Gordon Lightfoot at 73. A rare glimpse into the private life of a folk legend and Canadian icon. For more info, please go to www.globalnews.ca/folk+hero/64...
This interview is such a treat. I have loved him since the 70s. A poet, great singer and one of the best songwriters ever. And a good looking man too. I just saw him perform this week at Wolf Trap. His voice has changed since his younger years but I am so grateful to just see this genius one more time. God bless you, Gordon.
my grandson is 8 and he is autistic . i put on railroad trilogy and he was so quiet and listened to every word and to this day he can sing it . and he listened to yarmouth castle and edmund fitzerald . he's noise sensitive but these songs. he's so quiet and just listens. its awesome
"If You Could Read My Mind" One of the most beautifully haunting ballads of all time. After so many years it still brings me to tears. We used to be so young then.
I fell in love with that one, on my first ( AM radio) hearing, at six years old, and it remains my favorite to this day. Every note is perfection, but I must also acknowledge his voluminous library is consistently great!
I took it to the next level and grabbed a guitar! I can play it beautifully and I tear up so much when I choose to play cause I know I am going to pay a ransom note in feeling and emotion. I love it so much.
I saw an interview where Mr. Lightfoot said he had a serious hangover when he recorded that song. He wished he could have recorded a couple of more "takes" of it. Thing is, I've listened to that song many times -- and it's perfect.
If You Could Read My Mind is one of a very few songs that I think are perfectly constructed as far as key, chord arrangement, instrumentation and vocals. It’s still a hauntingly beautiful song and always will be.
Me too, Mary. I'm 53 and have loved him since I was 8 years old. He was the reason I started playing the guitar; he was the reason I bought my first 12-string.
I so agree. I'm 63 an have lived his songs at the same age,so much deep down feelings go into his music.My youngest Son's middle name is Gordon after the everlasting Song Man,MR GORDON LIGHTFOOT
Feb 2001, I picked the phone up,Hello? "Hello, is Mike there?" Mike speaking. "Hi Mike, Gord Lightfoot here." I'd written him a long and deeply personal letter, and he took the time to call me. We rapped for over two hours. We've spoken on a couple more occasions since. I wonder if he knows that 1st call saved my life. I'd never been so close to taking my own life right then. Out of nowhere, the greatest Canadian musical icon ever, reached out and saved me. How do you thank someone for that?
I think this Guy is one of the Greatest in Music....I been a Lightfoot fan since I was a Kid!!!!....This Guy is.still Going...He will in 2022...and Beyond
IM LEBANESE A MUSLIM FROM BEIRUT LEBANON ,,,JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU GORDON LIGHTFOOT TOUCHED PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD,,,,GORDONS SONGS PULLED ME THROUGH SOME CRAZY YEARS IN THE 70S,,,,,
As an amateur musician for many years, Lightfoot was my biggest musical influence, and being a Canadian, I always was so proud of him for not moving to the U.S.A.. My sister played me his first album in 1970 when I was twelve years of age, and I have been hooked on his music ever since then. A most unique songwriter, and I love his lush finger style guitar work. Not only a true Canadian music icon, but a true Worldwide music ICON !
His unique voice and music reflect the land that Canada is and was. AND he will be a historical figure unlike few singers Canada produced. I will miss him when he's gone as I am sure many will
As a kid growing up in the late 60s early 70s, I went dumpster diving with my friends in a big blue one behind a music store. I found a reel to reel tape and took it home to listen to. "If you could read my mind" came out and I was hooked from then on. I listened to his "I`m not suppose to care" over and over after the break up of my marriage years later. Still to this day I slow my walk as I heard Gordo on a stores speakers. Truly a master. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot, you are a blessing to many of us.
One of the greatest songwriters ever. He's definitely the best lyricist of all time, bar none. His songs go straight to the heart. "A Song for a Winter's Night", completely transports the listener, as with most of his compositions. I have every album he's ever made.
I love Gordon! What an awesome writer! My favorite reminds me of my dad, who was murdered in 08. The song “ Sundown” takes me back to the days when my folks were young. “Sundown you’d better take care if I find you’ve been creeping round my back stairs”. He’s a master! His music holds up and is as pertinent today as it was in the 70’s. Thank you Mr. Lightfoot!
"I love the work" we are all so grateful that you do. You've given our lives a musical script - pulling out one of your songs when we want or need one. Thank you.
