Gordon Lightfoot was born on 17th November 1938, in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, and is an award-winning musician, singer and songwriter, who is internationally known as one of the most notable pop-folk artists, and probably the best Canadian songwriter. Many of his albums have achieved multi-platinum status, while plenty artists have covered of his songs. Lightfoot’s career started in 1958.
Have you ever wondered how rich Gordon Lightfoot is, as of late 2016? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Lightfoot’s net worth is as high as $30 million, an amount earned through his successful career as a musician.
Gordon Lightfoot Net Worth $30 Million
Gordon Lightfoot is a son of Jessica and Gordon Lightfoot, Sr., who owned a dry cleaning company. From an early age, Gordon was a successful performer, initially a member of the choir of Orillia’s St. Paul’s United Church in Ontario. His first appearance – at Massey Hall in Toronto – came at the age of 12, and later he taught himself to play the piano, percussion and drums. Lightfoot went to the Orillia District Collegiate & Vocational Institute, where he learned to play folk guitar, and his talents secured him a place in McGill University’s Schulich School of Music and the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music.
Gordon’s career started in 1958 when he moved to Los Angeles, California to study at the Hollywood Westlake College of Music, meantime supporting himself with writing, producing, and arranging various commercial jingles. Lightfoot stayed in L.A. for two years, but went back to Toronto because he was homesick. Gordon started developing as a songwriter, and collaborated with a wide variety of artists such as Elvis Presley, The Clancy Brothers, Richie Havens and Spyder Turner, The Kingston Trio, and Chad and Jeremy, among others. Gordon’s debut self-titled studio album came in 1966, and although he released four more albums by the end of the ‘60s, Lightfoot failed to achieve any significant commercial success.
However, in 1970, Gordon’s next album entitled “Sit Down Young Stranger” topped the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada, reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, achieving platinum status in the process. In 1972, Lightfoot’s “Don Quixote” topped the Canadian RPM 100 chart, and reached No. 42 on the US Billboard 200. The only Lightfoot album that reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 was “Sundown” in 1974, which also achieved platinum status in both Canada and the United States. By the end of the ‘70s, Gordon had released two more influential albums – “Summertime Dream” (1976) and “Endless Wire” (1978).
In the ‘80’s, Lightfoot’s career slowed down a bit, and he released only four albums with “Dream Street Rose” (1980), “Shadows” (1982), and “East of Midnight” (1986) as the mentionable ones. Although he stated that “East of Midnight” would be his last album, Gordon recorded “Waiting for You” in 1993, and then “A Painter Passing Through” in 1998. More recently, he released “Harmony” in 2004 and “All Live” in 2012, which also contributed to his net worth.
Gordon Lightfoot has received numerous award during his rich career, including sixteen Juno Awards in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He also won four ASCAP awards for songwriting in the ‘70s and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. In 1986, Gordon was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and in 2001 into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Regarding his personal life, Gordon Lightfoot was married to Brita Ingegerd Olaisson from 1963 to 1973 and has two children with her. He married Elizabeth Moon in 1989, and has two children with her, but they divorced in 2011 after a separation of nine years. In December 2014, Lightfoot married Kim Hasse.
Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year, Juno Award for Folk Artist of the Year, Juno Award for Best Male Artist, Juno Award for Folk Album of the Year, If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Nominations
Grammy Award for Song of the Year, Juno Award for Album of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Juno Award for Best Produced MOR Album, If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Movies
Harry Tracy, Desperado, Gordon Lightfoot: Live in Reno, Gordon Lightfoot: Greatest Hits Live, Music Scene: The Best of 1969-1970: Vol. 2
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Trademark
1
Songs often include references to Canada
2
Often plays a 12-string guitar and layers his own background vocals on record
3
His moustache, which he has worn consistently through the late 1960s and to this day
4
His distinctive baritone voice
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Quote
1
[on avoiding writing his autobiography] I don't like to have to remind myself of everything I hate about myself. It's highly unnecessary. I'm reformed. I'm doing my best. I'm trying hard. I don't want to hurt a soul. I'm just a peace loving guy.
2
I'm a little nuts. I'm a lot nuts. All I know is that in the midst of the madness of this world it's my therapy. The music touches my heartstrings.
3
I was under contract for 33 years, and when you're like that you're always under the gun to produce. You tend to ignore certain things and to become isolated, and you don't spend enough time thinking about other things like the business end and the family and even the live performances. Now I can concentrate on my shows, which is great because that's what I like best anyway. -- GL, during 2007 interview
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Fact
1
Inducted into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2003, in the Industry Achievement category, for his "Canadian Railroad Trilogy".
2
Returning to his Canadian home in Toronto after a 10 show tour ending at the Sunrise in Fort Pierce Florida. [March 2010]
3
Performing at the Memorial Center in Peterborough Ontario, as part of the flood relief concert to help Peterborough recover from great losses. [August 2004]
4
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]
5
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]
6
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]
7
Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 1998 (charter member).
8
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.
9
Has earned five Grammy nominations and 17 Juno Awards in his native Canada, and was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
Married twice and separated from his second wife, he has six children by four women.
