss_gage4306 so awesome to hear; cheers from Canada😊
Great Story teller , this has no borders…
Gordon’s songs helped me through a life-changing crisis when I was 20 years old. I had a stereo with a repeat function, it would play LPs over and over again.. I literally wore out Gord’s Gold LP on that machine
Sorry to all who feel loss from his passing.
Kind regards from Sydney, Australia ❤
Whenever I skimmed websites for folk songs etc. to sing and play and Gordon Lightfoot was mentioned as the songwriter I knew I'd be in for a treat. He truly was one of the greats. "If you could read my mind" is one of my favourite songs ever
I liked the songs If You Could Read My Mind and Sundown. Sometimes, I play them in my car.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy has been my favorite song for so long. I grew up in Texas, but my dad raised me on folk music. Rest in peace to this legend who colored my life with his music. What a wonderful tribute.
I grew up in the Great Lakes area, born in 1972- so his music is also woven into my childhood. I've actually been to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point, Michigan. It was a moving experience but the focal point was seeing the Edmund Fitzgerald's 200 lb bronze bell. Rest in peace, Gordon.
As a fellow Canadian, and a resident of Orillia since birth, Gord's death has hit me, and the community very hard. Thankfully his music and memory will continue to thrive in this amazing country and bring joy to all Canadians for years to come. May Gordon's memory last forever.
Tough to say goodbye to someone you’ve listened to for 50+ years but fortunately lives on thru CD’s and UA-cam. RIP to the greatest Canadian troubadour. And thx for this tribute too.
Carefree Highway never ceases to bring tears of joy to my eyes. It evokes such immense nostalgia in me and feels so profound despite being seemingly so simple.
And “If You Could Read My Mind” has some of the best storytelling ever. Not just through words, but the emotional journey the music takes you.
I’m so happy I grew up listening to him
I’m an American, but I am glad Gordon Lightfoot kept his Canadian heritage and pride in the forefront. The world doesn’t revolve around the US, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that. Gordon’s music filled our lives over the decades and it’s hard to believe he is gone; so many songs bring back so many wonderful memories. I lost my own dad just one week before Gordon (April 24), so this has been a difficult two weeks for sure. Rest in peace to my dad and to Gordon Lightfoot. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💙
I was a 17 year old visiting a cousin who was studying in Michigan in 1980. He played me TWOTEF and I was captivated by the melody, the story and the deep and soothing voice of the singer. Since then Gordon Lightfoot's music has been present and accounted for in my personal collection. In the past three days I've come to appreciate how much of a national cultural treasure he is to Canada but the appeal of his music transcends continents and cultures. To me he is also a figure of the '70s and that's how I'll remember him, as part of my nostalgia for that decade. Two personal favorites of mine are Daylight Katy and Rainy Day People. And yes, Gord's Gold is the album I started with.
Thank you for covering Gord. The album I listened to as a child, was Lightfoot. As an adult, I often put Gord’s Gold on repeat until my family couldn’t stand it, and made me change the cd.
Black Day in July is one of my faves, and helped form my social conscience. I think it was banned in certain parts of the US when it was released.
Circle of Steel is another fave. Did She Mention My Name. There are so many. Don Quixote, Race Among the Ruins.
I’m so grateful I grew up when all those beautiful songs were so popular.
No campfire or kitchen sing song is complete without a few Gord songs.I hope young people who didn’t know his music are now going to hear it.
Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot - your music will always remain remembered - its beautiful 💜💜
“If You Could Read My Mind” is an amazing song with killer vocals
I'm a child of the 70's, growing up in rural Ohio. My mom had Gord's Gold on vinyl and I listened to it all of the time growing up. RIP Gordo, and thanks for the decades of great music!
I heard a young woman say, hearing his music gave me a special insight into a different world and emotions I've never felt before. Cheers!
