Great Topic!
1. Where was I? 1968, North Hollywood, Ca., 13 years old, my older brother brought home a recording of Softly and CRT, and I immediately fell in love with the man, his music and lyrics. Thirteen might seem a bit young, but aren't we all rather impressionable at that age? At about that same time I babysat for a couple who worked as agents for people in the entertainment industry. They had quite a few promo albums that included Did She Mention My Name, along with California Bloodlines by John Stewart and something by the Butterfield Blues Band. They encouraged me to listen to their records, and I couldn't wait to get their kids in bed so I could crank up The Last Time I Saw Her, and I would sit and cry over the hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Eventually this couple moved away, but they gave me their albums, most of which I still have.
2. First Concert with Gord was in the early 70's at the Universal Amphitheater at Universal Studios in So. Cal. There were several thousand people there, and many of them were calling out their favorite songs to be sung. I was too far back in the audience to be heard, so I silently sent a message to Gord to sing The Last Time I Saw Her, and to my great surprise, he sang it! From what I understand this is one song that he does not perform frequently in concert, as it is apparently difficult to do live. So with 2000 people sitting around me, I closed my eyes and listened to Gord sing that song just for me.
3. The first "album" that I bought (with the exception of Did She Mention My Name, that I inherited from the couple mentioned above)was Don Quixote, on 8-Track, and I played it so much it eventually wore out. I play the CD almost daily now, and it remains one of my favorites.
Like many others who frequent this discussion site, Gord has been a tremendous influence in my life. His songs have been a part of nearly every event in my life, through loves, loss, joy, sadness, and sometimes, just the every day things that we do that somehow Gord has the ability to put to words and music that we can all relate to.
For years I worked as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care nursery, and I used to bring in my Gord cassettes for some mellow music to listen to while we worked. I think the babies liked it too. I like to think I started out some new fans at a very early age! My fellow nurses and I used to play Gord trivia while we listened to the music and cared for the babies.
I last saw Gord this month in Lincoln City, Oregon, and as usual, it was great to be there and spend some time with this true treasure of an artist!
Anne
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