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Gordon Lightfoot Is Not Dead, Despite Twitter Hoax

Rumors that iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot died raced across Twitter earlier today, and soon found their way onto several Canwest newspaper websites. However, the stories -- the 'Vancouver Sun' quoted Lightfoot's longtime friend and fellow music legend Ronnie Hawkins saying, "He died last night, I've had a couple of phone calls already" -- were quickly taken down once word emerged that this was an Internet "prank."

Lightfoot's publicist Bernie Fielder assured the Globe&Mail that the 71-year-old singer was alive and well, and claimed that the death reports were based on "a Twitter coming out of Ottawa."

Lightfoot, who performed two weeks ago in Toronto with Tragically Hip's Gord Downie and begins a spring tour at month's end, personally contacted radio station 680 News to say, "I'm fine, I'm in great health," explain how he heard about his own death and joke that "all of a sudden my music is in heavy rotation!"

Twitter, meanwhile, quickly spread the not-dead news via tweets like that from former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page: "Neither Ronnie Hawkins nor Gordon Lightfoot are dead. But Abe Vigoda will always be dead to me."

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MSGAM76

ive never even heard of him.

February 19 2010 at 1:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kevin

I saw Gordon lightfoot in concert a few months ago (it was the 22nd time I attended one of his concerts). He is one of the greatest folksinger/songwriters ever. His voice doesn't have the power it once did but he was still great!

February 19 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lita

"Beautiful" remains one of my all-time favorite love songs. And there is something about "Saturday Clothes" that stays in my memory as well. Gordon Lightfoot had been in my thoughts only last week, and I'm glad to know he is alive and doing well. He is one of a very few for whom the title "troubador" fits to a tee.

February 19 2010 at 1:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to lita's comment
Diane Phelan

I totally agree...I especially love Canadian Railroad Trilogy ..I thought they would have asked him to sing it in the Olympic ceremony..what better artist and song for Canada to showcase

February 19 2010 at 2:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

I thought he died years ago. His music did.

February 19 2010 at 1:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hbaxepicker

Two twits tweeted the tragic termination, --- terribly, terribly, tainted truth.!!

February 19 2010 at 12:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
otrpu

That's why I don't give a twit

February 19 2010 at 11:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wish Belkin

Always been a huge fan.
I've heard rumors of his demise before.
So far, they haven't been true.

February 19 2010 at 9:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Phil Espinoza

Gordon Gave us a new type of sound - from his Canadian Roots - his sound was truoy unique - Remember "Sundown"? It is a great one!

February 19 2010 at 9:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Phil Espinoza's comment
LAURA

Love,Love, Love "Sundown"

February 19 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rockined1

Ronnie is not dead but his cousin Dale Hawkins ["Suzy-Q"] died last week

February 19 2010 at 9:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
md

gordons' gold...one of the best ever!!!!

February 19 2010 at 8:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to md's comment
Vivian

Definitely! But each of his albums are unique and wonderful and his songs stay with you forever.....
.....'looking at the rain, feeling the pain of love lost running thru my brain.....'

February 19 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jason C

Lightfoot is the best singer/songwriter ever, though Paul Simon is a close second. Gord is also a masterful guitar picker.

February 19 2010 at 12:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply