Music – Death of folk singer Gordon Lightfoot – Culture

Toronto (AP) — Canadian folk and country singer Gordon Lightfoot died peacefully Monday night at the age of 84 in a hospital in the Canadian metropolis of Toronto, according to a post on his Facebook page. It was a natural death. Lightfoot leaves behind his wife, six children and several grandchildren. The confirmation of a spokesperson for the singer was available in several Canadian and American media.

Lightfoot’s best-known songs include “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970), “Summer Side Of Life” (1971), “Don Quixote” (1972), “Summertime Dream”, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (both 1976), Shadows (1982) and Salute (1983). His classics have been performed by world famous musicians such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton and Paul Weller.

“We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter. “Gordon Lightfoot captured the spirit of our country through his music – and in doing so, helped shape Canada’s soundscape.”

Writer Stephen King wrote on Twitter: “He was a great songwriter and wonderful artist.” For actor Ben Stiller, Gordon Lightfoot was “a genius”. His music occupies a big place in his life. “I am grateful for the inspiration he gave to all of us,” the actor wrote on Twitter.

Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield also spoke out via the short message service and wrote: “Your poetry and melodies are an eternal inspiration.”

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Marmaduke Carline

Infuriatingly humble pop culture aficionado. Proud beer fanatic. Web lover. Social media fanatic.

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