Gordon Lightfoot on talk show

[@blucheer8743]

I was in telecommunications working on a contract in Dutch harbor Alaska. after work we were in the local bar which was full of gruff fisherman… a tough bunch. If was getting pretty loud and tense a fight or brawl ready to break out any minute… and on the juke box someone played some Gordon lightfoot songs and it started to quiet down by the time “wreck of the EFG” came on u could hear a pin drop, then by the time “if you could read my mind” played everyone was singing. There’s an Irish saying about everyone has a song in their heart and Gordon sang those guy’s song… working guys, travelers, fishermen, dreamers, lovers, every man’s song… not many guys like him left he will be missed.

[@susancheatwood1715]

We used to be serious people. Look at how conservatively she is dressed. He expresses himself with thought and measured articulation. When did we begin to think flashy and silly was good. The dumbing down of America must please our enemies. Gordon Lightfoot - thank you for gracing our World with your talent.

[@jeremyc2445]

You really hit it on the head. There are no adults anymore

[@debbiemartin2026]

We never thought about it. The trash started imo with madonna. Its all about selling sex now. Disgusting. No substance to music imo.

[@tommyriam8320]

China(no paranoia, simply a statement of fact) is working overtime to see that the "dumbing down" process not only continues but does so unabated; Infiltrating our institutions of "higher learning"(misnomer, now, if ever there was one) converting schools into intellectual wastelands used primarily for indoctrination purposes and employing socially, nonsense-proliferating devices such as "TicTok" to accelerate the pace of cultural decline.

[@jeffreythomason1113]

Just sexual miscreants, demented fools and an armed force im ashamed what it's become in 2 short years. Gordon was such an inspiration then and now. He was political but not rabid foaming at the mouth tribes! Dang this guy defined our generation and he is sorely missed

[@stuartclapp8998]

Ok boomer

[@truenorth1355]

Just saw him perform a few months ago, his voice was going and he had to sit down but he never missed a cord! Rest In Peace Gordon Lightfoot.🙏😢

[@stevesalyards6228]

I saw him in concert last September (only time ever) and I was amazed that he never used his stool! He stood the whole time! I was blessed to be able to see him before he passed away. A great talent and man.

[@craigrheberling]

i saw him 4 times-years ago. once, in '74, he got a standing ovation after the first 2 song medley. the moment was so special, my eyes were leaking-lol!

[@jeffreythomason1113]

I had a couple of opportunities to see him perform but something always came up. I'm a bit envious of those who saw him

[@therealniksongs]

Wow, a very, very young Joan Lunden. I'm here today because of Gordon having just passed and just watching everything I can find on him. Extraordinary songwriter and singer. Got to see him live once back in 1975.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

i forgot how beautiful she was. I saw Gordon too about 75 in Nashville at the Opry House.

[@loisbenton1540]

(my opinion is that she must have been getting her experience on that interview, thought she asked some really dumb _ _ _, bunny questions 🤣)

[@michaelvigil478]

Saw Gordon Lightfoot perform live my freshman year in college. It was 72-73. Good interview.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

His prime. Lucky you!

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

@@michaelvigil478 His prime. Jealous.

[@sunlight4169]

Supremely talented, brilliant artist and also very business savvy and down to earth. A rare gem in entertainment !

[@animalyze7120]

My I forgot just how Gorgeous She was, as a kid totally crushed on Joan not gonna lie. R.I.P Gordon always loved your music as I grew up, you really defined an era of my childhood with countless amazing melodies.

[@TheBrooklynbodine]

RIP, Mr. Lightfoot. Posting 11:59 pm ET on 5-1-23. He died earlier today at age 84.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

One thing you see about Gordie in interviews is how aware and smart he is! Probably he was burning the candle at both ends and it caught up to him later on, but his best music was so inspired and beautiful and generous to the soul. He paid the price and he didnt quit...what a great man, and Canadian.

[@lesleycrum8763]

Gordon Lightfoot has endured because he is a hugely talented singer, writer and amazingly sensitive man. At least, through his music. don't know him personally.. I will never tire of it. He's a pure musician in his heart. Love him!

