Canadian Folk Icon Gordon Lightfoot Dead At 84

Canadian folk icon Gordon Lightfoot has died at the age of 84.

Lightfoot died Monday night at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto of natural causes, a statement on his official Facebook account reads.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm that Gordon Meredith Lightfoot has passed away. Gordon died peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 730 p.m. at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He died of natural causes. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife Kim Hasse, six children- Fred, Ingrid, Eric, Galen, Miles and Meredith, as well as several grandchildren,” the statement reads.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to the legend on social media, saying, “We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters. Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever. To his family, friends, and many fans across the country and around the world: I’m keeping you in my thoughts at this difficult time.”

Lightfoot was a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s.

Lightfoot’s popular songs include “For Lovin’ Me,” “Early Morning Rain,” “Steel Rail Blues,” “Ribbon of Darkness,” “Black Day in July,” “(Remember Me) I’m the One” and “If You Could Read My Mind.”