Gordon Lightfoot's vocal quality was deceptive. THIS performance shows us why.

Tonight following the sad news of Gordon Lightfoot's passing we're going back to 1974 to look at a live performance of 'Sundown'.
PERFORMANCE VIDEO - • Video
TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Intro
1:14 Performance
4:24 Analysis
5:54 Isolated Vocal
9:22 Deceptive Difficulty!
15:57 Guitar
17:52 Convenient Chord Changes
19:28 Lead Guitar

[@RogCBrand]

It's hard to see someone like Gordon go. The world is a lesser place without him!

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Not just a singer with a rhythm guitar, but also a poet.

[@Doreana48501]

His song the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald broke my heart. The freighters go by my house it's easy to remember Gordon's songs

[@GlenRobertsonMusic]

When I found out, I discovered a tear rolling down my cheek

[@artmanjohn2]

Unfortunately we all have an expiration date! That's life.

[@martinstepanek8902]

❤

[@kookamunga2458]

When Bob Dylan says Gordon was his favourite song writer that carries a lot of weight. Gordon Lightfoot was admired by rock and rollers , country music lovers and folk music lovers alike . He was the ultimate wordsmith and many of his songs are stories.

[@tracymetherell8744]

He was an actual bard. Unusual for our time.

[@ermengard6960]

I grew up on classical music -- played violin. Gordon Lightfoot was the only popular concert I ever went to while I was in high school. He was truly a great musician.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very,very true.

[@luigivincenz3843]

Gordon Lightfoot is the ONLY singer to ever appear on Art Bell's show, which is a rarity. GL was Art's favorite singer. You would think after months of having experts on UFO's, ghosts, bigfoot, paranormal entities, portals, having Gordon Lightfoot came out of nowhere.

[@robbiet8583]

@@luigivincenz3843I missed that one!!!

[@spankyharland9845]

no laser lights, pyrotechnics, flashy lights, smoke machines, scantily clad dance girls, just three guys strumming and Gordon singing, how simple life was back in 1974.

[@johngrundy9119]

0

[@michaelmohrle1773]

Well not really, you could have gone to a Kiss show! I much much prefer Gordon though!

[@raylewis2121]

I was three hours away from home at a TX prep school. I remember listening to Gordon Lightfoot cassettes while sitting for hours in line for gasoline to get home for holidays

[@grahamy3400]

It was called talent

[@amsodoneworkingnow1978]

It still is.

[@wendyh2708]

To call Gordon Lightfoot a Canadian icon is an understatement. There are no words to describe the loss of this man to Canada.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

There will be much Molson purchased the next several days.

[@PantheraOnca60]

He was Canada's gift to the world.

[@StormyDay]

Sad he had a full tour scheduled and he won’t make his yearly at Massey.

[@lebe220]

sorry, but you´ve still got Trudeau

[@magneto7930]

Believe me, we're feeling it in the US.

[@joebloggs8636]

I'm a American guy ,68 years old,i don't know why but, Gordon's death has hit me harder than i ever would have thought.Canadian Railroad Trilogy,If you could read my mind, Sundown, Carefree Highway, Song for a Winters Night,Early morning rain and Circle of Steel are among my favorites...Fil ,i could watch and listen to you do this forever...thanks for focusing on his vocals which i always loved...R.I.P. Troubador....

[@EmersumBiggins]

Me too. I cried in front of my wife when I read that he died on Monday night 🙂

[@g26s239]

He is all time great, that's why.

[@mccallosone4903]

word

[@rajon25]

I'm a 40 something guy from Michigan and you aren't alone.

[@AvaGrail]

I love Rainy Day People♥️

[@ronkrupovich7152]

My wife and I, both Canadian, were agreeing that his passing is hitting us pretty hard. Will never forget the time that we flew from Toronto to LA and he was on the flight--and then saw him in concert at Universal Studios. Unique talented storyteller.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

Another Canadian here, and much sadder than I expected to be. To quote Joni, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

[@glenchapman3899]

@@susanmacdonald4288 As someone said when another entertaining great passed. Dont be said that they are gone, be honored that you got to live at the same time they did

[@dianamal]

Incredible I also saw Gordon at the Universal Studios in the 70's . RIP

[@noadlor]

As a Canadian, I would like to thank you for this. He is one of greatest icons and he loved to tell stories about the Canadian landscape with his songs. He will be missed.

