Monday, May 8, 2023

Gordon Lightfoot RIP #MusicMovesMe

It's Monday and today, it's time for another induction into Rock and Roll Heaven on my blog.

Who are the Music Moves Me bloggers? We are bloggers who blog about music each Sunday or Monday and if you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video, please!)   Our head host is Xmas Dolly, and our co-hosts are Cathy from Curious as a Cathy, joined by the knowledgeable Stacy of Stacy Uncorked and Yours Truly.

Why not join our music loving folks?  It's so easy. All you have to do is join the linky above with a music post that contains at least one music video.  No music video? Your post may be removed, or may be labeled *NO MUSIC*.   

Today our theme is "You Pick" and I am going to pay tribute to Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away May 2 at the age of 84 from natural causes.  He had cancelled a tour about a month ago due to unspecified health related conditions.  Lightfoot had been awarded 13 JUNO awards, plus the Companion of the Order of Canada award, which is awarded for "outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large."

Where do I begin?  It's hard to pick a favorite to start with.  His voice is so gentle and he was a master storyteller.

How about Carefree Highway, from 1974?  Yes, it's a real highway in Arizona, and the Arizona Department of Transportation has a blog post discussing the song.

If You Could Read My Mind, from 1971. 

1974's Sundown was his only #1 hit.

Rainy Day People, from 1975.

And last, but not least, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a song which reached #2 on the Billboard charts. I know this isn't everyone's favorite song, but, although it is not 100% accurate, it is one of my favorite songs. (In 2010, he made minor changes in the lyrics performed live, from more recent research done on the incident).  And, if you like a spooky postscript, someone wrote on the song's You Tube page that a spring squall passed through Northern Michigan the night Gordon Lightfoot passed away.

The wreck took place in November of 1975 and the song came out in 1976.  In a 2010 interview, Lightfoot said this is the song he was most proud of.

Rock and Roll Heaven is enriched by the induction of this new member.

And that's a wrap!

Join us again next for another episode of Music Moves Me.

18 comments:

  1. A great variety of music to enjoy listening to

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  2. ...he was one of Canada's best.

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  3. In addition to being a fine songwriter and performer he could lay claim to being a Canadian historian. I once went to one of his concerts at Massey Hall in Toronto with my daughter. We both remember it well.

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  4. Wow, some really great tunes here girlfriend! How's goin? Man, still having trouble posting & remembering how it goes! OUCH! Anyway, I was up all night again so I'm gonna go lay down for a few hrs. See ya later Girlfriend, and GREAT JOB! WOO HOO

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  5. I'm glad you picked Gordon Lightfoot, his music makes me smile whenever I hear it.

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  6. We picked the same theme and the same songs

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    1. Piggybacking on this comment, it wouldn't let me make my own... happens once in a while, not usually here though.

      My favorite was always "Did She Mention My Name?"

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  7. My wife and I saw Gordon in concert when we were dating. It was a most enjoyable evening of music from a gifted artist. His music will continue to entertain new listeners for decades to come.
    DrillerAA

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  8. Alana,

    I featured Gordon Lightfoot on CAAC in 2016, so I really loved your tribute to late artist. I enjoyed his music through the years and while he's no longer with us, his songs live on everyone of all ages to enjoy. I think of the tunes you featured, my favorite is "If You Could Read My Mind". Thanks for the dance. Have a boogietastic week, my dear!

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  9. A great tribute to a great singer/songwriter

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  10. Always a favorite of mine and I've been enjoying his music anew over the last few days.

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  11. Love him and don't know anyone who doesn't love the song of the Edmund Fitzgerald

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  12. I had a Gordon Lightfoot cassette tape.
    Coffee is on, and stay safe.

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  13. Work it mama!!!! Sorry I'm so late, but between going for tests, and a doctor's visit and grocery shoppin' I've got to book this stuff away from Mondays!!! BOOGIE TIME IS MORE IMPORTANT! Hugs

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  14. Just a fantastic storyteller and musician. While it is apparently a popular myth that he donated all ALL of the proceeds from The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald to the widows, he apparently did donate a good deal of money toward a scholarship fund in honor of two of the cadets who went down with the ship.

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  15. I really miss Gordon Lightfoot. His was the first concert I ever attended and I saw two more. He had such a gift for storytelling. The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald is one of my all time favorite songs.

    Thank you for hosting!

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