My father was Gords manager for 25 years and I will say that even though I’ve seen him play live front row and centre 20 plus times mostly at Massey hall in Toronto he always delivered the goods live. A true perfectionist. A man who treated us kids nicely even during halftime intermissions. I’m only 40 but must say his music forever will hold a place in my heart. When my father passed Gord sang at his funeral. An original piece he wrote for my old man. The world truly lost one of the greatest song writers and storytellers in modern music
What great memories for you to have. Sadly I missed out - he was going to play here in Victoria and I had the ticket many months in advance. Unfortunately the date of the concert was October 2020 and so due to Covid it was cancelled so I missed out. Now I won't get the chance, but fortunately there are all the wonderful recordings to go back and listen to. A number of artists from when I was younger (Christine McVie, Olivia Newton-John) have passed away recently which was sad, but this - this hits hard. Maybe that's because being from Canada his music was just...there for so much of my life. Or maybe it is because anyone who could turn a more than six minute long song about a historical event into a hit that somehow resonates with people is exceptionally special. Probably it is both.
Hey Rick, I’m a musician and also play an acoustic show and as a singer, and each time I play this song IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND I get so choked up with his lyrics that sometimes I have a difficult time getting through the song. The other song that gets me too is Carefree Highway. And I love performing it and people always come up and thank me for playing Gordon Lightfoot songs.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald has probably the greatest line ever written, IMO. "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours". That gets me every time I hear it. Thank you Rick for this awesome tribute to one of the greatest songwriters ever
I agree. But the lyrics of the song “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” has incredibly emotion rendering, dramatic impact from start to finish. Greatest song ever written.
I had to stop listening to his music after my divorce. I learned he died in a text message from my estranged daughter, who I hadn't heard from in 11 years. She said she heard he died and she broke down crying. She remembered me singing his songs when she went to work with me. We are due to meet up to get reacquainted this Summer.
I was 20 years old (1973 or 1974) and he played a concert at Emory University in Atlanta. It was just him and a sound guy. No retinue. No stage or risers. He sat on a chair in the middle of the gym floor and about 250 of us sat on the floor all around him. He played for 3 hours or so. Just him and his guitar. It was amazing.
I'm a music teacher in Canada. Monday May 1st was Music Monday in Canada, where hundreds of thousands of students and educators across the country celebrate the importance of music education in our schools. It's somehow fitting that he left us on this day. His impact on music in our country, and apparently the world, will live on starting on this day! I love that you are such a fan. This was a nice tribute Rick. Thank you!
I coined the phrase Music Monday for my facebook posts, and I'm from Toronto. Just sayin'... Canada is just a little bit of heaven, especially the Mariposa Folk Festival on the Toronto Islands.
50 years ago (1974) anchored in Silver Bay, my shipmates and I on the Cleveland Cliffs S.S. Cadillac waited for the Edmond Fitzgerald to finish fully loading before we could dock and pick up 16,500 tons of iron ore (taconite) to haul to the mills in Cleveland. The next year (11/10/1975) the Fitzgerald... While I have emotional resilience, some things, like Gordon Lightfoot's ballad and the memory my fellow sailors, still bring a tear to my eye. The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times.
For me, what makes Lightfoot so wonderful is that every song is a rich, detailed story that you can visualize in your mind's eye. An incredible man. Skills that not only play musical instruments, but also play our emotions.
I am 73 , Canadian, and been sad all day. Spent the morning playing, singing and listening to Gord. A Canadian national treasure. Thank God we have his music to remember him.
I met Gordo exactly 10 years ago to today (5/2/13). He is such a class act, he signed my copy of "If you Could Read My Mind" LP that I gave to my Dad who was also there to meet him. My wife was pregnant and Mr Lightfoot rubbed her belly. We tell our son that he was blessed by Gordon Lightfoot. He was the nicest guy I've ever met! RIP Gordo!
Yeah he was as nice in person as you could imagine. I wrote him note once to add a particular song to his setlist and did. Blew me away. Talked to him after the show. He will be missed by all.
I learnt to play If You Could Read My Mind when I was 18. I'm 67 now and recently played it live for my wife. I could remember all the words and chord changes even though I hadn't played the song in nearly 40 years. That's the mark of a great song for me; a song that becomes imprinted on your memory that you couldn't forget if you tried. I had to play the song in G rather than A because I didn't have a capo handy and didn't fancy tackling the barre chords. Folk singers will be discovering Gordon's songs a century from now. His music will become part of the standard folk repertoire
Last concert I took my Mom to before she died at 60 of Alzheimer’s. Amazingly she was singing along remembering the words even though she could barely talk. Never forget it. RIP Gordon.
My mum passed to of Alzheimer’s/ dementia.. music has apparently always been a trigger for the those suffer with it.. music carries us all away in some way ❤️
I'm from Brazil, City of Curitiba, State of Paraná, and the day he passed away, without even knowing that he had passed away, I was listening to his songs. I'm very sad! I really like his songs, and some are special, like: Daylight Katy, If You Could Ready Mind, That's Whats You Get for loving me, The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgeral, Sundown .... and many others that are wonderful! A great singer and a music giant!😢😢
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours…” That lyric always rips my heart out of my chest and throws it into Lake Superior. Another perfect story telling song.
Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, and Harry Chapin three of the greatest story tellers and musicians. To people who love music Gordon's death is such a huge loss.
My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is Canadian Railroad Trilogy. To me, it encapsulates his musical genius, as well as his phenomenal storytelling. The fact that he wrote it in basically three days when he was commissioned to create a song to commemorate a 100 anniversary celebration that CBC TV was producing is amazing.
Thank you Rick for the great tribute! Love Wreck Of The Edmond Fitzgerald, with the seafaring vibe and mostly because it chronologically tells the story of that disaster so artistically and reverently. The families of the sailors loved the song and how it paid tribute to their men.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is so beautifully haunting. It's like you feel the atmosphere of what's happening. Such talent will never be matched. R.I.P. Gordon
We were in that same storm, it was a night you never forget, and I was hundreds of miles south. When Gordon did the song, I took it as a personal tip of the hat to all of those that suffered, but also to all of us who remembered that night.
I agree. He was an extraordinarily gifted songwriter. I heard they are adding an additional ringing of the bell recovered from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald during the memorial service in Grand Marais, MI in November, starting this year. They rang it 30 times on the day he passed away, 29 for the crew plus one, for Gordon Lightfoot. God hold and keep you, Mr. Lightfoot. Your music will live forever. ❤❤🥰😇
OMGoodness. Gordon would have been so pleased, and yet…I think he would have said no, don’t. He was so honorable and unassuming. I miss you already, Gordon Lightfoot.
Thank you Rick for this incredible tribute to a Canadian Legend. As a Canadian we don’t think our artists get much attention outside Canada so to watch this video was incredibly moving.
Don't worry Mate. Some of us in Aust always appreciated Gordon's great talent. A great Canadian musician and lyricist. ( Loved my time in Canada in 84!!)
Sorry you are very worng. I spanish, now 75, I knew Gordon since I was 22. At that time I lived in West España, we already used to here and admired Gordon
Think about the fact that Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce, and numerous other greats were all filling the 70’s airwaves with the classic tunes. I was born in 1972, but I remember hearing all of these phenomenal tunes due to my parents and older brothers. Man those were beyond great times.
"Read my mind" is a song that touches me like no other I've ever heard. Even today, it made me cry, uncontrollably, it's haunting. Words unbelievably original and special. Voice with timber like no other. What a gift to the world. I had no idea he was so prolific, and could write his own charts. What a gift from God, truly.
Maaaan......I am 64 and I am Jamaican. I thought something was wrong with me for a while when I first heard this song in the 70s. To this day that song makes me want to cry like a baby. He was definitely one of the greatest song writers and singers ever. RIP Gordon.
I thought I was the only one. It’s not even the lyrics for me; the melody just destroys me every time. Thank you Rick for this video, and for those of you who made me realize I was in good company.
