GORDON LIGHTFOOT - "my life, regrets and music". A Tribute to a Legend.

Yesterday the world lost yet another legend.

GORDON LIGHTFOOT was 84. He was born on Nov 17, 1938 in Ontario, Canada. His parents recognised and encouraged his interest in music; his first guest appearance on stage came just before he turned 13, as the winner of a competition for boys whose voices had not broken yet. After a background in barbershop quartets, and as a member of a duo, Lightfoot struck out on his own in the early 60’s. He had already written around 75 songs, caught up in the country music scene and folk revival of the time. His music was discovered in 1964 when fellow Canadians, Ian and Sylvia chose two of his songs for their next record. One of these was ‘For Lovin Me’ – a song Gordon tells us about during our chat.

Soon after, Gordon was introduced to Albert Grossman who at the time was managing Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio then recorded the same two songs as Ian and Sylvia and enjoyed considerable success with them. Marty Robbins also recorded Lightfoot’s Ribbon of Darkness’ . Albert Grossman signed Lightfoot and under that arrangement he recorded five albums for United Artists, four studio albums and one live album.  Later Gordon split from Grossman and formed his own company. From 1970 through to 1998 he released 14 more original albums. In 2002 Gordon Lightfoot suffered an almost fatal illness that saw him recuperating for nearly 2 years.  He tells us more about his brush with death.

Although he had toured the US and Canada in the 60’s, Gordon’s chart appearances were in Canada only. However following the release of his first album, a disc jockey began to play one of the tracks on the radio. It was not the title song but it took the world by storm. 

If You Could Read My Mind became one of the most frequently covered songs in popular music history. After some harder edged music in the early 80’s, Gordon returned to his acoustic roots. Gordon Lightfoot has 4 Grammy nominations and 17 Juno awards and was inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986. Seven of his albums have gone ‘gold’ and he has an absolutely enormous fan base. It’s no wonder. Gordon’s music and his personality were both irresistible.

The world will really miss Gordon Lightfoot. RIP dear man and thank you for your contribution.

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