Gordon Lightfoot, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, gained global recognition for his contributions to folk, folk-rock, and country music. His influence on the 1960s and 1970s folk-pop scene was significant. Celebrated as one of Canada's finest songwriters, he has numerous gold and multi-platinum albums and songs to his credit, with his work covered by internationally acclaimed artists. His songs often depict themes of transportation, nature, love, and solitude, cementing his place as a folk music icon.
1935: Birth of Lightfoot's Sister, Beverley
Lightfoot's older sister, Beverley, was born in 1935.
November 17, 1938: Birth of Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. was born on November 17, 1938, in Orillia, Ontario, Canada.
1940: Birth of Ken Danby
Ken Danby, the realist painter known for his iconic portrait of Gordon Lightfoot, was born in 1940.
1958: Lightfoot Moves to Los Angeles for Music Studies
In 1958, Lightfoot moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical education at Westlake College of Music, where he studied jazz composition and orchestration.
1960: Lightfoot Returns to Canada
After his time in Los Angeles, Lightfoot returned to Toronto in 1960, deciding to base himself in Canada while continuing to work in the United States.
1961: Lightfoot Releases His First Two Singles
Lightfoot released his first two singles in 1961. These singles, recorded in Nashville and produced by Chet Atkins, gained local success in Toronto and received some airplay in other parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
July 1962: "(Remember Me) I'm the One" Reaches No. 3 on CHUM Radio
Lightfoot's single "(Remember Me) I'm the One" achieved significant radio play, reaching No. 3 on CHUM radio in Toronto in July 1962, further solidifying his growing popularity.
1962: Canadian Chart Success with "(Remember Me) I'm the One"
Lightfoot achieved Canadian chart success in 1962 with his hit "(Remember Me) I'm the One," marking the beginning of his recognition in his home country.
April 1963: Marriage to Brita Ingegerd Olaisson
Lightfoot married Brita Ingegerd Olaisson, a Swedish woman, in April 1963.
1963: Lightfoot Travels to Europe and Hosts BBC TV Show
Lightfoot's career took him to Europe in 1963, where he spent a year hosting the BBC TV's Country and Western Show, expanding his international exposure.
1964: Lightfoot Returns to Canada and Performs at Mariposa Folk Festival
Upon returning to Canada in 1964, Lightfoot performed at the Mariposa Folk Festival, further establishing his reputation as a songwriter.
December 1965: Lightfoot's Rendition of "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" Tops Charts
Lightfoot's rendition of Bob Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" achieved commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Canadian charts in December 1965, further showcasing his musical versatility.
1965: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
Gordon Lightfoot won his first Juno Award for Top Folk Singer in 1965. He would go on to win this award multiple times throughout his career.
1965: Lightfoot Signs With Albert Grossman and United Artists
In 1965, Lightfoot signed significant contracts, one with manager Albert Grossman, who represented prominent folk artists, and another with United Artists, marking a turning point in his career.
1965: Start of Collaboration with Red Shea
Lightfoot began collaborating with lead guitarist Red Shea, a partnership that would last for a decade.
1965: Marty Robbins's Cover of "Ribbon of Darkness"
Marty Robbins's cover of Gordon Lightfoot's song "Ribbon of Darkness" reached number one on the U.S. country chart in 1965, bringing Lightfoot further recognition.
1966: Release of Lightfoot's Debut Album, "Lightfoot!"
Lightfoot's debut album, "Lightfoot!," was released in 1966. This album, featuring songs like "For Lovin' Me" and "Early Mornin' Rain," helped him gain recognition as both a singer and songwriter.
1966: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
Gordon Lightfoot received the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer in 1966.
1966: Lightfoot Embarks on National and International Tours
Between 1966 and 1969, Lightfoot expanded his reach to a wider audience, consistently placing singles in the Canadian top 40 and recording four additional albums.
January 1, 1967: CBC Commissions "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"
To commemorate Canada's Centennial year, the CBC commissioned Lightfoot to compose the "Canadian Railroad Trilogy." This piece was premiered on a special broadcast on January 1, 1967, highlighting Lightfoot's contribution to Canadian music.
1967: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
In 1967, Gordon Lightfoot's vocal talents were recognized with the Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist.
