Canadian folk singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has built up a large fan base through the years, and many of his hits come immediately to mind. Songs like “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” and “Sundown” have all been big sellers for Lightfoot, who is now in his 70s.
But even though those are all good songs, I’ve always had a special fondness for another of his big sellers. Recorded in 1976, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” told the story of the star-crossed Great Lakes ore carrier that had sunk the year before with the loss of all 29 crew members. 
Superstitious types might have anticipated something like that — after all, when it was launched in 1958 it required three tries with the champagne bottle to christen it and it then ran into the pier when it entered the water. In any case, the huge ship was lost during a massive Winter storm on Lake Superior even though no distress signals were sent, which always lent an air of mystery to the event. (See video below — and read more about it HERE.)
Ontario-born Gordon Meredith Lightfoot, Jr. first began to find some success in the 1960s as a songwriter, furnishing hits like Marty Robbins’ “Ribbon of Darkness,” and Peter, Paul & Marys’ “Early Morning Rain.” But within a few years he was beginning to strike gold as a singer, generating hit after hit. In addition to those mentioned earlier, over the next couple of decades he also did well with songs like “Beautiful,” “Rainy Day People,” and “Circle Is Small.”
Eventually Lightfoot’s style of music became less popular, but he continued to work regularly through the years and entertain his fans. And after going through some health issues a while back, he has rededicated himself to his music and even now continues to appear from time to time.
Gordon Lightfoot – “Beautiful”
Geezer Music Club 
We seem to be on a bit a parallel course. Gordy is one of my faves, and is one of the great songwriters â up there with Jesse Winchester and Bob. For some more of his songs see http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2011/01/elder-music-gordon-lightfoot.html
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Not that surprising when you think about it. I’ve written almost 900 pieces in the last five years and I know you’ve been writing for some time too, so I bet we’d have a number of articles with the same subject. đ
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“even now, continues to appear fro mtime to time” –
Just to clarify..the only time Gordon has not been out touring approximately 80 shows per year in North America was when he was recuperating in 2003 and 2004. He goes out on mini-tours of 13 to 14 shows in 18 days or so then takes a few weeks off and heads back out.
you can see his tour dates since 1974 here: http://www.lightfoot.ca/tourschd.htm
Discussion board @ http://www.corfid.com
Char
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” even now continues to appear from time to time”..
Gordon has been touring constantly for decades and has only taken time off to recuperate in 2003 and 2004 from a life threatening abdominal aortic aneurism in Sept.2002. He tours U.S. and Canada – approximately 80 shows per year, going out on mini-tours of 13-15 nights over 18 days or so. He was 72 last November, and recently lost longtime lead guitarist Terry Clements at age 63 to a stroke. There is a new lead guitarist on tour with him this year.
http://www.lightfoot.ca/tourschd.htm – past tour info.
http://www.corfid.com has a discussion board for Lightfoot fans or “Net People” as Lightfoot calls us..
He heads out in a few weeks for a mini-south Ontario tour and his legendary 4 nights at Massey Hall in Toronto. More dates will be posted as they are confirmed..
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Just to clarify, my “time to time” comment was certainly not meant as an insult, rather a salute to someone who is still out there doing his thing. (After all, the title of the piece reflects that.) Thanks for the detailed info about his current activities.
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Hi,
I didn’t take it as an insult…
no problem..
đ
just wanted to make sure that folks knew Gordon has always been out there entertaining us. So many fans from years ago are surprised to hear that he’s never stopped touring, check out the dates and get out to a show one more time. Several Iknow of will be attending some of the Massey Hall concerts to see him play his home venue. He’s on tour because he “loves the work” and is enjoying playing for his fans. His voice has changed over the years but it is still unmistakedly Gordon Lightfoot performing those timeless hits.
Enjoy the music…
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