Today we're remembering Gord Downie who died of glioblastoma at age 53 on this day in 2017. He was the lead singer and lyricist for The Tragically Hip, and he also released six solo albums.

In 2012, The Tragically Hip played an afternoon set for The Current at The Nerdery and there were a lot of people who were very excited to check out that show. Jill remembers "he was wearing jeans and a jean jacket and I was like 'Gord Downie you are so Canadian'."

Program Director Jim McGuinn is a huge fan. "I'm filled with so much gratitude and thanks for the music and the man. Getting to spend time with Gord over the years whenever The Hip would appear in whatever town I lived in was always a joy." You can read more about Jim's road trip to Manitoba to see the band perform one last time.

For today's 9:30 Coffee Break in honor of Downie and his home country of Canada, what musicians do you want to hear that are considered National treasures of Canada?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs played

The Tragically Hip - In A World Possessed By The Human Mind
Joni Mitchell - A Case of You
Barenaked Ladies - The Old Apartment
Rush - Working Man
Neil Young - Harvest
Avril Lavigne - Complicated