http://www.orilliapacket.com/2013/09...rdon-lightfoot
As a young man, Don Coleman would travel to Orillia from Toronto each weekend to visit his girlfriend and aunt.
“(I always remember) seeing on the sign as I entered the city ... ‘Welcome to Orillia, the home of Gordon Lightfoot,” the now 51-year-old said.
Coleman has been a Lightfoot fan from a young age.
“I like his voice, I like his lyrics, I like the sound of his music,” Coleman said. “I think he’s an amazing songwriter. I feel proud to be Canadian when I hear his songs.”
Coleman — now living in New Brunswick — has written a tribute song to Lightfoot, titled Gordon.
“The whole thing was put together to try (to) encapsulate a little bit about his personal life, the people that have covered his music and have a little bit of fun along the way,” Coleman said.
Coleman, who is a music industry consultant, wrote the song’s lyrics years ago, but only recently decided to do something with them, he said.
He ended up creating a music video and sending it to Lightfoot’s management company.
Lightfoot himself wrote Coleman a letter.
The hand-written letter was scanned and sent by email to Coleman.
Lightfoot wrote, “Thank you for a fine job well done.”
He also said he’s honoured by Coleman’s interest in his career and sent his regards to the video’s performers.
Receiving a letter from Lightfoot was “the greatest honour,” Coleman said.
“I feel that I achieved my goal,” he said.
Coleman’s YouTube video has garnered more than 9,500 views since it was posted two months ago.
“There’s a section of the song that talks about many famous, internationally acclaimed musical artists that have covered Gordon Lightfoot songs,” Coleman said. “A lot of people may be unaware of the number of A-list musical artists that have covered his songs.”
Coleman also sings about Lightfoot playing shinny — an informal form of hockey — on Lake Couchiching.
“Which he self-admits was not his high point,” Coleman said.
All proceeds Coleman raises through the sale of the song will be donated to MusiCounts, a national charity that purchases musical instruments for schools across Canada.
For more information, visit doncolemanmusic.com.
sara.ross@sunmedia.ca
Tribute song to Lightfoot