I remember like it was yesterday when I heard the news of Chester Bennington's passing that shocked the whole world. It says it all in his music. Not just Linkin Park fans but everyone who have listened to their music. And even before and after like David Bowie, Chris Cornell, Prince, Avicii and many more. Tragedies happen for a reason but we have to be thankful for all of these talented people wrote good music in the world.
Who is Chester Beningston?
@@BobbyGeneric145linkin park lead singer
His loss still hurts. Beautiful voice. I was hooked the moment I heard crawling
I knew it was coming but I still lost it over David Crosby. I've always wished I had that level of talent. I wonder if having it was enough for them.
Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell and Kurt Kobain still hurt to this day. I was shocked to the core as well to hear about Taylor Hawkins. So so many great great musicians hav have left us too soon. However yes, their legacy’s live on. Like Gordon’s will.
"Sundown" was one of the first songs I can remember getting stuck in my head as a kid. I figure I was about three or four; we had just stopped at my grandma's place, and it happened to be the last song on the radio before my mom parked the van. I remember humming it to myself while putting up track for my Hot Wheels.
Lightfoot ranks with the true legends of modern music - Niel Diamond, Jim Croce, Christopher Cross - guys whose songs may not get a lot of airtime these days, but that literally everyone knows, even if only in passing. Songs that stick with you, even if you've heard them only once, long after their melody is a memory of a memory. I challenge any of these pop "musicians" making mass-produced noise in 2023 to even try to conceive of something as heartfelt and resonant as the folk songs of old. They can't, and they won't, because what they make is a product. Lightfoot and his ilk - what they made was MUSIC.
And real music lives forever. 🎶
As an american growing up in Georgia, I knew Gordon Lightfoot from my grandfather's old vinyls, and he'll always be one of my main inspirations for being a folk musician. One can only hope to be half as savvy politically and musically and make it all work together seamlessly. He'll always be an essential part of folk history
What a wonderful and sincere tribute to Gordon Lightfoot! … Bravo!
I was working on the finger picking of Red Shea’s intro lick at the beginning of “Rosanna” in 1969 in a coffee nook at York Uni in Toronto when a guy came up beside me and said, “You’ve almost got it.” and I looked up into that face I knew so well. He kindly sat down and showed me the chord change and finger pick, and we had a chat. All these years later, and his passing still hurts. R.I.P. Gord.
What a wonderful, and perfectly Gordon Lightfoot, story!
I was blessed to be able to see him live in late 2022. Rest in peace Mr. Lightfoot.
My favorite is "Cotton Jenny ". But I lived in Minnesota in 1975 and can still vividly remember the loss of the Edmond Fitzgerald. We waited for news updates hoping they would be found. And we mourned the loss of the 29 lives. Then Lightfoot wrote his song about the wreck. It was perfect.
He will be missed.
I've been streaming Gordon ever since I heard. Being from the U.S. and mostly familiar with his music in the seventies, this deep dive has been revelatory. Almost every song I'd never heard was as captivating and beautiful and the classics I was familiar with. He was truly one of the best poet-singer-songwriters ever.
As good as his "hits" were, his lesser known songs are just as good. I wish more people would go deeper and listen to his entire catalogue. Just an amazing body of work! Such an amazing artist!
Same here. I was well aware of how great he was since I was young but I mostly stuck to the same 15-20 songs. I did a deep dive around 10 years ago and my jaw was on the floor by the end. I couldn't believe it was possible to write so many truly amazing songs. Some of his best work is hidden deep and didn't get mainstream attention. I can't think of an artist who has such consistently high quality songs. He was truly one of a kind.
Lightfoot's 'Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' has a space in my heart, as i was born on November 10th, the anniversary of the day the Edmund Fitzgerald went down, on the coastal town of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, off the waters of Lake Superior. Rest easy, Lightfoot.
