[WishingWellGhost]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by classicmixdj:
[B]Where were you when?:

1. You heard your first Lightfoot song?

2. Attended your first Lightfoot concert?

3. Bought your first Lightfoot record?

With regard to the above what thoughts, feelings and experiences did you have?

Surely Gordon is as much religion as recreation for me.

I first heard Lightfoot a week or 2 after my parents separated. It was New Orleans, where I spent the first 30 years of my life, December 1970, & I was 14.

My mother, who has always been gifted for song and animals, gave me the album "Sit Down Young Stranger". She circled the song "If You Could Read My Mind", which became a #5 hit and thus caused the album to be retitled. Mom had written from "DJM" (her initials) to HJM (my Dad's).

I was hooked completely and forever. I bought the next album "Summer Side of Life" when it came out, got all the early stuff on United Artists, and kept buying albums up through 1982's "Shadows".

I got caught up in raising children, work & other pathways, and didn't buy a new Gordon album 'til "Harmony" came out late this spring.

As a result, I've been listening for the first time to "Salute", "East of Midnight", "Waiting For You", and "A Painter Passing Through." I was initially shocked by the nasalization of Gordon's voice, partially because this is the first thing I noticed when I met him backstage in the 70s (more on this in a bit), but the melodies and lyrics are simply stunning!

My first (and regretably only) Lightfoot concert was Feb 15, 1978 in New Orleans. It was the "Endless Wire" tour and the ticket was $7.50. My wife was working, so my Mom (Donna), my 13 year old sister Gwen (now a professional singer herself) & myself went.

After the show we snuck backstage (what a different era!). Gordon was there drinking Heinekens & security was just about to throw us out. I said, "Hey Gordon, it's Donna". Gordon played along, throwing his arms open wide, embracing my mother with an gleeful and elongated "DONNA!". We got to stay.

I am looking at my autograph from that night (To Craig, Best Wishes, Lightfoot)and reading my scrawl beneath it:

"From Gordon Lightfoot concert, Feb 15, 1978, Wed. My mothe, sister, & myself met Lightfoot backstage after the show. Not nearly as remote, serious or ethereal as his photos and music suggests, Gordon spoke with a nasal twang quite rapidly, patted his beer gut, and made a few nervously corny jokes. Altogether, he came off like someone you'd meet at the office picnic, and I loved him."

So here I am, in joyful rediscovery of absolutely the most important recording artist of my life- 34 years, 6 children, 3 grandchildren after the initial discovery, keeping sane with Gordon in the midst of a campaign for the city council of Anaheim (home to Disneyland, Angels baseball, and Mighty Ducks Hockey.

Gordon played Anaheim the night before my wedding, August 3, 2002 (my sweet lady and I finally tied the knot after 14 years), but could not go due to the nuptial schedule. Really wish I has, since his health collapsed the next month.

This website is a pure joy for me, and I hope to hear from y'all soon!

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Craig Merrihue