“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” It’s hard to think of a lyric that so effectively conveys a very real sense of time and place, namely what it must’ve been like to be with those sailors on that doomed ship. Brilliantly poignant and beautiful.
I particularly like the second verse of the song. It paints an absolutely terrifying picture of the conditions of the ship, even though he wasn't there. So bleak, so powerful. "The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound and the waves broke over the railing...."
Thanks so much for this. The passing of Gordon Lightfoot has left a huge void for the many of us long term fans. Since the early Riverboat, Steele's Tavern days in Toronto each time I saw him perform I could feel the magnetism setting in as one who needed to be there. Having attended numerous concerts over the years it became clear that I had been influenced greatly by his works. The magnetism had set in. This now has become a very important part of the rest of my life. I learned to sing and play his songs and became lucky receiving invitations to perform them on stage from time to time. When the question came what is your favourite Gordon Lightfoot song I was never able to provide an answer; that is till now. On a recent late afternoon, early evening as dusk was setting in, a light snow began to fall. The flakes gradually increased in size. The Christmas lights were on and when I looked out the window I melted. It tore me up in fact. I knew then "Song For a Winter's Night" was the one. Ron Jones.
I have the same feeling about Morning Glory. I've just recently "rediscovered" it, and I don't know if it's just because I hadn't heard it in so long, or I just realized how beautiful the melody of it is. But like you said, he has too many to count for a favorite.
Don Quixote is one folks don’t talk about much. I had just slogged through Cervantes in high school, and I was duly impressed by Gordon’s ability to distill the long winded story into a three-versed song that was so relatable to the mush of my teenage mind!
I grew up thinking Don Quixote must be some amazing heroic guy (thanks to Lightfoot). I was so disappointed when I arrived in a freshman lecture about Don Quixote where the prof. Referred to him as “Don Quicks Aut.” and proceeded to bore us all to death.The picture painted by Lightfoot was so heroic and grand it meant any subsequent telling of the tale would be disappointing, I guess.
@@kelly2558 if not my favourite, it was very close to the top, even though it was not a big hit like some of his other songs. I was always fascinated by wording as well as the spirit which Gordon used to sing the song. The melody was also beautiful. I learned it at a very young age and is still a big part of my folk repitore.
My wife and I were in Nashville and saw that Lightfoot was playing the Ryman. We had seen him about 10+ years earlier and couldn’t turn down the chance to hear these songs one more time. It was quite obvious that age was catching up to his voice when he started singing at the Ryman. The auditorium had a large number of folks sitting in the front rows that were respectfully singing along to all his songs. As the evening went on the they became more engaged. It was pure magic that only could happen at one of the most sacred places in music. Gordon thrived on the harmonies coming from the audience and truly appeared to be rejuvenated by them. What a wonderful way to see this musical treasure in his twilight years.
Nashville audiences almost always sing well when given the chance. Your mailman in Nashville probably is a good guitar player. That's the kind of town it is.
I had the great privilege to seem live too in his later years. His voice had weekend by then, but there seemed to be more soul to it. His passing is the greatest loss to fellow Canadians, but his spirit will live forever in his beautiful words and music.
If You Could Read My Mind was the first song that completely captivated me. I was in grade school when it came out. It was haunting, full of emotions I was too young to understand yet they brought me to tears. The lyrics conjured images which return on each new listen of it. I fell in love with his voice and the stories he told. RIP Gordon. We will miss you.
I saw GL for the first time last fall. It was poignant; although there was no vocal power or ability to sustain notes, his wonderful vocal quality glowed from the stage. His band was perfect, so controlled-- backing up and filling in for him, supporting him without drowning him in sound. I am so glad I was able to hear and experience this man, his voice and songs....
once, at a concert in the mid 70's, he opened with "if you could read"- into "the patriot's dream". when that song ended, the whole place was on their feet- and he seemed too humble to react comfortably. what a perfect night- for him, and for us. made me wonder- how often does he have this kind of an effect on an audience? i saw him 3 other times- but that night was something to remember!
One of my good friends, who is in his mid-80s, went to school with Gordon... though they never met. My friend is a luthier and Build's amazing guitars and had always thought about giving one to Gordon but never did... This is a sad time for my country, it's not easy losing the world's greatest songwriter. Rip Mr Lightfoot
Growning up in Michigan and spent all my childhood traveling around Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, my two favorite music was Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Segar. But Gordon was near and dear to my heart, and everytime i hear him singing , i am whisked away, back to my childhood and memories made on family trips in Michigan in the Summer Thank You Otis, your videos let me know that i may not have much nio family left , but i have a gr8 big Jamily 🤘🏼❤🤗🌈🔥🎶🎶
Susie Fairfield. I agree with you. Gordon and Bob Seger are my favourites too. Living in Windsor, across the river from Detroit, we were surrounded by such great music. For me, the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald really affected me. Living in the Great Lakes region how could we not be affected by his soulful song of that tragedy. 💔🇨🇦
For me, the steel guitar in Edmond Fitzgerald tells the story with great accountability. It was capable of conveying the wind, waves and ice in great chilling detail. That song takes me back mentally, to the kitchen table to when I first heard it. Thank you Gordon, Rest in Peace.
Yeah that steel is fantastic, and as a previous commenter pointed out the synthesizer (played by Gene Martynec) adds a haunting effect. This same sound from the same musician can be found on the magnificent Seven Island Suite from the SUNDOWN album.
Lightfoot always had fantastic players in his band. His bassist was with him for 55 years, seen him interviewed at the memorial. Not a bad player himself on the 12 string. RIP, Gord.
Your stories are better than therapy. Your soothing voice. Your generous spirit. Your knack for getting to the heart of any story. It helps me get through the day. You are a wonder, Otis. And like most wondrous people, you probably don't even realize what a powerful impact you have on poor souls like me. Love you, buddy. ✌❤
Canadian railroad trilogy, wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, sundown, Alberta Bound, early morning rain. Love his lyrics. It’s like he paints a picture with his words and voice. Amazing.
Thank you Otis for your fine tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. I live in Australia and was lucky enough to see Gordon in concert when his first and only tour happened in 1974, i was 20 at the tme. The show as you can imagine was amazing and the next day still in a Lightfoot coma i managed to get hold of a tour poster from the local booking office, which i still treasure. I am still to this day a huge fan and have every album, trying to name my favorite song is near impossible, so many come to mind. He has been with me all of my adult life and I have been dreading this sad occasion, but thats life. Thanks again Otis, i am a big follower of you and enjoy and always look forward to all of your posts. Cheers, Tim from Australia.
Love the birds chirping in the background! Gordon was a humble man with talent beyond normal. Some of my favorites, aside from everything from his early albums are, The Last Time I Saw Her, Restless, Knotty Pine, Song for a Winter’s Night, Shadows, Circle of Steel, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Ballad of Yarmouth Castle, Black Day in July…I could go on and on! Thank you for this lovely tribute to the man!
Thank you for your music, dear Gordon. Yesterday, I was listening your songs while driving home. And I was singing "Dayliight Katy", one of the songs I like most. I didn't know you passed away. Love from an opera singer from Buenos Aires and, again, thank you.