1967: Lightfoot's First Canadian National Tour
Lightfoot embarked on his first Canadian national tour in 1967, further connecting with audiences and solidifying his status as a prominent Canadian musician.
1967: Release of "Black Day in July"
Lightfoot released the song "Black Day in July" in 1967, addressing the Detroit riot of the same year.
January 1968: Release of "Did She Mention My Name?"
Lightfoot's album "Did She Mention My Name?" was released in January 1968, featuring the socially conscious song "Black Day in July."
1968: Rick Haynes Joins the Band
Bassist Rick Haynes joined Lightfoot's band, becoming a core member.
1968: Tribute Song by The Guess Who
Canadian rock band The Guess Who released a tribute song titled "Lightfoot" on their 1968 album "Wheatfield Soul." The song celebrates Lightfoot's artistry, comparing him to a painter creating "Sistine masterpieces" and cleverly incorporating titles of his songs into its lyrics.
1968: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
Gordon Lightfoot won the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer in 1968.
1969: Lightfoot's Growing Success and Dissatisfaction With United Artists
By 1969, Lightfoot was experiencing both continued success as a live performer and growing dissatisfaction with his label, United Artists, eventually leading to his move to Warner Bros. Records.
1969: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1969, Gordon Lightfoot won the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer.
1970: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
Gordon Lightfoot won the Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist in 1970.
1970: Lightfoot Releases Original Version of "The Pony Man"
Gordon Lightfoot's original version of "The Pony Man" was released in 1970.
1970: Lightfoot Signs with Warner Bros./Reprise
In 1970, Gordon Lightfoot's career took a significant turn when he signed with Warner Bros./Reprise Records.
1970: Chart-topping Hit: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Lightfoot's song "If You Could Read My Mind" topped the US Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in 1970, solidifying his international success.
1970: End of Touring with Red Shea
Red Shea stopped touring with Lightfoot's band.
1970: Terry Clements and Departure of Red Shea
Terry Clements became the band's lead guitarist, while Red Shea, although no longer touring, continued to record with Lightfoot.
1971: Lightfoot Achieves International Hit With "If You Could Read My Mind"
Lightfoot's move to Warner Bros. Records proved fruitful as he achieved his first major international hit with "If You Could Read My Mind" in early 1971, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1971: Lightfoot Draws Inspiration from Travel and Literature
Throughout the 1970s, Gordon Lightfoot found inspiration for his music from various sources, including literature like "Don Quixote" and a chance encounter with a young woman named Grace on a bus trip to Calgary in 1971, which inspired his song "Alberta Bound".
1971: "If You Could Read My Mind" Achieves Gold
By early 1971, Gordon Lightfoot's single "If You Could Read My Mind" had sold over a million copies, earning him a gold disc. The song's success led to the reissue of his album, which also achieved commercial success.
1971: Lightfoot Releases "If You Could Read My Mind"
Gordon Lightfoot's iconic song, "If You Could Read My Mind," was released in 1971.
1971: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
Gordon Lightfoot won the Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist in 1971.
1972: Juno Awards for Top Male Vocalist and Composer of the Year
Gordon Lightfoot won two Juno Awards in 1972: Top Male Vocalist and Composer of the Year, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the Canadian music scene.
1972: Lightfoot Diagnosed with Bell's Palsy
In 1972, Gordon Lightfoot was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition that caused partial facial paralysis. Despite this setback, he continued to write and release music.
1973: Juno Awards for Top Folk Singer and Top Male Vocalist
Gordon Lightfoot won two Juno Awards in 1973: Top Folk Singer and Top Male Vocalist, a testament to his impact on both genres.
1973: Divorce from Brita Ingegerd Olaisson
Lightfoot's marriage to Brita Ingegerd Olaisson ended in divorce in 1973.
June 1974: "Sundown" Reaches Number One
In June 1974, Gordon Lightfoot achieved his first and only number one hit in the United States with his single "Sundown" from the album of the same name.
1974: Chart-topping Hits: "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway"
1974 marked a successful year for Lightfoot as his songs "Sundown" and "Carefree Highway" both topped the charts, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
1974: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer and "Sundown" Named Pop Record of the Year
In 1974, Gordon Lightfoot was awarded the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer. Additionally, his song "Sundown" was recognized as Pop Record of the Year by the Music Operators of America, highlighting its broad appeal.
