quote:Originally posted by campania:
Don't assume that everyone in Canada knows all of Gordon's music. Everybody knows of Gordon and will recognize all but one or two of the songs on Gord's Gold (I just borrowed it from someone at work)... but there is a difference between hearing and listening. As I said, it's always in background when you grow up here, but that doesn't mean that you appreciate it. Although it would be hard to find anyone who dislikes him, I don't think he is credited as much as he should be. It's strange that it took the Tribute album to make me appreciate him. I also love the Cowboy Junkies version of "The Way I Feel". I listen to a lot of them, and Blue Rodeo, and Tragically Hip...I guess they pointed the way!
Well, at least you guys know who he is. Here in the USA, if I say to someone, "Do you like Gordon Lightfoot's music?" I generally get the reply, "Gordon Who?" After singing a short collage of tunes... Sundown, If You Could Read My Mind, Ed Fitz, Carefree Highway and Rainy Day People, I start seeing the blank stares turn into slight recognition, maybe a smile here and there, and almost always, "Oh yes. I remember hearing those songs when I was a kid." A good memory jog usually does the trick.
I live near New Brunswick, just across the border in Maine. One day a couple of young girls came into the office to sell cookies. They were raising money for a playground in their home town. They told me where they were from and asked, "Would you like to buy some cookies?" I replied, "I'll tell you what. I'll buy some cookies from you if you can tell me who Gordon Lightfoot is." They both took on a look of panic and out the door they flew. I was a bit concerned that I was too hard on them, and was hoping I hadn't made them cry. I peeked out the window, and there they were talking to an adult woman in a car, whom I assumed was their mother. Back through the door they flew with their baskets stuffed full of cookies. The oldest one confidently announced, "Gordon Lightfoot is a famous Canadian folk singer!" Wow. It was like she was on Jeopardy, and she had just answered the final question! They were so cute, we ended up buying all the cookies in both baskets and they had to go back to the car for more! I hope they got their playground, and that they remember who Gordon Lightfoot is.
Cathy
http://www.cathycowette.com