Gord Downie will always be remembered for his influence on the growth of Canadian music and his contribution to the music industry in his home country. He was a member of Tragically Hip for thirty-three years as a professional musician and has released his own albums as well.
Gord’s fans miss him dearly, with some spending time learning more about the man. If you’re one of those, this piece is about the type of life Gord Downie led and his passing, keep reading.
The Life and Death of Gord Downie
Gordon Edgar Downie, in Amherstview, Ontario on February 6, 1964, was born to Lorna Downie and Edgar Downie. He lived with his family of six with four siblings – Mike, Patrick, Charlyn and Paula. Edgar, their father, was a traveling salesman and later in life became a real estate broker and developer.
Gord Downie attended Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute for Secondary Education. For his university studies, he studied at Queen’s University in the city where he was born. There he studied cinema and graduated in 1986.
It was while studying at Queen’s University that he met the members of his band, Tragically Hip – Gord Sinclair and Rob Baker. The other band members are Johnny Fay and Davis Manning. The band was formed in 1983. Manning left three years later and was replaced by Paul Langlois, who joined the band in 1986. The band began their career performing cover versions of songs in local areas. Stardom came to them quickly and quickly, they were signed by MCA Record President Bruce Dickson.
Downie’s work in music is not limited to his work with the band, as he has also had a solo career in which he has released five albums to critical and commercial acclaim. He also had collaborations with other musicians such as Buck 65, The Sadies, Fu**ed Up, among many others.
Gord Downie was married to a woman called LauraLeigh Usher; their marriage was kept secret and away from prying eyes. The couple separated in 2015 and have four children together.
In 2015 Downie discovered he had brain cancer, decided to put his life in order by doing one last tour with his band and released two albums – one was posthumous and has won numerous awards. He died on October 17, 2017. Canadian citizens shared his conviction. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement honoring him and candlelight ceremonies were held in his honor in different parts of the country.
What you need to know about Gord
Tweet from the other side
Prior to Downie’s death, he had a particular Twitter account where he had over twenty thousand followers and following only on the account – the music identification app, Shazam. His followers have doubled since his death in 2017 and the account is following more and more people, regardless of who is responsible for the account ensuring that Downie’s memory lasts long in the hearts of his fans.
Philanthropic efforts
During his life he was very interested in the state of the environment and how to make the world much greener, especially in the case of water management and use. He has carried out projects to ensure safe water for the population by working with Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.
Gord Downie has also helped establish programs for young artists and the creation of a fund aimed at creating better links between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.
Popular parents
Gord Downie’s brother, Mike is a documentary filmmaker; His most notable work is the documentary he created for his brother’s work which aims to improve relations between natives and non-natives in Canada. Also, he shared a relationship with former Boston Bruins hockey team coach Harry Sinden as a godson.
Pre-Show Rituals
Throughout his years as a musician, Downieeu has the ritual of shining his shoes by himself the night before his performance, which he describes as a way to prepare. He also believes in looking each member of the audience in the eye.
On-screen career
Gord Downie is known as a musician, songwriter, lyricist and is remembered for his electrifying performances, but he played a part in the show. Trailer Park Boys as well as in the movie Men with Brooms