[@conifergreen2]

Justin Trudeau claims Canada has no culture.I guess he never listened to Gordon Lightfoot.

[@lebe220]

Canada ist lost with Trudeau

[@alanna8983]

@@lebe220 this is no place for politics.

[@lebe220]

@@alanna8983 Yes, and "Man in Black" by Johnny Cash. If music is alone entertainment, it is being missused. It has the power to open minds and hearts. Well, the US government and child trafficking...It keeps going on end on end on...Why does it? Because people have only empathy when it hits them or their family. No empathie at all by almost 90% of the population. And who´s job is it to awaken empathy in the people? Yes, right: the ARTISTS! They ere not doing their job!

[@HarmonyinChaos-ul3fk]

i grew up loving gordon and canada. my parents knew him and would hang out with him backstage after shows. i met gordon when i was 8 years old, and now i’m 46. his old manager Bernie would hold tickets for us at the office for us to go up on a 10 hour trip to Toronto and see him at Massey Hall. and i was able to see how wonderful so many canadians are. it was a culture shock for me. canadians will always have a special place in my heart. he was always kind to everyone after the shows. very grateful to adoring fans. we took an older, blind lady to meet him once. it was at the kennedy center in Washington, D.C. she wanted to meet him so badly so we told her okay! she couldn’t believe it. he gave her a hug and spoke with her, and it’s enough to send me to tears. he loved his family. that’s why he basically stopped writing. it took too much time away from them, and he didn’t want to put himself in the room, locked anymore. gordon is in my dna. and my toddler son and i dance to him every night. recently it’s been the Salute album

[@helenbirch5719]

One of life's sharp pleasures is harmonizing with Gordon Lightfoot while driving alone in my car. Beautiful voice, clear diction, perfect melodies, lots of heart, deceptively simple instrumentation. We have lost a jewel.

[@vintagestrings6]

Rest in peace Mr Lightfoot. One of the most gifted songwriters of all time. He's touched many hearts in this world. ❤🙏

[@lebe220]

Yes, greetings from Germany (raised in Australia)

[@ellenlewis9860]

He certainly touched mine. I cried when I learned he passed. I was so lucky for having the music of my youth! RIP

[@TheHarmonicOscillator]

Gordon Lightfoot passed away four days ago, and I still have “the morning after blues, from head down to my shoes.” I first listened to Gordon in 1971 and was blown away. He is the reason why I sing and play an acoustic guitar today. He was a big part of my life and millions of others’ lives. I have been working on “If You Could Read My Mind” for 35 years, and I have steadily improved, but his performance is like an asymptotic limit that I will forever approach but never reach. In 2002, he suffered an aortic aneurysm and was in a coma for six weeks. It was a miracle that he survived. But, even more miraculously, he returned to touring and never stopped touring. He achieved the musician’s ultimate goal. He died with a full run of concert dates scheduled. His music lives on for he was one of a kind.

[@jamesedwards2237]

My wife Peggy and I saw him at the Orpheum theater in Phoenix about 2010, and he put on a great performance. 2 years later she suggested seeing him again, so we did. R.I.P Gordon Lightfoot and R.I.P Peggy Williams Edwards.

[@estelleadamski308]

Sorry for our Canadians neighbors for losing a absolutely, incredible, talented man. Gordon will be missed by the world. Thank you Canada for sharing him w/us.

[@Jaline_on_YouTube]

Sweet. Thank you for taking the time to express that you care.

[@stevebolger3010]

This Canadian very much appreciates your very respectful comment!

[@timetraveler5246]

Thank you so kindly. Gordon’s passing has hit many of us Canadians quite hard.

[@christineelsass4284]

@@timetraveler5246 can’t quite explain, but no other public death has effected me more. Feels like losing a long time friend. Months later, still leaving a melancholy. US long time fan (over 50 years). How very fortunate and blessed ,our neighbors up North, are to call him their own.

[@Erik_Swiger]

Gordon Lightfoot, The Wreck of the Edmumd Fitzgerald, on my 60s off-white tube radio, glowing orange in the back, in my room in the late 70s. I was always haunted by the lyrics, "Does anyone know, where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours." RIP, Gordon, and thank you for the gift of your life.

[@AmyKaribian]

Yes, one of the greatest lines in any song ever.

[@Jaline_on_YouTube]

Just reading the lyric you shared brought tears to my eyes. Wow. Thank you for sharing this.

[@anderander5662]

Me too. That lyric grabbed me by the throat.

[@suelucey9621]

That line always gives me the chills.

[@carly-jaymetcalfe6401]

Chills and tears. We were lucky to have him - what a gift.

[@nancy9891]

Thanks Fil for your tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. Your smile tells it all about your approval for this genuine singer songwriter. The bell was rung yesterday for Gordon at the site where he wrote of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Proper order too. Legendary song from a Legend. R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot.

[@logicalspark3496]

Is there video of it?

[@jimfritz2087]

@@logicalspark3496 Yes. It was at the Great Lakes Museum ( I think that's the name. They wrung the Bell 29 times for the crew + once for Gordon). Bagpipes too

[@G60syncro]

I think they also retrieved the actuall bell of the ship... I hope THAT was also rung as well!!

[@unseelie63]

Oh god.What a beautiful tribute.I'm getting teary-eyed.Again.

[@rumidude]

Gordon Lightfoot was a giant. He actually transcribed and orchestrated his own songs. He knew how many bpm all the sections of his music was supposed to have. And his lyrics are so evocative. One of the greatest singer/songwriters of his generation.

[@FionaEm]

Thank you for featuring Gordon again. One of the last of the troubadors. His voice was like sunlight dappled across water. What a wonderful talent the world has lost. ❤

[@michaelmohrle1773]

Cool description

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

@@michaelmohrle1773 Yes it is however, it can only reveal its true truth if you are on the shore looking northwest from Honey Harbour at twilight. I imagine that Kurt Russell could give you a clue as to what that view means.

[@deloresdunbar1464]

I could listen to him sing everyday and not grow tired of his vocals.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Gordon Lightfoot was national treasure and his legacy will live on forever. Thank you for beautiful memories at annual April's concerts at Toronto's Massey Hall. R.I.P. Gord. 🇨🇦

[@coldlakealta4043]

Gordon and Massey Hall were and will always be synonymous. God Speed, our national treasure. Your country loved you as much as you loved your country.

[@ivannovotny4552]

​@@coldlakealta4043 Gord's name in also synonymous with Stompin' Tom Connors.

[@lizbyrne7356]

@@ivannovotny4552 KZbin carries a Tom Connors tribute featuring GL. Great reminiscence by GL and most fitting song choice. Also "I Am The Wind" Tom Connors video not to be missed.

[@drewpall2598]

Very nice tributer to Gordon Lightfoot. He was one of the great storytellers that emerge from the mid to late 1960's and 70's era, Rest in Peace Gordon Lightfoot and thanks for the music.

[@diamondbed86]

Aw, Gordon Lightfoot. I am so glad I got to see him in the 1990s. My mother drove me to about 5 stores to find a copy of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

I've just been watching a number of the tributes to Gordon Lightfoot on KZbin today. As someone who grew up in the 60s and 70s in Canada, it wasn't so much that you were a Gordon Lightfoot fan, but that his music was part of the makeup of Canadian culture. If you were into music at all, you heard Gordon Lightfoot. His music was just everywhere. It didn't matter that he was an amazing instrumentalist, or that he had a unique voice, or that he had songwriting skills that even Bob Dylan envied. He had all those things and many more, but uniquely for the time, he was part of the heart and soul of what made you a Canadian.

[@bobjohnson1587]

'Canadian Railroad Trilogy'! Need I say more!