In 1970-71 I left college and started travelling around the country trying to experience America. My friends thought I was crazy, my parents didn't understand what I was about. I had very little contact with them for about 3 years. I was working on a farm in Virginia when I first heard Sit Down Young Stranger. I listened to it over and over, Gordon was telling my story as if he knew what was in my soul. I decided then that it was time to go home. I'm 73 now and to this day the songs floods my brain with the most vivid memories and emotions. RIP Gordo you will be forever missed and loved
I have been surprisingly emotional about Gordon's passing this past week. I've never been a mega fan, and don't own any albums (that will change), but his music has just always been there, as a background to my growing up. As I've been binging on his music this past week, I've been hearing songs and thinking, oh, I forgot that one! Like The Circle is Small. I've rediscovered some old friends, like Cotton Jenny, and Beautiful. And then the big hits like If You Could Read My Mind, and The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald came out when I was first starting to listen to the radio, and really pay attenion. And because I live on Lake Ontario, it's always resonated with me. There are some songs that I've never heard before, and have been a revelation...Ode To Big Blue is rather gorgeous. But of all of the songs that I've heard this week, there hasn't been a single one that I haven't liked, so I guess that I have to agree with Bob Dylan. I've watched some videos here on RUclips, with musicians analysing his music, and I've developed even more appreciation for how hugely talented he was, on all levels. How subtle and beautiful his music could be. I put on earphones, and listened, really listened, to If You Could Read My Mind...stunning. There may have been a few tears. There will never be another quite like him.
I am still choking up doing a deep dive through the vinyl. The guy was a genius with melody and the combination of the words in his lyrics. The phrasing was just unreal and his consistency was great. When you really look at the run he had from like '67-76, it was as good as any legend who got locked in for about 8-9 years, in particular, from that era.
Your sentiments match mine. I am a music lover but I don't believe I ever owned a Lightfoot album. And yet I simply loved him. His music was poetry. He was such an amazing story teller. I live in Oro-Medonte which is just down the road from his hometown Orillia. I layed flowers at the foot of his statue first thing in the morning the day after the news of his passing. This hit me surprisingly hard.
@@vickireed2936 That was so nice of you to lay flowers at his statue! I think this has hit a lot of people hard, and it came as a surprise to them. And I think that Gordon would have been touched, and surprised himself...he was a humble man.
Thank you for posting this tribute to the great Gordon Lightfoot. I loved him and his music. What a fascinating tidbit of info was his declining to perform at the Last Waltz. the greatest rock documentary of all time. Gord was a humble and private guy.
Tony Rice did an album of Gordon Lightfoot songs . . which was fabulous. Some of the songs I had never heard before, so I looked them up and became a Gordon Lightfoot fan all over again. Thanks for bringing the songs of my youth to life, Gordon.
My Dad was a bluegrass musician and the first record they made was in 1972 I think and it featured one of Gordon’s songs with my Dad singing lead vocal on it; “That’s what you get for loving me”. I’m in the process of digitizing those old records and posting them. The Grateful Dead’s version of Early morning Rain” sticks out as a favorite but for Gordon himself I’d have to say “The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald”. That’s his masterpiece akin to “A Hard rains gonna fall”. So many of his are on that level it’s hard to pick just one. He was definitely up there with Dylan and Young. Complete Legend
Cotton Jenny. I dont even know quite why. Ever since I first heard it, it pops into my consciousness at random intervals. His poetry is very visual and illustrates how just a few well chosen words can equal a book. Simply beautiful craftmanship! He has few equals over time. Rest easy Mr. Lightfoot! You did well! "There's a house on a hill By a worn down weathered old mill In the valley below where the river winds There's no such thing as bad times"
Im an airline pilot and early morning rain brings a tear to my eye. Ive been out on the road trying to keep a failing relationship alive. It hurts when you are helpless to fix it. Its like being a traveling salesman to the utmost selfish degree,as I'd forsake every relationship to keep flying. Ive literally said the lyrics to loved ones without realizing it... "Im stuck on the ground in Chicago but Ill soon be on the way..." Gord knew the human condition better than anyone else. Master at his craft. Watch his lips in a live video... He shapes the notes in a way I've never seen.
I don't have a favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. Every time I listen to him, it's like hearing each of his songs for the first time. Rest in Peace Gordon. 🙏
When I was 5 the Lightfoot album "Sit Down Young Stranger" came out & my dad picked it up on 8-track. I listened to that album hundreds of times, and the song "If You Could Read My Mind" always blows my mind.
If you could read my mind… it takes me to the time when my parents were divorcing. My dad could have written that song. Gordon saved my soul and kept my heart above water. God bless you Gordon
Thank you OTIS, talking about GORDON . It is hard to pick one song from his collections of song`s , but as I get in the golden years the song " Summer side of life " , he has been the music score of my life in most part , then any other song writer artist. Dylan said that listening to Gordon's songs is like watching a movie that you never want to end.
“I’ll give you the keys to my flying machine if you like…” “Sundown you better take care if you see me creeping‘round your back stairs…” “Lake Superior never gives up her dead…” I could probably do this for months on end and still have more to go. A great man! A great poet! A wonderful performer; and proud Canadian that shows in many of his songs 👍
Thanks Otis. I'm a Canadian singer songwriter and I saw Gordon twice in my hometown of Peterborough Ontario Canada. He was of course, amazing. Why don't you travel here to play some gig's? Love your show!! Peace
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻 The first time I heard Gordon Lightfoot was on the radio in my folks' '56 Nomad. It was "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", of course. That song captured my imagination. My parents went out and bought "Summertime Dream", and I listened to the album as often as I could. "The House You Live In" and "Summertime Dream" stick out for me, but the whole album was influential. "Sundown" I think may have been the next sing I heard. Then, in high school, my guitar teacher talked about busking and playing along the east coast after he'd got out of the Army, and playing with a certain hard-drinking, hard-playing Canadian singer-songwriter in the mid-60s. I have no reason to doubt Mr. Pool, he had a few stories. I'll never know. Fair winds and following seas, Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you for sharing your gift 🙏🏻 You are missed 🤍💛 Be good to you 🤍💛
Favorite lightfoot songs are: (1) Ribbon of Darkness (2) Alberta bound (3) Ode to big blue (4) The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (5) Pony Man Otis, I was raised in Oregon state and not far from Canada so Gordon’s music has always been a part of my life. I’m 58 and was very saddened to hear of Gordy’s death last Monday. Thanks for this segment Otis, Top shelf entertainment as always! (Post script) Otis I forgot to mention in original post that I did get to see Gordon in concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Performance hall in Portland Oregon years ago and it’s a great memory of mine. He will be missed along with so many other legends that have past on.
My junior high school girlfriend loved Gordon's music, as do I. We made it to at least four of his shows between 69 and 73. Brilliant shows that left an enduring sense of warmth and humanity. Treasured memories that have lasted a life time.
Very interesting to listen to this video. Very soothing. I saw Gordon Lightfoot in 2017 in Tarrytown, NY. His voice was soft, almost whispery. But he was funny and it was a thrill to see such a legend. I remember him saying a lot of his lyrics were interchangeable or something like that. He will live on through his music but he sure is missed. First song of his I remember hearing was “If You Could Read My Mind” in 1970 or ‘71. I was 10 years old but the lyrics and music hit me powerfully. Then came “Sundown” which I played over and over and over as a 45. Never could get enough of it. I wanted it to go on and on, like Dylan said. “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” in 1976 was another favorite. I played it so many times the 45 got very scratchy. Every lyric in that song is powerful and perfectly arranged. It puts you right out there in Lake Superior with the gales and the waves and then the musty old hall in Detroit. The chiming lead guitar so beautifully haunting. And in 1982 there was “Baby Step Back” which I always loved and thought was way underrated.
Bitter Green, Early Morning Rain, Summer side of life. I'm so very proud to have had Lightfoot provide this indelible soundtrack to my life. He's left an unfillable void in the Canadian music scene. Rest in ever loving peace Gordon
First off, thank you Sir, for a wonderful presentation. Jeez, there are so many great songs that Lighfoot wrote. I first heard an 8 track compilation from the United Artists years. Canadian Railroad Trilogy was special for me, but so was Bitter Green, Pussywillows, Cat-Tails and Early Morning Rain. Not to mention others. Sundown is such a great album. My brother had the 8 track of it. I later picked it up on vinyl. Circle of Steel, Carefree Highway, The Watchman's Gone and my personal favorite, Seven Island Suite. The Summer Side of Life literally gave me shivers as a teenager. Thank God I was a bit too young to get drafted, but it hit home in the Viet Nam years. Don Quixote is an amazing collection of songs. I came to it a bit later, but it opened up the door for further listening. As a Rush fan, it was wonderful to hear you quote Geddy Lee's statement in regards to Gordon. I also loved the Summertime Dream album. Race Among the Ruins is my second choice for personal favorite, but in all sincerity, I could go on and on mentioning great songs written and sung by Lightfoot. This was truly a wonderful clip. Once again, thanks. Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot. May your songs live on forever.
