Gordon Lightfoot’s music has been covered by a number of artists. Here are 10 popular renditions

Music legend Gordon Lightfoot, who died Monday evening at 84, leaves behind a rich legacy of work that helped shaped the folk music genre and shared stories of Canadian experiences on the world stage.

The artist isn’t beloved only here, though: dozens of musicians around the world have showed their appreciation for his music with their own renditions of his songs. Here are 10 great examples.

1. Elvis Presley — “Early Mornin’ Rain”

Among the numerous covers of Lightfoot’s despondent “Early Morning Rain” — including those by Neil Young and Bob Dylan — is that of the King of Rock & Roll. Elvis Presley also recorded his own version of “For Lovin’ Me.”

2. Barbra Streisand — “If You Could Read My Mind”

“If You Could Read My Mind” is another classic covered by several artists, including Johnny Cash. Streisand made her own recording for her 1971 album “Stoney End.”

3. Stars on 54 — “If You Could Read My Mind”

Dance group Stars on 54 recorded one song with a twist, turning the ballad “If You Could Read My Mind” into a disco-pop banger for the 1998 movie “54.”

4. Johnny Cash — “For Lovin’ Me”

Country music legend Johnny Cash performed with Lightfoot on an episode of “The Johnny Cash Show” that aired on June 14, 1969. The two country musicians performed a duet on the song “For Lovin’ Me.”

5. Bob Dylan — “Shadows”

As a longtime fan and friend of Lightfoot’s, Bob Dylan recorded his own version of “Early Mornin’ Rain” and, on some occasions, performed other songs by the Canadian legend at concerts, such as “I’m Not Supposed to Care.” In the recording of the live audio for “Shadows,” Dylan is heard saying he sang the song as a request.

6. Marty Robbins — “Ribbon of Darkness”

Country music star Marty Robbins’ 1965 recording of “Ribbon of Darkness” topped the U.S. country charts.

7. Peter, Paul and Mary — “For Lovin’ Me”

American folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary took Lightfoot’s song into the U.S. Top 30.

8. Harry Belafonte — “Oh Linda”

American singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte popularized the calypso music of Trinidad in the 1950s and gave new life to “Oh Linda.” Belafonte died April 25 at 96 from congestive heart failure.

9. Anne Murray — “Cotton Jenny”

Canadian pop and country singer Anne Murray released her rendition of “Cotton Jenny” in 1971 as part of her album “Talk It Over in the Morning.”

10. Sarah McLachlan — “Song for a Winter’s Night”

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan included this song on her 1996 album “Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff” and then again more recently, in 2006, on her Christmas album “Wintersong.”

Correction — May 2, 2023: A previous version of this article erroneously included the song “Me and Bobby McGee,” but this was written by musician Kris Kristofferson. As well, musician Sarah McLachlan first released her cover of “Song for a Winter’s Night” on her 1996 album “Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff.”

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