[@kineahora8736]

Not just Canada. I feel like Gordon’s songs were a part of my childhood as well, growing up in the New York area. We didn’t hear much of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitz on the radio-but Sundown and If You could Read My Mind were enormous hits…

[@CatrionaRuadh]

Well said!

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

@@bobjohnson1587💓

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Reminds me of when I hitchhiked to Canada in 1974 and this song was all over the radio. Gordon Lightfoot made a huge impression on us, his songwriting, musicianship and singing. We will miss you, Gordon.

[@glennaa11]

The burbling bass line adds a lot to this song too. I always loved that his band stuck together for so long

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Good Canadian bassist using his Toronto-made amp!

[@rationallogo]

The incomparable Rick Haynes on bass, the most underrated bass player of the last 50 years.

[@brianbecker1]

I'm crushed to hear of Gordon's passing. He was a master craftsman when it came to songwriting and his performances were perfection. Thank you for shining a light on this legendary artist.

[@GTsuji]

I was fortunate enough to see him several times in the late 60s and again about 5 years ago. He was a legend for a good reason. RIP Mr Lightfoot.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I saw Gordon Lightfoot live in 2010, front row center. I met him and his band after the show. Gordon Lightfoot is one of our Canadian music icons, and I'm a big fan of his music. A really great songwriter. May Gordon Lightfoot rest in peace. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️🙏🇨🇦

[@JesAusCam18]

Gordon may be Canadian by birth but is an International Treasure!

[@owlcowl]

For many musicians hailed as geniuses and whose work is dubbed "immortal" in their own time, their reputation actually proves to be ephemeral and fifty years after their passing, they have become footnotes in the chronicles of popular culture. Among the pathbreaking generation of the 60s/70s, Canada has gifted us with two songwriters who will absolutely never suffer this fate: Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell. People will be listening to their finest creations for as long as we have ears to hear.

[@chrisgillard6129]

And Stan Rogers

[@richardnanian2446]

Canada has a great singer-songwriter tradition. I’d add Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright, and Ron Sexsmith to the list.

[@shelleyimmel8067]

And Ian Tyson

[@michaellohr7683]

How could you possibly forget Bruce Cockburn?

[@chrisgillard6129]

@@michaellohr7683 Probably because I choose not to listen to him.

[@prairrie]

Very sad to hear of his passing . I so loved his style and gentle voice .

[@sheelfjohnson]

My grandfather was a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes, so I appreciate Gordon Lightfoot for writing about the Edmund Fitzgerald. I love his relaxed style of singing. Rest in peace🌹

[@stephenhenion8304]

Let me tell you... live music from this era was EPIC!! So many bands, songs and concerts. Gordon Lightfoot was as good as it gets! Top shelf!!🎶🎵🎶

[@Mrs.EmmaPeel]

Hard to imagine that was almost 50 years ago. Gord has always been my favourite musician.

[@NzLand3r]

"He has this conversational space where his vocal always sits" For me, a finely crafted story will always beat out production values. Brilliant song and artist R.I.P. Thank you.😔

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Except that so many of Gordon’s songs were produced brilliantly. He also knew when the silence or volume needed to just be.

[@NzLand3r]

@@catherinelynnfraser2001 Yes for sure. I was always captured first by an interesting story song, and musical sensibility adds dimension to the canvas.

[@annmills3163]

It’s inevitable that we’re going to be losing a lot more classic rock/ folk country musicians in the near future, but only a handful are as talented as Gordon was ☮️💜🎶

[@SallyBedow]

I'm still tearing up at all the accolades for Lightfoot.

[@Jaline_on_YouTube]

Me, too.

[@MrRdh567]

" I can see her lying back in her satin dress in a room where you do what you don't confess" One of my fave lines in a song ever. It is perfection.

[@bobjohnson1587]

And written about the woman who gave the deadly speedball to John Belushi! Makes it even more poignant.

[@AmyKaribian]

I feel the same. One of the greatest opening lines of any song ever.

[@carolynstockton5876]

Wow, I never knew that.