14
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.
15
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.
16
He was awarded the O.C. (Officer of the Order of Canada) on June 26, 1970 and awarded the C.C. (Companion of the Order of Canada) on May 8, 2003 for his services to entertainment.
17
Has frequently sung "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" at the annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service at Mariner's Church in Detroit.
18
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.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Quatro por Quatro
1994
TV Series performer: "Sundown"
Miracle on 34th Street
1994
writer: "Song for a Winter's Night"
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
1990
performer: "If You Could Read My Mind" / writer: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Harry Tracy: The Last of the Wild Bunch
1982
performer: "My Love for You"
The Kingston Trio and Friends: Reunion
1982
TV Movie writer: "Early Morning Rain"
Renaldo and Clara
1978
performer: "Ballad in Plain D"
Jaws of Death
1977
Documentary performer: "Long River" - uncredited
James at 16
1977
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
Who Are the DeBolts? [And Where Did They Get 19 Kids?]
1977
Documentary writer: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Twice Is Not Enough
1976
performer: "Cold on the Shoulder" - uncredited / writer: "If You Could Read My Mind", "Cold on the Shoulder" - uncredited
A Fantasy Fulfilled
1975
writer: "If You Could Read My Mind" - uncredited
The Graham Kennedy Show
1972-1975
TV Series writer - 5 episodes
McCloud
1974
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The Ernie Sigley Show
1974
TV Series writer - 3 episodes
Die Rudi Carrell Show
1973
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Paperback Hero
1973
performer: "If You Could Read My Mind" / writer: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii
1973
TV Special documentary writer: "Early Morning Rain"
Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Rehearsal Concert
1973
TV Movie writer: "Early Morning Rain"
Ciao Manhattan
1972
writer: "Can't Make It Anymore"
The Johnny Cash Show
TV Series performer - 3 episodes, 1969 - 1971 writer - 2 episodes, 1969 - 1971
Music Scene
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 1969 writer - 1 episode, 1969
Hail, Hero!
1969
performer: "Hail, Hero!", "Wherefore and Why" / writer: "Hail, Hero!", "Wherefore and Why"
Mike & Mike
TV Series performer - 9 episodes, 2013 - 2016 writer - 9 episodes, 2013 - 2016
Supernatural
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2014 writer - 1 episode, 2014
The Blacklist
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2014 writer - 1 episode, 2014
A Fierce Green Fire
2012
Documentary performer: "Pride of Man"
The Greims
2009
Short performer: "Pussywillows, Cat-tails" / writer: "Pussywillows, Cat-tails"
This Beat Goes On: Canadian Pop Music in the 1970s
2009
TV Movie documentary performer: "Sundown" / writer: "Sundown", "Alberta Bound", "Cotton Jenny"
The Marty Stuart Show
2009
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Qwerty
2008
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Generation Kill
2008
TV Mini-Series writer - 1 episode
Holiday Festival on Ice 2007
2007
TV Movie writer: "Song For A Winter's Night"
We Are Marshall
2006
performer: "If You Could Read My Mind" / writer: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Canadian Idol
2003-2006
TV Series writer - 5 episodes
Aloha from Sweden
2006
Video writer: "Early Morning Rain"
I Love the '70s: Volume 2
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2006 writer - 1 episode, 2006
Cold Case
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2005 writer - 1 episode, 2005
Elvis by the Presleys
2005
TV Movie documentary writer: "Early Morning Rain"
Idol
2004
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Wonderland
2003
performer: "If You Could Read My Mind" 1970 / writer: "If You Could Read My Mind" 1970
The Brown Bunny
2003
performer: "Beautiful" / writer: "Beautiful"
Mission Hill
1999
TV Series performer: "Sundown" / writer: "Sundown"
54
1998
writer: "If You Could Read My Mind"
Mystery Science Theater 3000
1992-1998
TV Series writer - 2 episodes
Nico Icon
1995
Documentary writer: "I'm Not Sayin'"
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Hotel
1988
TV Series
Joe Daniels
Harry Tracy: The Last of the Wild Bunch
1982
U.S. Marshal Morrie Nathan
The Wayne & Shuster Comedy Special
1970
TV Series
One Hundred Years Young
1967
TV Movie
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Ghosts of Cape Horn
1980
Documentary song
One Hundred Years Young
1967
TV Movie composer: song "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
Welcome to the Ranchero
2012
TV Series thanks - 1 episode
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Katie Chats
2014
TV Series
Himself
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
2013
TV Series
Himself - Musical guest
100th Grey Cup Halftime Show
2012
TV Movie
Himself
The Hour
2011
TV Series
Himself
This Beat Goes On: Canadian Pop Music in the 1970s
2009
TV Movie documentary
Himself
The Power of Their Song: The Untold Story of Latin America's New Song Movement
2008
Documentary
Himself
Shakin' All Over!
2006
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Live 8
2005
TV Special documentary
Himself
Canadian Idol
2004
TV Series
Himself - Audience Member / Himself - Guest / Himself - Mentor