1974: Lightfoot Tours Europe and Australia
Lightfoot's success continued with well-received tours in Europe and Australia between 1967 and 1974, expanding his global fanbase.
November 10, 1975: SS Edmund Fitzgerald Sinks
On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a storm, tragically taking the lives of all 29 crew members.
November 1975: Lightfoot Inspired by the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
In November 1975, Gordon Lightfoot read a Newsweek article about the tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and was inspired to write a song about the event.
1975: Release of "Gord's Gold"
Gordon Lightfoot released his greatest hits album, "Gord's Gold," in 1975.
1975: Chart-topping Hit: "Rainy Day People"
Lightfoot's song "Rainy Day People" topped the charts in 1975, further establishing his presence in the music industry.
1975: Pee Wee Charles Joins the Band
Pee Wee Charles joined Lightfoot's band, adding pedal steel guitar to their music.
1975: Last Recording with Red Shea
Red Shea made his final recording with Lightfoot, concluding their decade-long musical partnership.
1975: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
Gordon Lightfoot received the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer in 1975.
1976: Chart-topping Hit: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
In 1976, Lightfoot released "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," a song that topped the charts and demonstrated his storytelling ability through music.
1976: Juno Awards for Top Folk Singer and Composer of the Year
Gordon Lightfoot received two Juno Awards in 1976, one for Top Folk Singer, marking his continued dominance in the genre, and another for Composer of the Year, acknowledging his songwriting prowess.
1977: George Benson Releases "The Greatest Love of All"
George Benson released his version of "The Greatest Love of All" in 1977.
1977: Receipt of the Vanier Award
Gordon Lightfoot received the Vanier Award from the Canadian Jaycees in 1977, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Canadian society.
1977: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
Gordon Lightfoot's impact on folk music was acknowledged again in 1977 when he received the Juno Award for Top Folk Singer.
1978: "The Circle Is Small" Re-Recording Becomes a Hit
In 1978, Gordon Lightfoot released a re-recorded version of his song "The Circle Is Small (I Can See It in Your Eyes)", which became a top 40 hit in the United States.
1979: Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Trent University
Gordon Lightfoot received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University in the spring of 1979, acknowledging his broader contributions beyond music.
1980: Lightfoot Releases "Dream Street Rose"
In 1980, Gordon Lightfoot released "Dream Street Rose", an album that continued his established folk-pop sound.
1980: Canadian Male Recording Artist of the Decade
In 1980, Gordon Lightfoot was named Canadian Male Recording Artist of the Decade for his significant contributions to music throughout the 1970s, solidifying his legacy in Canadian music history.
1981: Mike Heffernan Completes the Ensemble
Keyboardist Mike Heffernan joined the band, solidifying their lineup.
1982: "Shadows" Marks a Shift in Sound
Gordon Lightfoot's 1982 album "Shadows" marked a departure from his acoustic sound, incorporating elements of adult contemporary music.
1982: "Baby Step Back" Marks Lightfoot's Last Top 50 Hit
In 1982, Gordon Lightfoot released "Baby Step Back," which became his last single to reach the top 50 charts in the United States.
1983: "Salute" Fails to Produce Hit Singles
Gordon Lightfoot's 1983 album, "Salute," did not produce any hit singles.
1983: Lightfoot Releases "Salute"
Gordon Lightfoot's album "Salute" was released in 1983.
1985: Whitney Houston Releases "The Greatest Love of All"
Whitney Houston's popular rendition of "The Greatest Love of All" was released in 1985.
1986: "Anything for Love" Charts on Billboard Country and Western
In 1986, Gordon Lightfoot's single "Anything for Love" from the album "East of Midnight" reached the Billboard Country and Western chart.
1986: Induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame
In 1986, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence on Canadian music.
1986: Ken Danby Begins Painting Portrait of Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot's friend, realist painter Ken Danby, started working on a large portrait of the musician in 1986. The painting, which depicts Lightfoot in his iconic white suit from the "East of Midnight" album cover, would take two years to complete.
1986: "East of Midnight" Explores Adult Contemporary
In 1986, Gordon Lightfoot released "East of Midnight", an album featuring several adult contemporary songs.
