Gordon Lightfoot, legendary singer/songwriter, dead at 84

Gordon Lightfoot, legendary singer/songwriter, dead at 84

Gordon Lightfoot, the legendary Canadian folk singer/songwriter, has passed away.

He was 84. The Associated Press reports his cause of death was not immediately available.

Lightfoot’s official Facebook page announced the news Monday evening, writing “Gordon Lightfoot passed away this evening in a Toronto hospital at 7:30 p.m. More info to come.”

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports his publicist Victoria Lord also confirmed the news.

His Facebook account posted April 11 that Lightfoot had to cancel his U.S. and Canadian concert schedule for 2023. “The singer is currently experiencing some health related issues and is unable to confirm rescheduled dates at this time,” the post said. “We thank you for respecting his privacy as he continues to focus on his recovery.”

Born in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, Lightfoot had many hits including “Early Morning Rain,” “Sundown,” “Ribbon of Darkness,” “If You Could Read My Mind” and “Rainy Day People.”

Lightfoot’s albums include his 1966 debut “Lightfoot!” as well as “The Way I Feel,” “Did She Mention My Name?,” “Sundown,” “Summertime Dream” and “A Painter Passing Through.”

He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Lightfoot was also a member of the Order of Ontario.

He was nominated for five Grammy Awards.

Artists who have either covered or recorded his songs include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Buffett and Jim Croce.