[@carolynstockton5876]

…about John Belushi

[@bobjohnson1587]

@@carolynstockton5876 Cathy Smith went to prison for 15 months for injecting John with the heroine/cocaine 'speedball' that killed him. 10 years earlier she was Gordon's 'mistress'. He was very lucky to have survived his tumultuous relationship with Cathy. He could have ended up like John! She was bad news!

[@lyndamcardle4123]

He was a consumate musician studying composition...he wrote his own musical charts ....eg, he read and wrote the notes musicians follows.

[@annettereynolds7457]

An utter legend. The world is less without his presence. I will miss him.

[@lindamcd1217]

That is simply the best way to say it. 😪

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

Thank you, Fil. R.I.P. Gordon Lightfoot.

[@dagmar.6954]

I was so sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot's passing a few days ago. Loved his music. One of the best songwriters & storytellers. He was a Canadian legend. My husband & I saw him in concert once. Thanks so much for doing a nice tribute to him.

[@pinball1970]

"If I could read your mind" is an amazing track. RIP

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

God Speed..Gordon..Love your Music..thanks Fil

[@joeysanguine3596]

Thank you Phil in honor of Gordon during our time of grief💔

[@lisacolbert5987]

My recently passed mama took me to see him. Portland, Oregon 1975. I was ten. I remember he stopped a few bars into a song, fairly angry, and yelled at the lighting crew guy operating the spot. Something about he didn’t care where he put it but to choose a place and lock it down ! I miss you mom.

[@Moluccan56]

That would have been a bothersome distraction. Good for him!

[@markjastrzebski2065]

Only a master performer can, with a glance and a nod, get the entire audience to start clapping along.

[@karengray662]

I was 16 in 1980 and got my first job. Dad would sometimes pick me up. He had Radio 2 on & the “album of the week” was Gordon Lightfoot. Each day they played a song from it. So many songs I knew and loved but hadn’t realised it was him! I bought the album before the end of the week, been a joyous part of my life ever since. RIP Gordon, you’ll be a huge miss x

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

As a Canadian, thank you Fil for appreciating one of our true icons! Gordon made a huge impression on so many of us, especially growing up to his music.

[@grumpyolddude439]

TY Fil for covering Gordon. He was one of the all time greats, and will be sorely missed.

[@Dan-zq5wt]

I’m just discovering Gordon after his death and I’m really blown away. What a brilliant singer/songwriter. So many melancholy, beautiful tunes. Shouldn’t he be S celebrated as Van Morrison and James Taylor? Is he and I just missed out? RIP to this brilliant writer/performer.

[@roguedalek900]

He was a lot more chill & low key than other preformers .

[@marshallgeorge3819]

I think he is given the comments and videos I am seeing online. Every one of them is complimentary and kind about the man. So many wonderful songs!

[@tamoshanter6268]

He was a bit older, so maybe more appreciated by an older crowd? That being said, his music was more than just good music. It became part of the backdrop of your life. It played many years on different radio stations, not just when it was "in the charts". I remember being mesmerized by his songs/storytelling when I was quite young, and again later as I could understand the story/words better, and again later in life when I could appreciate the emotions of the the songs better. I am glad you discovered his music. Keep listening to it. I believe he is celebrated as much as James Taylor, the Morrison road might be a bit different. I know I have always loved his music and he is loved in the US as much as Canada.

[@donnahilton471]

You missed out! He's always been the best. But you're in luck because he has a vast quantity of work.

[@suzannemcmaken4648]

@@tamoshanter6268 Gordon Lightfoot exceeded James Taylor and Morrison by every musical barometer. Every.

[@annkazunas7207]

I was 14 when this song came out I loved it in 1974 and love it more today then when it came out. Is that possible oh Ya wish the world was like it was in 1974.

[@Zebra_3]

Canadian Idol's Gordon Lightfoot week was one of the very best. Idol history was made when all contestants together played an instrument while performing Canadian Railroad Trilogy.

[@greenfaerie61537]

I was fortunate to see Gordon Lightfoot in concert 3 times in different decades, and he was always awesome. One of a kind, finest songwriter of his time. So sorry to hear of his passing. RIP 🥀

[@henryporter6659]

I too have seen him 3 (or maybe 4) times and I always felt he was sharing his music rather than just performing his music.