[@christinebarney3682]

I appreciate this so very much!! Gordon Lightfoot has been my favorite for 40+ years. Sometimes when I get down, I listen to his songs and feel better. Something soothing in his voice. I love the fact that he has written all of his songs. Intelligent, thoughtful lyrics. Great band also. I've read that he is painfully shy so to perform the way he has is Inspiring. Thank you Roger and thank you Gord! God's speed.

[@carolholly1608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dreamfable]

'Shadows' came out Feb. '82, and the U.S. tour stretched into Summer. I covered one concert for a national magazine and interviewed Lightfoot backstage. He was heavy, smoking, and as jumpy as in this clip, but totally lucid. Joan Lunden gets a bit of his trademark wit (always apparent on stage). In Sept. of '82, Lightfoot finally kicked drinking. By his '83 tour & release ('Salute') he was trim & toned. An aneurysm, common in ex-drinkers, hit in '04; a CD 'Harmony' in '05, & he tours into 2011.

[@luvpants2012]

Wow I didn't know drinking caused aneurysms. Thanks. Every vice has consequences.

[@dreamfable]

@@luvpants2012 Heavy drinking, over a number of years, increases the risk, and for strokes, cancer, other maladies. But aneurysms is one.

[@luvpants2012]

@@dreamfable such a shame, he underwent a tracheotomy in the process and it destroyed his beautiful voice.

[@randymillhouse791]

Aneurysm is common in ex-drinkers? No thanks, I'll just continue drinking.

[@bogan-slayer7469]

@@randymillhouse791 No one likes a quitter.

[@judypurser6315]

He makes me so proud to be a Canadian. He was the real deal!!!

[@davidrosato864]

Many great artists from Canada such as Gord and my favorite, Rush.

[@chrisozzy56]

Saw Gordon Lightfoot way back when , early ‘80’s , a couple of times and he was great . Same with John Denver … two of the absolute best . Change of subject though , got to say Joan Lunden looks great too !

[@robtuohy1]

This was when Gord was still drinking. He gave up booze in 1984. This album they are talking about SHADOWS is actually a pretty good album. The title song SHADOWS is perhaps Gord's FINEST SONG. I think it is better than any of his other songs. 14 Karat Gold is another good song on this album. I think Joan did a VERY POOOR job on this interview. She never asked any good questions about the album or Gord in his current state as a musician. I give Joan a D-

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Rob T ......and Baby Step Back is also another great tune from that album. ✌️

[@ckp2ator389]

I'm thinking of getting the album just because of Shadows. Either that or the Songbook compilation.

[@neurofire]

Gordy's just the best. Hell, even Dylan tips his hat to him.

[@brendacameron4827]

Dylan loved Neil Young too! He went to Winnipeg to see the house Neil grew up in.

[@dannad123]

thanks for putting this up, never seen it before!!

[@MrGeno502]

Saw Gordon at The Palace in Louisville Ky. in 1982. He was fantastic.

[@twillis449]

I was lucky enough to see Gordon Lightfoot live way back at the beginning of his career. At Expo67 he gave an open-air outdoor concert. That would have been in May 1967. RIP Gordon.

[@martyb8845]

The guy wrote charts to every song he wrote …. Who does that ? Amazing!

[@Dan-440]

I have three of his songs on my mp3, and they sound great by a fire, in a hammock on the AT, or riding through the desert. RIP Sir

[@tholokrys1800]

Wow...how articulate and well spoken tv shows used to be..

[@susancheatwood1715]

Yes...I replied same above before reading your comment. The comparison to today is shocking.

[@anderander5662]

I agree…we have fallen so far and so fast..

[@sensemaya1]

It's across the board. Compare the intelligence between the writing of 'Crown Court' which was UK daytime viewing and the bile they spew out nowadays.

[@jeffd9782]

The world has dumbed down... A lot.

[@tomt6142]

There are plenty ow articulate and well spoken people on tv

[@rkoff5744]

RIP I love you! 🤗 Best music. I'm a rocker but I absolutely LOVE him.

[@telstar5113]

Gordon Lightfoot was one of the top five male singers of the 70s. Joan Lunden was so very pretty.

[@mj7den]

She is a really good interviewer.

[@juliedavis6857]

Absolutely love his love songs. (Beautiful)

[@ralex3697]

Yes - Beautiful and Looking At The Rain are my favorite songs off Don Quixote album Stunning ballads

[@funeralmarketingservices1112]

super talent! All his hits should be restaged on the radio!