He was scheduled to play the new Brown County Music Center in Sept 2019 but postponed due to health reasons. The next March, COVID hit about two weeks before the show, and subsequent reschedulings gor canceled until spring of 2022. We finally got to see him then, and while his voice was a bit weaker than it had been in his youth, he still nailed it. I am grateful we did end up getting to witness his talent in person.
10 degrees and getting colder is one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs. I hitch-hiked across the country for almost 80,000 miles in the 1970s and he nailed the hitch-hiking experience with that song. Saw him in Missoula in fall 1975. RIP Gordon & thanks for taking us to great places with your songs.
If You Could Read My Mind is a perfect masterpiece!He chose to remain here in Canada when other artists covered his songs for hits.I believe The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald was his first big hit.
The only way I can get thru his passing, is knowing he is stil writting, composing and playing his music in another realm with so many others. His music will always be etched in my mind and heart. Saw him in concert back in the 70's in Detroit (Olympia Stadium), and never forgot about that fabulous voice and performance. Thanks for the video and memories!
Thank you Otis. Very cool. I moved to Nashville in 1985 with my parents for my Dad's work. I enjoyed going to visit his office on Woodmont Blvd. I'd walk into the "Mansion" and greeting you in the lobby was a perfect scaled model under glass of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I would always gaze at it being a Gordon Lightfoot fan. It always took me back to growing up in Canada. My Dad worked for "Mr (Edmund) Fitzgerald" whose Dad's name was on the boat. It was a special time going to visit my Dad at his work.
There many great Gordon Lightfoot songs. He was such a master of mixing the lyrics with the melody and telling a complete story. My favorite Lightfoot song is the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. That song tells a story of a whole Country... The good, the bad and history of the people of the great Canadian North. "There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run. When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun"
I get what you're saying about the feel of Early Morning Rain. I love If You Could Read My Mind for the same reason. (For Jimmy Webb songs I'd go with By The Time I Get to Phoenix.) Of Gordon's many great lyrics this one from Sundown has always struck home with me: "Sometimes I think it's a shame/when I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain." The lyrics to Rainy Day People also speak to me. Thanks for sharing the stories and tributes.
When I was a child in the 70s, the haunting "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" used to get me... you couldn't help but to stop and listen. Now it's songs like "Summer Side of Life" telling the story of young men in the prime of their lives being sent off to war, with some coming back with those scars, is deeply touching. The man was a true legend, a poet and story teller without compromise, and his music will live on forever.
Back in the early 70s my family would make a lot of road trips to and from the Outer Banks where my dad was from. Every time I heard a new Gordon Lightfoot song on the radio I would feel so happy. Even when it was a sad song I felt like I could understand it. At the age of 10 or 11 I understood it. And as I get older those songs become more meaningful to me.
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Saw Gordon Lightfoot in 1999, he was spectacular. I swear, when he did “Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” I got chicken skin and every hair stood on end.
Love all his songs. How could anyone not. If I had to pick one song it would be Summer Side of Life. And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why he would cry, the whole day long. Such powerful lyrics this man wrote. Mixed with his soulful voice and music just beyond words
Was so fortunate to see him at least 4 times in the 90s. Favorites are CRT and Christian Island, but so many more. His music is incomparable. RIP Gordon.
Gordon Lightfoot’s music was the soundtrack of the early years of my relationship with the man who would become my husband. We went to few of Lightfoot’s concert and loved them. It was the music on the tape deck driving from Illinois to Maine. Although the relationship eventually ended, I always remember those years fondly with Gordon Lightfoot’s music easing the hurt. In 2022 I watched a documentary about Lightfoot. This led me to start listening to his music again and the memories flooded my heart. Beautiful, Sundown, Carefree Highway, Alberta Bound, the list is endless, but the one that made me sob uncontrollably was Looking At the Rain. It was 1980 all over again. I had to listen to that song many times again to release the painful memories from that hauntingly beautiful song. It’s my all time favorite!
I find it amazing how many people were affected by Gordon Lightfoot and his music. I have always loved his music and have never become tired of it. I thought Gordon to most people was just another musician who had his day. He really was special.
Great episode, Otis. If been a GL fan since I first heard "If You Could Read My Mind" on the radio in 1970. I've seen him in concert four times, first time in the 70s and last time in 2013. I've been to countless concerts and I've never seen audiences as attentive to an artist like they were at his concerts. Even when his voice was failing in recent years the audience would sing along as if to love him through the song. My favorite Lightfoot songs are too many to mention but just have a listen to "I'm Not Supposed To Care", from the Summertime Dream album. You can get lost in that one. Thanks for the Gordon Lightfoot tribute. He will never be forgotten.
No doubt Bob Dylan will be very saddened by Gordon's passing...a private person, Bob's tribute may come in a song, he expresses himself best that way. Gordon's brilliant music will live on forever...a true Legend
Thank you so much for this very nice tribute to Gordon Lightfoot! I’ve been a big fan of his since the release of “Sundown” in 1974, and had the privilege to see him play live once in 1980. I love so much of his music but one of many standouts for me is “Old Dan’s Records.” “Don Quixote” is another favorite of mine. One observation I’d like to make is that the storytelling in “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is incredibly historically accurate yet beautifully retold in such a poetic way, and put to a great melody. It’s truly a timeless masterpiece! Thank you again. This was very interesting!
Every song Gordon wrote was so masterfully done, for me it’s impossible to have a favorite. Jim Croce, John Denver, Harry Chapin are some others. RIP GORDON.🎼🎶👍
This was great! Thank you. I just purchased the audible version of that Lightfoot book. Can’t wait to listen. I love so many songs of his. If you could read my mind, Carefree Highway, Wherefore and the Why, Minstrel of the dawn , Early morning rain, Circle is Small, Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Wow he would have been great in The Last Waltz. Too bad.
I saw him at the Kennedy Center in 91. Consistently astounding. Hard to pick a single best/favorite song, but I have to say Circle of Steel off Sundown reverberates to me, for its humanity, a perfect rendering of such a sensitive subject, that not all Christmases are jolly, that sometimes life is a hard taskmaster.
30 or so years ago I happened upon a going-out-of-business sale at a store called Discount Records in Austin, Texas, originally located on the drag, right across the street from UT. Incidentally, on the side of the building was the original of Daniel Johnston's iconic HI, HOW ARE YOU? painting of the frog-like creature. I believe the painting is actually still there, unless I am mistaken, but I digress. For 50 cents (!) I purchased Lightfoot's 'If You Could Read My Mind' album (originally entitled 'Sit Down Young Stranger', until the hit song was hastily added and the album retitled and re-released). I'd alway loved the single, but hearing the entire the album put me to realize that every single song on the album is equally wonderful. Ry Cooder, Van Dyke Parks, and John Sebastian are among the session musicians. Probably the best version of Me and Bobby McGee ever (great slide guitar courtesy of Ry). This record awoke within me what had been slumbering - a huge appreciation for Lightfoot's music. I subsequently purchased several more: Summer Side of Life, Don Quixote, Old Dan's Records, Sundown, and Cold on the Shoulder, each record great in it's own particular way. RIP Gordon.
I met Gordon in Portland Maine when he played Merrill Aud. quite a few years back. He was so humble & funny. I wish I took a picture of us, but having worked in music for some time its just something I don't think to do in the moment. I never forget his comment to me. He nudged me & said... "I cant believe people are still so into my music". I nearly swallowed my tongue! I just put my arm around his waist, looked up at him & said... "man, ... ur are a living legend". Denim & turquoise = Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Forever
I started writing poetry when I was about 10 and when I heard Gordon sing Pussy willows... I decided the words had to be beautiful. I think I succeeded once or twice, he was a master.