At the last question the interviewer asks Gordon what he wants people to think of him after he's passed on and he replies, "Yeah, I do't really think about that stuff, ya know? I'd like to leave a clean campsite when I get outta here." What a guy.
What a great interview by Liz... My wife and I are going to see him in Concert here in Timmins, Ontario on August 26th. One of his songs, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald hits home with me. My dad's brother, my uncle, was buried on that day when that faithful ship sank in Lake Superior. I was living in Toronto at the time and the weather was just as gloomy. Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot for all you have done for Canada and the music scene.
One of my greatest thrills was speaking to Gordon Lightfoot outise the Orpheum theatre Stage Door after a concert on a rainy night in Vancouver many years ago. I gave him a bottle of homemade blackberry wine, alluding to his song title of the same name. I hope he and the band enjoyed sharing it as much as i enjoyed giving it to him, and them. Gordon Lightfoot was the soundtrack to my teenage years, the only musician I cannot truly live without. While most 1970s kids were rock freaks I was still into Lightfoot, Dylan, Phil Ochs and Peter Paul and Mary. the las living folky. Lightfoot's material continues to be my go-to music whenever I feel like listening to folk or adult contemporary music. He's unquestionably the greatest songwriter Canada has ever produced, with apologies to other great songwriters and producers like like Paul Anka, Randy Bachman, Neil Young, David Foster and Brian Adams. But Lightfoot is also a terrific concert performer, a band leader, highly educated and skilled in orchestration and arrangments, a master musician and a guy I've tried to emulate in my own music. Amazing one guy do all of those jobs and be great at all of them too. His discography speaks for itself. So what if he's lost half an octave at the top end!. Who hasn't when they're his age? I'll never stop buying his albums aor attending his concerts until he quits the music business. Thanks Gordon, for everything.
Now Doug. Gordon is great. Unmatched. Transcendent. But if you're going for Canada's greatest songwriter, you've got to get past Joni Mitchell. And she's not only Canada's greatest.
Legendary. I'd love to spend an hour with Gordon Lightfoot in his home surrounded by those mementos of his life and career and just talk about it all. It would need to be a month, not an hour...but I would take the hour if offered. Such a class act and so many great songs. One of the best lyricists ever.
A TRUE NORTH AMERICAN LEGEND!!! BEEN LISTENING TO MR.LIGHTFOOT SINCE THE 1970s WHILE I WAS STILL LIVING IN INDIA AND HAVE BEEN A DIEHARD FAN EVER SINCE. IF THE GREAT BOB DYLAN COULD BE A FAN OF LIGHTFOOT, WE ARE NOTHING!! WHEN YOU TALK TO YOUNGSTERS IN THE U.S. TODAY WHO'VE NEVER HEARD OF HIM,
“Beautiful” was the toast I made at the wedding of my youngest niece and her husband (who, like myself, is a major fan). Lightfoot is the reason I fell in love with Canada - and Canadian music.
Wow! Gordon Lightfoot, what a talent. I’ve seen him a few times at Massey Hall and always enjoyed his music. I used to hang around The Village in Yorkville in the 60’s and I believe he performed at the Riverboat on Yorkville Ave. Bought a few of his albums over the years too. Long live Gordon.👍👍🇨🇦
Thank God he is still here. Today, Nov 17th 2018 is his 80th birthday! You would think this great performer would sit back and relax and celebrate. I guess he is, because he's doing what he loves to do. What we all love to hear him do. He's doing a concert on HIS birthday in his home town. I wish I could be there. Happy 80th Gord!
It is now 2019. October 2019. He is 80 years young (and I am 70). He is still touring (right now recovering from a leg injury ...but still). Next Saturday I am a proud holder of a ticket to see "If you Could Read My Mind", being shown at the Windsor Ontario International Film Festival. This is a documentary of the exceptional man which is being shown in selective venues sporadically through this and next year and it's my turn to show up...to show my loyalty and admiration for this kind, humble and talented treasure. I can't wait. Watched him up close and personal in the 60's in Toronto before either of us (he or I) realized he would be THE Gordon LIghtfoot and followed his dulcet tones and his stellar career ever since with pride as a fellow Canadian and affection as a life long fan of the man, the music. We grudgingly share him with the world but he is and will forever be OUR Gordon Lightfoot and I am sure that suits him JUST FINE. ♥♥
+Roberta Pearson I am just a year older (58) and I don't remember the first time I heard Lightfoot, But I have LOVED him from that moment. Never heard a song I didn't like.