April 1987: Lightfoot Files Lawsuit Against Michael Masser
In April 1987, Gordon Lightfoot filed a lawsuit against composer Michael Masser, alleging that Masser's "The Greatest Love of All" plagiarized parts of his song "If You Could Read My Mind."
1987: Departure of Pee Wee Charles
Pee Wee Charles left the band to manage a radio station in Southern Ontario.
1988: Ken Danby Completes Portrait of Lightfoot
After two years of work, Ken Danby completed the portrait of Gordon Lightfoot in 1988. The painting captures Lightfoot in his signature white suit, backlit by the sun, creating a striking image that has become iconic.
1988: Lightfoot Releases "Gord's Gold Volume II"
Gordon Lightfoot released his second compilation album, "Gord's Gold Volume II," in late 1988, featuring re-recorded versions of his popular songs.
1988: Performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics
Gordon Lightfoot was a featured musical performer at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Alberta, showcasing his cultural significance.
1988: Lightfoot Performs at the Calgary Winter Olympics
Gordon Lightfoot, alongside Ian Tyson, performed at the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
1989: Marriage to Elizabeth Moon
In 1989, Gordon Lightfoot married Elizabeth Moon.
1991: Honorary Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
A lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Gordon Lightfoot was named honorary captain of the team for the 1991–92 season.
1991: Celebrity Captain for Toronto Maple Leafs During NHL's 75th Anniversary
In recognition of his status as a devoted fan and prominent figure, Gordon Lightfoot was chosen as the celebrity captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL's 75th-anniversary season in 1991–1992.
1992: Celebrity Captain for Toronto Maple Leafs During NHL's 75th Anniversary
In recognition of his status as a devoted fan and prominent figure, Gordon Lightfoot was chosen as the celebrity captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL's 75th-anniversary season in 1991–1992.
1993: Lightfoot Returns to Acoustic Roots with "Waiting for You"
In 1993, Gordon Lightfoot returned to his acoustic roots with the release of his album "Waiting for You."
1993: Lightfoot Releases "Waiting for You"
In 1993, Gordon Lightfoot released the album "Waiting for You".
November 1997: Governor General's Performing Arts Award
Gordon Lightfoot received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in November 1997, Canada's highest honor in the performing arts, recognizing his lifetime achievements in the field.
1998: Lightfoot Releases "A Painter Passing Through"
Gordon Lightfoot's 1998 album, "A Painter Passing Through," featured a sound reminiscent of his earlier work.
1998: "A Painter Passing Through" Evokes Early Recordings
Gordon Lightfoot's 1998 album, "A Painter Passing Through," featured a sound reminiscent of his early recordings.
1998: Induction into Canada's Walk of Fame
In 1998 Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame, cementing his place among the country's most celebrated individuals.
1999: Purchase of Final Home in Toronto
In 1999, Gordon Lightfoot bought a home in Toronto's Bridle Path neighborhood, which would become his final residence.
1999: Rhino Records Releases Lightfoot Boxed Set
Rhino Records released "Songbook," a four-CD boxed set of Gordon Lightfoot's recordings, in 1999. This comprehensive collection included rare and unreleased tracks, spanning his career from the 1960s to the 1990s.
April 2000: Lightfoot Records Live Concert in Reno
In April 2000, Gordon Lightfoot recorded a live concert in Reno, Nevada, which was later broadcasted on CBC and PBS.
April 2001: Lightfoot Performs at Tin Pan South Legends Concert
Gordon Lightfoot performed at the prestigious Tin Pan South Legends concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in April 2001, closing the show.
2001: Induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
Recognizing his impact on country music, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
January 2002: Lightfoot Writes New Material for Upcoming Album
By January 2002, Gordon Lightfoot had written 30 new songs in preparation for his next studio album, even recording guitar and vocal demos for some of the tracks.
May 2003: Appointment as Companion of the Order of Canada
Gordon Lightfoot was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada in May 2003, one of Canada's highest civilian honors, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the nation.
May 2003: Appointment as Companion of the Order of Canada
Gordon Lightfoot was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Canada in May 2003, one of Canada's highest civilian honors, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the nation.
