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Gordon Lightfoot gained fame in '60s as a songwriter, but he soon took over the vocal responsibility, as well, and his poetic lyrics were matched with his gentle, soothing voice, gaining him fans across genres.
Lightfoot was first noticed after writing the songs "For Lovin Me" and "Early Morning Rain" were hits for Peter, Paul & Mary, and "Ribbon of Darkness" became popularized by Marty Robbins. At the time, he was known for insightful lyrics matched with classic folk arrangements. He continued to write for other artists through the end of the decade. He composed hits for Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Johnny cash, among others.
Lightfoot began releasing his own albums in 1966 - in 1970, he saw success with 'Sit Down Young Stranger," bolstered by the hit "If You Could Read My Mind." Lightfoot hit his stride during the first part of the decade - 1974s "Sundown" hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and the title single did the same. By later in the decade, however, folk music was becoming less popular, but Lightfoot carried on.
Through the '90s, the singer averaged fifty tour dates and two albums per year - an incredible amount of work for an artist. In 2002, Lightfoot suffered a near-fatal abdominal hemorrhage while performing - he was in a coma for almost two months. After his recovery, he released the album "Harmony" and then toured on the "Better Late Than Never Tour" in 2005.
In addition to developing a large group of devoted fans, Lightfoot has received a number of musical awards throughout his career. As a Canadian artist, he won 15 Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy honor), and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. He was inducted to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Canadian Country Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1998, he earned a spot on Canadas Walk of Fame.
Lightfoot was able to take his talent for song writing and composition and put his personal touches on the song that made them just as valuable as when they were performed by superstars, and he still does when he heads out on the road.
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