What a fine tribute for a great artist. As soon as i heard of his passing, i went straight to listening to Early Morning Rain. Thank you for the many gifts, Mr. Lightfoot.
You got a thumbs up before watching the video because the title began with "Gordon Lightfoot"! I saw Lightfoot do an in store performance at Sam The Record Man in Toronto in 1995. After, I spoke to him and found him soft-spoken and gracious. I knew his late photographer John Reeves who did the Sundown album cover and the bio book cover. I was a friend of the late Maren Thomas who was the muse for his song "Affair on 8th Avenue" (one of his most sophisticated songs in waltz time). I signed the Book of Condolences for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall yesterday (Sun. May 7, 2023). I'm a lifelong fan - as you can probably tell!
I always love his music and songs . I listen to ĥis music for many years and still do .God bless him and all those who had music and their songs back then. God bless all of them.
Hey man. Canadian Railroad Trilogy is special to me. My bother in law would cover it using his Martin D12 28. We would be sitting at their campfire in the Redwoods, this was in the mid 70's, and his playing partner would pull out his Martin 28 and they would tear though it. I was real magic .
We saw Gordo in Long Island NY at the Theater go round .... he forgot some lyrics mid song ... and we all filled in ... he apologized after he finished that song ...and we all yelled " We don't care" ... we loved him that much .... I have sung most of his songs as a weekend warrior for 40years or so .... Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a classic !!! He wrote that song after seeing a print story about 1 inch by 2 inches ... He thought that was a disgrace to the family left behind without their loved ones ... so he wrote the song ,,, sang it in a church for the families .... and asked them if he should change anything ...... they were all happy with the original song and now we all know what happened that fateful day ...RIP Gordo
Thank you, for this Homage to Gordon Lightfoot. My personal favourite song is: " A Painter Passing Through ". For I am sduch this person, in my life for over 48 years. This song is true to form, about how we are viewed during our lifetime, as o my Gordon understood. I appreciate your Talent and your Friendship with Gordon. Thank you so very very much 💔🎖🏆⚘🇨🇦✨☄🌠🕯 🇬🇧
It’s like trying to choose a favorite child, but the one that always jumps out for me is The Last Time I Saw Her Face. Gordon is the Van Gogh of music--our Painter Passing Through.
“I wonder how the old folks are tonight” - in “Carefree Highway”. Such a great, mundane thought thrown into a lyric that perfects the mood & makes the song relatable.
Love Gord’s songs. A lot of them evoke that sweet homesick feeling you mentioned, Otis. Been listening to him since I was old enough to start school. I remember my older sister explaining Black Day in July to me. That one was boycotted by stations in a lot of the US. Wherefore and Why. Circle of Steel. Did She Mention My Name. Mountains and Maryanne. Song For a Winter’s Night. Go-Go Round. Bitter Green. There are just so many. Don Quixote. Canadian Railway Trilogy…love that one. It was commissioned for our bicentennial. It sounds patriotic, but if you listen closely, he’s making some salient points.
Summer Side of Life. Makes me think of the fields of Sunflowers in North Dakota. Just a beautiful song. I was fortunate to see Gordon twice. Once when he was in his prime and once long after. The range of ages and types of people who were at those concerts, was amazing in its own right. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.
I first saw GL in concert in Austin in 1969. Fantastic performance. Around 2013, I was living in the Washington, DC area and got to see him again, this time at Wolf Trap. He’d lost some breath, but who cared? It was Gordon effing Lightfoot, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I always loved his first album, with songs like Steel Rail Blues, sixteen Miles to Seven Lakes, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, and on and on. I was taking an acting class in college, and our first assignment was to sing a song, any song we chose. I chose Lightfoot’s “Rich Man’s Spiritual.” I practiced it for days, and to this day, it’s still my favorite Lightfoot song… except, perhaps for “Softly.” Oh my, what a loss.
Saw Gordon in December of 1973 in Symphony Hall in Boston. The seats were great and the tickets were given to my wife and I from a friend who ran a guitar shop because he couldn't make it. Red Shea was not touring at that time so Terry Clements was his second guitar and was perfect. Right now and for the past few months I keep playing Same Old Loverman over and over not just because it's a great song, which it is, but because Rick Haynes bass part is absolutely perfect and the solo break as well. Gordon's long time band was one of the best backup bands to ever play as they understood Gordon and his songs almost as if they had written the songs themselves. Gordon's passing is a huge musical loss.
Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot had that feel and they take me to my childhood like nothing else.
As a singer/songwriter/guitarist I started with Jim Croce, then moved on to Cat Stevens, with Gordon Lightfoot also firmly in the mixed.
I grew up in the south and Croce was the man....
I couldn’t agree more! Not only great songwriters, but fantastic guitar players.
100% Childhood memories of driving up northern Quebec listening to am radio to enjoy the cottage in the wilderness.
Jim Croce payed tribute to his idol Lightfoot in his song "Railroad and Riverboats"!!
“Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” It’s hard to think of a lyric that so effectively conveys a very real sense of time and place, namely what it must’ve been like to be with those sailors on that doomed ship. Brilliantly poignant and beautiful.
I grew up on the Oregon coast .I have been on the Pacific Ocean during some terrible weather and he huts it on the head
I particularly like the second verse of the song. It paints an absolutely terrifying picture of the conditions of the ship, even though he wasn't there. So bleak, so powerful. "The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound and the waves broke over the railing...."
Anyone who has been on the sea in dangerous turmoil understands thos words deep in their hearts. A minute can easily seem like hours 😥
Yeah
"The Wreck of The Edmond Fitzgerald." I did see him in concert years ago at the . Mississippi River Valley Concert series.
My favorite line from GL. 👍
Thanks so much for this. The passing of Gordon Lightfoot has left a huge void for the many of us long term fans. Since the early Riverboat, Steele's Tavern days in Toronto each time I saw him perform I could feel the magnetism setting in as one who needed to be there. Having attended numerous concerts over the years it became clear that I had been influenced greatly by his works. The magnetism had set in. This now has become a very important part of the rest of my life. I learned to sing and play his songs and became lucky receiving invitations to perform them on stage from time to time. When the question came what is your favourite Gordon Lightfoot song I was never able to provide an answer; that is till now. On a recent late afternoon, early evening as dusk was setting in, a light snow began to fall. The flakes gradually increased in size. The Christmas lights were on and when I looked out the window I melted. It tore me up in fact. I knew then "Song For a Winter's Night" was the one. Ron Jones.
I have the same feeling about Morning Glory. I've just recently "rediscovered" it, and I don't know if it's just because I hadn't heard it in so long, or I just realized how beautiful the melody of it is. But like you said, he has too many to count for a favorite.
Early morning rain is a great song.
"You can't jump a jet plane like you can a freight train" I love that line.
It is a great song. I wish it would never end.
I think there’s a line in there about” big 707 set to go “. Hence the picture of him on the wing of a707. Steel Rail Blues is another good one.
'Now, the liquor tasted good and the women all were fast' like that too hah
My all time favorite GL song, along with Steel Rail Blues.
@@ruffalo09 that is another great "hook" in that song... Actually all the likes are like "hooks" ❤️🙏
Don Quixote is one folks don’t talk about much. I had just slogged through Cervantes in high school, and I was duly impressed by Gordon’s ability to distill the long winded story into a three-versed song that was so relatable to the mush of my teenage mind!
I grew up thinking Don Quixote must be some amazing heroic guy (thanks to Lightfoot). I was so disappointed when I arrived in a freshman lecture about Don Quixote where the prof. Referred to him as “Don Quicks Aut.” and proceeded to bore us all to death.The picture painted by Lightfoot was so heroic and grand it meant any subsequent telling of the tale would be disappointing, I guess.
