NFrameFred
Member
Terry Clements, the lead guitarist/sideman of singer/composer Gordon Lightfoot for over 40 years has passed away.
Clements was responsible for many of the iconic hooks and solos in some of Lightfoot's more successful songs over the years such as "Carefree Highway" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".
I've been fortunate enough to see them in person twice over the years (first in the mid 70's and last time in the late '90's), and it's rare when Lightfoot tours into an area where I could easily see him perform. I have tickets to the March 15 show in Greensboro and since Gordon is 72 and has had a couple of bad brushes with health emergencies himself the last few years, I told the wife only half jokingly that I hope he stayed healthy long enough for me to get to see him at least once more.
Clements was only 63. One of the things I've always liked and admired about Lightfoot and his music was that he's kept the same guys (as much as possible) in his band for most of his career. As a musician, perhaps I realize more than most that many of our favorite songs were written by one individual, but the interpretation that made it into a hit and memorable was because of a sidemen or studio musician at the recording session that usually goes unheralded except among their peers.
Terry Clements made his mark on the world in a positive way, and people who may never know his name will still enjoy his contributions for years to come. Not a bad epitaph. We should all be so blessed. Rest in peace.
Clements was responsible for many of the iconic hooks and solos in some of Lightfoot's more successful songs over the years such as "Carefree Highway" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".
I've been fortunate enough to see them in person twice over the years (first in the mid 70's and last time in the late '90's), and it's rare when Lightfoot tours into an area where I could easily see him perform. I have tickets to the March 15 show in Greensboro and since Gordon is 72 and has had a couple of bad brushes with health emergencies himself the last few years, I told the wife only half jokingly that I hope he stayed healthy long enough for me to get to see him at least once more.
Clements was only 63. One of the things I've always liked and admired about Lightfoot and his music was that he's kept the same guys (as much as possible) in his band for most of his career. As a musician, perhaps I realize more than most that many of our favorite songs were written by one individual, but the interpretation that made it into a hit and memorable was because of a sidemen or studio musician at the recording session that usually goes unheralded except among their peers.
Terry Clements made his mark on the world in a positive way, and people who may never know his name will still enjoy his contributions for years to come. Not a bad epitaph. We should all be so blessed. Rest in peace.
