VIDEOS: Gordon Lightfoot (1938-2023)
I haven’t much to say about Gordon Lightfoot, other than that he was a legend. His talent was so universal that no matter what type of music someone is interested, if they’ve heard of him they have good things to say about his music. His wasn’t the first Greatest Hits album I ever purchased, but it was somewhere in the top five (I believe #3).
This remains my favorite song of all times. I once tried to karaoke it… it went very badly. (Is it me or does he look a lot like a dead ringer for Bryan Cranston here?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK–A-IaZnA
Here’s the Studio Version.
I think this is his most covered song. Certainly the most covered in a variety of genres:
Here’s the studio version, and a reaction video.
This is, of course, his most Canadian song (Yes, yes, American boat, but sank in Canadian waters and is just has a Canadian vibe, in my humble opinion):
Here’s the backstory of the Edmund Fitzgerald. More. Studio Version
And the last song with which I associate him, though there’s no good video of him singing it:
I am absolutely devastated to hear this. He was such a huge part of me growing up. My Dad was a big fan. I remember the first 45 records (with that little yellow disc) that my sister, brother, and I got. She got Fernando by Abba, my brother Muskrat Love by Captain and Tennille (in his defense he was a kid), and I had the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (my Goth tendencies started young). One of my greatest regrets is not getting to see him preform live.Report
He held the Companion of the Order of Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor his nation could give him.
The tribute concert that ought to happen would be tremendous. Imagine Diana Krall, the Tragically Hip, Sarah McLaughlin, Feist reuniting with Broken Social Scene, Arcade Fire, Bryan Adams, the Band (3/4 are Canadian!), Neil Young, and k.d. lang all gathering on a stage to honor Canada’s greatest ever singer-songwriter. I hope someone makes that happen.
ETA damnit they’ll probably invite Bieber too. Whatever.Report
Point of order, the American in The Band – the late great Levon Helms – has died so they are, indeed, an all-Canadian band now, although The Band is down to just Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson.Report
Oh, this makes me sad. The Band is now The Duo.Report
The old TV show SCTV (which was made in Canada) once had a parody TV advertisement for a fake compilation album entitled “Gordon Lightfoot Sings Every Song Ever Written”.
My favorite line he ever wrote was this:
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While Gordon will always be second in my heart to the Canadian legend Stan Rogers; he remains a peerless master and the world has darkened slightly in the wake of his departure. RIP.Report
Rick Beato, whom you should be following, just posted a heartfelt tribute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iw7Jei8XOoReport
I just found him on YouTube, talking about the evolution of Steely Dan. Good stuff, in between his pushing merch.Report
He’s definitely running a business, but he makes good videos. His “What Makes This Song Great” series draws on his knowledge as a musician and record producer. And he’s always been a Gordon Lightfoot fan. The guy is a craftsman, so of course he’s been.Report