NEWS RELEASE
LIGHTHEADED
*************************
Lightheaded, a new documentary feature film distributed by the National Film Board of Canada, follows the late Gordon Lightfoot’s most devoted fans, affectionately known as Lightheads.
Written and directed by brother-sister team Baylee Kahlon and Brady Corcoran, Lightheaded premieres on Amazon Prime Video and also on Tubi and Pluto TV, across Canada and the United States.
Lightheaded (70 minutes) celebrates and chronicles the late Gordon Lightfoot’s extraordinary career by taking viewers on a journey into the lives of his devoted fans, or Lightheads.
The film begins with the legendary Canadian singer’s tour overseas, where fans waited more than 30 years to see him perform. But as the story unfolds, it encompasses much more. The doc features heartwarming anecdotes from rock-solid band members and fun, endearing moments with the singer’s quirky fans and international crew — all woven together by enchanting music, and interviews with Lightfoot himself.
“When the band and I embarked upon our Great Britain and Irish Isles tour, we were honoured and flattered that a group of young talents wanted to document our time there. It was a treat to have the Corcorans and their crew capture our journey, and we are looking forward to seeing what they’ve put together,” commented Gordon Lightfoot prior to his passing.
“I went to my first Gordon Lightfoot concert in 1971 as a senior at East Lansing High School and was instantly hooked. Fifty-plus years later, fan devotion led me to produce Lightheaded with my children, writers and directors Baylee and Brady, and my wife, RoseLee. Lightheaded tells a sweet story about loyalty, passion, talent and most of all, love and that’s something the world could really use a bit more of now,” remarks executive producer John Corcoran.
“We got the chance to shine a light on the folks that have made such an extraordinary career possible: Lightfoot’s fans and his incredible band. We especially hope they enjoy the film, because it is mostly about them. But we think that themes of dedication, friendship, and joy will resonate with viewers regardless of if they are familiar with Lightfoot’s music or not,” comments co-writer and director Baylee Kahlon.
“You have your Dead Heads and your Parrot Heads, and on the other end of the spectrum, the Lightheads, who seem to perfectly reflect Gordon Lightfoot, who has brought them all together, a mixed bag of quirky, thoughtful, genuine folks who love to laugh, but are not afraid to cry. Fiercely loyal and open hearted, they are there for the poetry, not the party — at least not until the post-show cocktails. Now, every Lighthead gathering is like a family reunion and it is perfect,” adds co-writer and director Brady Corcoran.
Gordon Lightfoot was one of Canada’s most accomplished singer-songwriters and guitarists who had a remarkable career that spanned over 60 years and more than 200 songs with several of his albums achieving gold and multi-platinum status internationally. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Jr., Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, John Mellencamp, The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett, and The Guess Who. Bob Dylan declared Lightfoot to be one of his favourite songwriters and famously said, “I can’t think of any Gordon Lightfoot song I don’t like. When I hear a song of his, I wish it would last forever.” He has been the recipient of 16 Juno Awards and nominated for five Grammy Awards. Lightfoot has been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame and awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by SOCAN. In 2007 Canada Post honoured Lightfoot with a postage stamp.
Lightheaded is independently produced by Betty Bbo-Bbo, LLC. Baylee Kahlon and Brady Corcoran are the writers and directors. Edited by Nadav Elovic. Director of photography Noam Chojnowski. Post-production sound by Chris Leon. Post-production colour by Tony Manolikakis. Executive produced by John and RoseLee Corcoran.
*************************
