A touching rendition of Gordon Lightfoot anthem ‘Sundown’ completed Speakers’ Night
EDITOR’S NOTE: On Thursday, July 13, the Old Mill Heritage Centre hosted ‘Speakers Night in Kagawong,’ a fundraising event at the Park Centre with TVO’s Steve Paikin. During Speakers’ Night in Kagawong, the career of Gordon Lightfoot was celebrated. To compliment the life of this legendary Canadian icon, the local musical talent of Chris Theijsmeijer, Mike McCormick and members of The Island Singers performed a wonderful rendition of his song ‘Sundown.’ Mr. Paikin’s wife Francesca recorded the performance and forwarded the video to her friend Kim, Gordon Lightfoot’s widow. Less than 24 hours later, Ms. Lightfoot responded, and permission has been granted to share her correspondence. That letter follows:
Oh Francesca and Steve,
Yesterday I got a Condolence Motion from the Deputy Mayor and Orillia Members of Council over Gordon. And flowers from Murray McLauchlan and his wife Denise Donlon.
And today I get the video from the Island. It made me happy. You all stayed true to Gordon’s rendition with a little twist with the female vocals solo in the one part, which was creative and beautiful. I know, Gordon would have loved your arrangement. He liked quartets, choruses and choirs. And he would have loved the generations on stage. You all rocked it! I am glad you loved him like me.
I think there are all kinds of families in life. His fans are a family and I am a fan; that is how I met him. We are a family of love for his music and Gordon himself. Thank you for making my weekend special. I wish Gordon could hear you. Maybe from heaven, he did! Looks like you all had a fun night!
I loved their voices! Thank you for sharing. So great to hear people interpret his music. Know he is smiling! God bless.
Love Kim and Gordon in spirit (and he had a grand spirit).
Kim Hasse Lightfoot
To listen to an audio recording of the tribute by The Island Singers click here!
