Trivia

Has frequently sung "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" at the annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service at Mariner's Church in Detroit.

In 2002, suffered a near-fatal ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, similar to the condition that took the life of actor John Ritter. He withstood six weeks in a coma, four surgeries and two years of extensive rehab. His first extensive tour did not happen until 2005.

The folk group Peter, Paul and Mary made a hit out of his song "For Lovin' Me". Other artists who did well from his material include Anne Murray, Judy Collins, Richie Havens, and Gordon's real-life idol Bob Dylan.

The younger of two children, he grew up in Orillia, Ontario, where, as a boy soprano he worked the wedding circuit ("O, Promise Me" and "The Lord's Prayer" were his specialties). He also performed in a church choir, a barbershop quartet and a dance band.

Pictured on one of four 52¢ Canadian commemorative postage stamps honoring Canadian Recording Artists, issued 29 June 2007. The other stamps pictured Paul Anka, Joni Mitchell, and Anne Murray.

Inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2003, in the Industry Achievement category, for his "Canadian Railroad Trilogy".

Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998 (charter member).

He appeared on Canadian Idol on Aug 18th, 2004. His music was one of the weekly themes of the show, and six young finalists worked with him individually to prepare for singing his songs in competition. (August 2004)

He was awarded the O.C. (Officer of the Order of Canada) on June 26, 1970 and Invested on: March 31, 1971 from the Canadian Governor General. He was a Folk singer and composer of folk songs of international renown. He lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Married twice and separated from his second wife, he has six children by four women.

Six children: Two children, Fred (born Feb 1, 1964) and Ingrid (born Dec 31, 1965), from his first marriage with wife Brita Two children out of wedlock, including Eric (born Dec 30, 1981) with Cathy Coonley. Two children, Miles (born ca. 1991) and Meredith (born ca. 1996), with current wife Elizabeth.

One older sister, Bev.

Two grandchildren.

Has earned five Grammy nominations and 17 Juno Awards in his native Canada, and was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Saturday, September 7th 2002 - rushed to McMaster University Health Centre in Hamilton, Ontario by air ambulance after experiencing stomach pains. He had emergency stomach surgery and is expected to make a complete recovery. Details of the surgery are pending. (September 2002)

Took classes in music school in Los Angeles before returning to his native Canada and playing the guitar and sang in coffee houses while composing songs.

Performing at the Memorial Center in Peterborough Ontario, as part of the flood relief concert to help Peterborough recover from great losses. (August 2004)

The Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy took place 11/10/1975 ....exactly 7 days before Gordon's 37th birthday, November 17th. Then, exactly 1 year to the week (of November 10th) later, his song hit #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop chart, where it remained the day of his 38th birthday.

Saturday, September 7th 2002 - rushed to McMaster University Health Centre in Hamilton, Ontario by air ambulance after experiencing stomach pains. He had emergency stomach surgery and is expected to make a complete recovery. Details of the surgery are pending.

He is back at home after spending several months in hospital. According to a recent interview with the Globe & Mail newspaper, he has ready another album which will be titled "Twenty" and due for release sometime in 2004. (October 2003)

He was awarded the C..C. (Companion of the Order of Canada) on May 8, 2003 and Invested on December 13, 2003 from the Canadian Governor General. A singer-songwriter, musician and poet, he has been telling our stories in song for over five decades. He possesses a unique ability to blend co. This is a promotion within the Order.

Returning to his Canadian home in Toronto after a 10 show tour ending at the Sunrise in Fort Pierce Florida. (March 2010)

Parents are: Gordon Lightfoot, Sr, and Jessie Vick Trill.

Has a daughter: Gaylen McGee.

He was awarded the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Canadian Governor General. He lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

He was awarded the 2002 Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal from the Canadian Governor General. He lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.