Great recap on your personal memories of Gordon Lightfoot's music. Here's a very brief story. I had the great fortune to see Gordon at the Karen & Richard Carpenter Theater in Thousand Oaks, California, November 2010. I sat on the front row, in the middle seat, $55...he was 10 feet away! There, he stood, playing his Gibson 12 string guitar. Many of hits were heard that beautiful night! I will never ever forget that I saw Gordon Lightfoot. One more bit. I'm retired from Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank. As WB employees, we could purchase any WB, Atlantic records. I bought many Gordon Lightfoot albums at 70% discount from retail. He, as you know, was a Warner Bros. recording artist. Great memories! Thank you for a wonderful post on one of the best guitarists and singer/songwriters ever! Our own local Westlake Music College alumnus, Gordon Lightfoot!
ah man, I hadn't actually hear about his death until I got your notification. I remember after Leonard Cohen's death, I sat at home all weekend listening to his songs, and reading his poems, feeling like I'd never given him the appreciation he deserved until that moment. While I can't say I've ever under-appreciated Lightfoot - he was the sound of my childhood after all - the news hits me hard. Rest in Peace to another of the great Canadian poets.
Been a fan of yours for years, Polyphonic, and somehow didn't know you were a fellow Canadian! This was a great tribute to an iconic Canadian artist.
Hello, from the Land of the Living Skies!
A great story teller whose music lent an almost surreal touch.
He joins other greats like Harry Chapin, Jim Croche and Glen Campell. Man, they must have one helluva music fest in heaven! RIP Gordon.
This was a gorgeous tribute, Polyphonic. RIP Gord Lightfoot
Thank you Gordon for the timeless gift of your music. It is unmatched and will live forever.
My dad had a cassette of Lightfoot he used to play in the car on long trips with us as kids. He is a part of those memories...Carefree Highway, Sundown, If you could read my mind, etc.. And don't forget, Canada also has the band Rush! As an American, I have zero shame in calling these incredible Canadian musicians and the musical portraits they've painted in my mind as among my all time favorites! Thank you for doing this tribute!
Gord’s Gold has always reminded me of home. No matter where I’ve been in life, it makes me feel like I’m that kid in Northern Alberta
Thank you for this, I too grew up on Gordon’s music. I have a story about the man. Back in the early 2000’s I won a bid on EBay for a “Signed Gordon Lightfoot school book”. My father was a huge Lightfoot fan and this was going to be a Father’s Day gift. After battling it out with another at the end of the auction the book was mine for $125.00. It was signed by Gordon Lightfoot (I can’t remember the year), Orillia Ontario. A book on Canadian tax codes and laws. I sent it to my Father who was over the moon about it. He took it with him to a Lightfoot show in Santa Rosa with a friend of his. Hanging out around the back door Gordon’s manager came and asked him what was up. Dad told him he wanted to show Gordon his old school book. It was arranged and they met. After looking at it Gordon said “I’m sorry to tell you, but this wasn’t my book, and that’s not my signature”. My Dad was crushed, thinking I had wasted my money on a scam. Gordon then told him “This was my father’s book. He worked at a bank in Orillia. That’s my father’s signature.” My Dad offered the book to him but Gordon told him no the book was his now, but he would put his signature under his fathers for him, and did. Dad still talks to this day about it. Best gift ever. Rest In Peace Gordon, thank you for everything.
Well, as it turns out, Gordon's father's name was also Gordon, hence the confusion in the signatures.
Never heard about this performer, but his music sounds so nostalgic to me. I'm not from Canada, I'm not even from Americas, but still Gordon Lightfoot's music makes me feel at peace. Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful performer with us
Definitely check out more of his music! His self-titled debut album, "Lightfoot" is a great place to start, as is "Did She Mention My Name."
I was in Maine 1971 thru 1975. When I got there I found his music, I was now not alone. His music was the greatest comfort to me. I have never forgot and never will. Rest in peace
I’ve been bugging my dad for his original pressing of Sundown, pretty much the only record he won’t let me take. That won’t be changing any time soon. Rest easy Gordon.
RIP Gorden Lightfoot. He will be missed. You are a treasure among Canadian UA-camr to cover such a folk talent.
