Gordon Lightfoot Dies: Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau Remembers ‘One of Our Greatest Singer-Songwriters’
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Gordon Lightfoot, the late, legendary Canadian singer and songwriter, is being remembered for his contribution to his country’s folk songbook, and for inspiring generations of musicians and fans.
Lightfoot, who wrote the songs “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Sundown” and “If You Could Read My Mind,” and many other across a celebrated, decades long-career, died Monday (May 1) in a Toronto hospital at age 84.
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Born in Ontario, Lightfoot’s six-decade career began in the early 1960s on the Toronto folk circuit and went worldwide in the 1970s thanks to a string of influential hits. He scored four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in the ’70s, starting with “If You Could Read My Mind,” which peaked at No. 5 in 1971. Next up were “Sundown” — his lone No. 1 — and “Carefree Highway” (No. 10), both from 1974’s Sundown — also his only No. 1 album on the Billboard 200.
During his lifetime, he collected 13 Juno Awards in his native Canada, capped by his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986, and in 2012 was elevated into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led tributes. “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” he states. Lightfoot “captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family, friends, and many fans across the country and around the world: I’m keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.”
We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters. Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family,…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 2, 2023
As the sad news spread on social media, fans and fellow artists chimed in.
“This one is really hard to write,” reads a statement from countryman Bryan Adams. “Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I’m gutted to know he’s gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak for all Canadians when I say: thank you for the songs Gordon Lightfoot. Bless your sweet songwriting heart, RIP dear friend.”
This one is really hard to write. Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I'm gutted to know he's gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak… pic.twitter.com/GsFOwEGnrq
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) May 2, 2023
Brian Wilson, Belinda Carlisle, author Stephen King and many others weighed in on the passing of a great. See the reaction on social media below.
Rest in peace, Gordon Lightfoot. pic.twitter.com/DY6ZpuXWi7
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) May 2, 2023
Gordon Lightfoot has died. He was a great songwriter and a wonderful performer. Sundown, you better take care/If I catch you creepin' 'round my back stairs."
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 2, 2023
We're deeply saddened by the loss of 1998 Inductee Gordon Lightfoot. His music leaves behind an everlasting legacy in the hearts of Canadians everywhere. Our condolences to his loved ones, friends, and fans.
"Give me a wave I can ride upon, come and show your strength to me.” pic.twitter.com/EDUZ4MxO62— Canada’s Walk of Fame (@CWOFame) May 2, 2023
RIP Gordon Lightfoot https://t.co/dQdLGKktMR
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) May 2, 2023
In 2019, I recorded a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's haunting "If You Could Read My Mind" for my Runaway Horses 30th Anniversary box set. https://t.co/ACT4InvEJt
It's one of my favorite songs.
RIP #gordonlightfoot pic.twitter.com/s6cRWFh9Jx— Belinda Carlisle 💙 (@belindacarlisle) May 2, 2023
If there was ever a case for the afterlife it’s so these two can meet up tonight. Smoke cigarettes, have a drink, spin yarns & make everyone up there feel whole again.
Lightfoot and Prine. Conjurers of light and dark.Two of the most brilliant of storytellers.#GordonLightfoot pic.twitter.com/ZhnMe971io— George Stroumboulopoulos 🐺 (@strombo) May 2, 2023
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