I was fortunate enough to see Gordon live several times in the late 1970s. Not only was he wonderful, but the musicianship of his band just blew me away. I was a live band junkie at the time, and have seen about 200 groups from the 70s through the 90s, but I have NEVER heard a band play live with such perfection. I remember to this day how impressed I was.
Like Rick, I’m on the verge of tears. No, wait, honestly, I’m actually crying. Gordon Lightfoot is literally my favorite singer / songwriter. Like Rick says, all of Gordon’s lyrics and arrangements are musical perfection. He’s not only a Canadian treasure, he’s indeed a paragon all across the English-speaking world. Rest in peace, Gordo. And thank you for all you have given to mankind. -JM
Great tribute Rick. I heard they rang the bell at the Maritime Sailors Cathedral 30 times after his passing - 29 for the men of the Edmund Fitzgerald and one additional for Gordon.
Gordon performed at North Central College in Naperville Illinois and was in town several days before the concert. He would sit in the local diner, nursing a cup of tea for hours, and talking to anyone who approached him. At the concert he invited about 25 students to sit around him on stage while he performed. The Renaissance had DaVinci, Raphael, Michaelangelo. We had Gordon Lightfoot who sculpted music better than any of those masters could with a brush. He brought tears of hope to all who listened.
Gordon Lightfoot was our private songwriter. Regardless of top 40 hits, I always thought he was only speaking to me , that I was the only one listening to him. He was mine to appreciate. Late night, early mornings, long car rides. Gordon was my sidekick. My friends weren’t listening like me. We shared The Beatles, Stones, CSNY but I thought I was Gordon ‘s only fan. Hearing the tributes today by friends and famous alike, I realized we all felt that way. So many of us kept him private and personal. I’m glad I got to see him in 2013 at BB Kings. RIP, Gordon our Minstrel of the Dawn.
As a Canadian music teacher, he was always an icon to me. He wrote musical poetry. I taught “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” to my Grade 8 and 9 English students as fantastic examples of ballads. His passing has me grieving.
Fellow Canadian here, my dad died just last year and he was the same age. Kinda feels like a second icon died to me. He was great, that year produced a couple of them.
So in the early 70’s, I treated my mother and sister to third row seats at the Philadelphia Academy of Music for a Gordon Lightfoot concert. They were both fans and had birthdays a few days apart. My mother raved about it for decades. Now all three of them are gone. It remains my favorite concert I never went to. And since I never saw him myself, has supplied decades of vicarious memories for me still. Thank you Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot was one of those rare musicians who everyone seems to love, no matter what genre they're into. I come from a more "hard rock" background, but Gordon's music always had a way of digging its way into my heart. When I heard someone playing "Sundown" as a tribute to him, tears came to my eyes. 😢
How could this song be so good without auto tune , fowl language, and programmed drumbeats? Easy, it’s called total musicianship and talent. He will be missed.
One summer, between my Junior & Senior year I was driving a cab in NYC to make money for school, but I parked the car when I saw that Gordon Lightfoot was playing at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village. As usual he was phenomenal, a poet, a consummate performer and after it was over I got to my cab. I drove down McDougal and was hailed by Mr. Lightfoot and his girlfriend/wife? I drove them to the upper west side. We talked about his music. He was such a nice, down to earth guy, great tipper too. His music WAS perfect. RIP
I can see in Rick's face how deeply he appreciated and was impacted by Gordon Lightfoot's music and his passing, to the point were I found myself looking so intensely at Rick that I wasn't even listening. I had to go back and play this again to listen. Coming from someone as accomplished as Rick Beato, that says it all. I'm right there with you, Rick. I had a little crappy cassette player too, and would spend hours noodling out Lightfoot tunes recorded off the radio on the cheap acoustic guitar I learned on. The songs, the arrangements, his and Red's playing and of course his unique voice... well I don't know if perfection exists but I sure as hell wouldn't change even a single thing about any of his music. Thank you for this video.
As a proud Canadian, I can say that Gordon Lightfoot stands FAR above most famous Canadians. Nobody in our Home and Native Land can LIVE properly without hearing at least one of his songs. RIP Gordon. No one will ever let you be forgotten!
Growing up in Canada during the '60s it was impossible not to be captivated by Gordon's records. They were all so perfect. God bless you, Gordon Lightfoot, for sharing your thoughts and talent with the world.
My grandpa was a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot, I grew up hearing his music. The Railroad Trilogy was one of his favourites because he was a rail man for CN. Canada lost a treasure when we lost Gordon Lightfoot. I could listen to him all day long, so many memories attached to his music. Thank you for this tribute to him.
Oh, man... Gordon seemed to combine a crusty, hardened, very manly exterior with a sensitive and feeling soul. Incredible songwriter. Very thankful I was able to be alive while he was around giving his songs to us. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. What a man.
You guys have all nailed it with these remarks. What a magnificent concept -- exactly the type of Man we need to return to society in this day and age.
The way Edmund Fitzgerald builds intensity from one verse to the next is like a blockbuster hollywood film. Epic storytelling like no other songwriter of our time.
I grew up on Gordon Lightfoot.... In Canada he's a national hero. His brilliant lyrics and melodies will live on forever. His musical story telling is unique and will bring joy to all who investigate. Like the Ontario 1980 commercial. His musical genius is 'yours to discover'.
As a Canadian, I’m sure the pride we have for Gord being one of our own is common north of the border, but I’m truly moved by your heartfelt and poignant tribute to this masterful troubadour who touched so many lives with his songs. Early Morning Rain, Edmund Fitzgerald and Canadian Railroad Trilogy are tops for me. They are sewn into the fabric of my youth. Thank you. RIP Gord
Two of my biggest musical heroes.. And I cried when I found out when each had died... Canada's own Gordon Lightfoot and Gordon Downie. I was lucky enough to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert three times and The Hip six times.
I too was going to mention both Gord’s. Regretfully I never saw Lightfoot in concert, except maybe on CBC when I was a kid. I did see the Hip though a dozen or more times. Some brilliant songwriting on both fronts. Cheers 🍻
Every time I listen to a Lightfoot song, I am struck that there are NO wasted words in his lyrics. Every word matters, every word has a meaning. Great writer, obviously, but maybe an even greater editor of his own words.
There aren’t enough superlatives to capture who and what Gordon Lightfoot was. Under appreciated even though he had widespread recognition, he likely inspired and certainly influenced thousands and thousands of players during his lifetime. Godspeed Gordo! Rest easy.
Fantastic! Being from Michigan, we have “lived” with Gordon Lightfoot and The Edmund Fitzgerald in our hearts always and forever. Yes, what a great song writer and performer. Thank you for popping up in my feed today. Enjoy our blessings each and every day.
Great tribute. My first concert ever was Gordon Lightfoot at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago when I was 11 years old. This was the Summertime Dream tour, and he brought out wives of some of the crewmen from the Edmund Fitzgerald and had them ring a bell in honor of them. I'm 56 now, and I'll never forget it. He is by far my favorite songwriter. And kudos to my Dad for dragging us out for it ❤️
Gordon was the pride of Orillia Ontario, my hometown... My Grandmother was a huge fan, and in turn so was my father, and then me as well. We were playing Gordon Lightfoot all day at work the other day... They've been leaving flowers by his statues at both the Orillia Opera House, and Tudhope Park both in the heart of Orillia. Rest in Peace Gord... Thank you so much Rick! This was fantastic!
Gordon Lightfoot, Dan Fogelberg,James Taylor, John Denver, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel all came from this vein of incredible song story writters and muscicans who understood what it took to structure a song in such a way that no matter how many times you hear one of their songs, , you will never forget it.
They came from the era of singer songwriters. There was an amazing amount of talent in that group. I don’t think you meant to be sexist but your list is all men. Don’t forget women such as Carole King and Joni Mitchell.
