R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot

I didn't even know he was still alive. I was just thinking the other day, I never heard Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the radio anymore.

At about 10:45 last night (May 1st), I was just settling in for a few minutes before I got ready for bed.

I happened to tune in to CBC Network at that time.  There was a red bar at the bottom of the screen.  The red bar signifies breaking news.  It read (something like):

"Gordon Lightfoot, iconic Canadian singer/songwriter, dies."

I wait long enough to catch the local news at 11:00pm.  Naturally, on that station, it was 'breaking news'.


I....was devastated to hear this news, to say the VERY least.

My parents were big fans of his.  In fact, they named me in honour of him (Gordon is my middle name).
Gord's songs played in the house quite a bit.  So, a lot of songs stuck with me.

I was fortunate enough to see him in concert a couple of times.
First time was at Massey Hall in Toronto in 2009.
Second time was at John Labatt Centre (at the time) in London, Ontario, Canada in 2011.

RIP Gordon Lightfoot - a true Canadian legend. 

EDIT : I should also mention:

Back when MuchMoreMusic was one of the music channels in Canada, they would often have I & I programs.  I & I = Intimate and Interactive.  The guest would perform some of their hit songs.  In between songs, they would field questions from fans - whether they were sent in by mail, email or from the audience.

Gord was one of the guests.

I watched the show, and quite enjoyed it.  I worked music retail at the time, and I wanted to order "Gord's Gold"  and "Gord's Gold 2" for myself.  Both CDs contain his greatest hits.
My mother then suggested I go for the Songbook box set.  4 CDs?  I'm there! 

Joker's Wilde

A classic artist.