I’m a 62 year old Montrealer and my folks had ‘ Gords Gold’ when I was in my teens and I loved it. Though it wasn’t until later that I realized just how great it actually is. As I’ve learned more about music I hear the subtleties in the accompaniment of his musicians and the perfection of his voice and the ride and cadence of the music is amazing. Most of his better known songs hold real memories for me and finding ones I’ve never heard is like opening a gift. Thanks Gord Rip
How sad...I thought that I'd at least meet him in a concert one of these days...I really like his song, "If You Could Read My Mind" and even sang it during karaoke at The Black Lodge in Memphis, TN, USA last year. It's beautiful, somber, and it utilizes storytelling techniques, which I, as a writer and performer, can appreciate. Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot!
Gordon Lightfoot, a part of my teen years. Just listen to that smooth voice. You will be missed, Sir. And loved forever.
He's one of my favorite singers. Sundown was my go to song. Loved all he sang, he just had one of those iconic soothing voices RIP Gordon Lightfoot
Thank you for making my life easier...R.I.P. Poet and Instrumentalist. 💔
I had a feeling this video was only a matter of time, a beautiful tribute to the man and his work.
And yes, my first Lightfoot album was also Gord's Gold, and it did make me a lifelong fan and admirer.
You brought it all to life for me again , I felt like I was a kid again listening to my transistor radio with the antenna extended and pressed against the metal frame of my bedroom window to get reception . I haven't had a cry like that in quite some time. Thank you .
I've been a fan of Lightfoot ever since I heard the first line of Early Morning Rain. I was very excited to see him perform in New Brunsick in March 2020, but sadly got canceled due to Covid. Truly one of Canada's greatest talents. Rest in Peace
Very sad to hear of Gordon's passing. His music was iconic, and reached both young and old. He was my favorite folk singer and I loved all his songs because of all the emotion they would bring! My father, who also passed at 84, loved listening to his music. I had the great pleasure of seeing him in concert 3 times. RIP to a Canadian treasure.
The Circle is Small is one of my favourite love songs.
As a Native Minnesotan, my dad grew up on the Mesabi Iron Range (where we visited my grandparents a few times a year) and he was a big fan of Bob Dylan’s folk music, as he was also from that part of Minnesota.
I don’t remember listening to a lot of Gordon Lightfoot growing up, but his covers of Dylan’s songs bring warmth and even more heart to the original songs. When I did listen to Lightfoot more as a teen and into my 20s, Lightfoot’s music was perfect to listen to while being Up North, wandering around or staying in Duluth (where I went to college) and enjoying the wonders of the North Shore!
I’ll definitely listen to more of it, it’s very enchanting!
I was introduced to Lightfoot a couple years back. The moment I heard Canadian Railroad Trilogy, I fell in love with his music. Bitter Green, Carefree Highway, If You Could Read My Mind, so many others. When I got the news of his passing, I actually cried. R.I.P Gordon Lightfoot
I found out about Gordon through my mother, and I grew to absolutely love his music. His death shocked me immensly. He's impacted my songwriting and music tastes so much, and he is one of my favorite musicians ever. Rest easy, Lightfoot.
Gordon was a hugh song writer. He beats out Dillon by far ,as beautiful folk songs go. Gordon made you feel what he was saying. You are already missed. Early morning rain brings chills down my back.
Rick Beato also did a remembrance yesterday on Gordon. It seems those who know, teach and appreciate music the most were affected by Gordon Lightfoot the most. I lived in Alaska for a while so I, too, “get” the pussy willow song. Thank you for this!
I grew up with his radio hits in the 70's. (along with John Denver tunes) After playing thousands of gigs in rock bands over the decades, I hung up my electric guitar 6 years ago at 55 and I have rediscovered the folk-ish music of my youth. I have become reacquainted with the music of Lightfoot and Denver. Now in my early 60's, I play acoustic solo and duo gigs. No more late nights, no more crushing volumes. And I play at home for my own enjoyment...often to vein of Lightfoot and Denver.