[@Mr05Chuck]

Lightfoot was the reason I learned to play, sing and write songs. He was my hero back in college. I watched this episode of course. I was a junior at the University of Washington.

[@kevystead]

It Makes me so happy that you enjoy Gordon's music Fil. We're awfully proud of him here in Canada.🥰 To know he's gotten his message and music to the other side of the world is incredible. Rest in Peace Gordon.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

A Canadian girl here, who grew up hearing Gordon on the radio all of the time...part of the background to my growing up. Thank you for doing this song.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

I remember it was hearing this song as a little kid that made me think "that's what 'right thing at the right time' means"--even though I was too little to know it!

[@lindadesanto6593]

Thanks for doing this video. His music will live on forever. My 30 and 27 year old boys are taking his death pretty hard. All ages love him

[@donnahilton471]

My sons, too. 30 and 32.

[@RosaKay55]

Gordon Lightfoot has been part of my life for over 50 years. I got the vinyl record of Gord’s Gold, then got the CD. Then my daughter put it on my iPhone so I can have it everywhere I go. Thanks, Fil, for your thorough and touching analysis of this great musician!

[@phylliswurm9473]

Good choice Fil. To me some songs are hard to hear lyrics but with Gordon you can't help but absorb everything he says with melody. Loved him.

[@baronessvarney9379]

I've always thought that Gordon Lightfoot has perfect pitch. I've seen him in concert 4 times and I've never heard him sing any note off pitch! Love him !❤️❤️❤️

[@guitartim2128]

Love this classic from Lightfoot . RIP GORDON

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

Thanks for taking time to do this Fil. This is my favourite of all of Gordon Songs. I am of the age where I grew up listening to his music on AM radio. Iv never quit listening to his music and the new of his death comes as blow. Hard to quantify how much Gordon and his music ment to Canadians. He was a national treasure. He will be sadly missed.

[@Sherrya2]

So devastated by his passing, he's such an icon and ambassador for our country, Canada

[@sewing1243]

The first song that I can remember hearing performed personally by Gordon was his "If You Could Read My Mind" from the early 70s. Before that I probably didn't realize that he had written the song, but was being performed by another artist(s) (example: "Early Morning Rain" from Peter, Paul and Mary").

[@lynndow3185]

The passing of beloved musicians sure is painful. Thank you for helping take the sting out of it by looking at what made Gordon so phenomenal. Very enlightening!

[@drewpall2598]

Would you consider doing a tribute analysis on Harry Belafonte who pass away on April 25, 2023, thanks Fil.

[@patrickjordan2233]

Rick Beato shared a quote from Bob Dylan? Bob cited Gordon Lightfoot as his all-time favorite singer/songwriter... IMO, only fitting praise from one of the other best songwriters EVER... 🙏 RIP Gordon..."thanks for sharing your amazing songwriting and playing and singing and arranging with us...God truly had a hand on your shoulder while you were writing and performing, now he wants a personal concert..."♥️🎶🎵

[@MtnBadger]

