Gordon Lightfoot

 I was sad to read that Gordon Lightfoot passed away yesterday.

My first concert was a Gordon Lightfoot performance at Massey Hall in November 1968. He seemed as though he belonged on that stage. He used to perform there every November, his birthday month. For a while in the 70s, my favourite singer alternated between him and Stevie Wonder.

Gordie wrote some of Canada's best songs, which included folk, rock, and ballads. He had a unique style and a great voice (the latter was unlike someone he was often compared to, Bob Dylan). The CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) commissioned him to write something in honour of Canada's centennial in 1967. He wrote Canadian Railroad Trilogy, which he had to research. A superb piece of historical writing.

Canadian Railroad Trilogy

What's my favourite Lightfoot song? It's too hard too choose just one. 

Here's another possibility that perhaps isn't as well known, Christian Island, an ode to his sailboat and to summers at the cottage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP3n_U7G2CY