Gordon Lightfoot 2015
Photo: Getty Images, Steve Snowden. All rights reserved.
Neil Young eulogizes Gordon Lightfoot on his website, describing him in his own words as “a songwriter beyond compare”. The tribute is aimed at the Canadian folk mastermind as he passed away on Tuesday May 2nd at the age of 84.
Young recalls, “I only spoke to Gordon a few weeks ago and he sounded happy, even though he had canceled a few shows and was reorganizing his tours.”
In Europe, Lightfoot was best known in 1970 with the song “If You Could Read My Mind”.
Neil Young: “Peace Gordon. With love, Neil”
“I was saddened to learn of his passing today,” Young continued “neilyoungarchives.com”. “Gordon was a great Canadian artist. A songwriter beyond compare, his melodies and words were and will continue to be an inspiration to all who listened to his music. Gordon’s music has a unique and wonderful feel to it. Lightfoot is a Canadian legend. (…) PEACE Gordon. With love, Neil.”
Young covered Lightfoot’s tracks “Early Morning Rain” and “If You Could Read My Mind” on his 2014 album A Letter Home.
Watch Neil Young’s cover of Gordon Lightfood here:
Young last appeared at Willie Nelson’s ’90s mega party alongside Keith Richards, Snoop Dogg and Co. In March he released the album “All Roads Lead Home” with Crazy Horse.