[@j.r.martin5468]

He was the songwriter's songwriter.

[@tyme4mike]

Wow, can you ever see how Bell's Palsy is affecting Gord in this interview. It doesn't matter what he suffers with, he always puts his best performance forward for his fans. Enjoy him while he's still among us because he is going on 74 and severe illness and a rough life has robbed him of his stamina.

[@paul2019monte]

84 years! Pretty good run I say... 🎉❤ RIP Gordon Lightfoot

[@paulgibby6932]

I guess that might explain what I noticed: his left eye a little squinted.

[@bluestate69]

i love it how gordon is such a canadian through and through. he even quotes famous canadians (stephen leacock). i will have to say, that gordon seems a lot warmer now in interviews, but he was still his likable self here.

[@moodylicious]

good on you, gord! A man's man - not to mention a woman's man, as well. he-hee ~ a man of deep emotion, as evidenced in his beautifully evocative music and lyrics, yet he's not putting out phony, hyped-up interview, as so many artists do. He's keepin it real. Hence, a rather dull interview but part of the onus is on the interviewer to draw guest out with good research and personality, One of the world's greatest singer/song-writer/musicians. Personal fave GL song: "The Circle is Small"

[@lynnmaxwell5548]

I love this song as well💕❤️.

[@roxannecox3872]

I loved listening to this man and I will continue to do so.

[@p.b.edwards7287]

Love the Orillia (Mariposa) boy quoting Leacock.

[@KenWesaw-up5wf]

Love gordon lightfoot's songs - RIP

[@turbozman1]

If you look at some of his more recent interviews he's the same way, Neil Diamond is the same way in interviews they just do not look comfortable or at ease in those setting but, put them on stage with a guitar in their hands and it's magic.

[@donnahilton471]

RIP🌹

[@dockolb]

I saw Gordon live twice in my life, I could have seen/heard him sing a 1000 times more. One show was at the Hollywood Bowl in 1969 as a lead-in for Peter, Paul and Mary. The second time was 1976 or 1977 in Sacramento. My only regret was he didn't do, "Affair on 8th Avenue."

[@SteveCarrDrivesAPrius]

saw him in Phoenix between 2004-2009 those shows were as good as anything in his career. Timeless

[@robertrockwell7581]

R.I.P. Gordon. thanks you for the music you gave to all of us.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Joan London clearly shows she knows very little about Gordon Lightfoot.

[@Sandra-cm1du]

Gordon Lightfoot.......brilliant artist.

[@matthewfarmer2520]

Rest in peace 🕊️ Gordon lightfoot 😢

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Watching this video was a treat. Some really good questions by Joan Lunden, who performed a masterful interview of Gordon, who gave some thoughtful, honest responses. We don't get these kinds of interviews anymore. Today, it's all about the buffonery and attempts to get a snide remark or laugh in.

[@deborahmeyer7109]

I will always miss him. Peace, Gordon.❤❤❤

[@111oooo]

Shadows is such a great album

[@FischerFan]

Shadows and Endless Wire are two of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot albums. '14 Karat Gold' is an underrated song, just like 'The Circle is Small'. Gord should've performed 'Baby Step Back' right on that stage! LOL! God bless to my favorite Canadian solo artist of all time.

[@carolholly1608]

Those are Both My Favorite Albums, As Well! Loved The Tune "Shadows". 💔❤💔❤💔❤💔❤

[@MrKingalow]

Such a likeable fella

[@sappermade6012]

One of the greatest song writers of all time ….

[@tyme4mike]

Gord is awesome. You can see here how the Bell's Palsy affected him. That's one of the reasons he wasn't touring. Some close to him say its onset came from his 'wild' lifestyle and only came under control after he had changed his ways in regards to drug and alcohol use. I don't care personally as he always has been and always will be my favourite singer-songwriter.

[@johnnolan6497]

tyme4mike b

[@carolholly1608]

Absolutely, My Very Favorite Also! R.I.P. Gordon Light foot ❤💔❤💔❤💔

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

"Survivor of folk era" 😅 Gordo Canadian hoser ...we're dying out 😢unfortunately 😪

[@markbass9402]

Love you man!