2003: Recovery, New Contract, and Tribute Album
In 2003, Gordon Lightfoot underwent follow-up surgery and started rehearsing after recovering from his illness. He also signed a new contract with Linus Entertainment. Notably, Borealis Records released "Beautiful: A Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot," featuring various artists interpreting his songs.
January 2004: Completion of "Harmony" Album
Gordon Lightfoot finished recording his album "Harmony," which was primarily recorded before his illness, in January 2004.
July 2004: Surprise Comeback Performance
Lightfoot made a surprise comeback performance at Mariposa in Orillia in July 2004 after recovering from his illness.
2005: Better Late Than Never Tour
Lightfoot embarked on a low-key tour called the "Better Late Than Never Tour" in 2005.
September 14, 2006: Minor Stroke On Stage
On September 14, 2006, Lightfoot experienced a minor stroke during a performance, temporarily affecting the use of his right hand's fingers. Despite this, he returned to performing after nine days.
December 4, 2007: Death of Manager Barry Harvey
Lightfoot's manager, Barry Harvey, passed away at age 56 on December 4, 2007.
2007: Honored on Canadian Postage Stamps
Gordon Lightfoot, along with Paul Anka, Joni Mitchell, and Anne Murray, was featured on Canadian postage stamps in 2007. This tribute highlighted their significant contributions to Canadian music and their status as national icons.
2007: Death of Ken Danby
Ken Danby, the artist who captured Gordon Lightfoot in his iconic portrait, passed away in 2007.
June 2008: Death of Red Shea
Red Shea, Lightfoot's long-time collaborator and lead guitarist, passed away from pancreatic cancer in June 2008.
2008: Tour Planning and Recovery
Lightfoot planned a tour for 2008 while continuing to recover from the stroke.
2009: 26-City Tour
Lightfoot embarked on a 26-city tour in late 2009, marking a significant return to performing.
February 2010: Death Hoax Incident
Lightfoot became a victim of a death hoax originating from Twitter in February 2010. The false rumor was spread by then-CTV journalist David Akin.
February 20, 2011: Death of Terry Clements
Terry Clements, Lightfoot's long-time lead guitarist, died on February 20, 2011, at age 63, following a stroke.
2011: Carter Lancaster Joins the Band
Carter Lancaster, a guitarist from Hamilton, Ontario, joined Lightfoot's band.
2011: Divorce from Elizabeth Moon
Gordon Lightfoot and Elizabeth Moon divorced in 2011 after a nine-year separation.
February 6, 2012: Presentation of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
On February 6, 2012, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario presented Gordon Lightfoot with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contributions to Canada.
June 24, 2012: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Gordon Lightfoot's songwriting prowess was celebrated on June 24, 2012, when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Bob Seger in a ceremony held in New York City.
August 20, 2012: Death of John Stockfish
John Stockfish, Lightfoot's original bassist, passed away from natural causes at 69 on August 20, 2012.
November 2012: Performance at 100th Grey Cup
Lightfoot performed his iconic song "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" at the 100th Grey Cup in November 2012, receiving a highly positive response.
2012: Reflections on Mortality and Dedication to Fitness
In 2012, Gordon Lightfoot, despite maintaining a rigorous fitness routine, acknowledged his awareness of his age and mortality, stating his preparedness for death. He found further motivation to continue performing, feeling he was living on borrowed time.
2012: Continued Touring and NAC Performances
Lightfoot continued to tour in 2012 and performed at Ottawa's National Arts Centre (NAC) in June. He mentioned performing sixty shows a year.
June 16, 2014: SOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award
On June 16, 2014, Gordon Lightfoot was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) at the 2014 SOCAN Awards in Toronto. The award recognized his exceptional contributions to music as a songwriter.
December 19, 2014: Third Marriage
On December 19, 2014, Gordon Lightfoot married Kim Hasse at Rosedale United Church. This marked his third marriage.
June 6, 2015: Honorary Doctorate of Music from Lakehead University
Gordon Lightfoot received an honorary doctorate of music from Lakehead University in his hometown of Orillia on June 6, 2015, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of music.
October 23, 2015: Unveiling of Bronze Sculpture in Orillia
A 4-meter-tall bronze sculpture honoring Gordon Lightfoot, created by artist Timothy Schmalz, was unveiled in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario, on October 23, 2015. The sculpture, titled "Golden Leaves—A Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot," portrays Lightfoot playing his acoustic guitar under an arch of golden maple leaves, with scenes from his career depicted on the leaves.
