Canadian folk icon Gordon Lightfoot has passed away

UPDATE DAY

Legendary folk singer Gordon Lightfoot, eminently known in English Canada for his poetic ballads inspired by the country's natural beauty, died Monday at the age of 84. 

The composer who left behind a catalog of more than 500 songs died in a hospital in Toronto, said Victoria Lord, a representative of the family, to various media. The cause of death has not been specified.

Born in Orillia, Ontario, in 1938, Gordon Lightfoot was interested in music from childhood, composing his first ballads in school high school, but his career really took off from the mid-60s and the play “Early Morning Rain”, covered by big stars like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

His love of Canadian landscapes was beautifully condensed into the 1967 song “Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” which takes anyone who hears it on a journey from coast to coast.

Dedicated to his music, Gordon Lightfoot never is never let down by his health problems, even in 2002 when he was seriously ill, spending a month and a half in a coma and undergoing several surgeries. The singer also suffered a stroke on stage in 2006, only to return to give a show just nine days later as if nothing had happened.

Gordon Lightfoot's masterful work has enabled him to multiply accolades and awards, including dominating Juno Awards ceremonies in the 60s and 70s in the folk category. He was also made a Companion of the Order of Canada.