I grew up in the early 60's in Northwestern Washington State. We got a lot of Canadian television in those days, and from the time I became interested in folk music, I heard Lightfoot's music regularly. They still pay the soundtrack in my mind regularly. To my way of thinking, I've always believed that the songs that became true folk classics WERE the ones that people played and heard a lot, not the obscure ones listened to by groups of literati gathered around an old victrola listening to Library of Congress recordings (not that there's anything wrong with that!)Just because a song is popular and reaches a large audience, it shouldn't be relegated to the "light and fluffy" category. Lightfoot's music has always inspired me and I now play over 30 of the tunes (adequately -- not well)and they never fail to move the listener. I guess I'm a fan -- ohmygod! I also agree that the Tony Rice compilation is a must to hear. His arragements and voice are fresh and accessible and point out just how gret the writing really is. Gord is a treasure of at least two nations!