Died On This Date (June 10, 2008) Red Shea / Canadian Guitarist Played With Gordon Lightfoot

Red Shea
DOB Unknown – June 10, 2008

redsheaRed Shea was a much respected Canadian guitarist who was closely associated with Gordon Lightfoot.  Known for his superb picking style, Shea is often credit for giving Lightfoot his unique sound.  Beginning his career in television, Shea was part of the house band on Music Hop, Canada’s answer to American Bandstand.   Alex Trebeck was the show’s announcer at the time.  In 1965, Shea moved on to work with Lightfoot, with whom he stayed for the next ten years.  Shea later went back to Canadian television where he hosted his own variety show.  Red Shea died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 70.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.