I'm 33 and couldn't agree more. I was raised on his music. Carefree Highway is such a beautiful song. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to see him live, meet him, and shake his hand. An incredible, immensely talented, musical hero of mine. Whenever I hear him I'm instantly transported back to being a child, sitting in the backseat of the car, windows down, and on our way to the cottage in Huntsville. I just adore him.
Time is cruel. Most of us become dust and fade away, leaving the faintest footprint on the world. Gordon Lightfoot will never fade away. His songs have put him in the human record for all time. His songs will always find people when they need them the most. The melancholy and the loss in his music, the simple feeling of breathing in life through pictures he paints with his words, they all make our lives better and will for generations to come.
A while back I decided I would try to get to know to a greater degree some of the independent singer/songwriter's that I had just a superficial acquaintance with from my younger days. Since I had become enthralled with the song 'Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald', I decided to start with Gordon. Wow, this guy is amazing. What a wonderful human being I have been missing out on all these years. Such talent and yet so down to earth is such a beautiful combination. Thank you so much, Gordon, for sharing your wonderful art.
I can relate. I picked up his Summertime Dream album for The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald and it snowballed from there. Before too long I had a stack of Gord's albums a foot high. Treasures all.
Cherokee Bend is my favourite story song. He is one of the top 5 songwriters of all time. His voice when he was younger brings great comfort and a sense of safety and love like no other. My late dad played him to me when I was growing up. I recommend the cold on the shoulder album. I t opens with bend in the water which I witnessed my dad perform on stage in 70`s on his guitar. A special connection
There was a lot of good music being spun around my parents growing up. John Denver, Jim Croce, The Kingston Trio and of course Gordon Lightfoot (who got the most play of all!)! My parents had seen him at The Circle Star Theatre! I hope to some day.. My mind blew with the scene about "The Edmund Fitzgerald" and the plaque featuring all 29 Officers and Crew who perished. Many moments in this were very cool.. But THIS.. Was CLASS! God bless you Mr. Lightfoot!
@Gordon Lightfoot I am well good Sir, thank you. I am very honored you'd take the time to say hello! Been a fan all my life and you've always meant the world to my family and I! Hope to see you in person one day and say hello personally. May your guitar never go out of tune!😉👍🏻
...THEY JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'VE MISSED OUT ON. MAY GORDON LIVE TO BE A HUNDRED YEARS OLD (AT LEAST) AND KEEP SINGING. HIS "CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY" IS MUSIC IN ALL IT'S DIVINITY. Jackson, Mississippi.
I loved his parting comment....I'm going to leave with a clean campsite. This interview is 3 years old and he is still touring with his band 8 or 9 months out of the year. I hope I have half of what he does that keeps me going as he does! His work transcends time.
The more recent live clips they showed in the video were filmed at a performance at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, CA. I believe that was five years ago. Last Saturday I had the pleasure of seeing him at the same venue. It was a great show, and I'm glad to see that he still has it in him to perform.
Although I will never likely see even one of his shows, I'll forever be a fan. People should enjoy this interview, it was well made, Thanks so much for posting it here. :)
God bless him and families. Great songs he wrote and a lot I've kept in my collection of cassette tapes.. oh my, now I feel so old.. great guy. great memories..
Saw Gordon about 10 years ago and it was tough to sit through in all honestly. Didnt understand more than a half dozen words coming out of his mouth the entire night. Lotta people around me were very disappointed as well. For 60 bucks I expected more. Loved his many hits in the 70s ...... just not live.
I haven't seen all that many musical concerts in my life but the one I saw of Gordon Lightfoot in New Orleans at the old Saenger Theatre tops my list. It was a special evening with my wife.
I am a 66year old Australian My first recollection of Gordon was If you could read my mind love Huge fan ever since Too often the word LEGEND is used Not in the case of Mr Lightfoot This mans work is extraordinary Up there with the very best singer song writers of all time
I love that he still does shows and even admits his high end vocals are shot. I could care less. We all age. I really hate to see people cast shade over the fact that he doesn't sing like he used to. His songs still speak to the people that love them, and to hear them coming from him live still holds so much power.