[@BrewsterMcBrewster]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot 5-2-23

[@wesleyblanton2432]

I feel lucky to have seen him about 10 Years a go. I saw him in Reno Nv in very intimate setting, only about 300 People in the Dinner Theatre. He was looking Old, but still belted out the songs!

[@stevestruthers6180]

Haha, the Stephen Leacock and 'Armstrong method' references just flew over Joan Lunden's head. Gord does seem a bit twitchy here, but he's been known to be nervous when doing interviews on TV.

[@charlesgallant]

Based on some googling, it seems a pretty obscure reference; I can't find anything related to Armstrong Method and Stephen Leacock. Is this referencing The Pursuit of Knowledge?

[@stevestruthers6180]

@@charlesgallant I don't know if the expression came from 'The Pursuit of Knowledge', as I've not read it. However, 'the Armstrong Method' is a very old, jokey kind of expression commonly used in southern Ontario. The idea is that if you use a strong arm and work hard, you can accomplish much - ergo, 'armstrong method'.

[@charlesgallant]

@@stevestruthers6180 Thanks for the follow up! Cheers :)

[@hardsayings2400]

@@stevestruthers6180 I'm from southern ontario and I've never happened to hear that saying but for some reason I knew exactly what he meant by it.

[@stevestruthers6180]

@@charlesgallant Possibly, although Gordon was quoting Stephen Leacock when he said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get." I should have made things clearer.

[@derikuk2967]

This is a man who wanted to be a jazz drummer. He could have written anything he set his mind to... the consummate professional, and a very hard worker on his craft.

[@ckp2ator389]

He had an unerring rhythm in his live performances. So I'm not surprised. Would have like to hear/see recordings of the time when he was in LA to study music and performed as the singer in a big band.

[@JosephVega-g3f]

RIP Gordan. Thank you for the music.

[@drewcanton235]

GMA when it was "Good Morning America"... Lightfoot's songs were & are Canada... 🇨🇦 His music lives on... Should be a really good Jam going on in heaven... 🎶🎵🎸

[@jezebeljones659]

He quotes Stephen Leacock! A true Canadian.

[@ckp2ator389]

Yes, love it. It's like a US musician quoting Mark Twain, would never happen. Lightfoot paid attention is school, I guess, or was a reader. Well, he'd have to be for the songs that he distilled from events and historical sagas.

[@pattyoneill6724]

Loved his music. RIP Gordon.

[@DustinBlythe]

Gordon went through a period where he was "heavier", including his appearance in "Harry Tracy" but he seemed to get into better shape by "Shadows".

[@Lizsi1812]

Oh! Gordon I really admire you!!!

[@sarahedwards2]

Interesting combination, jeans with a shirt and tie...he still wears that red velvet jacket!

[@matthewfarmer2520]

You could have jeans with dress shoes 😊

[@teresafraser3049]

Why is what he's wearing important to you? Sounds like judgement of fashion vs listening to his interview about music 🎶

[@michaelcrowson3174]

He was my favorite.

[@edwardkujawa]

WAS A GREAT PERSON EVERYBODY HAS THINGS IN THIER CLOSET SKELTONS WE WOULDNT BE HUMAN OTHERWISE SOME PEOPLE DEAL WITH IN DIFFEENT WAYS MINE IS MUSIC PLAYING GUITAR BUTMUSIC IS A GREAT HEALER OF THE SOUL AND MIND SO BE IT

[@awm891]

Rest in Heaven Chief

[@bearron]

Joan London was so beautiful back then. Wow. Love Gords music.

[@RJ-wy6cx]

God bless him what a great

[@jobrownsmith116]

The mid 70's permed hair so many guys had back them. Never knew if the baby was going to come out with curly hair or not, 😂. My grandson came out with curly hair so I guess my ex from the 70's hair was natural.

[@carolholly1608]

Reminds Me of Eric Clapton's Curly Hair, From About The Same Time Period..

[@44excalibur]

One thing ya gotta love a-boot does Canadians, it's all a-boot da music and da artistry with dem, and I'm so, so, sore-ry to hear a-boot Gordon Lightfoot's passing.

[@p.b.edwards7287]

You sound like a Quebecer from the Rock!

