Gordon Lightfoot’s 10 Best Songs: Critic’s Picks

There are few careers in popular music more versatile than that of Gordon Lightfoot. The native Canadian has enjoyed success in the worlds of pop, adult contemporary, folk and country — with fans of all ages enchanted by the singer’s unforgettable vocal approach.

The Ontario-born singer/songwriter died at age 84 on Monday (May 1), his family announced via social media. “Gordon Lightfoot passed away this evening in a Toronto hospital at 7:30 p.m.,” a statement on Lightfoot’s Facebook page announced. He had been suffering health issues in recent days, forcing him to cancel planned tour dates in the U.S. and Canada earlier this month.

At the heart of Lightfoot’s career is his songwriting. It’s fair to say that the singer bleeds lyrically through his material. Songs such as “Sundown” and “If You Could Read My Mind” revealed a man who knew his relationships could be imperfect at times. He also has quite the way with a story song, taking one of the great American tragedies of the 1970s and crafting an unforgettable lyric about it.

In honor of six decades of music, here are 10 of Gordon Lightfoot’s finest moments.