@@kelly2558 if not my favourite, it was very close to the top, even though it was not a big hit like some of his other songs. I was always fascinated by wording as well as the spirit which Gordon used to sing the song. The melody was also beautiful. I learned it at a very young age and is still a big part of my folk repitore.
My wife and I were in Nashville and saw that Lightfoot was playing the Ryman. We had seen him about 10+ years earlier and couldn’t turn down the chance to hear these songs one more time. It was quite obvious that age was catching up to his voice when he started singing at the Ryman. The auditorium had a large number of folks sitting in the front rows that were respectfully singing along to all his songs. As the evening went on the they became more engaged. It was pure magic that only could happen at one of the most sacred places in music. Gordon thrived on the harmonies coming from the audience and truly appeared to be rejuvenated by them. What a wonderful way to see this musical treasure in his twilight years.
Nashville audiences almost always sing well when given the chance. Your mailman in Nashville probably is a good guitar player. That's the kind of town it is.
I had the great privilege to seem live too in his later years. His voice had weekend by then, but there seemed to be more soul to it. His passing is the greatest loss to fellow Canadians, but his spirit will live forever in his beautiful words and music.
If You Could Read My Mind was the first song that completely captivated me. I was in grade school when it came out. It was haunting, full of emotions I was too young to understand yet they brought me to tears. The lyrics conjured images which return on each new listen of it. I fell in love with his voice and the stories he told. RIP Gordon. We will miss you.
Exactly❤😢
Ditto
His voice always fit perfectly with his songs - writing songs and performing them was what he was gifted to do and man oh man what a blessed talent.
I was 14 when 'If you could read my mind' was released. I was a GL fan ever since!! Beautiful writer and singer.
@@paulniksch7595 10 and same here.
I saw GL for the first time last fall. It was poignant; although there was no vocal power or ability to sustain notes, his wonderful vocal quality glowed from the stage. His band was perfect, so controlled-- backing up and filling in for him, supporting him without drowning him in sound. I am so glad I was able to hear and experience this man, his voice and songs....
once, at a concert in the mid 70's, he opened with "if you could read"- into "the patriot's dream". when that song ended, the whole place was on their feet- and he seemed too humble to react comfortably. what a perfect night- for him, and for us. made me wonder- how often does he have this kind of an effect on an audience? i saw him 3 other times- but that night was something to remember!
One of my good friends, who is in his mid-80s, went to school with Gordon... though they never met. My friend is a luthier and Build's amazing guitars and had always thought about giving one to Gordon but never did... This is a sad time for my country, it's not easy losing the world's greatest songwriter. Rip Mr Lightfoot
Growning up in Michigan and spent all my childhood traveling around Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, my two favorite music was Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Segar. But Gordon was near and dear to my heart, and everytime i hear him singing , i am whisked away, back to my childhood and memories made on family trips in Michigan in the Summer
Thank You Otis, your videos let me know that i may not have much nio family left , but i have a gr8 big Jamily 🤘🏼❤🤗🌈🔥🎶🎶
Susie Fairfield. I agree with you. Gordon and Bob Seger are my favourites too. Living in Windsor, across the river from Detroit, we were surrounded by such great music. For me, the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald really affected me. Living in the Great Lakes region how could we not be affected by his soulful song of that tragedy. 💔🇨🇦
For me, the steel guitar in Edmond Fitzgerald tells the story with great accountability. It was capable of conveying the wind, waves and ice in great chilling detail. That song takes me back mentally, to the kitchen table to when I first heard it. Thank you Gordon, Rest in Peace.
It has a Moog synthesizer in the background that makes it even more haunting. Free Bird has one used in the same way.
Yeah that steel is fantastic, and as a previous commenter pointed out the synthesizer (played by Gene Martynec) adds a haunting effect. This same sound from the same musician can be found on the magnificent Seven Island Suite from the SUNDOWN album.
@@5roundsrapid263 I think the bird sounds on Freebird are from a slide guitar with the slide playing way up passed the neck and over the pick ups.
Lightfoot always had fantastic players in his band. His bassist was with him for 55 years, seen him interviewed at the memorial. Not a bad player himself on the 12 string. RIP, Gord.
@@RAEckart22 i remembered someone saying that “bird” sound started with Duane Allman. You certainly heard it on Layla. Peace brother
Your stories are better than therapy. Your soothing voice. Your generous spirit. Your knack for getting to the heart of any story. It helps me get through the day. You are a wonder, Otis. And like most wondrous people, you probably don't even realize what a powerful impact you have on poor souls like me. Love you, buddy. ✌❤
well said!
I agree, genuine and dare I say addictive, tribute to a legend of legends
Canadian railroad trilogy, wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, sundown, Alberta Bound, early morning rain. Love his lyrics. It’s like he paints a picture with his words and voice. Amazing.
Thank you Otis for your fine tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
I live in Australia and was lucky enough to see Gordon in concert when his first and only tour happened in 1974, i was 20 at the tme.
The show as you can imagine was amazing and the next day still in a Lightfoot coma i managed to get hold of a tour poster from the local booking office, which i still treasure.
I am still to this day a huge fan and have every album, trying to name my favorite song is near impossible, so many come to mind.
He has been with me all of my adult life and I have been dreading this sad occasion, but thats life.
Thanks again Otis, i am a big follower of you and enjoy and always look forward to all of your posts.
Cheers, Tim from Australia.
Love the birds chirping in the background! Gordon was a humble man with talent beyond normal. Some of my favorites, aside from everything from his early albums are, The Last Time I Saw Her, Restless, Knotty Pine, Song for a Winter’s Night, Shadows, Circle of Steel, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Ballad of Yarmouth Castle, Black Day in July…I could go on and on! Thank you for this lovely tribute to the man!
Thank you for your music, dear Gordon. Yesterday, I was listening your songs while driving home. And I was singing "Dayliight Katy", one of the songs I like most. I didn't know you passed away. Love from an opera singer from Buenos Aires and, again, thank you.
Carefree Highway is my favorite by Gordon. As a songwriter the cover by Elvis, Early Morning Rain is so good. RIP Gordon ❤️🙏
In 1970-71 I left college and started travelling around the country trying to experience America. My friends thought I was crazy, my parents didn't understand what I was about. I had very little contact with them for about 3 years. I was working on a farm in Virginia when I first heard Sit Down Young Stranger. I listened to it over and over, Gordon was telling my story as if he knew what was in my soul. I decided then that it was time to go home. I'm 73 now and to this day the songs floods my brain with the most vivid memories and emotions. RIP Gordo you will be forever missed and loved
I have been surprisingly emotional about Gordon's passing this past week. I've never been a mega fan, and don't own any albums (that will change), but his music has just always been there, as a background to my growing up. As I've been binging on his music this past week, I've been hearing songs and thinking, oh, I forgot that one! Like The Circle is Small. I've rediscovered some old friends, like Cotton Jenny, and Beautiful. And then the big hits like If You Could Read My Mind, and The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald came out when I was first starting to listen to the radio, and really pay attenion. And because I live on Lake Ontario, it's always resonated with me. There are some songs that I've never heard before, and have been a revelation...Ode To Big Blue is rather gorgeous. But of all of the songs that I've heard this week, there hasn't been a single one that I haven't liked, so I guess that I have to agree with Bob Dylan. I've watched some videos here on RUclips, with musicians analysing his music, and I've developed even more appreciation for how hugely talented he was, on all levels. How subtle and beautiful his music could be. I put on earphones, and listened, really listened, to If You Could Read My Mind...stunning. There may have been a few tears. There will never be another quite like him.
I am still choking up doing a deep dive through the vinyl. The guy was a genius with melody and the combination of the words in his lyrics. The phrasing was just unreal and his consistency was great. When you really look at the run he had from like '67-76, it was as good as any legend who got locked in for about 8-9 years, in particular, from that era.