[@44excalibur]

@@p.b.edwards7287 🤣

[@58landman]

I was a huge fan and I miss him already.

[@pickerman4]

Kristysgodmother, this was around 1982 as the album he referred to was "Shadows", which was released in 1982. Gord sure looks very uneasy. No wonder he hasn't done many TV shows, he probably dislikes it. Now days Gord is quite healthly for his age. I heard it said that his health problems in the past several years would have killed him if he wasn't in as good a shape as he is.

[@willettej7988]

You belonged to the world ... especially to me in my 20s!

[@markfx12]

He would have been more comfortable with a guitar between himself and Joan.

[@richardforster4429]

He is the "dude"

[@qhsperson]

@yappcd A cargo ship that went down on Lake Superior. It's in the lyrics, and there are videos of the Edmund Fitzgerald right here on youtube. Not sailing at all.

[@beatlejim64]

Joan was looking good...

[@waynetompkins3006]

The greatest artist Canada has ever produced.

[@ColinYapp]

@qhsperson actually man you are right I found it out after I read some more and could not figure out how to change my answer. Also, just watched a documentary on it. Thanks anyway.

[@krimpoo]

I forgot how GORGEOUS she was !

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Gordon quoting Stephen Leacock ... loved it, though I’m not sure many Americans would know who that great Canadian humouring was!

[@pkappel006]

@dreamfable Gordon did not look the grestest in this clip. He must have had a hard time to overcome drinking. I know it is very hard for me to loose weight and now I am at age 59. God Bless, Gord. Still singing today 2011!!!

[@chrishedlund3196]

I’ll bet he nailed her. Hot looking woman. He was a player.

[@briangarrett6510]

Boy I miss real interviews with honest questions and answers, not the yuckfests now on talk shows.. RIP Gord.

[@TheoriginalChuckJ]

God, Joan Lundon is absolutely gorgeous.

[@practice4089]

I never thought of his music as folk. he had his own unique style that didn't fall neatly into any genre

[@thomasnorman4221]

Joan...loved your 1964 mustang you drove to Bella Vista

[@govideo6706]

"Will folk music come back?" When did it leave Joan? His Records and Albums we're selling.

[@ckp2ator389]

That was a funny question. And Gord said he was now doing Adult Contemporary. Whatever genre he chose it was good, IMO.

[@GuyWithTheThingOnTheTable]

Good lord. Joan giving Stevie Nicks some competition ❤

[@keaveny63021]

the height of his demons

[@Adammmm124]

This was great

[@TheoSmith249]

I did not miss that Gordo promoted a Canadian humourist to the US audience...

[@gubbie2u]

Wow, he sure was uncomfortable here - very different than how he is now. He may have still been drinking then, too. I don't remember when he quit, in relationship to albums. Of course, Shadows is near the top of my favorites list for Gord's albums, but they didn't even talk about it, really. Interesting interview. Love seeing him so young.

[@mrdudley1961]

Yes, they all get their questions 'fed', usually reading off a teleprompter. It's not what they say, it's how they look that counts.

[@yamahonkawazuki]

@dreamfable agreed. ive seen and met him twice after concerts in knoxville tn. once in 07 or 08, and 2011 in march as well. hope to see many more

[@markduncan6690]

Gordon Lightfoot and Ian Anderson are both very methodical !

[@eddietheTruth11]

Gordon Lightfoot mentioned songwriting at 3:25

[@beelzabubba]

"It's the Armstrong method... you've got to work at it."

[@GoMifuneLives]

@robtuohy1 I'll check out shadows on your recommendation. I really like Gord's stuff. I used to hear him on the radio when I was a kid in the 70's. I was not into that genre, but I always found that song about a "Ghost from a wishing well," sorry the title escapes me now, very mysterious and intriguing. Now that I'm older, I'm getting into his music.

[@juliej5917]

If You Could Read My Mind

[@jimfritz2087]

Died 5/1/2023 . Very sad news . 🎶

[@alcahallic4526]

Came here for Gordon, but ended up remembering my crush on Joan London, she had those 'puppy dog take me home' eyes.

[@chrisv73]

I’m sorry that Gordon had to talk to Joan Lunden!!

[@tripjet999]

This was NOT a "talk show." LOL.