His connection with Detroit (he performed regularly in clubs in the Michigan city in the 1960s and `70s) led him to compose 'Black Day in July', his ballad about the deadly civil unrest in Detroit in the summer of 1967 that left over 40 dead.
"I don't do it (live) anymore," he says, explaining the song is now too dated.
He groaned audibly when told a certain Ottawa radio station (which no longer features music) was still playing Black Day in July as recently as a year ago.
Speaking of Ottawa Lightfoot was pleased to be reminded of his early days and the performances he gave at the former Le Hibou Coffee House on Sussex Drive.
"I was playing with Red (Shea) and John Stockfish (past back-up musicians) in those days.
"It (Le Hibou) was run by Harvey Glatt," he recalls. Among many other things Glatt founded CHEZ-FM radio in Ottawa and owned the former CJET (now Jack FM) in Smiths Falls.
Besides Lightfoot, others who performed at Le Hibou in the 1960s and `70s included Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Van Morrison to name only a few.
Lightfoot has nothing but good things to say about performing in Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, where he has played regularly over the years.
"I'm not saying this because of present company (Jeff Maguire is an Ottawa native). But the NAC has some of the best natural sound there is."
Sound vital
That is one thread that runs through any conversation with Gordon Lightfoot. The sound!
He is known as a perfectionist and has sometimes criticized the sound in certain venues - out loud!
Reminded that drummer Barry Keane once told an interviewer, "With Gord it is more what you don't play than what you play," Lightfoot chuckled.
"The sound is important. We work hard on that."
Asked what the audience in Brockville can expect he says, "We do 26 to 27 songs per show.
"Some are abbreviated versions to keep things tight.
"I like to keep things (shows) moving - about two hours, with a 20 minute intermission," he explains.
Long-term, Lightfoot says he's looking forward to performing, at least in the immediate future.
"As long as it is practical.
"I'm not away (from home) as much anymore. I have personal responsibilities," he explains.
He has two children from his second marriage to Elizabeth Moon.
As for his health Lightfoot is upbeat.
"I'm feeling good."
He nearly died after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurism in September 2002 just before the second concert of a two night stand in his hometown of Orillia.
"I have a daily fitness regimen now and I'm doing good.
"Rick (Haynes) and I always say we might retire some day," he laughs.
"It's been a hell of a run."
For complete information on Gordon Lightfoot's upcoming Brockville performance May 21 visit the website
www.brockvilleartscentre.com
He will also appear at the Cornwall Civic Complex (Ed Lumley Arena) Friday, May 20 and at SPC Centre in Napanee Sunday, May 22. For information on both of those shows visit
www.otx.ca
Read more about Gordon Lightfoot's interest in the Edmund Fitzgerald and the impact of the song (among other memories) in a future story in the EMC!