Gordon Lightfoot's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Gordon Lightfoot. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Gordon Lightfoot was a highly successful Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his contributions to folk, folk-rock, and country music. A defining figure in the folk-pop sound of the 60s and 70s, he is considered Canada's greatest songwriter. Lightfoot created numerous gold and multi-platinum albums, with his songs covered by many famous artists. His work often explored themes of trains, shipwrecks, nature, relationships, and solitude, securing his legacy as a storyteller through music.
1965: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1965, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top folk singer, marking the beginning of a series of awards recognizing his talent and contributions to music.
1966: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1966, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top folk singer.
1967: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
In 1967, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top male vocalist.
1968: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1968, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top folk singer.
1968: The Guess Who's "Lightfoot" track release
In 1968, The Guess Who celebrated Gordon Lightfoot in their song "Lightfoot" on the album "Wheatfield Soul," referencing his artistry and song titles.
1969: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1969, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top folk singer.
1970: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
In 1970, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top male vocalist.
1971: Juno Award for Top Male Vocalist
In 1971, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top male vocalist.
1971: "If You Could Read My Mind" Achieves Gold Status
In early 1971, "If You Could Read My Mind" sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.
1972: Multiple Juno Awards
In 1972, Gordon Lightfoot received Juno Awards for top male vocalist and composer of the year, recognizing his vocal talent and songwriting abilities.
1973: Multiple Juno Awards
In 1973, Gordon Lightfoot received Juno Awards for top folk singer and top male vocalist, further solidifying his status in Canadian music.
1974: ASCAP Award for Songwriting
In 1974, Gordon Lightfoot received an ASCAP award for songwriting.
1975: Juno Award for Top Folk Singer
In 1975, Gordon Lightfoot received a Juno Award for top folk singer.
1976: Multiple Juno and ASCAP Awards
In 1976, Gordon Lightfoot received Juno Awards for top folk singer and composer of the year, along with an ASCAP award for songwriting.
1977: Multiple Juno and ASCAP Awards
In 1977, Gordon Lightfoot received Juno Awards for top folk singer and an ASCAP award for songwriting.
1977: Received the Vanier Award
In 1977, Gordon Lightfoot received the Vanier Award from the Canadian Jaycees.
1979: Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University
In spring 1979, Gordon Lightfoot received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University.
1980: Canadian Male Recording Artist of the Decade
In 1980, Gordon Lightfoot was named Canadian male recording artist of the decade for his work during the 1970s, highlighting his significant impact on Canadian music.
1986: Induction into Canadian Music Hall of Fame
In 1986, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
1991: Celebrity Captain for Toronto Maple Leafs
In 1991, Gordon Lightfoot was chosen as the celebrity captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the NHL's 75th anniversary season.
1992: Celebrity Captain for Toronto Maple Leafs
In 1992, Gordon Lightfoot continued his role as the celebrity captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL's 75th anniversary season.
November 1997: Governor General's Performing Arts Award
In November 1997, Gordon Lightfoot was bestowed the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, Canada's highest honour in the performing arts.
1998: Induction into Canada's Walk of Fame
In 1998, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
2001: Induction into Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2001, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
May 2003: Made a Companion of the Order of Canada
In May 2003, Gordon Lightfoot was made a Companion of the Order of Canada.
July 2004: Surprise Comeback Performance
In July 2004, Lightfoot made a surprise comeback performance at Mariposa in Orillia, his first since falling ill, performing "I'll Tag Along" solo.
2005: Better Late Than Never Tour
In 2005, Lightfoot embarked on the 'Better Late Than Never Tour', marking his return to touring after his illness.
2007: Honored with Canada Post postage stamp
In 2007, Canada Post honoured Gordon Lightfoot with a postage stamp highlighting his name and image.
February 6, 2012: Presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
On February 6, 2012, Gordon Lightfoot was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
June 24, 2012: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
On June 24, 2012, Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in a New York City ceremony.
June 16, 2014: SOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award
On June 16, 2014, Gordon Lightfoot was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by SOCAN at the 2014 SOCAN Awards in Toronto.
June 6, 2015: Honorary doctorate of music from Lakehead University
On June 6, 2015, Gordon Lightfoot received an honorary doctorate of music in his hometown of Orillia from Lakehead University.
October 23, 2015: Bronze sculpture unveiled in Orillia
On October 23, 2015, Gordon Lightfoot was honoured with a bronze sculpture in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario.
2017: Ranked among best Canadian songwriters
In 2017, Gordon Lightfoot was rated fifth in the CBC's list of the 25 best Canadian songwriters ever.
2022: Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement
In 2022, Gordon Lightfoot received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.
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