@@malucouttolenc3345 I agree with you 100%! When I read the news of Gordon's death on PBS, I cried for an hour straight! Not only tears of sorrow, but tears of anger. As in, "Why'd ya have to leave?". I actually got the chance to see him in concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, Oregon in 2015. Man I'm gonna miss him so! I wish we could have actually met each other backstage, and I wish I could have shared with him the song I wrote about how much I looooooooooooooove his music! It's sad that he died in the hospital, and they say he battled a long illness. When I told my sweet love, Johnny what happened, he wanted to tell me that Gordon died, but I told him I already knew! I've had dreams of him meeting me in a restaurant, where I could share my song with him. I bet he would be very touched that I went to great lengths to tell him he's a handsome guy with a beautiful voice! I remember saying that to him when he sang, "Beautiful" at his concert. I thought he was singing it just for me! And I said, "Aww Gordon, thank you! And you're a handsome guy, too. With a lovely, beautiful voice!". My American mom says I smiled so big that I almost headbutted the guy sitting across from me!
I saw Gordon Lightfoot, when I was in college at Illinois State University’s auditorium. I was totally blown away with his talent & his performance. He was so relatable to the audience, too. It was so quiet while he was singing. “If You Could Read Your Mind” got a standing ovation! Chills & tears come my mind. We lost a GREAT & GIFT talent when Gordon passed. Loved “Sun Down”, also. There are hardly any songs that Gordon wrote/sang that I didn’t live or live. I don’t know, if anyone comes close to Gordon’s songs for me. Thank you for this trip with Gordon.😂❤
I am a hard rock guitarist, yet I always make time in my practice to round my musical experiences with melodic music. The first jams I always do is Gordon's " if you cold read my mind and Sundown. Next thing you know, I'm doing Edmond Fitzgerald and great railroad trilogy. Next thing you know, two hours of jamming Gordon has gone by and I have forgotten about smashing cords. Listen to everything, but make time for Gordon Lightfoot. He completes the whole musical life experience.😊 19:52
Gordon Lightfoot will forever be a Canadian National Treasure. Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute to him. Much love and light to you and yours always from the beautiful east coast of Canada! ♥️🕊🇨🇦🕊♥️
"If You Could Read My Mind" is just sublime. A Masterclass in songwriting, arrangement, recording, etc. Phenomenal lyrics sung by a voice equal parts gold and honey.
As a young guy growing up in the UK, I was aware of Gordon from a comedy series on tv in the 90's featuring a guy called Dom Jolly. When I first heard "if you could read my mind" , I was blown away. What a powerful song. Also went on to explore his work and found "Sundown", another masterpiece. Another legend gone.
I'm Australian. My Canadian boyfriend introduced me to G Lightfoot in '69. We courted to his music. We married with his music, his stories. His music has been the soundtrack of my life since then. I travelled across Canada to his music - a beautiful road trip I never wanted to end. I know the words to so many of his songs [even the Edmund Fitzgerald!]. Those stories - a conxummate musician, an unparalleled story teller. Vale the troubador
I am not an expert in the music field but Gordon Lightfoot was my father’s favorite artist. I lost dad in a car accident in 1980 when I was 6 years old. Gordon Lightfoot’s music was a way that I could connect with dad over the years. Sad to say that Mr. Lightfoot’s passing yesterday was like losing dad all over again. I know that he is making the angels tap their toes and letting them know about what the human experience is all about. R.I.P. Gordon and thank you for the gifts that you have left behind.
Same story here, my dad and I shared this love and when my dad passed it was so hard to listen to Lightfoot. But over time it became my therapy and a way to bring back great memories. We’ll always have the music and the memories
I was fortunate enough to Gordon 9 times in concert. His songs are master pieces and at the height of his vocal powers absolutely incredible in concert. While not mentioned much in the comments here, it is worth lustening to some of his deeper cuts that are a mazing too. Some of my favorites are The Minstrel of the Dawn, Christian Island, Miguel, Song for a Winter's Night, Mother of a Miner's Child, and on and on.... Two not well known, but great albums of the early '80's were Shadows and Salute. He used to joke, in a nod to Michael Jackson, that they would have sold better if he knew how to moon walk! Rest in peace Gordon.
I discovered Gordon in my 30s, couple decades ago. My ex wife and I loved his classics. In 2009 he performed in Boulder, much to my surprise, and there was no way I was going to miss it. I went alone. He seemed frail but it was amazing to have those songs come to life before my eyes. I’m so happy I had the chance to at least see him once.
You touched on the thing that truly makes Gordon Lightfoot’s music great. You can listen to it a million times and every time the music and the lyrics will have the same effect on you as if you were hearing it for the first time. Each time you listen to a song you notice some tiny element that you never noticed before. Gordon Lightfoot truly was one of the best songwriters and story tellers this world has ever seen.
I think you are absolutely right. I have been listening to this man, (consciously) since I was 12. As a Detroit child I’ll bet anything I had heard Gordon Lightfoot before… But, what I know for sure is the lyrics and the music have shaped a lot of people’s lives. We know what we know about some life and love from Gordon. Plain talk about hard subjects. I always fell sideways right into his lyrics and music. He was perfection. Always will be to me.
Rick, so many of us in Canada greatly appreciate your musical contribution and beautiful commentary. Gordon Lightfoot was a musical poet and one of a kind.
On our one year dating anniversary I “gave” my then girlfriend /future wife of 30+ years, “Beautiful.” Its simple, soft perfection summed up everything we were to each other. A few years later, we had the song title inscribed on our wedding bands and the band played it as we had our first dance. Three decades, three kids later, that song still represents and reflects everything that matters to me. This is what great art by a great artist can do.
I used to sing "Care free highway " at my gigs back in the 70's and really appreciated the lyrics, guitar fills and structure of this song. I'm sure he influenced my songwriting for many years to come and love the story telling aspect or all his songs, especially " If you could read my mind", it painted such a moving picture of love and loss.
You are so right … PERFECTION!! It’s 12:49 am and I’m searching for Gordon’s song Beautiful.. I had to hear it.!! It’s so cool to see another person “get it”… 👍🏼💙🎶🎵
As a Canadian, Gordon meant so much to me. My mother and fathers song was “if you could read my mind”. My mom passed before I got married. On my wedding day, to honour my mom, I danced with my dad to “if you could read my mind” hoping my mom knew she was there! The love my parents had for this song, probably helped bring me into this world!
The Canadian Railroad trilogy is just an astonishing composition. Every verse every bridge with minor alterations gives something new. Nobody but perhaps Joni gave as much to every song never a boring or repetitive instant.
I was 8 years old, in the school yard. We were looking over at the grey stone Welsh chapel on the hill. A young boy died and his funeral happened during playtime. We watched silently. I still can hear the workman’s radio playing “if you can read my mind love” which had just been released. The grieving parents leaned in towards the tiny congregation and the grave and the stone angels were bent over them. I looked at my cardigan and fiddled with the bobbles, trying to control such an intense sadness inside me. This song took me to the depths and for years I refused to listen to sad songs (and in 1970s there were plenty). Only now I can listen to this song and it’s just so beautiful but so sad, so so sad.
For the life of me I don't understand how The Summer Side of Life always gets overlooked, it's the best song he has ever written hands down and that is really saying something.
As a fellow Canadian,thank you for this tribute to Gordon. I went to school with his niece but sadly never got to meet him. His music will never be forgotten nor will he.
I was lucky to see him in concert in Vancouver in 1968. Took photos of him with his 12 String Gibson (I posted it on flickr, the link is below my last Beatles cover)
If you're interested, the Headstones (a legendary Canadian band) did a cover of it a few years ago. Faster tempo. It might even be in the documentary Rick was talking about.
I learned to play acoustic guitar because of Gordon, getting serious in the early 80's. His voice was also more or less in my range too, so that it made it easy to learn to sing. Growing up in eastern Michigan we got Canadian radio almost better than US stations. Loved your tribute, Rick. I just spent the last eight days on the road, and the entire Lightfoot discography was on in the car the whole trip. I did see him in concert several times since back in the late 70's. The last one was 2019 in the fall before COVID. His voice was shadow of its former glory, but the Great Entertainer shone through and it was a magical show. I always wanted to meet him and personally thank him for all the music, but alas. When I first heard that he passed, I spent about 90 minutes on the back porch swing playing his tunes to the warm evening.
