EYBS Celebrates with Gordon Lightfoot

Barry Tripp (left), Greg Shields (middle left) and George Shields (right) make a special presentation on behalf of EYBS to Gordon Lightfoot (middle right) at Massey Hall on Nov. 26, 2014.

Everyone knows Gordon Lightfoot as a huge recording star, and a Canadian Legend, but most don't know him as a Barbershop Harmony Quartet Singer?  George Shields, Director Emertus of EYBS certainly does, as he has known Gord for over 60 years. Gordon attended much of the 2013 International Barbershop Convention held in Toronto, so 50 East Yorkers and friends attended the first of Gordon's four shows at Massey Hall. George went searching through his legendary archives and was able to find the original program from a Quartet Contest held 60 years ago (Nov. 1954) at Massey Hall, in which one of the competing quartets was the Teen-Timers (featuring none other than Gordon Lightfoot on Baritone)!  George also found some photos of the quartet and a letter from Gordon (15 yrs old) regarding his Massey Hall performance opportunity, and with the help of Barry Tripp got everything framed up together to present to Gordon at his afterglow on behalf of EYBS.     

What a great opportunity this was to honour a legendary singer and songwriter, and his barbershop roots!  Naturally Gordon put on a fantastic show, and was recognized for the most performances by any artist in the history of Massey Hall.  Afterwards a small group of East Yorkers was invited backstage to make the presentation to Gord, and mingle with a host of VIP's (including Mayor John Tory,  Lieutenant Governer Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson).  Gordon appreciated the walk down memory lane, and remembered fondly his association with East York (including surprising us with a performance at one of our Chapter shows a few years back.  What a great night!!