General Info
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Gord Downie was best known for being the lead singer and lyricist for The Tragically Hip.
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He was one of the biggest and most influential musicians Canada has ever known.
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He was born in 1964 and grew up in Kingston, Ontario. He died of brain cancer on October 17th, 2017. He was 53 years old.
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He majored in film studies at Queen’s University and graduated with a bachelor's degree of Arts and Science.
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In 2017, only a few months before his death, Downie was appointed into the Order of Canada for his leadership supporting and advocating for indigenous peoples.
Order of Canada
Downie being appointed to the Order of Canada by the Governor General
Press for some music
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This song is called Useless Nights and it was made by Gord
Activism
Along with being a poet and musician, Gord was also an activist for indigenous rights and injustice in Canada. Because of his work to bring forth the struggles of citizens and indigenous communities, he has been appointed into the Order of Canada and gifted multiple artifacts by indigenous leaders and communities.
He often would tell stories of prejudice and injustice through his music. An example of this is Wheat Kings, which he made with The Tragically Hip about David Milgaard.
David had been falsely convicted of murder and rape. He served over 20 years in jail, until his case was finally reviewed. Through this song, Downie and The Hip sung about injustice in Canada and brought attention to David’s case and false conviction.