Producer's Note

I've loved this man's music for more than 30 years. So when Rhino sealed its deal with the Warner Music Group in 1998, I roamed the company's halls, proclaiming to anyone who would listen that if we were going to do a Gordon Lightfoot box, I was going to be involved. Imagine my surprise and delight--and terror--when David McLees, of Rhino's A&R staff, said, "Why don't you produce it?" Sure, why not? So what if it was the first compilation--let alone box set--I had ever produced? So what if it had as its subject one of the premier songwriters of the 20th century?

As Gordon would say, I pressed on.

In the folk world Lightfoot is virtually without peer. His praises have been sung by the likes of Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan, and his songs have been sung by hundreds (not counting the several million who have occasionally chimed in on the chorus of "Sundown" in their cars, homes, and offices). As part of my initial research, I discovered in The New York Times that a significant number of Canadians even believe Lightfoot wrote "O Canada," which goes to show just how deeply his songwriting has permeated popular culture in the Great White North.

Feeling the combined scrutiny of my peers at Rhino, the folk community, and the entire nation of Canada (which is, after all, America's largest trading partner), I put together a track list for Gordon's approval and waited nervously, when the first of many phone calls came: "It's Gord. Gord Lightfoot." Did he think I was expecting a call from Gordon Liddy?

To my great delight, Gordon took an active role in the compilation, acting as coproducer. We decided that if we were to include rarities on the box, it would be because they were great, not because they were merely rare. Gordon, for the first time in his entire career, went back through his records and listened to them in sequence. He found some gems in his vault; Sound Producer Bill Inglot found some at Warner Bros. We ruminated and debated and edited and pulled a little hair out and arrived at what you see here. Any flaws, omissions, or inadequacies found herein rest with me.

Over the course of our contact, I've discovered many things about Lightfoot's music, but also--and more importantly--about the man himself. He is a true gentleman in the best sense of the word; he's enthusiastic, generous with his time, and courteous to a fault. I couldn't imagine a better collaborator.

I would like to thank Gordon for making all this possible by virtue of his extraordinary gift, as well as the musicians, engineers, and producers who helped bring his ideas to fruition. Thanks to Barry Harvey and Anne Leibold at Early Morning Productions for their enthusiastic guidance. To Nicholas Jennings, a tip of the cap and a sincere appreciation for his understanding of Canadian pop music history and for his contributions here. When I read his book, Before The Gold Rush, I was convinced he was the man for the job, and I'm even more convinced now.

A special debt of gratitude is due to Wayne Francis, without whom I could not have properly undertaken this project; his wise counsel and love of Gord's music permeates this entire set. Thanks also to Valerie Magee and Matthew Fifer, who (along with others too numerous to mention) carry the torch on the Web and who have provided helpful advice over the course of the project.

Bruce Tierney and Laurie Vatcher, in whose company I have spent many hours playing Gordon's music, both on the stereo and the guitar, also contributed significantly to the project. I owe them a lot on many levels.

I'd also like to thank my lovely bride, Carol Prescott, for her ardent support, especially during those long stretches of highway when Lightfoot was, by my decree, our only musical option.

And finally, thanks to the family whom I met backstage at a 1993 Lightfoot concert in Los Angeles, when I was working for Warner Bros. They took my picture with Gord (yes, the one adjacent to this note), sent it to me, and I lost their address in an office move. I never got a chance to thank them at all, let alone properly. I hope they will regard this collection as my thanks not only to them but also to all of Gord's fans over the last three decades.

--Thane Tierney

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