Shhh .... don't tell the others but THIS is my favorite comment. Your words are wonderful. This especially (Gord would have loved) "When I first heard that he passed, I spent about 90 minutes on the back porch swing playing his tunes to the warm evening."
I finally was able to watch the documentary last night and again this morning. I’ve realized another part of my youth is gone. Gordon is one of the best ever singer songwriters. Now it’s time to explore his music in more detail. 💔Thank you Rick for this episode. ❤️
The great soft rock/folk greats from the 70's cannot be rated too highly. Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, John Denver... musicians like that are true legends. Gordon Lightfoot's recordings have something that The Beatles have- everything is just perfect, you couldn't pull a note or a syllable out of place. Just so perfect.
Grew up near Lake Michigan, I always thought that's what an ocean looks like. I'm 68, and every single time I hear Edmond Fitzgerald, I still get a tear in my eyes. Have loved Gordon forever. Wonderful tribute, Rick, thank you.
When you're out on the lake it makes no difference that it isn't an ocean. It is a monstrously big, deep lake. It behaves like an ocean so it may as well be one.
I agree. I live near Chicago Illinois. This song always gives me chills. I am 57 years old. And after hearing it I did research to find out what happened to the Big Fitz. I can't help but to sing along .
As I watched your visceral and emotional reaction to this song, it was comforting to know that it was affecting others the way it affected me, an eleven year old boy from Newark, NJ. Even now, at age age 64, that first lyric, "if you could read my mind, love, what a tale my thoughts could tell," STILL makes me tear up. Rest in eternal peace, storyteller.
I grew up in Detroit, MI and I always had the same feeling as you that because we were so close to Canada their artists were somehow more ours than the rest of the States. Gord was always one of my favorites. Such an amazing storyteller. A modern troubadour that will be remembered forever. RIP Gord. You brought a lot of love and joy to this world.
He was the ultimate storyteller. No one else even comes close. I remember being a kid and my dad telling me when Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald came on that it was a true story. I listened to that song more intently than anything else. It's a song that I instantly recognize from the first note. No matter what I'm doing, as soon as I hear it I stop and just listen to it. I think it's the only song that I have ever "felt". It's a song that hits hard. I feel the emotions of it. Unfortunately, with music the way it is now, we'll never again have anything close to Gordon Lightfoot. I was born and raised in Macon. I wish I could have gone to that concert. Being around 15 at that time though, it wasn't on my radar.
I was fortunate to be able to see Gordon in concert just a couple of months prior to his passing. Seeing him perform ‘The wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald’ brought me to flowing tears. Knowing that I was seeing one of the greatest of all time, likely for the last time, sing one of the absolute best songs ever written. Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this great man.
I'm so upset at myself for not seeing him last summer when I had the chance. IDC what his voice sounded like; he was a musical hero who still had passion for his craft. That would've been enough.
My father was Gords manager for 25 years and I will say that even though I’ve seen him play live front row and centre 20 plus times mostly at Massey hall in Toronto he always delivered the goods live. A true perfectionist. A man who treated us kids nicely even during halftime intermissions. I’m only 40 but must say his music forever will hold a place in my heart. When my father passed Gord sang at his funeral. An original piece he wrote for my old man. The world truly lost one of the greatest song writers and storytellers in modern music
What great memories for you to have. Sadly I missed out - he was going to play here in Victoria and I had the ticket many months in advance. Unfortunately the date of the concert was October 2020 and so due to Covid it was cancelled so I missed out. Now I won't get the chance, but fortunately there are all the wonderful recordings to go back and listen to. A number of artists from when I was younger (Christine McVie, Olivia Newton-John) have passed away recently which was sad, but this - this hits hard. Maybe that's because being from Canada his music was just...there for so much of my life. Or maybe it is because anyone who could turn a more than six minute long song about a historical event into a hit that somehow resonates with people is exceptionally special. Probably it is both.
Hey Rick, I’m a musician and also play an acoustic show and as a singer, and each time I play this song IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND I get so choked up with his lyrics that sometimes I have a difficult time getting through the song.
The other song that gets me too is Carefree Highway. And I love performing it and people always come up and thank me for playing Gordon Lightfoot songs.
And yes I love his lyrics too
Carefree Highway is definitely pure poetry !!
These songs you’re playing here Rick are definitely some off my all time favorite songs !
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald has probably the greatest line ever written, IMO. "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours". That gets me every time I hear it. Thank you Rick for this awesome tribute to one of the greatest songwriters ever
That is an awesome line!!
Thankyou for pointing this out. Beautiful.
I agree. That is the most haunting lyric in music.
I agree. But the lyrics of the song “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” has incredibly emotion rendering, dramatic impact from start to finish. Greatest song ever written.
Yes, I was waiting for Rick's reaction to that very line, but he stopped just short.
I had to stop listening to his music after my divorce. I learned he died in a text message from my estranged daughter, who I hadn't heard from in 11 years. She said she heard he died and she broke down crying. She remembered me singing his songs when she went to work with me. We are due to meet up to get reacquainted this Summer.
Even in death Gordon brings love to the world .
💔Good luck Phillip
Made me cry. I hope everything works out. How precious.
@@lindamcd1217 Thank you. It was the best day I had in years.
How did it go? Please tell me it went well.
I was 20 years old (1973 or 1974) and he played a concert at Emory University in Atlanta. It was just him and a sound guy. No retinue. No stage or risers. He sat on a chair in the middle of the gym floor and about 250 of us sat on the floor all around him. He played for 3 hours or so. Just him and his guitar. It was amazing.
wow!
That was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Doc!
Awesome
Gordon wrote stories. They were given to us with music. RIP Gordon.
Brilliantly put.
Told stories and painted pictures..rip indeed
I think God gave Gordon stories to write for us. His music could not have come from anywhere but Heaven.
How the words seemed to come so naturally, like the words were made for his songs. He was so real.
Well said. Thank you.
I'm a music teacher in Canada. Monday May 1st was Music Monday in Canada, where hundreds of thousands of students and educators across the country celebrate the importance of music education in our schools. It's somehow fitting that he left us on this day. His impact on music in our country, and apparently the world, will live on starting on this day! I love that you are such a fan. This was a nice tribute Rick. Thank you!
Amazing.
❤
Musical poet Canadian treasure
I coined the phrase Music Monday for my facebook posts, and I'm from Toronto. Just sayin'... Canada is just a little bit of heaven, especially the Mariposa Folk Festival on the Toronto Islands.
As a musician I'm sorry that I'm unaware that it was Music Monday. Now that I'm aware ,I think May 1st should be a national holiday..🤔👍🎶🇨🇦
50 years ago (1974) anchored in Silver Bay, my shipmates and I on the Cleveland Cliffs S.S. Cadillac waited for the Edmond Fitzgerald to finish fully loading before we could dock and pick up 16,500 tons of iron ore (taconite) to haul to the mills in Cleveland.
The next year (11/10/1975) the Fitzgerald...
While I have emotional resilience, some things, like Gordon Lightfoot's ballad and the memory my fellow sailors, still bring a tear to my eye. The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times.
For me, what makes Lightfoot so wonderful is that every song is a rich, detailed story that you can visualize in your mind's eye. An incredible man. Skills that not only play musical instruments, but also play our emotions.
Absolutly agree
Well said
Yes, you put that perfectly.
I am 73 , Canadian, and been sad all day. Spent the morning playing, singing and listening to Gord. A Canadian national treasure. Thank God we have his music to remember him.
Just heard of his passing an hour ago. I’m not sure when the sadness will end. 💔😥
And Ian Tyson gone, too.
@@user-qr8ki8ue4i He was a great boxer. "Iron Mike" is a legend.
He truly was Canadian Gold 🥇😥
What a legacy he leaves! 28:05
I met Gordo exactly 10 years ago to today (5/2/13). He is such a class act, he signed my copy of "If you Could Read My Mind" LP that I gave to my Dad who was also there to meet him. My wife was pregnant and Mr Lightfoot rubbed her belly. We tell our son that he was blessed by Gordon Lightfoot. He was the nicest guy I've ever met! RIP Gordo!
kool story
THAT is an awesome story!!!
