Heritage Auctions says Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot’s instruments, photographs, artwork and set lists will hit the auction block on Nov. 17. The U.
S. auction house says included in the Gordon Lightfoot Estate Collection Music Memorabilia sale are more than 20 of Lightfoot’s guitars, amplifiers, handwritten set lists, gold records, stage outfits, promotional materials, awards and signed performance contracts. “It was such an honour to work with Gordon Lightfoot’s estate,” said Garry Shrum, Heritage’s director of entertainment and music memorabilia.
“They have such a deep love for Gordon and have brought us amazing personal pieces from his many years of writing and performing.” The Orillia-born, Toronto-based Lightfoot died of natural causes on May 1, 2023. He was 84.
Among the instruments for sale is Lightfoot’s 1967 Gibson B45-12 Sunburst Acoustic Guitar. His longtime bass player and close friend, Rick Haynes, told Heritage that Lightfoot used that instrument to write and was featured on the cover of the album. Also on offer will be framed photographs of Lightfoot with fellow musicians Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett, Kris Kristofferson, Harry Chapin, John Denver, Mary Travers, Johnny Cash, James Taylor and Rita Coolidge and promoter Bill Graham.
Dylan said Lightfoot influenced him, noting in a past interview: “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. Every time I hear a song of his, it’s like I wish it would last forever.” L.