Your sentiments match mine.
I am a music lover but I don't believe I ever owned a Lightfoot album.
And yet I simply loved him.
His music was poetry.
He was such an amazing story teller.
I live in Oro-Medonte which is just down the road from his hometown Orillia.
I layed flowers at the foot of his statue first thing in the morning the day after the news of his passing.
This hit me surprisingly hard.
@@vickireed2936 That was so nice of you to lay flowers at his statue! I think this has hit a lot of people hard, and it came as a surprise to them. And I think that Gordon would have been touched, and surprised himself...he was a humble man.
Thank you for posting this tribute to the great Gordon Lightfoot.
I loved him and his music.
What a fascinating tidbit of info was his declining to perform at the Last Waltz.
the greatest rock documentary of all time.
Gord was a humble and private guy.
Tony Rice did an album of Gordon Lightfoot songs . . which was fabulous. Some of the songs I had never heard before, so I looked them up and became a Gordon Lightfoot fan all over again. Thanks for bringing the songs of my youth to life, Gordon.
I love many of Lightfoot's songs, but I adore the recording of "10 Degrees & Getting Colder" from the album "Summer Side of Life."
My Dad was a bluegrass musician and the first record they made was in 1972 I think and it featured one of Gordon’s songs with my Dad singing lead vocal on it; “That’s what you get for loving me”. I’m in the process of digitizing those old records and posting them. The Grateful Dead’s version of Early morning Rain” sticks out as a favorite but for Gordon himself I’d have to say “The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald”. That’s his masterpiece akin to “A Hard rains gonna fall”. So many of his are on that level it’s hard to pick just one. He was definitely up there with Dylan and Young. Complete Legend
Cotton Jenny. I dont even know quite why. Ever since I first heard it, it pops into my consciousness at random intervals. His poetry is very visual and illustrates how just a few well chosen words can equal a book. Simply beautiful craftmanship! He has few equals over time. Rest easy Mr. Lightfoot! You did well!
"There's a house on a hill
By a worn down weathered old mill
In the valley below where the river winds
There's no such thing as bad times"
Yes❤. Totally overlooked with his passing.
Sundown... I was four years old when that came out and I swear it was the very first time I ever became aware of music on the radio in my dad's car
Im an airline pilot and early morning rain brings a tear to my eye. Ive been out on the road trying to keep a failing relationship alive. It hurts when you are helpless to fix it.
Its like being a traveling salesman to the utmost selfish degree,as I'd forsake every relationship to keep flying. Ive literally said the lyrics to loved ones without realizing it... "Im stuck on the ground in Chicago but Ill soon be on the way..."
Gord knew the human condition better than anyone else. Master at his craft. Watch his lips in a live video... He shapes the notes in a way I've never seen.
Well said ❤️🙏
I don't have a favorite Gordon Lightfoot song. Every time I listen to him, it's like hearing each of his songs for the first time. Rest in Peace Gordon. 🙏
When I was 5 the Lightfoot album "Sit Down Young Stranger" came out & my dad picked it up on 8-track. I listened to that album hundreds of times, and the song "If You Could Read My Mind" always blows my mind.
If you still have it your one of the few.....they changed the name of the album with the singles hit
If you could read my mind… it takes me to the time when my parents were divorcing. My dad could have written that song. Gordon saved my soul and kept my heart above water. God bless you Gordon
Thank you OTIS, talking about GORDON . It is hard to pick one song from his collections of song`s , but as I get in the golden years the song " Summer side of life " , he has been the music score of my life in most part , then any other song writer artist. Dylan said that listening to Gordon's songs is like watching a movie that you never want to end.
that's the song that has such a perfect "jangle" in his guitar sound. right from the start- how could anyone possibly do it any better?
“I’ll give you the keys to my flying machine if you like…”
“Sundown you better take care if you see me creeping‘round your back stairs…”
“Lake Superior never gives up her dead…”
I could probably do this for months on end and still have more to go. A great man! A great poet! A wonderful performer; and proud Canadian that shows in many of his songs 👍
Tony Rice gave me a love for so many Gordon Lightfoot songs but Ten degrees and getting colder has always been my favorite.
When GOAT level artists from mixed genres are putting you on a pedestal.....That's a helluva thing right there.
Thanks Otis. I'm a Canadian singer songwriter and I saw Gordon twice in my hometown of Peterborough Ontario Canada. He was of course, amazing. Why don't you travel here to play some gig's? Love your show!! Peace
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻
The first time I heard Gordon Lightfoot was on the radio in my folks' '56 Nomad. It was "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", of course. That song captured my imagination. My parents went out and bought "Summertime Dream", and I listened to the album as often as I could. "The House You Live In" and "Summertime Dream" stick out for me, but the whole album was influential. "Sundown" I think may have been the next sing I heard.
Then, in high school, my guitar teacher talked about busking and playing along the east coast after he'd got out of the Army, and playing with a certain hard-drinking, hard-playing Canadian singer-songwriter in the mid-60s. I have no reason to doubt Mr. Pool, he had a few stories. I'll never know.
Fair winds and following seas, Gordon Lightfoot.
Thank you for sharing your gift 🙏🏻
You are missed 🤍💛
Be good to you 🤍💛
I'm Canadian and we lost 2 of the best ever in Gordon and Ian Tyson. Long live Murray McLaughlin
And Ken Whitely
And don't forget Neil Young.
Favorite lightfoot songs are:
(1) Ribbon of Darkness
(2) Alberta bound
(3) Ode to big blue
(4) The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
(5) Pony Man
Otis,
I was raised in Oregon state and not far from Canada so Gordon’s music has always been a part of my life. I’m 58 and was very saddened to hear of Gordy’s death last Monday. Thanks for this segment Otis, Top shelf entertainment as always! (Post script) Otis I forgot to mention in original post that I did get to see Gordon in concert at the Arlene Schnitzer Performance hall in Portland Oregon years ago and it’s a great memory of mine. He will be missed along with so many other legends that have past on.
What's your favorite Gordon Lightfoot song? Did you ever see him live?
Carefree highway takes me back.
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald gives me goosebumps every time !!
Early Morning Rain was one of the first songs I played out in public back around 1969 or ‘70. I still love it.
My junior high school girlfriend loved Gordon's music, as do I. We made it to at least four of his shows between 69 and 73. Brilliant shows that left an enduring sense of warmth and humanity. Treasured memories that have lasted a life time.
@@toddflowers8052 I agree especially after learning that it was based on an actual tragedy. It’s chillingly beautiful.
"Summer Side of Life" brings me to tears ❤
It does me too.
Beautiful song.
Very interesting to listen to this video. Very soothing.
I saw Gordon Lightfoot in 2017 in Tarrytown, NY. His voice was soft, almost whispery. But he was funny and it was a thrill to see such a legend. I remember him saying a lot of his lyrics were interchangeable or something like that. He will live on through his music but he sure is missed.
First song of his I remember hearing was “If You Could Read My Mind” in 1970 or ‘71. I was 10 years old but the lyrics and music hit me powerfully. Then came “Sundown” which I played over and over and over as a 45. Never could get enough of it. I wanted it to go on and on, like Dylan said. “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” in 1976 was another favorite. I played it so many times the 45 got very scratchy. Every lyric in that song is powerful and perfectly arranged. It puts you right out there in Lake Superior with the gales and the waves and then the musty old hall in Detroit. The chiming lead guitar so beautifully haunting. And in 1982 there was “Baby Step Back” which I always loved and thought was way underrated.
Bitter Green, Early Morning Rain, Summer side of life. I'm so very proud to have had Lightfoot provide this indelible soundtrack to my life. He's left an unfillable void in the Canadian music scene.
Rest in ever loving peace Gordon
First off, thank you Sir, for a wonderful presentation.