Yeah he was as nice in person as you could imagine. I wrote him note once to add a particular song to his setlist and did. Blew me away. Talked to him after the show. He will be missed by all.
Looking at the Rain. Another great
Amazing 💔
I learnt to play If You Could Read My Mind when I was 18. I'm 67 now and recently played it live for my wife. I could remember all the words and chord changes even though I hadn't played the song in nearly 40 years. That's the mark of a great song for me; a song that becomes imprinted on your memory that you couldn't forget if you tried. I had to play the song in G rather than A because I didn't have a capo handy and didn't fancy tackling the barre chords. Folk singers will be discovering Gordon's songs a century from now. His music will become part of the standard folk repertoire
Garden Lightfoot, grossly underrated by everyone other than his fellow musicians. Thank you for this, Rick
What do you mean? Who "rates" him poorly? If you mean some dumb mags list, those are hype to get ppl to buy. Lists make ppl emo
No. Not "underrated". That is so distant from reality, it's nuts.
Garden??
I know what you mean
Last concert I took my Mom to before she died at 60 of Alzheimer’s. Amazingly she was singing along remembering the words even though she could barely talk. Never forget it. RIP Gordon.
Awesome!
I am so so sorry to hear about your mother! I lost my Father in Law to that horrible disease !!
That is so great! So glad she enjoyed that evening before she passed.
My mum passed to of Alzheimer’s/ dementia.. music has apparently always been a trigger for the those suffer with it.. music carries us all away in some way ❤️
@@752brickie I lost my Dad as well.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" Stunning lyrical emotion. Gordon was utterly unique.
Yes. One of his best lines.
Still gives me shivers. Amazing song!
Many lines in that song give me chills. Maybe the best example of a song being more than the sum of its parts
"And all that remains is the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters" completes his best stanza.
Good poetry there.
I'm from Brazil, City of Curitiba, State of Paraná, and the day he passed away, without even knowing that he had passed away, I was listening to his songs. I'm very sad! I really like his songs, and some are special, like: Daylight Katy, If You Could Ready Mind, That's Whats You Get for loving me, The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgeral, Sundown .... and many others that are wonderful! A great singer and a music giant!😢😢
I'm 73 and will always listen to his music as long as I can hear. He truly was special. He will be sorely missed.
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours…” That lyric always rips my heart out of my chest and throws it into Lake Superior. Another perfect story telling song.
A Canadian kid , I got his Bitter Green album for Christmas. Taught myself guitar listening to those tracks . LOVED him …. RIP
Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, and Harry Chapin three of the greatest story tellers and musicians. To people who love music Gordon's death is such a huge loss.
OMG, YES, YES, and YES!!!!!
Croce and Lightfoot were two sides of the same coin, one American, one Canadian. Fantastic comparison.
I hope we can find some room for John Prine in there.
I’d add cat Stevens and James Taylor to that list. And maybe Richie Havens
I’d add John Denver to this list as well. Maybe Paul Simon. Bob Dylan goes without saying.
My favorite Gordon Lightfoot song is Canadian Railroad Trilogy. To me, it encapsulates his musical genius, as well as his phenomenal storytelling. The fact that he wrote it in basically three days when he was commissioned to create a song to commemorate a 100 anniversary celebration that CBC TV was producing is amazing.
Please please tell me what a navie is!
@@bobert8618 according to Oxford Dictionary - NAVVIE: a laborer employed in the excavation and construction of a road, railroad, or canal.
Thank you Rick for the great tribute! Love Wreck Of The Edmond Fitzgerald, with the seafaring vibe and mostly because it chronologically tells the story of that disaster so artistically and reverently. The families of the sailors loved the song and how it paid tribute to their men.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is so beautifully haunting. It's like you feel the atmosphere of what's happening. Such talent will never be matched. R.I.P. Gordon
Amazing that the first time the song was played, was the recording that made the album.
We were in that same storm, it was a night you never forget, and I was hundreds of miles south. When Gordon did the song, I took it as a personal tip of the hat to all of those that suffered, but also to all of us who remembered that night.
Who played electric guitar on that song?
He wrote that from a newspaper article.
Every time I fish Lake Superior, I think on Gordon's Song, paying respect to those who perished there.
I agree. He was an extraordinarily gifted songwriter. I heard they are adding an additional ringing of the bell recovered from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald during the memorial service in Grand Marais, MI in November, starting this year. They rang it 30 times on the day he passed away, 29 for the crew plus one, for Gordon Lightfoot. God hold and keep you, Mr. Lightfoot. Your music will live forever. ❤❤🥰😇
On the recovery of the bell as it came to the surface of the water it rang once again. Great video
Wow, this news gives me chills and wells the tears in my eyes
@@bws1971 man. same here.
@@bws1971 pouring down like rain. Gordon's finally got his long white robe & silvery wings.🎵🎶🎶🙌
OMGoodness. Gordon would have been so pleased, and yet…I think he would have said no, don’t. He was so honorable and unassuming. I miss you already, Gordon Lightfoot.
Thank you Rick for this incredible tribute to a Canadian Legend. As a Canadian we don’t think our artists get much attention outside Canada so to watch this video was incredibly moving.
28:06 ❤ 28:06
Don't worry Mate. Some of us in Aust always appreciated Gordon's great talent. A great Canadian musician and lyricist. ( Loved my time in Canada in 84!!)
Sorry you are very worng. I spanish, now 75, I knew Gordon since I was 22. At that time I lived in West España, we already used to here and admired Gordon
Gordon got attention from everyone. He will be missed, remember and loved.
Think about the fact that Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce, and numerous other greats were all filling the 70’s airwaves with the classic tunes. I was born in 1972, but I remember hearing all of these phenomenal tunes due to my parents and older brothers. Man those were beyond great times.
"Read my mind" is a song that touches me like no other I've ever heard. Even today, it made me cry, uncontrollably, it's haunting. Words unbelievably original and special. Voice with timber like no other. What a gift to the world. I had no idea he was so prolific, and could write his own charts. What a gift from God, truly.
Maaaan......I am 64 and I am Jamaican. I thought something was wrong with me for a while when I first heard this song in the 70s. To this day that song makes me want to cry like a baby. He was definitely one of the greatest song writers and singers ever. RIP Gordon.
Tears in my eyes right now.
@@dlittlester I scrolled down just to see if I was the only one crying.
Greatest Song
I thought I was the only one. It’s not even the lyrics for me; the melody just destroys me every time. Thank you Rick for this video, and for those of you who made me realize I was in good company.
My wife and I started our life together at 20, and the first album we bought was Gordon Lightfoot. We are now 73 and miss him terribly.
For me it was also when John Denver & Steve Irwin were killed. Something you never get over!😢😢
@@JeanGillespie-fp7rs Steve Irwin? 😵💫
I was born in 68 and never knew a day without Gord on the radio growing up.
Same
I was fortunate enough to see Gordon live several times in the late 1970s. Not only was he wonderful, but the musicianship of his band just blew me away. I was a live band junkie at the time, and have seen about 200 groups from the 70s through the 90s, but I have NEVER heard a band play live with such perfection. I remember to this day how impressed I was.
Like Rick, I’m on the verge of tears. No, wait, honestly, I’m actually crying. Gordon Lightfoot is literally my favorite singer / songwriter. Like Rick says, all of Gordon’s lyrics and arrangements are musical perfection. He’s not only a Canadian treasure, he’s indeed a paragon all across the English-speaking world.
Rest in peace, Gordo. And thank you for all you have given to mankind.
-JM
I'm with you 100%. Sitting here misty-eyed the whole time.
Ditto - I was crying last night when I found out.
😢😢😢
Me too! What a sad day
my hero musically
Great tribute Rick. I heard they rang the bell at the Maritime Sailors Cathedral 30 times after his passing - 29 for the men of the Edmund Fitzgerald and one additional for Gordon.
That’s is a goosebump piece of information about the bells, the last one tolling for GL. Thank you for sharing. How fitting.
