Writing Gordon Lightfoot: The Man, the Music, and the World in 1972

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McClelland & Stewart, Oct 18, 2011 - Biography & Autobiography - 288 pages
From acclaimed musician and author Dave Bidini comes a brilliantly original look at a folk-rock legend and the momentous week in 1972 that culminated in the Mariposa Folk Festival.

July, 1972. As musicians across Canada prepare for the nation's biggest folk festival, held on Toronto Island, a series of events unfold that will transform the country politically, psychologically--and musically. As Bidini explores the remarkable week leading up to Mariposa, he also explores the life and times of one of the most enigmatic figures in Canadian music: Gordon Lightfoot, the reigning king of folk at the height of his career. Through a series of letters, Bidini addresses Lightfoot directly, questioning him, imagining his life, and weaving together a fascinating, highly original look at a musician at the top of his game. By the end of the week, the country is on the verge of massive change and the '72 Mariposa folk fest--complete with surprise appearances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and yes, Lightfoot--is on its way to becoming legendary.
 

Contents

MONDAY JULY 10TH I
22
Letter in Which I Ask You About
53
Letter in Which You Play a Resort
97
Letter in Which I Call You a SellOut
126
FRIDAY JULY 14TH
139
Letter in Which I Ask You About Dylan
171
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JULY 15TH AND 16TH
198
Letter in Which I Talk About
224
THE END OF THE WEEKEND
247
Copyright

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About the author (2011)

Author and musician DAVE BIDINI is the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie, and Juno as well as CBC's Canada Reads. A founding member of Rheostatics, he has written thirteen books, including On a Cold Road, Tropic of Hockey, Around the World in 57 1/2 Gigs, and Home and Away. He is a three time National magazine award-winner, and his play, The Five Hole Stories, was staged by One Yellow Rabbit Performance Company, touring the country in 2008. His most recent book is Midnight Light: A Personal Journey to the North, and he is the publisher of the West End Phoenix community newspaper in Toronto.

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