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Gordon Lightfoot, often called Canada’s greatest songwriter, died Monday in Toronto at the age of 84. new york times report.
Lightfoot enjoyed success in the 60’s and became one of the most popular male vocalists of the 70’s.
Born in Ontario on November 17, 1938, the multi-instrumentalist has been singing since childhood and wrote his first songs in high school.
He was one half of early ’60s folk duo Two Tones, and by the end of the decade he was an in-demand songwriter, whose work has been covered by the likes of Peter, Paul, Mary and country icon Marty Robbins. rice field. .
Lightfoot became a household name after the 1970 single “If You Could Read My Mind” (a Top 5 hit in the US). In 1974, he topped the charts with “Sundown” and had hits with “Carefree Highway” (1974), “Rainy Day People” (1975) and the meandering, moody “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976). achieved. , about the actual shipwreck where 29 lives were lost.
“If You Could Read My Mind” later led to Lightfoot suing the composer over “The Greatest Love of All” (covered by George Benson and, more famously, Whitney Houston), claiming that part of the melody was sued for theft. plagiarized. The case was settled out of court and Masser apologized.
A prolific live performer, Lightfoot has released a total of 21 studio albums in 54 years, including his final ‘Solo’ in 2020.
He is survived by his third wife, Kim Hasse. his six children. and his sister.
