If you are a regular reader of this column, you know I am a fan of music, particularly 1970s singers and songwriters. As such, I had a moment of sadness when I read that Gordon Lightfoot died on Monday. He was 84 and died of natural causes at a Toronto hospital.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about the most distinct voices in the history of music. Many of you replied, but none of you mentioned Gordon Lightfoot. I didn’t either. We all erred.

Lightfoot’s unique voice carries through in classic songs like “Carefree Highway,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “If You Could Read My Mind” “Rainy Day People” and one of my favorites, “Sundown.”

I am reminded regularly that “Sundown” is one of my favorites, because when I ask Alexa to play my most-played songs, it pops up. And rightfully so.

Lightfoot was considered to be one of the legendary voices to come from Toronto's Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s and recorded 20 studio albums while writing hundreds of songs.

According to CBS News, Bob Dylan called Lightfoot a “rare talent,” and dozens of artists covered his work, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Anne Murray and even Jane's Addiction.

Lightfoot was a proud Canadian who wrote songs that connected with his personal experiences. His music was poetic and meaningful. His early roots of singing were in his church choir and, later, a barbershop quartet. Like all of us, his many experiences shaped what he became.

I never saw him in concert, and I regret that. His tours came through Des Moines several times, and each time I considered buying tickets.

I often joke about how I go to bed feeling fine, and I somehow wake up injured. Lightfoot had a different experience that he penned in “Sundown.”

“Sometimes I think it's a shame when I get feeling better when I'm feeling no pain.”

Rest in peace, Mr. Lightfoot.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

CITYVIEW announced its 2023 Best Of Des Moines readers' choices Jan. 31. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best Local Frame Shop

1. Tandem Brick Gallery

2. The Great Frame Up

3. Terri’s Frame Shop & Art

SEE EVENT PHOTOS HERE...

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Winds have finally diminished, and we're left with warming weather for the rest of the week. While we do have a small rain chance late Friday, much better chances come Saturday evening into Sunday afternoon. Warm weather looks to linger beyond that, along with a rainier pattern.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

Joy found in all corners of town

It’s all about community

By Lindsey Giardino

Sarah Hoodjer finds a lot to love about the Polk City community.

“It’s a great town with what one needs to make a town feel like home,” she says. “Great people, grocery store, post office, our own police and fire departments, breakfast place, watering holes, activities through Parks and Rec. Everyone you talk to who lives in Polk City seems to have come from some other small town in Iowa, all looking to give their kids what they grew up with — a safe, small town with good people. We have that.”

Hoodjer and her husband, Corey, moved to town 15 years ago and have since expanded their household to include a son, Jack, and three pets, a dog, a cat and a fish — “with many other pet requests denied,” she jokes.
They purchased their home during the market crash of 2008 and have put their own touches on it over the past few years, including finishing the basement and adding landscaping.

 ... Read more in the April issue of North Polk Living magazine.

These celebrities were born on this date: Frankie Valli, Bobby Cannavale, Dule Hill, Eric Church, Cheryl Burke, Greg Gumbel, Christopher Cross, Amy Ryan, Tanya Wright

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:
Why don't cows play archery? THEY DON'T WANT TO HIT A BULL'S EYE! - Mike Chiston, Rex Post

 OR "They don't want to get "grazed" by an arrow." - Carolyn Rogers

Today's Riddle

]What do you call cattle that tell jokes?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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