Regarding Gordon Lightfoot

Thoughts of my father, wonderful & humbling compliments, and songwriting

Songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot, died yesterday.

He was, and is, one of my favorite songwriters.

I offer a story of an amazing and, as it turns out, timely compliment.

This past Sunday, when I took my break between sets at Leashless Brewing, I went back to the bar to get a refill of water. Leila, one of the owners filled my glass.

She said, "You sound really good. I like your songs... they remind me of Gordon Lightfoot and James Taylor."

At this point, my response could well have been, "Yes, of course I'll marry you!"
-don't get mad Debbie. 🤓

I thanked her! It's always nice to be compared to people you should never be compared to.

I told her I was especially appreciative of the Gordon Lightfoot reference. As my best friend from High School, Mike, can testify to, I've had an obsession with Lightfoot's music since I was very young and into and through high school.

I didn’t know that he would pass away the following day.

A few years ago, when my father was dying, I went to play guitar for him. One of the songs I played (at Mike's suggestion) was, Heaven Help The Devil - a favorite of both my father and I.

My father, with his banjo playing, introduced me to making music. Gordon Lightfoot, with his lyrical cadence, remains a high-water mark of songwriting inspiration and aspirations.

Thank you for the music!