So many memories of listening to his LP's back in the Seventies. I feel as if I've lost a long-time friend. "Mother of a Miner's Child" is my favorite of his songs.
To a lot of us, Gordon Lightfoot IS Canadian music. His songs were carefully crafted. His melody lines flowed in and around each other. His lyrics were polished into a complete story; each song could be a movie on its own. He was uncompromising on the instrumentation, commanding perfection both in the studio and in concert. He saw it as a duty to bring his magic to the public. I believe he was on tour up until about a month ago. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert near Vancouver last November. Although he struggled to get enough breath, he found ways to deliver each song with the power it deserved. And of course, that famous 12-string still had all of Gord's magic. Rest easy old friend, you've earned it many times over.
Remembering Gordon Lightfoot, a timeless musician whose music continues to inspire and move us
Oh, Polyphonic, thank you so much for this love letter to Gordon Lightfoot and his music. I was sad when I heard he had passed, but I didn’t get verklempt until I watched your video.
I’m a lifelong Michigander, who has spent many hours on road trips across the UP and around Lake Superior (M-28, U.S. 2, Hwy 61, Hwy 17) listening to the very album that you called out, “Gord’s Gold”. I can’t express how resonant this piece was for me. “Early Morning Rain” was the first Gordon Lightfoot song I remember hearing, probably before I was in kindergarten (the George Hamilton IV version, but still). Even at that young age I got what he was saying about loneliness. Or maybe my concept of that emotion was formed by that song, I don’t know.
I had tentatively planned a road trip up to Gargantua for later this spring but I’m going for sure now, and you know what I’ll be listening to.
Thanks again, Polyphonic, and thanks Gordo.
He had a very distinct and unique style of singing, the kind that's not easily duplicated. Such a nice voice. His songs have a way of bringing back a memory in time, the mark of a great artist. rip gordon
Last night they lit up Split Rock lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Superior to honor Gordon Lightfoot.
I live near the lighthouse. I drove over to an overlook and watched the lighthouse beacon flash in the night while listening to Gordo.
I've gotten really into John Prine lately, and one of the best concerts I've watched videos of is his House of Strombo set. Gord was in attendance and Prine frequently talked to him directly after songs. Prine said that Gord was his songwriting hero, and that instantly made me understand why he was such a big deal, and gave me a ton of newfound respect for him. RIP Gord and RIP Prine, two of the best are gone.
Rest in Peace, Mr Gordon LIghtfoot, and thank you very much for "The Circle is Small", one of my favorite songs.
Thank you for your thoughts and knowledge on Gordon. His words and voice was a gift not many could have. Glad I was able to hear him in my life. RIP
‘Beautiful’ is still a song that reminds me that love of someone true will always illuminate even in the darkest days. I grew up on his music & had the luxury to see him live once. RIP to an a real musical legend.
No one could voice melancholy and grief with such eloquence.
I've just been watching a number of the tributes to Gordon Lightfoot on UA-cam today. As someone who grew up in the 60s and 70s, it wasn't so much that you were a Gordon Lightfoot fan, but that his music was part of the makeup of Canadian culture. If you were into music at all, you heard Gordon Lightfoot. His music was just everywhere. It didn't matter that he was an amazing instrumentalist, or that he had a unique voice, or that he had songwriting skills that even Bob Dylan envied. He had all those things and many more, but uniquely for the time, he was part of the heart and soul of what made you a Canadian.
I'm American, but I grew up in Wisconsin. In the shadow of the Great Lakes. My highschool art teacher knew someone who'd been on the Fitz. My Canadian friends have often jokingly told me that Wisconsin is Canada Jr, and I can't disagree. He was the a large chunk of the soundtrack to my childhood aswell.
I was blessed to have met Gordon Lightfoot 6 years ago. He autographed my book," Lightfoot". What a wonderful memory for me.
