The Untold Truth Of Gordon Lightfoot

Millions grew up listening to Gordon Lightfoot's music — but the man behind "Sundown" was deeply complicated. From his distaste for speaking openly despite being a public figure to his claim that he never wrote a Canadian song, Lightfoot's life was full of contradictions.

#GordonLightfoot #Truth #Musician

Near-death experiences as a child | 0:00
Family knew he had talent | 1:35
Everything about 'Sundown' is dark | 2:12
Passed on movie about his famous song | 2:59
Never wrote a song about Canada | 3:52
Brief encounter with Scientology | 4:38
The interview where he opened up | 5:04
Legendary canoeing trips | 6:04
Various health issues | 7:00
Hated talking about past relationships | 8:02
Planning a new tour before death | 9:03

Voiceover By: Jarman Day

[judygouthro]

Gordon Lightfoot was our Canadian storyteller and will be missed. RIP Gordon.

[sickoftheshit]

Sounds like Gordon Lightfoot was human like the rest of us. I appreciate him for the beautiful gifts he gave us. His voice, his words, and his music. RIP Gordon Lightfoot, they must be forming one Heck of a band in the afterlife.

[TinJesus-xszk]

I wish I knew you while your book was still a manuscript.
I had a one-on-one meeting with Gordon Lightfoot in about 2010 when drunk I wandered into the concert hall late.. and staggeringly drunk. Gordon's band and his stuff packed, he walked off the stage toward me and then gracious as could be aware of my obvious state sat next to me and while I struggled to remain coherent he was SO kind. I am a Christian, and not being drunk, I would have spent an eye opening time with a man I greatly respected as a travis- picking guitarist and singer, but .. alas, it was the first time I had laid eyes on him and all I could blurt was: "my God you're short!'
He laughed and sat down on the stage next to me and suddenly, reading his tribute in this video of Nicholas' book "Lightfoot" I can see why he had that humble spirit having suffered as a recovered alcoholic himself.
Anyway, I too cleaned up and still pray for my "new hero" even today.
Kudos to Gordon, Nicholas and all that shaped this excellent video bio.
God bless.
tinJesus505

[kathywright]

I have always liked Lightfoot but the more I know about him the more I actually like him more

[lin]

One of my favourite singers, I’ve had a lifelong interest in the Edmund Fitzgerald and her sad loss after hearing his song when I was 12. I first heard him singing Sundown. Thanks radio Luxembourg for introducing me to this great musician. Sleep well Gordon ❤️💙❤️

[kathygriffin]

Amazing singer, musician & writer. RIP Gordon Lightfoot.

[ricklee]

All great artists have a troubled history. That's why they can write about things that have actually happened. I can't say what my favourite song was, there are too many good ones. That he had a brush with Scientology is news to me. I reckon he dodged a bullet there!

[larrymclarnon-pdxf]

We had the wonderful experience of seeing Gordon live in Belfast. What a thrill that was.

[kendrawilton]

An amazing singer, songwriter and musician. I listened to his music since I was young. My Dad came home with the single Me And Bobby Magee. He didn’t know I loved Lightfoot’s music. We listened to that record over and over again! It must have drove the rest of the family crazy. We bonded over a Canadian Icon. I’m glad Lightfoot got his life together before the end.

[casrdinks]

I grew up with this man!!! I like to Yes!! An amazing influence on my

[wowbagger]

Anybody, who says Christian Island is not a Canadian song hasn’t spent much time between Barrie/Orillia and Sudbury. I would argue that with even himself should we meet in the great beyond! I am an American, but I have spent many wonderful summer days paddling in that delightful wilderness.

[ycrwbbm]

He lived shortly in Stoney Creek in a trailer park called Pinetops on Highway 8 while he was a dancer. (Behind the Pines Motel) I was 5 at the time. He played around a campfilre and it was the first time I recall hearing a live instument. I play his songs today a long way away from 1960.

[johnbatch]

Gordon was a complicated man suppose we are all the same our lives are driven by insecurities we all experiment with things that can make the road ahead seem easier but one thing he did find out for sure drink is not the solution to anything he was a troubled young man but in the latter years he mellowed into.a much more relaxed easy going person the rashness of youth to.the wisdom of age getting old does have its benefits

[stevennix]

Gordon Lightfoot is secret hero of mine. when i ws growing up in the '70's his music was telling stories of life as opposed to the then music singing about meaningless romantice encounters and glorifying drug use. i love and miss him.

[justin]

I always wondered where that magical acoustic guitar and voice came from. when I was a little kid . My mom has dementia now but she knows who Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot are....!!!

[jimwilson]

Gord was a "pretty big deal" everywhere. That's a gross understatement. I'm reading and enjoying his book. He is missed.

[sarahberkner]

In June I had an idea to add a verse to the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald but I knew I would have to look up something newsworthy that happened since 1976, and I just found out that he had unfortunately died a month before. I'll post a cover but here is the verse I wrote (it'll be second to the end):
"Now the one who sang this back in '76, was a man that has now passed to glory.
The bell that still chimes this it did 30 times for the sailors and he who sang their story"

[sarahedwards]

Lightfoot was in the hospital right next door to my middle school; I had just started grade 7 when it happened. My music teacher never mentioned anything about it, though.

[robertbruce]

Excellent, concise mini-documentry on Gordon Lightfoot. I have the book Lightfoot, Canadian music writer Nicholas Jennings. I can't recommend this book enough if you want to know the late Gordon Lightfoot.

[marionneary]

Thank you so very much Grunge for telling theses Story, I absolutely Love 💖 your Channel!