 Gordon Lightfoot was born on November 17, 1938 in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. His parents recognized and encouraged his interest in music; his first appearance was Massey Hall in Toronto, now a revered standard in his tour schedule. After a background in barbershop quartets, and as a member of a duo, Lightfoot struck out on his own in the early 60s. His music was discovered in 1964, when he was performing on the Toronto folk scene. Albert Grossman signed Lightfoot and under that arrangement he recorded five albums for United Artists, four studio albums and one live album - to this day, the only live album he has ever released. At the completion of his contract with United Artists, Lightfoot signed with Warner/Reprise and - from 1970 through 1998 - released 14 more original albums. In addition, he released two "greatest hits" compilations, Gord's Gold (in 1975) and Gord's Gold Volume 2 (in 1988) on which a significant number of tracks were new recordings. In April 2002, Rhino released a Complete Greatest Hits album, on one CD or cassette. This album is a wonderful collection of his hits, and brings together the four biggest onto one album for the first time. Today, Lightfoot continues to tour regularly, and is working on a new album of original songs. Many top artists have recorded his songs including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan (and Lightfoot has recorded his songs as well), George Hamilton IV, Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Steisand, Tony Rice, Nanci Griffith and Sarah McLachlan, as well other talented artists too numerous to list. Lightfoot himself evolved from a country/folk sound, to folk/rock, pop, and adult contemporary styles. His achievements have been recognized in the music industry and in his native Canada. He has five Grammy nominations and 17 Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent) and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame in 1986. In 1970, he received the prestigious Order Of Canada; in 1997 he received the Governor General's award - the highest official Canadian honor; and in September 2001, he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame. But it is perhaps his lyrics, and the combination of his words and music, that set him apart from all the others. What is unique about Lightfoot is that is that he appears to have heightened senses; he sees, hears and feels things that most of us don't; and then he can create the music and lyrics to help us see, hear and feel what he does. In a career spanning more than 35 years, he has recorded over 200 songs, and written many more. He has influenced the sound of other highly successful artists who have credited him as a major influence. If you only know Lightfoot for his hits, then you are missing a lot of the treasures. If you like music, just about any style, you are sure to find a favorite song among the many he has written and recorded. VALERIE MAGEE
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