I live in his hometown and will go sign one of his books of condolence
today. He is a "National Treasure". All of us Orillia folk are very proud of Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you Gordon. You are singing in heaven now for a captive audience. 🙏✝️🕊✌️🌹
Thank you. What a great tribute. I’m so glad you mentioned Pussywillows and Cat tails… it’s just a small sample of Gordon painting the Canadian landscape for us Americans. 🇺🇸💔🇨🇦
Gordon's music filled the car (on 8 tracks) during our many cross country family road trips. I continued to be a fan, in adulthood and my daughter thanks me regularly for raising her with great music. RIP Gord and thank you Polyphonic!
I found out he passed this morning so I put on "If you could read my mind".I'm not ashamed to admit I had a tear in my eye.
Growing up and living in northern Minnesota (up in Duluth, on Lake Superior) we've all got a deep connection to Gordon, especially with "Edmund Fitzgerald" to which I think everyone recognizes as our anthem as Great Lakers. Thanks for the video. RIP
Saw him in OKC in the 90s. A small man, so kind, and so strong. Absolute masterful performance.
I got to see him last year in watertown Ny and one old couple was crying at the end of the concert and it really shows how amazing his music is.
I was so desperately hoping that you would make this video @Polyphonic . I grew up in Northern Sask but eventually moved to the city. Long River is by far my favourite song. Ever. My uncle still has land along the Saskatchewan River and whenever I hear that song I always think of it and of being a kid again with my family.
Thank you so much Mr Lightfoot, you’ll always be remembered and loved in my family.
And thank you Polyphonic, sincerely
Lovely tribute! I saw his first appearance at Massey Hall. What struck me was how he held the packed house enthralled with his voice and songs. An exceptional songsmith and rivetting performer. He has left a legacy of material for future fans to enjoy.
Gordon Lightfoot was also a roadtrip staple in my family. This wonderful tribute moved me to tears; thank you for shining a light of such a Canadian legend.
One of my dearest memories from my childhood was getting a shout out on the legendary Radio Caroline for my birthday. They played my favourite song, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
He was also my first favourite folk musicians before I really got into my own countries greats like Nick Drake and Sandy Denny.
I am greatful I will always have his music.
Also I realise this is absolutely not the appropriate time but I would love for you to do an episode on Fairport Convention or Sandy. Much love.
Saw him when I was in highschool in Peekskill, NY. He was such a nice guy. I was hoping that he would stick around forever. Thank you, Gord, for the countless great songs!
Good to hear all of his lessor known classics.. not just his huge hits. RIP my good friend Gordon
As a then young South African person of colour his music in the 1970 s resonated with me and my parents . Sundown a personal favourite. RIP
As he himself wrote, "The road I chose was not all it should be, but sometimes it was, oh, so sweet"
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was the first song to ever make me cry. RIP
So sad to hear of his passing. I always liked many of his songs, especially Sundown.
What a great performer. I loved his voice and songs.
Grew up right on the shore of Lake Erie east of Cleveland. Spent most of my youth at the beach in summer on the ice in winter. Never had a real appreciation of the area until moving away. This video took me back. RIP, Gordon.
Thank you. I fell in love with Lightfoot while an American soldier in Germany. The German-England version of If You Could Read My Mind fit so well with my life there. After immigrating to Canada in 1974, I became even more aware of all his many songs. The world feels a bit emptier now
A fitting tribute for a Canadian Legend. Well done. RIP Gord.
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most haunting songs ever, it's practically necessary to follow a listen up with Sundown as a palate cleanser.
I didn’t even know I’ve been listening to Gordon Lightfoot songs all my life, covered by Tony Rice. I didn’t realize how many Lightfoot songs I already know all the words to, and now I have the pleasure of listening to the originals for the first time. It’s bittersweet to appreciate his gifts posthumously, but wonderful all the same.
I especially love Sixteen Miles:
“Somewhere on the mountain I'll take another name,
Rid my mind of memories and start my life again.
Somewhere in the wilderness I'll build a cabin small, then forget so I won't remember you at all.“
I grew up listening to my parents' CD of Gord's Gold. So many beautiful songs (including one of my all time favs, "Beautiful").