Indeed, got the chills reading that. ❤
That is a bigger tribute than perhaps the average person might realize. It hadn’t heard that they did that. Amazing.
Beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing. 💙🙏
That is one of the most wonderful things I have heard in a long time. ❤
Gordon performed at North Central College in Naperville Illinois and was in town several days before the concert.
He would sit in the local diner, nursing a cup of tea for hours, and talking to anyone who approached him.
At the concert he invited about 25 students to sit around him on stage while he performed.
The Renaissance had DaVinci, Raphael, Michaelangelo. We had Gordon Lightfoot who sculpted music better than any of those masters could with a brush.
He brought tears of hope to all who listened.
His songs were like reflective discussions of which you never tire.
Gordon Lightfoot was our private songwriter. Regardless of top 40 hits, I always thought he was only speaking to me , that I was the only one listening to him. He was mine to appreciate. Late night, early mornings, long car rides. Gordon was my sidekick. My friends weren’t listening like me. We shared The Beatles, Stones, CSNY but I thought I was Gordon ‘s only fan. Hearing the tributes today by friends and famous alike, I realized we all felt that way. So many of us kept him private and personal. I’m glad I got to see him in 2013 at BB Kings. RIP, Gordon our Minstrel of the Dawn.
So true.
Perfectly said.
That's a beautiful tribute.
As a Canadian music teacher, he was always an icon to me. He wrote musical poetry. I taught “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” to my Grade 8 and 9 English students as fantastic examples of ballads. His passing has me grieving.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy is just fantastic.
Fellow Canadian here, my dad died just last year and he was the same age. Kinda feels like a second icon died to me. He was great, that year produced a couple of them.
I did a stint on an extra gang on CN back in 73 in the BC interior. Canadian Railroad Trilogy was in my head the whole time.
We share your grief, Lizzy-all around the world. People are really broken up, in tears. Rick’s tribute was beautiful.
So in the early 70’s, I treated my mother and sister to third row seats at the Philadelphia Academy of Music for a Gordon Lightfoot concert. They were both fans and had birthdays a few days apart.
My mother raved about it for decades. Now all three of them are gone.
It remains my favorite concert I never went to. And since I never saw him myself, has supplied decades of vicarious memories for me still.
Thank you Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot was one of those rare musicians who everyone seems to love, no matter what genre they're into. I come from a more "hard rock" background, but Gordon's music always had a way of digging its way into my heart. When I heard someone playing "Sundown" as a tribute to him, tears came to my eyes. 😢
How could this song be so good without auto tune , fowl language, and programmed drumbeats? Easy, it’s called total musicianship and talent. He will be missed.
Lol OK grandpa.
Right you are
@@Ass4ssinX hes really not wrong there hotshot
Fowl language would really foul up the song with quackery!
@@mmayes9466 lol
One summer, between my Junior & Senior year I was driving a cab in NYC to make money for school, but I parked the car when I saw that Gordon Lightfoot was playing at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village. As usual he was phenomenal, a poet, a consummate performer and after it was over I got to my cab. I drove down McDougal and was hailed by Mr. Lightfoot and his girlfriend/wife? I drove them to the upper west side. We talked about his music. He was such a nice, down to earth guy, great tipper too. His music WAS perfect. RIP
Wow!
Thank you for celebrating such a favored and special artist! His music lives on!
I can see in Rick's face how deeply he appreciated and was impacted by Gordon Lightfoot's music and his passing, to the point were I found myself looking so intensely at Rick that I wasn't even listening. I had to go back and play this again to listen. Coming from someone as accomplished as Rick Beato, that says it all. I'm right there with you, Rick. I had a little crappy cassette player too, and would spend hours noodling out Lightfoot tunes recorded off the radio on the cheap acoustic guitar I learned on. The songs, the arrangements, his and Red's playing and of course his unique voice... well I don't know if perfection exists but I sure as hell wouldn't change even a single thing about any of his music. Thank you for this video.
Greatest songwriter of the 20th Century. And no one in the 21st Century has yet matched him.
As a proud Canadian, I can say that Gordon Lightfoot stands FAR above most famous Canadians. Nobody in our Home and Native Land can LIVE properly without hearing at least one of his songs. RIP Gordon. No one will ever let you be forgotten!
Yeah, except for all the other better canadians. Stupid boat sank quicker than the song is long.
Couldn't have said it better.
@@mitchaelhollingsworth1698 And whom would you say is better than Lightfoot? I'd like to know
There’s something about Canadians names Gord.
As a Canadian, I remember him more for telling the story of building Canada's transcontinental Railway. A truly Canadian story.
Growing up in Canada during the '60s it was impossible not to be captivated by Gordon's records. They were all so perfect. God bless you, Gordon Lightfoot, for sharing your thoughts and talent with the world.
My grandpa was a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot, I grew up hearing his music. The Railroad Trilogy was one of his favourites because he was a rail man for CN. Canada lost a treasure when we lost Gordon Lightfoot. I could listen to him all day long, so many memories attached to his music. Thank you for this tribute to him.
Oh, man... Gordon seemed to combine a crusty, hardened, very manly exterior with a sensitive and feeling soul. Incredible songwriter. Very thankful I was able to be alive while he was around giving his songs to us. RIP Gordon Lightfoot. What a man.
@@davidmack4185 Well said. The songs have a life of their own and are timeless.
He was a thoughtful man. That’s what came across to me. Wasn’t afraid to look inside.
Very well said!
You guys have all nailed it with these remarks. What a magnificent concept -- exactly the type of Man we need to return to society in this day and age.
The way Edmund Fitzgerald builds intensity from one verse to the next is like a blockbuster hollywood film. Epic storytelling like no other songwriter of our time.
the song is epic and top 10 songs of all time IMHO
If I could sing, his voice is the one I would like to have. Another unforgettable artist from my childhood. Great job Canada!
I grew up on Gordon Lightfoot.... In Canada he's a national hero. His brilliant lyrics and melodies will live on forever. His musical story telling is unique and will bring joy to all who investigate. Like the Ontario 1980 commercial. His musical genius is 'yours to discover'.
As a Canadian, I’m sure the pride we have for Gord being one of our own is common north of the border, but I’m truly moved by your heartfelt and poignant tribute to this masterful troubadour who touched so many lives with his songs. Early Morning Rain, Edmund Fitzgerald and Canadian Railroad Trilogy are tops for me. They are sewn into the fabric of my youth. Thank you. RIP Gord
Two of my biggest musical heroes.. And I cried when I found out when each had died... Canada's own Gordon Lightfoot and Gordon Downie. I was lucky enough to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert three times and The Hip six times.
I too was going to mention both Gord’s. Regretfully I never saw Lightfoot in concert, except maybe on CBC when I was a kid. I did see the Hip though a dozen or more times. Some brilliant songwriting on both fronts. Cheers 🍻
As a guy who grew up just south of the border, I see Gordon and Stan Rogers as maybe the greatest tellers of your country's story.
Troubadour. The perfect word.
Thank you for sharing.
Scott R, "They are sewn into the fabric of my youth." ~ 😊lovely use of words. Thank you
Every time I listen to a Lightfoot song, I am struck that there are NO wasted words in his lyrics. Every word matters, every word has a meaning. Great writer, obviously, but maybe an even greater editor of his own words.
There aren’t enough superlatives to capture who and what Gordon Lightfoot was. Under appreciated even though he had widespread recognition, he likely inspired and certainly influenced thousands and thousands of players during his lifetime. Godspeed Gordo! Rest easy.
There really aren’t. He was so wonderful. Hard to explain how wonderful.
Fantastic! Being from Michigan, we have “lived” with Gordon Lightfoot and The Edmund Fitzgerald in our hearts always and forever. Yes, what a great song writer and performer. Thank you for popping up in my feed today. Enjoy our blessings each and every day.
Gordon Lightfoot’s passing hits hard, as his music did. Rest in peace, sir.
