Posted on 05/01/2023 6:48:41 PM PDT by Drew68
Legendary Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has died at age 84.
Victoria Lord, a representative for the family, says the musician behind classic Canadian ballads "Early Morning Rain" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" died at a Toronto hospital on Monday evening.
His cause of death was not immediately available.
The Orillia, Ont., native rose to fame in the early 1960s after a move to Toronto opened doors in the thriving Yorkville music scene, and hooked him up with fellow folkies Ian and Sylvia Tyson. They became great admirers of his work and covered two of his tracks.
His 1965 debut album "Lightfoot!" ushered in a new folk voice and by the turn of the decade he eased rather effortlessly into the pop scene, making his first appearance on the Billboard chart with 1971's "If You Could Read My Mind."
Lightfoot's popularity peaked in the mid-1970s when both his single and album "Sundown" topped Billboard -- his first and only time doing so.
But his chart positions did little to slow him down in the final decades of his career when he built a reputation as one of the stalwart road musicians, in spite of various health challenges.
Thx for the soundtrack playlist.
Summer side of life, affair on 8th avenue, circle of steel, bitter green, beautiful, now and then, wherefore and the why, the watchman’s gone,. It’s worth believing,...so many songs...he was respected greatly by his peers...but was under appreciated here in the usa
Never had any of his albums but that is my favorite song of his.
This was the absolute best video of Edmund Fitzgerald. Actual footage used.
Sorry, haven't gotten the hang of making live links. I guarantee this is the best.
This was the absolute best video of Edmund Fitzgerald. Actual footage used.
Sorry, haven't gotten the hang of making live links. I guarantee this is the best.
I will miss him. His great music lives on as his legacy.
If I had to choose a lifetime favorite musician it would be Gordon Lightfoot.
The House You Live In
by Gordon Lightfoot
Go first in the world, go forth with your fears
Remember a price must be paid
Be always too soon, be never too fast
At the time when all bets must be laid
Beware of the darkness, be kind to your children
Remember the woman who waits
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
When you’re caught by the gale and you’re full under sail
Beware of the dangers below
And the song that you sing should not be too sad
And be sure not to sing it too slow
Be calm in the face of all common disgraces
And know what they’re doin’ it for
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your door
When you’re out on the road and feelin’ quite lost
Consider the burden of fame
And he who is wise will not criticize
When other men fail at the game
Beware of strange faces and dark dingy places
Be careful while bending the law
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your door
When you’re down in the dumps and not ready to deal
Decide what it is that you need
Is it money or love, is it learnin’ to live
Or is it the mouth you must feed
Be known as a man who will always be candid
On questions that do not relate
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate
Indeed.
Growing up in the Detroit area, listening to CKLW...loved his music.
Yes!!
My wife is a gift from God. August 12th will be 45 years of marriage to my ‘right arm’. Last friday of September will mark 46 years since meeting her (a meeting so startling that only God could set up such an event. Long story).
She’s a God-fearing 66 years, and still good lookin and good cookin, with a perfect personality for this man. I would hate myself forever if I wronged her.
Superb song with outstanding lyrics. Gordon was a master song writer and singer.
Songs of a lifetime!
I passed on an Elvis concert in Little Rock because he was coming back.
He never did.
He was always one of my absolute favorites. What a loss!
Song for a Winter’s Night is probably my very favorite - love that song. There are many others I like - Gord’s Gold is good stuff.
RIP Gordon ... you will be greatly missed.
Cotton Jenny. Endless Wire. Hangdog Hotel Room. Cherokee Bend.
The lyrics of Early Morning Rain always get me. Growing up in Michigan the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was well known. My parents had several Gordon tapes around the house and I loved listening to them. God’s speed Gordon. Truly one of the greats.
Love the line about feeling lost on the road but considering the burden of fame....his lyrics were absolutely wonderful....
If not for Gordon Lightfoot, the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald most likely would have been completely forgotten.
He was such a talent and soothing voice in a chaotic world.
RIP
Speaking of musicians dying, I just recently learned that Robin Lumley passed away in March of this year. Ass a long-time Brand X fan, this was sad news.
Here’s one of his compositions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BRa2mVEjPY
Canadian legend. One of the great folk singers. Many memorable tunes.
It wasn't a great movie, but it was interesting because it was made in small town Saskatchewan, about a minor league hockey player who didn't want to grow up. It starred Keir Dullea and Elizabeth Ashley and, of course, Gordon Lightfoot's song.
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