I was a teenager then. And Canadian. He was great, Canada was still cool, it was a good time. Im now glad we transplanted to the states (mom was Canuckian, dad was a yank). Gordon's loss has affected a lot of us, music was an entirely different entity back then. It's no wonder todays music struggles for significance and the geriatric tour" is still so popular with musicians in their 70s in bands from the 70s. Take a lesson, all you young, wannabe rock stars. Im proud to have played in many bands with names people would recognize and to have had this type of sound and performers as our influence. Gordon's songs are just as relevant and pleasing today as they were 50 yrs ago because the subject matter is deeply human and timeless and stories like the Edmund Fitzgerald is also something that touched us deeply in our emotions in a way that isn't dated or out of place as time goes by. As for style, keeping it simple yet poignant and accurate is something strived for and seldom realized that fits anytime, anyplace. He also was a singer who realized his vocal range/strengths, the notes that were natural for him and he lived there instead of trying to push past those parameters which ultimately distracts from when the right notes are carried and it takes away from the overall performance. He was very smart/humble/non-egotistical in his vocal work and it paid. Jonie Mitchell was another performer with an amazing vocal quality, good range and the sense to stay within the lines. As a counter example, Janice Joplin did actually have a terrific singing voice when she actually sang. But all the screaming and strained singing thatxwas the "style" she was known for covered up the natural notes and tones she carried with zero effort. Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) only sang two notes but,* she sang them *reaally* well. 😊 I was friends with Warren Zevon and he had the same core abilities as Gordon that not many give him credit for because of the particular songs they chose as radio releases. Though fun and exciting to hear, they didn't have the timing, emotions and vocal uniqueness that comes through in his dozen or so albums and the "poison pen" with which he often wrote just didn't make the 3 minute, "short bus" mentality that so many record companies have decided to play. He takes you on journeys, right into the mental space of the songs likecin "Under the eaves" and "Mohammed's radio." Give Warren's music a listen and do try to review some of his other songs, as well as his popular aired tunes like "Warewolves of London," "Lawyers, guns and money" and "Roland the headless Thompson gunner." 😆 Thanks for making our brains work. 😊

[@joebloggs8636]

​@@counselthyself2591You sound like an Simpleton, seriously..

[@MtnBadger]

@@counselthyself2591 I have to agree, though I miss my family back there. visit I'd fine, live, No Bueno.

[@roguedalek900]

I grew up in the 70s and love 70s females because of the more acoustical sound . The early 70s were great and not over produced. I really love the early to mid 70s folk sound influence. Even the R&B like Roberta Flack was great .

[@olivemd]

Love it. Music that I grew up hearing. I think I have all or most of his music also. RIP.

[@impudentdomain]

deep, rich baritone. with lots of feeling in his voice

[@selket51]

Gordie came to my hometown many years ago. He played so many small towns in northern Ontario back in the 60s. He was a perfectionist. That’s one thing all Canadians knew about him. He gave his all. That was reflected in his music and his amazing Storytelling and performances. He was sometimes called the Canadian poet Laureate. I think the nickname suited him perfectly. We’ll all miss him very much.

[@Erik_Swiger]

I'm making an omelette and some steamed veggies, and I keep launching into harmony singing because of this video. Gosh I love this channel. This song in particular has meaning for me. Thanks, Fil, keep it coming, please.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Thank you for Fil for remembering Gordon Lightfoot. I saw him back in the 70's at a dinner show in Reno. It was a memorable show. He has so many wonderful songs. I have always loved his music.

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

I may be ancient already but Gordon is someone I will always miss because he was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. ❤😢

[@michaeltoma1023]

How can one not smile throughout the entire performance. Love it!

[@zachhessler8722]

Such a instrumental part of my life. I don't know how many times I played Gord's Gold. He's one of my all time favorites. So great to see all the outpouring of love back towards him now. What a mark he left on the world. What an artist he was. Thanks for the tribute here Fil.

[@WineSippingCowboy]

Back then, no autotune. Good analysis! 👍 Bryan Adams tweeted in his tribute, "The world is a lesser place without him." RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[@anderander5662]

There’s a quality to Gordon Lightfoot songs. You can listen to them over and over again and they seem fresh each time. I have listened to: if you could read my mind a dozen times in a row with headphones.

[@diannelovejoy5514]

I was lucky enough to hear him in 1976 in Washington, DC, and again in Geneva, NY in 2018. The quality of each of his performances was great, even with 42 years between them! So glad I got to see him again. 😢

[@terryjohinke8065]

He was HUGE in Australia.

[@safromnc8616]

One of our greatest storytellers....Sadly missed already.

[@robertkaplan-ob5uk]

Sometimes I think it's a sin when I feel like I'm winning when I'm losing again! Legend!!!!!!!

[@MsSherrydarling]

His version of “Song for a Winter’s Night” is amazing! So smooth and soft. He will live on forever in his music.🇨🇦🥹

[@sarahterry2140]

He was an amazing storyteller. As recently as a year ago after hearing the Edmund Fitzgerald again I was moved to spend days researching the content and watching various documentaries which explained the incident. They just don’t write them like this anymore. Godspeed, Mr. Fitzgerald.

