Well-known Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has died at the age of 84. According to his spokesperson, Victoria Lord, his death was due to natural causes. He passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
Gordon is known for songs like "Sundown" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." He is said to be one of the leading singer-songwriters of the 1960s and '70s.
Gordon's parents realized he had an interest in music at a very young age. They worked to encourage his passion and put him in places that allowed him to grow musically.
More from LittleThings: Watch Bob Dylan Sing 'Mr. Tambourine Man' Live At The Newport Folk Festival In 1964
Throughout the earlier years of his life, he participated in music competitions and quartets and was a member of a duo. In the early 1960s, he finally went out on his own.
In 1966, Gordon released his first solo album. He later became known as "Canada's Bard."
In 2022, Gordon was inducted into the Mariposa Folk Foundation's Hall of Fame. His induction had a sold-out crowd.
A statement was released on the musician's Facebook page shortly after his death. "It is with profound sadness that we confirm that Gordon Meredith Lightfoot has passed away," the post started off, adding that he died peacefully. "He is survived by his wife Kim Hasse, six children– Fred, Ingrid, Eric, Galen, Miles and Meredith, as well as several grandchildren."
Fans and loved ones all over have paid tribute to the late singer. Musician Lee Harvey Osmond shared his heartfelt condolences via Instagram, describing the time when he was around 6 and his mother bought him one of Gordon's records: "Dropping the needle on that record changed my life immediately. It was responsible for igniting the devil in me and stirring the sludge up at the bottom of my lake. Everything sounded so real like the guy was standing right there beside me in my bedroom fingerpicking that guitar and singing in my ear."
Singer-songwriter Bryan Adams also shared a moving post on his Instagram: "This one is really hard to write. Once in a blue moon you get to work and hang out with one of the people you admired when you were growing up. I was lucky enough to say Gordon was my friend and I'm gutted to know he's gone. The world is a lesser place without him. I know I speak for all Canadians when I say: thank you for the songs Gordon Lightfoot. Bless your sweet songwriting heart, RIP dear friend. #gordonlightfoot."
