DAVID REA (1946-2011) On His Last Pilgrimage to Paradise

Guitarist, singer, songwriter David Rea has passed away at the age of 65. The Akron Ohio born Rea, although not a household name, was responsible for some of the great sounds in early Canadian folk music. Playing lead guitar on Gordon Lightfoot’s debut album LIGHTFOOT and the great guitar work on folk icons IAN & SYLVIA recordings, cemented David’s place in Canadian music history.  Their recording of his song, ‘Pilgrimage to Paradise’ was a highlight for David Rea.

I got to spend some time with David in Montreal in the early days and was so impressed with his guitar work and his incredible entertaining skills.

David Rea passed away in Portland Oregon and is survived by his longtime partner Kathleen and three children.

Sylvia Tyson of IAN &SYLVIA so simply said "So many of the people who played with us are gone now. All that music silenced - so sad."
David Rea is at last on his’ Pilgrimage To Paradise!’  RIP DAVID!

Don Graham