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Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Today marks 50 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald, a Great Lakes ore freighter, sank during a storm in Lake Superior, fifteen miles from Whitefish Bay, as all 29 crewmen died.

Living on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in Marquette, the magnitude of that shipwreck left a lasting impression on our locality.

In recognition of that fateful day, I’m sharing this song by Gordon Lightfoot, written to commemorate that tragedy.

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, by Gordon Lightfoot (1976) – see lyrics here.

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10 responses to “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

  1. Louise’s ARTiculations Avatar
    Louise’s ARTiculations

    We had our first major snowstorm yesterday and it broke the record snowfall for that day which was previously set in 1897! November storms can be wicked and Lightfoot’s song provides the imagery to see and feel what that must have been like for those men sailing on Lake Superior. My father worked on an Imperial Esso ship on the Great Lakes before he married my mom. While he isn’t a poet like Lightfoot, he does have many stories, good and bad, of sailing the Great Lakes.

    Reply
    1. Phil Avatar
      Phil

      Indeed, the gales of November can be treacherous, particularly when sailing on the Great Lakes. Following powerful storms on Lake Superior, Gitche Gumee, I can recall as a child seeing giant boulders over 6-feet in length, having been tossed up onto the harbor break wall. Thanks for commenting, dear Louise. Enjoy the beauty of the season, and be careful with so much new snow. 🤗✨🇺🇸🇨🇦

      Reply
  2. Penn,… Avatar
    Penn,…

    A descriptive and fitting tribute amore mio, …Gordon says/sings it all so well, … fai attenzione nella neve, tesoro mio, ..PS❤️

    Reply
    1. Phil Avatar
      Phil

      Yes, a virtuous musical tribute resounding through the years, of hearts and ears. I’ve returned safely, e vorrei che potessimo giocare insieme, tenendoci al caldo a vicenda durante l’inverno… PS❤️

      Reply
      1. Penn,… Avatar
        Penn,…

        quelli che giocano insieme, stanno insieme, tesoro mio, …PS❤️

        Reply
  3. John Avatar
    John

    Thinking of this tragedy still makes me tear up. My niece lives near Marquette, they got several of inches of snow last night according to my sister who lives downstate. Sadly, Mr. Lightfoot passed fairly recently, I’ve always loved his music. 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

    Reply
    1. Phil Avatar
      Phil

      It’s a beautiful countryside in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for sure, snow or otherwise. And, indeed – the music of Gordon Lightfoot still sounds as wonderful today as when released. Thanks John!

      Reply
      1. John Avatar
        John

        You are welcome, Phil. I do miss my home state but not so much in winter! I’ll be 65 next month.

        Reply
  4. trumstravels Avatar
    trumstravels

    I do love his songs, he is a Canadian icon. This is one of my favourites of his, particularly since he tells a story, a tragic story but still a story. They will never be forgotten as long as people listen to Gordon’s song.

    Reply
    1. Phil Avatar
      Phil

      Amen, dear Susan. He was an amazing singer & songwriter who’s music shall endure far into the future. This particular song is also one of my favorites ~ have a great day, my friend 🤗

      Reply

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