Jono Major My family and I are going to see him on March 23rd. I just can't wait. I have health issues and worry about a lot of pain sitting in that audience but I think his music will soothe me and allow me to forget about the pain. Just a once in a lifetime privilege to get to hear him sing "If you could read my mind love..." It brings tears to my eyes...I will be crying that night! Can't wait...oh yes I said that already...but it is so true!
I fell in love with this man's music when I was 11. I am now 63 and still in love. I've been fortunate enough to see him live many times, and I need my daily Gordon fix. He is a true Canadian legend.
Stunning. Beautiful. I'm 42 and I enjoy listening to Gordon several times a week. His voice is amazing and obviously his songwriting is second to none.
Had the great pleasure seeing this man in concert back in 2002 at Wolf Trap, Va, great performance, been one of my favorite singer/songwriters since I was a kid growing up in the 70s/80s, hope to see him again soon, a folk rock/music treasure.
I missed the chance to see him live because I was called into work. A miss that I will always regret. If there was one singer I would love to hear even one dong live it would be him. God bless.
I'll be 85 this month, used to go see Gordon at massy hall with my husband, and later with my two children when they were 14 and 16 the whole family were Gordon lightfoot fans, still a favorite of my sons, who will be 60 this month....what can I say, this terrific singer was part of our family Loved all his records, used to tape them on a old tape recorder and take it up to the cottage for the summer,
I had no idea Gordon was Canadian. I am one of the lucky ones to have heard his music played on the radio growing up and as a teen. I remember when The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was played on the radio. Love the music, love the voice.
Ann Gibson I never really paid attention the record label. It's the way they speak and sing. I would never have known Alex Treybek or Michael J. Fox were Canadian from their speech.
Ann Gibson I know. I swam in Lake Superior a lot growing up as my dad's family lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I have fond memories of my time spent up there with my grandparents and cousins.
From the streets of Toronto to fishing with my old man on one of the many lakes in Northern Ontario, Gordon Lightfoot is an absolute Canadian treasure and there's no musician I respect more.
I had some severe depression during my college years ..... Gordon Lightfoot music helped me get through it. I listened to the album's DON QUIXOTE and SIT DOWN YOUNG STRANGER at least a thousand times EACH
Huge fan of Gordo since I was a teenager. My brother introduced me to his music. I consider one of the greatest singer/songwriters/guitarists of all time! An amazing talent and gift to the world. Thanks for a lifetime of great music and memories Gordon! If you do tour again after the pandemic, please come to the Van Wezel in Sarasota Florida so I can have the great privilege of seeing you perform songs of yours live that have had a great impact on my life and and enjoyment to millions! Would love to see you perform live and just say thanks to a great and talented human being.
I saw him once in Edmonton I saw and heard the most admiring applause from the crowd. He is truly one of the very greatest folk singers and I love his music and his voice, his skills as a singing story teller is unmatched. Gordon Lightfoot is Canadians greatest performers. P.S I live in Alaska.
I am a 61 year old, and I have been listening since I was seventeen. He is a great poet. I have seen him in concert three times. Truthfully, he has lost a lot from his voice. So does everyone as they age. He has lasted longer than most. His songs will remain. "I Heard You Talking In Your Sleep"; one of his lesser known but beautiful songs.
A great interview with the open and energetic Lightfoot. There must be some Canadian in me, I never get far from Lightfoot music, since the first time I heard him as a kid. By age 23, I was at Billboard Magazine's Nashville division and interviewed him after a concert (the "Shadows" tour) at the Tenn. Performing Arts Center. Up through 2010, I think I've seen about 8 shows. He stopped drinking in 1982, we must hope he has quit smoking, too. Roll on, Ringneck Loon.
He is the reason I learned to play guitar in 1973. I was in college. All my friends were into Bowie and such. I loved Lightfoot, Mitchell and Cat Stevens. Still love his music. Went to see him in Spokane on his 42nd birthday. Unfortunately he celebrated to much before the show and really struggled. He still apologizes when he plays here. The crowd sang happy birthday to him and it was beautiful. It really touched him. He still influences my song writing. Leaning his stuff was like taking a course in how to properly structure a tune.
wow. great profile of a talented singer and songwriter and a "fair guy"... I cannot help but be impressed. Love that beat up Martin he plays at 10:28... and he plays it so well.