[@christophertaylor9100]

The king of the singer-songwriters.

[@marieslabbert6009]

I live in South Africa and grew up in the 1970's with his music. If you could read my mind is my favourite. His passing affected me more than I expected it to. RIP Gordon.

[@JulieSkinner777]

Thank you Fil. This is so sad. I played his music over and over in the 70s and 80s. I saw him perform in the late 70s in Cincinnati. I waited around afterward, wanting his autograph on my program. He told me “I don’t give autographs, except for this” -and he kissed me! What a surprise!!

[@jordantomblin2302]

I’ve listened to almost every album Gordon has put out. He’s someone up there with the likes of Willie Nelson, John Prine, or Bob Dylan in terms of songwriting and performing. Nobody does their songs like they do themselves.

[@TheThoress]

@Wings of Pegasus you are truly the best Fil thank-you for all that you do for us ❤❤❤

[@gordonhamnett1289]

Thank you Fil, for the excellent analysis and appreciation of Gordon's work! I spent my teen years in Canada not too far from where he was born listening to his every song. He was our Canadian hero- deservedly! All of my friends have been feeling a great sense of loss at this time. Condolences to his family.

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

I was so glad to have to opportunity to see him live at the grand re-opening of Massey Hall in November 2021 in my home town of Toronto ( his 168th show at the Hall since the 1950's! ). He was much older and fragile, in his early 80's, but he never waivered, and he never missed a beat. The music just poured out of him so effortlessly. No one else could capture the spirit of Canada though music like Gordon Lightfoot. RIP.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

He was the trifecta of talent, songwriter, singer, musician.

[@davedrifter416]

What a great storyteller and he could turn a phrase like no other. I visited his very small hometown back in the late 60’s because I was such a fan. He just paints that visual picture that draws you into the story.

[@Don-n6o]

Thanks Fil for this tribute to Gordon Lightfoot. As a lifelong resident of Michigan his “ The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” has a special and personal meaning to me. I visited Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior when I was a young man. This is where the ore freightor went down during a severe Windstorm in November of 1975. Gordon’s lyrics told the story of this tragical history poignantly. He mentions”in a rusty old church in Detroit they pray”. He was singing of The Old Mariners Church on Jefferson Ave in Downtown Detroit right on THE DETROIT Riverfront across from his native Canada. It still stands today as a historical marker. 29 sailors lost their lives in the shipwreck and Gordon’s song is a great tribute and eulogy to these men. Once again Fil,thanks for this post.

[@jeffking4176]

84 years old - he was still performing ❗️ Okay, his voice was a bit different, but he could still carry the tune. And was still enjoying performing. 📻😢

[@O.S.R.C.]

I live an hour from his home town; worked in Orilla for a few years. Canada is mourning this tremendous loss ( as is the world ). You really bring a fresh light on just how talented Gordon Lightfoot was.

[@holly7869]

Thank you for this, Fil. RIP Gordon ❤

[@irenebrower9040]

Great tribute. His song “If you can read my mind” is so poetic & heartfelt. Great videos. Thank you!

[@dougpotosky4102]

A true great classic! Neil Young just honored his life. Saying he was a true legend in Canada. When Gordon's music came on the radio. I knew it would always be special.

[@robertneal4244]

Gordon is one of my musical heroes and to think that earlier this year he was still performing live and entertaining people. I even love some of his lesser known works like "Rainy Day People" and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy". Rest in peace Gordon. You will be sorely missed.

[@FOXLIES]

I was in Gordon Lightfoot's presence about 15 years ago at the Long and McQuade Music store in downtown Toronto. He was there with a young man who I assume was his grandson and was looking at some equipment like any other customer. I remember the staff were all very aware he was there.

[@inchworm2402]

The man was a genious lyricist and musician. I always loved Gordons music. RIP Mr Gordon Lightfoot jr. ❤

[@kentmains7763]

My mom is a big fan of his and so am I, one of the few artists that we agree on. He'll be greatly missed.