Jeez, there are so many great songs that Lighfoot wrote. I first heard an 8 track compilation from the United Artists years. Canadian Railroad Trilogy was special for me, but so was Bitter Green, Pussywillows, Cat-Tails and Early Morning Rain. Not to mention others. Sundown is such a great album. My brother had the 8 track of it. I later picked it up on vinyl. Circle of Steel, Carefree Highway, The Watchman's Gone and my personal favorite, Seven Island Suite.
The Summer Side of Life literally gave me shivers as a teenager. Thank God I was a bit too young to get drafted, but it hit home in the Viet Nam years.
Don Quixote is an amazing collection of songs. I came to it a bit later, but it opened up the door for further listening.
As a Rush fan, it was wonderful to hear you quote Geddy Lee's statement in regards to Gordon.
I also loved the Summertime Dream album. Race Among the Ruins is my second choice for personal favorite, but in all sincerity, I could go on and on mentioning great songs written and sung by Lightfoot.
This was truly a wonderful clip.
Once again, thanks.
Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot. May your songs live on forever.
He was scheduled to play the new Brown County Music Center in Sept 2019 but postponed due to health reasons. The next March, COVID hit about two weeks before the show, and subsequent reschedulings gor canceled until spring of 2022. We finally got to see him then, and while his voice was a bit weaker than it had been in his youth, he still nailed it. I am grateful we did end up getting to witness his talent in person.
There are so many. Sundown is a must when I'm on a boat. Gordon takes you to the place he wrote about. Solid Canuck!
10 degrees and getting colder is one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs. I hitch-hiked across the country for almost 80,000 miles in the 1970s and he nailed the hitch-hiking experience with that song. Saw him in Missoula in fall 1975. RIP Gordon & thanks for taking us to great places with your songs.
Me too! Sweet Miguel, The Watchman's Gone are superb road songs. Wow, hard to believe he is gone!
If You Could Read My Mind is a perfect masterpiece!He chose to remain here in Canada when other artists covered his songs for hits.I believe The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald was his first big hit.
@@halcooper3070 Yup IYCRMM was his first hit in the US....
The only way I can get thru his passing, is knowing he is stil writting, composing and playing his music in another realm with so many others. His music will always be etched in my mind and heart. Saw him in concert back in the 70's in Detroit (Olympia Stadium), and never forgot about that fabulous voice and performance. Thanks for the video and memories!
Thank you for putting this together Otis!!!❤
Thank you Otis. Very cool. I moved to Nashville in 1985 with my parents for my Dad's work. I enjoyed going to visit his office on Woodmont Blvd. I'd walk into the "Mansion" and greeting you in the lobby was a perfect scaled model under glass of the Edmund Fitzgerald. I would always gaze at it being a Gordon Lightfoot fan. It always took me back to growing up in Canada. My Dad worked for "Mr (Edmund) Fitzgerald" whose Dad's name was on the boat. It was a special time going to visit my Dad at his work.
What a talent. We were lucky to have him.
There many great Gordon Lightfoot songs. He was such a master of mixing the lyrics with the melody and telling a complete story. My favorite Lightfoot song is the Canadian Railroad Trilogy. That song tells a story of a whole Country... The good, the bad and history of the people of the great Canadian North. "There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run. When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun"
The words haunt me deep in my thoughts. I feel it won't of the greatest songs ever written, and certainly a song that defines the soul of Canada.
And absolutely gorgeous music that sets sail to the epic lyrics..
I get what you're saying about the feel of Early Morning Rain. I love If You Could Read My Mind for the same reason. (For Jimmy Webb songs I'd go with By The Time I Get to Phoenix.) Of Gordon's many great lyrics this one from Sundown has always struck home with me: "Sometimes I think it's a shame/when I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain." The lyrics to Rainy Day People also speak to me. Thanks for sharing the stories and tributes.
For Lovin Me.
I’ll play Gordon Lightfoot for the rest of my days. He remains a true classic folk artist, poet and musical genius.
When I was a child in the 70s, the haunting "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" used to get me... you couldn't help but to stop and listen. Now it's songs like "Summer Side of Life" telling the story of young men in the prime of their lives being sent off to war, with some coming back with those scars, is deeply touching. The man was a true legend, a poet and story teller without compromise, and his music will live on forever.
"Mother of a Miner's Child" from Old Dan's Records, '72. Beautiful album, one of my favorites. Very terrific tribute, Otis.
Back in the early 70s my family would make a lot of road trips to and from the Outer Banks where my dad was from. Every time I heard a new Gordon Lightfoot song on the radio I would feel so happy. Even when it was a sad song I felt like I could understand it. At the age of 10 or 11 I understood it. And as I get older those songs become more meaningful to me.
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Saw Gordon Lightfoot in 1999, he was spectacular. I swear, when he did “Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald” I got chicken skin and every hair stood on end.
Love all his songs. How could anyone not. If I had to pick one song it would be Summer Side of Life. And if you saw him now, you'd wonder why he would cry, the whole day long. Such powerful lyrics this man wrote. Mixed with his soulful voice and music just beyond words
Was so fortunate to see him at least 4 times in the 90s. Favorites are CRT and Christian Island, but so many more. His music is incomparable. RIP Gordon.
Just heard his version of Early Morning Rain amazing my favourite of his songs
Hi Otis, Sundown is a song of Gordon's that sets a mood and tells a story too, and I still sing to it 50 years later.
Gordon Lightfoot’s music was the soundtrack of the early years of my relationship with the man who would become my husband. We went to few of Lightfoot’s concert and loved them. It was the music on the tape deck driving from Illinois to Maine. Although the relationship eventually ended, I always remember those years fondly with Gordon Lightfoot’s music easing the hurt. In 2022 I watched a documentary about Lightfoot. This led me to start listening to his music again and the memories flooded my heart. Beautiful, Sundown, Carefree Highway, Alberta Bound, the list is endless, but the one that made me sob uncontrollably was Looking At the Rain. It was 1980 all over again. I had to listen to that song many times again to release the painful memories from that hauntingly beautiful song. It’s my all time favorite!
I find it amazing how many people were affected by Gordon Lightfoot and his music. I have always loved his music and have never become tired of it. I thought Gordon to most people was just another musician who had his day. He really was special.
Great episode, Otis. If been a GL fan since I first heard "If You Could Read My Mind" on the radio in 1970. I've seen him in concert four times, first time in the 70s and last time in 2013. I've been to countless concerts and I've never seen audiences as attentive to an artist like they were at his concerts. Even when his voice was failing in recent years the audience would sing along as if to love him through the song. My favorite Lightfoot songs are too many to mention but just have a listen to "I'm Not Supposed To Care", from the Summertime Dream album. You can get lost in that one. Thanks for the Gordon Lightfoot tribute. He will never be forgotten.
No doubt Bob Dylan will be very saddened by Gordon's passing...a private person, Bob's tribute may come in a song, he expresses himself best that way.
Gordon's brilliant music will live on forever...a true Legend
Thank you so much for this very nice tribute to Gordon Lightfoot! I’ve been a big fan of his since the release of “Sundown” in 1974, and had the privilege to see him play live once in 1980. I love so much of his music but one of many standouts for me is “Old Dan’s Records.” “Don Quixote” is another favorite of mine. One observation I’d like to make is that the storytelling in “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” is incredibly historically accurate yet beautifully retold in such a poetic way, and put to a great melody. It’s truly a timeless masterpiece! Thank you again. This was very interesting!
There's a song where Lightfoot is doing 'Devo' but like 15 years before them. It's called "Boss Man". ;)
Every song Gordon wrote was so masterfully done, for me it’s impossible to have a favorite. Jim Croce, John Denver, Harry Chapin
are some others. RIP GORDON.🎼🎶👍
Carefree Highway and Rainy Day People are my two utmost Favorite Gordon Lightfoot Z songs! Great Video Otis Gibbs! ❤❤❤❤
Fitting tribute Mr. Gibbs! Thank you from Wisconsin USA
This was great! Thank you. I just purchased the audible version of that Lightfoot book. Can’t wait to listen. I love so many songs of his.