2015: Announcement of UK Tour
Lightfoot's management announced his first tour of the United Kingdom in 35 years. The tour, scheduled for 2016, generated considerable anticipation among fans.
May 18, 2016: UK Tour Commences
Lightfoot's first tour of the United Kingdom in 35 years began on May 18, 2016, covering various cities across England, Ireland, and Scotland.
June 1, 2016: Conclusion of UK Tour
Lightfoot's successful UK tour, his first in 35 years, concluded on June 1, 2016, marking a significant milestone in his career.
2016: Performance at Royal Albert Hall
Lightfoot performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2016, a concert recording of which would be released posthumously.
2016: Decision Against Future Songwriting
In 2016, Lightfoot expressed that he did not plan to write any more songs, citing its isolating nature earlier in his career and its impact on his family life.
July 1, 2017: Performance at Canada's 150th Birthday Celebration
Lightfoot performed at Canada's 150th birthday celebration on Parliament Hill on July 1, 2017. This performance marked a significant cultural event, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledging Lightfoot's performance on the same stage 50 years prior during Canada's 100th birthday.
2017: Recognition, Biography, and the Gold Medal
In 2017, Gordon Lightfoot earned significant recognition for his contributions to music. He secured the fifth position on the CBC's esteemed list of the 25 best Canadian songwriters ever, solidifying his place among the nation's most celebrated musical talents. Further amplifying his legacy, Penguin Random House Canada published his biography, "Lightfoot," penned by journalist Nicholas Jennings. The book quickly climbed to the top of national bestseller lists, capturing the attention of readers across the country. In a testament to his broader impact, Lightfoot was honored with the Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, recognizing his contributions to Canadian culture and heritage.
2017: US and Canada Tour
Lightfoot's 2017 tour itinerary included dates across the United States and Canada.
2017: Death of Lightfoot's Sister, Beverley
Lightfoot's sister, Beverley, passed away in 2017.
2018: US and Canada Tour Continues
Lightfoot's touring schedule remained active in 2018, with numerous performances across Canada and the United States.
2019: Release of Documentary "Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind"
The documentary "Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind," exploring the life and career of the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, was released in 2019, offering fans and newcomers an intimate glimpse into his world.
2019: Tour Interrupted Due to Injury
Lightfoot's 2019 tour was cut short due to an injury he sustained while exercising in a gym.
March 2020: Concert Interruptions Due to Pandemic
Lightfoot's concert schedule was disrupted in March 2020 due to governmental restrictions implemented during the coronavirus pandemic.
March 20, 2020: Release of "Solo" Album
Lightfoot released his 21st studio album, "Solo," on March 20, 2020. This album marked his return to Warner Music Group and was notable for being recorded without any accompanying musicians.
October 30, 2022: Final Concert Performance
Lightfoot gave his last concert performance on October 30, 2022, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, marking the end of an era for the legendary musician.
2022: Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement
In 2022, Gordon Lightfoot received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, recognizing his lifetime achievements and contributions to the arts.
April 2023: Cancellation of 2023 Tour Due to Declining Health
Citing declining health, Gordon Lightfoot canceled the remainder of his 2023 tour in mid-April 2023.
May 1, 2023: Death of Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot passed away on May 1, 2023. He is remembered as a prominent figure in folk and country music, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
May 8, 2023: Private Funeral and Burial
A private funeral was held for Gordon Lightfoot at St. Paul's United Church on May 8, 2023. Following the funeral, his body was cremated, and his ashes were laid to rest next to his parents at St. Andrew's and St. James' Cemetery in Orillia.
July 2023: Posthumous Release of "At Royal Albert Hall"
Following Lightfoot's death, a concert performance from 2016 at Royal Albert Hall was announced for release in July 2023 as the live album "At Royal Albert Hall."
May 23, 2024: Tribute Concert at Massey Hall
A tribute concert honoring Gordon Lightfoot took place at Massey Hall on May 23, 2024, featuring a lineup of renowned artists performing his songs. Participants included Lightfoot's own backing band, Blue Rodeo, City and Colour, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, and many others.