Great tribute. My first concert ever was Gordon Lightfoot at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago when I was 11 years old. This was the Summertime Dream tour, and he brought out wives of some of the crewmen from the Edmund Fitzgerald and had them ring a bell in honor of them. I'm 56 now, and I'll never forget it. He is by far my favorite songwriter. And kudos to my Dad for dragging us out for it ❤️
Wow
Wow,
I'm 57, grew up listening to him..RIP Gordon Lightfoot.
Great story.
I feel so lucky that Gordon Lightfoot was the music of my teens and 20’s. And always.
I cannot thank you enough for this tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Brings tears of joy and loss to my eyes.
Gordon was the pride of Orillia Ontario, my hometown... My Grandmother was a huge fan, and in turn so was my father, and then me as well. We were playing Gordon Lightfoot all day at work the other day... They've been leaving flowers by his statues at both the Orillia Opera House, and Tudhope Park both in the heart of Orillia. Rest in Peace Gord... Thank you so much Rick! This was fantastic!
Gordon Lightfoot, Dan Fogelberg,James Taylor, John Denver, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel all came from this vein of incredible song story writters and muscicans who understood what it took to structure a song in such a way that no matter how many times you hear one of their songs, , you will never forget it.
Different genre but I’d add CCR to that cabal. Social commentary and stories.
They came from the era of singer songwriters. There was an amazing amount of talent in that group. I don’t think you meant to be sexist but your list is all men. Don’t forget women such as Carole King and Joni Mitchell.
OMG we love exactly the same fab musicians!
@@malucouttolenc3345 I agree with you 100%! When I read the news of Gordon's death on PBS, I cried for an hour straight! Not only tears of sorrow, but tears of anger. As in, "Why'd ya have to leave?". I actually got the chance to see him in concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, Oregon in 2015. Man I'm gonna miss him so! I wish we could have actually met each other backstage, and I wish I could have shared with him the song I wrote about how much I looooooooooooooove his music! It's sad that he died in the hospital, and they say he battled a long illness. When I told my sweet love, Johnny what happened, he wanted to tell me that Gordon died, but I told him I already knew! I've had dreams of him meeting me in a restaurant, where I could share my song with him. I bet he would be very touched that I went to great lengths to tell him he's a handsome guy with a beautiful voice! I remember saying that to him when he sang, "Beautiful" at his concert. I thought he was singing it just for me! And I said, "Aww Gordon, thank you! And you're a handsome guy, too. With a lovely, beautiful voice!". My American mom says I smiled so big that I almost headbutted the guy sitting across from me!
@@tomdiodati5028 Also Joan Baez is in that group, Karen Carpenter also was a heck of a song writter the talent in that ERA was just staggering
I saw Gordon Lightfoot, when I was in college at Illinois State University’s auditorium. I was totally blown away with his talent & his performance. He was so relatable to the audience, too. It was so quiet while he was singing. “If You Could Read Your Mind” got a standing ovation! Chills & tears come my mind. We lost a GREAT & GIFT talent when Gordon passed. Loved “Sun Down”, also. There are hardly any songs that Gordon wrote/sang that I didn’t live or live. I don’t know, if anyone comes close to Gordon’s songs for me. Thank you for this trip with Gordon.😂❤
I am a hard rock guitarist, yet I always make time in my practice to round my musical experiences with melodic music. The first jams I always do is Gordon's " if you cold read my mind and Sundown. Next thing you know, I'm doing Edmond Fitzgerald and great railroad trilogy. Next thing you know, two hours of jamming Gordon has gone by and I have forgotten about smashing cords. Listen to everything, but make time for Gordon Lightfoot. He completes the whole musical life experience.😊 19:52
They broke the mold when they made Gordon. His ability to evoke emotion through music is uncanny. RIP to an amazing musician and writer !
Rick Beato thank you for making this tribute and realizing what nuance we all missed R I P Gordon Lightfoot
Yes Rick you did an amazing tribute. You made the songs come alive with presentation. I smiled for the entire 28 minutes
@@seanmcphee7980 Beautifully said! Dittos.
I hadn’t heard a lot of his catalogue.. so - silver lining! To his passing cuz I luvvvved everything I heard
Nuance, yeah. It's hard to find nuance these days.
Gord was/is Canada’s Mozart. He is one of the major reasons I love being Canadian. Thank you for such a heartfelt tribute, Rick.
Gordon Lightfoot will forever be a Canadian National Treasure. Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute to him. Much love and light to you and yours always from the beautiful east coast of Canada! ♥️🕊🇨🇦🕊♥️
Gord was GOLD. My generation was SO LUCKY to have this man. His voice was both beautiful and haunting. His music 🎶 is timeless.
"If You Could Read My Mind" is just sublime. A Masterclass in songwriting, arrangement, recording, etc. Phenomenal lyrics sung by a voice equal parts gold and honey.
So many wonderful songs. What a beautiful gift he gave to the world.
As a young guy growing up in the UK, I was aware of Gordon from a comedy series on tv in the 90's featuring a guy called Dom Jolly. When I first heard "if you could read my mind" , I was blown away. What a powerful song. Also went on to explore his work and found "Sundown", another masterpiece. Another legend gone.
I'm Australian. My Canadian boyfriend introduced me to G Lightfoot in '69. We courted to his music. We married with his music, his stories. His music has been the soundtrack of my life since then. I travelled across Canada to his music - a beautiful road trip I never wanted to end. I know the words to so many of his songs [even the Edmund Fitzgerald!]. Those stories - a conxummate musician, an unparalleled story teller. Vale the troubador
I am not an expert in the music field but Gordon Lightfoot was my father’s favorite artist. I lost dad in a car accident in 1980 when I was 6 years old. Gordon Lightfoot’s music was a way that I could connect with dad over the years. Sad to say that Mr. Lightfoot’s passing yesterday was like losing dad all over again. I know that he is making the angels tap their toes and letting them know about what the human experience is all about. R.I.P. Gordon and thank you for the gifts that you have left behind.
Same story here, my dad and I shared this love and when my dad passed it was so hard to listen to Lightfoot. But over time it became my therapy and a way to bring back great memories. We’ll always have the music and the memories
I was fortunate enough to Gordon 9 times in concert. His songs are master pieces and at the height of his vocal powers absolutely incredible in concert. While not mentioned much in the comments here, it is worth lustening to some of his deeper cuts that are a mazing too. Some of my favorites are The Minstrel of the Dawn, Christian Island, Miguel, Song for a Winter's Night, Mother of a Miner's Child, and on and on.... Two not well known, but great albums of the early '80's were Shadows and Salute. He used to joke, in a nod to Michael Jackson, that they would have sold better if he knew how to moon walk! Rest in peace Gordon.
I thought I wrote this! It's coming on a year. I'm still crying so much over him . Feels like I lost someone so important.
I discovered Gordon in my 30s, couple decades ago. My ex wife and I loved his classics. In 2009 he performed in Boulder, much to my surprise, and there was no way I was going to miss it. I went alone. He seemed frail but it was amazing to have those songs come to life before my eyes. I’m so happy I had the chance to at least see him once.
You touched on the thing that truly makes Gordon Lightfoot’s music great. You can listen to it a million times and every time the music and the lyrics will have the same effect on you as if you were hearing it for the first time. Each time you listen to a song you notice some tiny element that you never noticed before.
Gordon Lightfoot truly was one of the best songwriters and story tellers this world has ever seen.
I think you are absolutely right. I have been listening to this man, (consciously) since I was 12. As a Detroit child I’ll bet anything I had heard
Gordon Lightfoot before…
But, what I know for sure is the lyrics and the music have shaped a lot of people’s lives. We know what we know about some life and love from Gordon. Plain talk about hard subjects.
I always fell sideways right into his lyrics and music. He was perfection. Always will be to me.
A rare talent indeed!!❤❤❤❤
Rick, so many of us in Canada greatly appreciate your musical contribution and beautiful commentary. Gordon Lightfoot was a musical poet and one of a kind.
On our one year dating anniversary I “gave” my then girlfriend /future wife of 30+ years, “Beautiful.” Its simple, soft perfection summed up everything we were to each other. A few years later, we had the song title inscribed on our wedding bands and the band played it as we had our first dance. Three decades, three kids later, that song still represents and reflects everything that matters to me. This is what great art by a great artist can do.
