GeronimoDon: Another key cover you should seriously consider is Barbra Streisand's recording of IYCRMM (one of the few covers that Gord mentions in concert, along with the recent Stars On 54 version, occasionally Viola Wills' earlier disco verson, and Elvis' EMR). I think that Streisand's cover - generally well liked by her fans, although it gets mixed reviews from Lightfoot fans - is definitely historically significant, Also, among early covers, there are a number by George Hamilton IV that are well worth considering.
And, you absolutely must include one of Ian and Sylvia's covers. They recorded both EMR and For Lovin' Me on their album Early Morning Rain. They were the first to record the songs and their versions are exquisite. PP&M made the charts in the US, while I&S were primarily known only in Canada, but their music is top quality and their role in Lightfoot's career is significant. They too were in Grossman's "stable" and it was Ian Tyson who introduced Lightfoot to Grossman.
I have the album names for most if not all of these covers (actually, I have the actual albums for many of them!), so if you are seeking out anything in particular just ask. There are well over 100 covers of IYCRMM, by many other famous singers including Olivia Newton-John, Kenny Rogers, Petula Clark, Don Maclean, and Gene Clark, among others. I have an ugly txt file that includes the song, artist and album name for many of the covers (an ongoing project that will probably never be complete!). E-mail me if you need any information.
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Valerie Magee
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