If you could read my mind, Carefree Highway, Wherefore and the Why, Minstrel of the dawn , Early morning rain, Circle is Small, Canadian Railroad Trilogy. Wow he would have been great in The Last Waltz. Too bad.
I saw him at the Kennedy Center in 91. Consistently astounding. Hard to pick a single best/favorite song, but I have to say Circle of Steel off Sundown reverberates to me, for its humanity, a perfect rendering of such a sensitive subject, that not all Christmases are jolly, that sometimes life is a hard taskmaster.
30 or so years ago I happened upon a going-out-of-business sale at a store called Discount Records in Austin, Texas, originally located on the drag, right across the street from UT. Incidentally, on the side of the building was the original of Daniel Johnston's iconic HI, HOW ARE YOU? painting of the frog-like creature. I believe the painting is actually still there, unless I am mistaken, but I digress. For 50 cents (!) I purchased Lightfoot's 'If You Could Read My Mind' album (originally entitled 'Sit Down Young Stranger', until the hit song was hastily added and the album retitled and re-released). I'd alway loved the single, but hearing the entire the album put me to realize that every single song on the album is equally wonderful. Ry Cooder, Van Dyke Parks, and John Sebastian are among the session musicians. Probably the best version of Me and Bobby McGee ever (great slide guitar courtesy of Ry). This record awoke within me what had been slumbering - a huge appreciation for Lightfoot's music. I subsequently purchased several more: Summer Side of Life, Don Quixote, Old Dan's Records, Sundown, and Cold on the Shoulder, each record great in it's own particular way. RIP Gordon.
I saw Gordon perform several times. Awesome musician........once he played... Ode to Big Blue......one of my favorite songs
I was 5 years old when Wreck was in the radio and it never left me. What a great songwriter/musician.
Otis, thanks----------------can't give you only one! I've only seen him on tv----------would had love to have got to one of his concerts!
Sundown is one of my early music foundations I remember hearing it on the jukebox at summer camp.
Song for a Winter Night is my absolute favorite. RIP Gordon.
My favorite is Canadian Railroad Trilogy. I remember a great concert decades ago in Dallas.
His talent will be missed.
I met Gordon in Portland Maine when he played Merrill Aud. quite a few years back. He was so humble & funny. I wish I took a picture of us, but having worked in music for some time its just something I don't think to do in the moment. I never forget his comment to me. He nudged me & said... "I cant believe people are still so into my music". I nearly swallowed my tongue! I just put my arm around his waist, looked up at him & said... "man, ... ur are a living legend".
Denim & turquoise = Gordon Meredith Lightfoot
Forever
I started writing poetry when I was about 10 and when I heard Gordon sing Pussy willows... I decided the words had to be beautiful. I think I succeeded once or twice, he was a master.
What a fine tribute for a great artist. As soon as i heard of his passing, i went straight to listening to Early Morning Rain. Thank you for the many gifts, Mr. Lightfoot.
You got a thumbs up before watching the video because the title began with "Gordon Lightfoot"! I saw Lightfoot do an in store performance at Sam The Record Man in Toronto in 1995. After, I spoke to him and found him soft-spoken and gracious. I knew his late photographer John Reeves who did the Sundown album cover and the bio book cover. I was a friend of the late Maren Thomas who was the muse for his song "Affair on 8th Avenue" (one of his most sophisticated songs in waltz time). I signed the Book of Condolences for Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall yesterday (Sun. May 7, 2023). I'm a lifelong fan - as you can probably tell!
I always love his music and songs . I listen to ĥis music for many years and still do .God bless him and all those who had music and their songs back then. God bless all of them.
Another song that circles around in my head, over and over is Song for a Winter's Night. Beautiful melody and beautiful words.
Hey man. Canadian Railroad Trilogy is special to me. My bother in law would cover it using his Martin D12 28. We would be sitting at their campfire in the Redwoods, this was in the mid 70's, and his playing partner would pull out his Martin 28 and they would tear though it. I was real magic .
Thank you Otis Gibbs❤️
Love love Gordon Lightfoot ❤️
Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot 💔
Much love to you also!
We saw Gordo in Long Island NY at the Theater go round .... he forgot some lyrics mid song ... and we all filled in ... he apologized after he finished that song ...and we all yelled " We don't care" ... we loved him that much .... I have sung most of his songs as a weekend warrior for 40years or so .... Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a classic !!! He wrote that song after seeing a print story about 1 inch by 2 inches ... He thought that was a disgrace to the family left behind without their loved ones ... so he wrote the song ,,, sang it in a church for the families .... and asked them if he should change anything ...... they were all happy with the original song and now we all know what happened that fateful day ...RIP Gordo
Thank you, for this Homage to Gordon Lightfoot. My personal favourite song is: " A Painter Passing Through ". For I am sduch this person, in my life for over 48 years. This song is true to form, about how we are viewed during our lifetime, as o my Gordon understood. I appreciate your Talent and your Friendship with Gordon. Thank you so very very much 💔🎖🏆⚘🇨🇦✨☄🌠🕯 🇬🇧
It’s like trying to choose a favorite child, but the one that always jumps out for me is The Last Time I Saw Her Face. Gordon is the Van Gogh of music--our Painter Passing Through.
Thanks for all these stories!
“I wonder how the old folks are tonight” - in “Carefree Highway”. Such a great, mundane thought thrown into a lyric that perfects the mood & makes the song relatable.
“Beautiful” and “If you could read my mind” are 2 of my favorites
Love Gord’s songs. A lot of them evoke that sweet homesick feeling you mentioned, Otis. Been listening to him since I was old enough to start school. I remember my older sister explaining Black Day in July to me. That one was boycotted by stations in a lot of the US. Wherefore and Why. Circle of Steel. Did She Mention My Name. Mountains and Maryanne. Song For a Winter’s Night. Go-Go Round. Bitter Green. There are just so many. Don Quixote. Canadian Railway Trilogy…love that one. It was commissioned for our bicentennial. It sounds patriotic, but if you listen closely, he’s making some salient points.
Summer Side of Life. Makes me think of the fields of Sunflowers in North Dakota. Just a beautiful song.
I was fortunate to see Gordon twice. Once when he was in his prime and once long after. The range of ages and types of people who were at those concerts, was amazing in its own right. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.
I first saw GL in concert in Austin in 1969. Fantastic performance. Around 2013, I was living in the Washington, DC area and got to see him again, this time at Wolf Trap. He’d lost some breath, but who cared? It was Gordon effing Lightfoot, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I always loved his first album, with songs like Steel Rail Blues, sixteen Miles to Seven Lakes, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, and on and on. I was taking an acting class in college, and our first assignment was to sing a song, any song we chose. I chose Lightfoot’s “Rich Man’s Spiritual.” I practiced it for days, and to this day, it’s still my favorite Lightfoot song… except, perhaps for “Softly.” Oh my, what a loss.
Saw Gordon in December of 1973 in Symphony Hall in Boston. The seats were great and the tickets were given to my wife and I from a friend who ran a guitar shop because he couldn't make it. Red Shea was not touring at that time so Terry Clements was his second guitar and was perfect. Right now and for the past few months I keep playing Same Old Loverman over and over not just because it's a great song, which it is, but because Rick Haynes bass part is absolutely perfect and the solo break as well. Gordon's long time band was one of the best backup bands to ever play as they understood Gordon and his songs almost as if they had written the songs themselves. Gordon's passing is a huge musical loss.
Clements was underrated. Shea gets a lot of credit and for good reason, but Clements sort of gets bypassed.
Otis, I'm a Lightfoot fan. But it wouldn't matter if I was or not. I click every single one of your videos. I have since the first one.
Otis Gibbs thank you for this!