Yes, this our wedding song, too. 42 years later still brings ustears of joy.
I used to sing "Care free highway " at my gigs back in the 70's and really appreciated the lyrics, guitar fills and structure of this song. I'm sure he influenced my songwriting for many years to come and love the story telling aspect or all his songs, especially " If you could read my mind", it painted such a moving picture of love and loss.
My favourite line is: “sometimes I think it’s a shame, when I get feeling better when I’m feeling no pain”. Always hits me 🇨🇦🇨🇦
That one always hits me too.
The follow-up is even better! "Sometimes I think it's a sin when I feel like I'm winning when I'm losing again" Wonderful lyrics
Rick, your ability to recognize the genius of people like Gordon Lightfoot -- AND explain it -- is a gift. Thank you!
I agree.
You are so right … PERFECTION!! It’s 12:49 am and I’m searching for Gordon’s song Beautiful.. I had to hear it.!! It’s so cool to see another person “get it”… 👍🏼💙🎶🎵
I was fortunate to see him live twice. It was a blessing
As a Canadian, Gordon meant so much to me. My mother and fathers song was “if you could read my mind”. My mom passed before I got married. On my wedding day, to honour my mom, I danced with my dad to “if you could read my mind” hoping my mom knew she was there! The love my parents had for this song, probably helped bring me into this world!
I feel like a bit of myself died as well when Gordon passed. His music was right there in a lot of defining moments in my life.
The Canadian Railroad trilogy is just an astonishing composition. Every verse every bridge with minor alterations gives something new. Nobody but perhaps Joni gave as much to every song never a boring or repetitive instant.
Love it!....and so many other tracks of his.....we had folk clubs back in the day, haha!
My favorite Lightfoot song.
A gem. I always want to hear it again.
I heard someone say that was the best song ever written about Canada and I agree. He was an amazing talent.
As much as anything else, his songs *told a story* that was good enough for us to take with us.
I was 8 years old, in the school yard. We were looking over at the grey stone Welsh chapel on the hill. A young boy died and his funeral happened during playtime. We watched silently. I still can hear the workman’s radio playing “if you can read my mind love” which had just been released. The grieving parents leaned in towards the tiny congregation and the grave and the stone angels were bent over them. I looked at my cardigan and fiddled with the bobbles, trying to control such an intense sadness inside me. This song took me to the depths and for years I refused to listen to sad songs (and in 1970s there were plenty). Only now I can listen to this song and it’s just so beautiful but so sad, so so sad.
For the life of me I don't understand how The Summer Side of Life always gets overlooked, it's the best song he has ever written hands down and that is really saying something.
You are so right, amazing song.
As a fellow Canadian,thank you for this tribute to Gordon. I went to school with his niece but sadly never got to meet him. His music will never be forgotten nor will he.
I was lucky to see him in concert in Vancouver in 1968. Took photos of him with his 12 String Gibson (I posted it on flickr, the link is below my last Beatles cover)
@@sofarsogut I heard him in Vancouver that year too -- at The Riverboat (?) I think.
The electric guitar in Edmund Fitzgerald is so haunting it gives me chills. And the words are so chilling as well.
The late, great Terry Clements did the guitar work on EF
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn minutes to hours.”
We have lost one of the very best musicians and story tellers of all time. Talent like this only comes our way once in a lifetime.
I have listened to these songs for 50 years...this Guy still blows my mind 😊
Arguably if it wasn't for Gordon's song, the Fitz wreck would probably be forgotten by most. He was one hell of a songwriter and performer.
It seems he knew the world needed that song and it will live on as long as civilization does.
If you're interested, the Headstones (a legendary Canadian band) did a cover of it a few years ago. Faster tempo. It might even be in the documentary Rick was talking about.
As a Canadian who grew up with Lightfoot's music, I am so happy that you are doing this tribute right now, Rick. Thank you so much.
I learned to play acoustic guitar because of Gordon, getting serious in the early 80's. His voice was also more or less in my range too, so that it made it easy to learn to sing. Growing up in eastern Michigan we got Canadian radio almost better than US stations. Loved your tribute, Rick. I just spent the last eight days on the road, and the entire Lightfoot discography was on in the car the whole trip. I did see him in concert several times since back in the late 70's. The last one was 2019 in the fall before COVID. His voice was shadow of its former glory, but the Great Entertainer shone through and it was a magical show. I always wanted to meet him and personally thank him for all the music, but alas. When I first heard that he passed, I spent about 90 minutes on the back porch swing playing his tunes to the warm evening.
Shhh .... don't tell the others but THIS is my favorite comment. Your words are wonderful. This especially (Gord would have loved) "When I first heard that he passed, I spent about 90 minutes on the back porch swing playing his tunes to the warm evening."
I finally was able to watch the documentary last night and again this morning. I’ve realized another part of my youth is gone. Gordon is one of the best ever singer songwriters. Now it’s time to explore his music in more detail. 💔Thank you Rick for this episode. ❤️
The great soft rock/folk greats from the 70's cannot be rated too highly. Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, John Denver... musicians like that are true legends. Gordon Lightfoot's recordings have something that The Beatles have- everything is just perfect, you couldn't pull a note or a syllable out of place. Just so perfect.
Grew up near Lake Michigan, I always thought that's what an ocean looks like. I'm 68, and every single time I hear Edmond Fitzgerald, I still get a tear in my eyes. Have loved Gordon forever. Wonderful tribute, Rick, thank you.
When you're out on the lake it makes no difference that it isn't an ocean. It is a monstrously big, deep lake. It behaves like an ocean so it may as well be one.
I agree. I live near Chicago Illinois. This song always gives me chills. I am 57 years old. And after hearing it I did research to find out what happened to the Big Fitz.
I can't help but to sing along .
As I watched your visceral and emotional reaction to this song, it was comforting to know that it was affecting others the way it affected me, an eleven year old boy from Newark, NJ. Even now, at age age 64, that first lyric, "if you could read my mind, love, what a tale my thoughts could tell," STILL makes me tear up.
Rest in eternal peace, storyteller.
Great tribute Rick. He left us all moved by his remarkable creative output. Proud to be Canadian.
"A perfect vocal. Perfect!" and Rick, no auto tune, no comping 100s of takes.
The talent was insane.
I grew up in Detroit, MI and I always had the same feeling as you that because we were so close to Canada their artists were somehow more ours than the rest of the States. Gord was always one of my favorites. Such an amazing storyteller. A modern troubadour that will be remembered forever. RIP Gord. You brought a lot of love and joy to this world.
Flint here. And I totally agree with you.
Vermont here, and I agree.
Black day in July is such an underrated masterpiece. I find it never gets the attention it deserves.
He was the ultimate storyteller. No one else even comes close. I remember being a kid and my dad telling me when Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald came on that it was a true story. I listened to that song more intently than anything else.
It's a song that I instantly recognize from the first note. No matter what I'm doing, as soon as I hear it I stop and just listen to it. I think it's the only song that I have ever "felt". It's a song that hits hard. I feel the emotions of it. Unfortunately, with music the way it is now, we'll never again have anything close to Gordon Lightfoot.
I was born and raised in Macon. I wish I could have gone to that concert. Being around 15 at that time though, it wasn't on my radar.
I was fortunate to be able to see Gordon in concert just a couple of months prior to his passing. Seeing him perform ‘The wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald’ brought me to flowing tears. Knowing that I was seeing one of the greatest of all time, likely for the last time, sing one of the absolute best songs ever written. Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this great man.
Being a 24 year old, I watched him perform earlier this year in Edmonton. Truly an artist throughout his entire life.
Performing at 85. That’s beautiful,
They still had upcoming tour dates listed this morning.
I'm so upset at myself for not seeing him last summer when I had the chance. IDC what his voice sounded like; he was a musical hero who still had passion for his craft. That would've been enough.
You're smart as a young person to see him when you did. I saw him in 2019 when I was 34 and I was probably one of the youngest people there.
Thank you, Rick. What a lovely retrospective of Gordon. So heartfelt and full of memories. ❤