Canada lost one of its greatest folk-singers earlier this month as Gordon Lightfoot passed away at the age of 84.
Known for hits such as Early Morning Rain, If You Could Read My Mind, Black Day in July and of course, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Lightfoot’s career spanned decades and several genres, dipping into folk-rock and country.
Oddly enough this wasn’t the first time Canadians were hit with the news Lightfoot had died as in 2010 a cruel death hoax made the airwaves. Lightfoot is said to have heard the report on the radio while driving-likely a very surreal event that few will ever experience. Why someone would spread such a rumour we will never know-but perhaps it’s at least somewhat flattering to be famous enough that someone would even try it?
Lightfoot’s actual passing is a loss for Canadians not because he was simply an entertainer born in Canada who made it big, both here and outside the Great White North. He was part of the fabric of Canada’s culture, penning songs that told the story of Canada in a way that only he could. His hauntingly beautiful tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald has preserved a dark day in Great Lakes marine lore, making sure the crew of the ill-fated vessel will never be forgotten. It’s hard not to get through a cloudy November day without thinking of that song. A grim reminder that though they may have ‘lake’ in their name, the Great Lakes can be every bit as treacherous as the open ocean. A testament to Lightfoot’s longevity, the song was first released in 1976 and has stood the test of time-we have no doubt it’ll see even more of a revival this November, the first since Lightfoot’s passing. Lightfoot is said to have considered this song his finest work, and it’s hard to argue-though his song catalogue runs deep and his fans may have trouble picking just one or two favourites.
His decades long music career took him to all corners of the globe for concerts, including a 2011 stop in Napanee to play the Strathcona Paper Centre. It’s probably not a stretch to say Lightfoot remains the most famous performer to ever play the SPC-though granted there haven’t been too many concerts held at the venue either. Fortunately this reporter was lucky enough to draw the assignment to cover the show.
Raised by a father who loved his 70’s folk, Lightfoot’s songs were a regular soundtrack in this reporter’s family car during long road trips. His music meant many things to many people, but for this reporter, it’s that memory that will remain.
-With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, we’d be remiss if we didn’t give thanks to all the wonderful moms out there who sacrifice so much for their family. Often overworked and under appreciated, a simple thanks, a card and some flowers can never cover all that they do. But it’s a start.
Happy Mother’s Day to all, in particular Mary Prudhomme, who is a great mom and nanny.
-Adam Prudhomme