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Toronto music legend Gordon Lightfoot receives Key to the City from Mayor John Tory

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November 25th becomes Gordon Lightfoot Day is Toronto

Mayor John Tory presented Gordon Lightfoot – a long time Toronto resident – with a Key to the City, on the occasion of the reopening of Massey Hall, prior to Mr. Lightfoot’s concert this evening.

“Today marks a momentous day and allows all of us to honour this living legend as he marks his 170th performance on the Massey Hall stage to re-open the National Historic Site. He was also the last artist to perform at the hall before it closed for it revitalization,” said Mayor Tory.

A Canadian treasure and Toronto icon, Mr. Lightfoot was awarded the Key to the City at his 170th milestone performance at Massey Hall at its official reopening. Mr. Lightfoot was the last to perform on its stage, prior to the Hall closing for renovations in 2018.

“It was a total unexpected surprise when Mayor John Tory presented me with a key to the city,” said the Canadian music legend. “It was an emotional experience for which I am deeply honoured. Thank you John!”

Mr. Lightfoot is one of Canada’s greatest songwriters. As a folk-rock legend, he has won 17 Juno Awards, five Grammy nominations and has been recognized by his peers by being inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and the U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Over a 50-year career, his many national, provincial and academic honours and awards recognize his numerous and longstanding contributions to performance and song writing. His work continues to inspire and influence folk, folk-rock and country artists from his home in Toronto and around the world.

“Gordon Lightfoot is a legend in Toronto and around the country. He has been a long-time resident who has contributed greatly to our city’s lively music and culture scene. There is no one more deserving than Gordon – who has been a mainstay at Massey Hall – to receive our city’s highest honour. I want to thank Gordon for being such an upstanding citizen – the key to the city is our way of recognizing him and all of his incredible accomplishments.”– Mayor John Tory

The Mayor awards the Key to the City to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of Toronto and who have contributed significantly to civic life. The Key to the City is the highest honour that the City grants to an individual or a group.

November 25 was also proclaimed as Gordon Lightfoot Day in Toronto by Mayor Tory.

November 25, 2021 is Gordon Lightfoot Day – Read the proclamation from Mayor John Tory

WHEREAS Gordon Lightfoot is a Canadian treasure and Toronto icon who has established himself as a truly Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been entertaining people with his music for decades.

Gordon, who calls Toronto home, has won 17 JUNO Awards and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also the inaugural Massey Hall Honours recipient. Gordon has also been recognized as a Companion of the Order of Canada as well as with the Order of Ontario.

Gordon is known for such iconic songs as “Early Morning Rain,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and many other hits that were in the Top 40.

Today marks a momentous day and allows all of us to honour this living legend as he marks his 170th performance on the Massey Hall stage to re-open the National Historic Site. He was also the last artist to perform at the hall before it closed for it revitalization.

Gordon thank you for musical artistry and all you have done to elevate Canadian music at home and on the international stage.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor John Tory, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim November 25, 2021 as “Gordon Lightfoot Day” in the City of Toronto.

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