Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

Canadian icon and singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot writer of hits such as “Sundown” and "If You Could Read My Mind," died on Monday at the age of 84 in a Toronto hospital, according to his representative, Victoria Lord. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the musician on Twitter, saying that Lightfoot captured the spirit of Canada in his music, and helped shape the country's soundscape.

Throughout his career, Lightfoot received five Grammy nominations and won 17 Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards. His songwriting talent was admired by many famous musicians, including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Barbra Streisand, who covered many of his compositions. Among his most famous songs were "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," which recounted the story of a freighter that sank on Lake Superior, and "If You Could Read My Mind," which chronicled the struggles of a marriage in decline.

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,…

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 2, 2023

Lightfoot had recently canceled his 2023 tour dates due to undisclosed health issues.

With 29 nominations, Gordon Lightfoot was the proud winner of 13 JUNO Awards, presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In 1986, he was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and in 2003, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors.

The singer-songwriter was born in Orillia, Ontario in 1938 and often cited Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan as two of his biggest musical inspirations.