Gordon Lightfoot has passed away

[LiveMusic]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I just read his Wikipedia entry, At 84 and after some long struggle with illnesses, I'd say it is more sad for his friends, and fans than for him.

The news reminded me of an American chap I met, must have been in the late '60s here in the UK. He it was who introduced me to GL and his music.

A generation is passing,

Well put. He was a true troubadour, seemed to love it. Most excellent talent, a triple combo -- writing, playing, singing. I was curious if Gordon was known for any particular guitar model and saw some conflicting info but Martin issued a GL sig model, a D18, so, that probably wins! Also mentioned was a Gibson B45 12er. A Martin honcho mentioned that he decided to limit it to 61, GL's age at the time, and he said that was a big mistake, because they went quickly.

I read where he started in 1958, so, think of that, a 65 year career! Wow!

[Gunny]

Into the big Gitche Gumee. Rest well Gordon.

[KevWind]

One of the true giants of music . "The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down". RIP

[Wellington]

Was sad to hear this yesterday, my dad had several Lightfoot records while I was growing up so i was exposed early on, I always loved his music. I too own quite a few of his vinyls and love spinning them, I've always been very proud of him as a Canadian. Rest in peace.

[fitness1]

There are VERY few I held in higher regard than Gordo - he inspired SO many with his songwriting and performance skills.

Thankful I got to see him a couple times in his prime.

I got this shot when I was in the front row and he came out on the edge of the stage with his guitar and sat on a piano bench with a single mic. He gave the band a rest for 3-4 tunes. I got to meet him later on that evening.

Go get a well deserved rest sir....you did it very well for a very long time.

[rmp]

oh no!!! Sad news today.

God Speed Gordon, thanks for all the great music

Maybe my older sister Donna finally gets to do a meet and greet, she was one of his biggest fans.

[RTR]

Originally Posted by LiveMusic

Well put. He was a true troubadour, seemed to love it. Most excellent talent, a triple combo -- writing, playing, singing. I was curious if Gordon was known for any particular guitar model and saw some conflicting info but Martin issued a GL sig model, a D18, so, that probably wins! Also mentioned was a Gibson B45 12er. A Martin honcho mentioned that he decided to limit it to 61, GL's age at the time, and he said that was a big mistake, because they went quickly.

I read where he started in 1958, so, think of that, a 65 year career! Wow!

He favoured Gibson 12s. At one point his working guitars were stolen, and he offered significant reward for the return of one of them, I believe a Martin D-18, but I would need to look it up. A bit on the Martin forum indicates it was the very rare Gibson 12 B45 for which the reward was offered and though he used a Martin 12, he replaced it with another Gibson which he preferred.
The times I saw him he was playing a Gibson !2.

[westview]

It's so nice to meet an old friend and pass the time of day,
and talk about the hometown a million miles away.

Is the ice still in the river? Are the old folks still the same?
And by the way, "Did She Mention My Name?"


Oh the prairie lights are burning bright, the chinook wind is a moving in
Tomorrow night I'll be "Alberta Bound".

[MrDB]

One of my musical regrets is I never got to see him live. The news didn't come as a surprise since he had canceled his tour just recently.

His songs will live on. What a great talent. RIP sir.

[lightfoote]

Gordon Lightfoote passed away last night at the age of 84. IMO there is no single songwriter/performer that will ever be his equal.

RIP Gordon

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by fitness1

There are VERY few I held in higher regard than Gordo.....I got to meet him later on that evening.

Nice photo, and I envy you a bit Todd. I always wanted to meet him and thank him personally for the music. Not to be.... I spent last night playing nothing but his songs for about 90 minutes on the back porch swing as it got dark. I need to refresh some lyrics, but my voice gave out and I got sore fingertips long before the songs that I know (and play) ran out. There was a time that I could play almost everything in his catalog.

I grew up in southern Michigan and we got better reception from Canadian stations from across Lake Huron than we did from many closer American TV and radio stations. So I was exposed early on and was heavily influenced by Canadian artists in general.

[Photojeep]

I cannot imagine what it would be like to have that much of an influence on the world as he did. He will be truly missed.

However, heaven just got one heck of a guitar player for the band!

RIP,
PJ

[guitargabor]

In 1967, I remember that CBC TV broadcast a special on Canada's centennial. Gord's music was featured as the backdrop, including "Canadian railroad trilogy".

The song played while old photos of "The last spike" and other classic images depicting the building of the CP railroad were displayed.

He had many more exceptional songs that became major hits in Canada over the years.Most Americans are unfamiliar with those treasures.

"Beautiful" and "Saturday clothes" are early songs with major seventh cords giving them a softer, jazzy feel, two of my favorites.

Many songs invoke the unique characteristics of my native land especially "Nous Vivons Ensemble"...

He was the ultimate troubadour of Canada.

[RP]

Originally Posted by L20A

I knew that this day was coming but I was not prepared for it. Sad day for music.
It was Gordon and John Denver that inspired me to learn to play the guitar.
Both were masters of their trade.

Their legacy will live on though.

Couldn't have said it better....

[Glennwillow]

Wow... What an icon! I'm sorry for his family, but I hope he is resting in peace.

I learned so much from his music and playing over the years. I am a bit in shock.

- Glenn