Thins for reminding us all of the Tony Rice version! I always loved that tale, so sad and tragic. I was just a little punk in Boston in 1975 but we talked about the Fitzgerald’s fate…and I love the name “Gitche Gumi”.
Thank you, Jesse. This is a beautiful and informative tribute. Including the roster of the sailors is done with a lot of sensitivity and respect. I’m reminded of visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial and the wall of names. To read is to remember. I also am reminded here that the very first concert I ever went to was Gordon LIghtfoot when I was 13. I’ve always loved his music. Thank you again and take good care.
Connections historical and personal are brought to bear beautifully in this soulful piece, Jesse. We need to be reminded to remember. I wouldn't have thought about the Edmond Fitzgerald without this post.
Now, many of us are taking a few moments to read the names of the lost - to linger with them in thought. Lightfoot's song began playing in my head as soon as the photo opening the piece appeared.
Tony Rice's version deserves more listening time. But I can't stop listening to Stan Rogers. With the first
few notes of NW Passage my emotions immediately rose up - and then the tears. There's something about the Celtic style, especially done acapella, that carries joy and sorrow simultaneously. The deliberate tone? Singing out with forceful intention? Is it just in the dna? I can hear the similarities
with the shape note singing of the Appalachian Mountains - brought there by Irish and Scottish settlers. Whatever the case may be, the music reaches deep.
Jesse, for reminding me to remember - for introducing me to Stan's music, and for your always thoughtful and generous writing, thank you.
Beautiful story! I live on Lake Erie where we have stories of ships and storms as well as a vibrant music scene. Speaking of which, I met my daughter's father when his band opened for your mother's band at Buffalo State College in about 1978. Today, we have two grandsons and we are all holding our own in Buffalo with stormy seas in the forecast.
Jesse, Erie girl here. Thank you for this post. Tug operators in my neighborhood tell this tale and many olders do not forget. Are you aware or do you have a favorite reference for history on ships list in the Hreat Lakes?
Very nice Jesse!! What a wonderful tale of connection around this tragedy. Growing up in Detroit I remember this when it happened. Of course the song was big in Detroit. I was married in a church not far from Mariner's Church and saw it many times going to and from Sunday services and with this story you tell here I find your family's connection to that church. I've admired your mom and dad for a very long time. I saw the MC5 many times as a teenager and remember your mom's store in Royal Oak that she started after your parents were married and they chose to stay in Detroit to raise a family. For that they are heroes to me!! I read this today, 11/11 which is typically marked as Veteran's Day. But it is also celebrated as Armistice Day, the day that marked the end of WWI. Thanks again, Jesse for this story!! Peace, darkmatterdon, Bainbridge Island, WA.
What a lovely story and really quite amazing connections within friends and family. We are holding our own is a phrase that has been used by amazing people in all walks of life in Britain too, old fashioned now but great words. Thank you Jesse 🙏
Wow, thank you so much for sharing this post, Jesse, it moved me immensely.
You really captured the poignancy of the Fitzgerald's story - it is such a part of our beloved Michigan.
I have a personal connection to the Fitz -
My parents were at her launch in 1958, the company my father worked for - Northwestern Mutual - had sponsored her construction. We would see her when I was a boy when we would be on the water. I was 10 when she was lost. My dad was a lifelong Detroiter, he loved boating and freighters, he always kept tabs on her, she was special, for he had witnessed her birth.
My father's favorite church was the Mariners. Whenever I am near it, I think of him, the Fitz and of course your wonderful folks.
And mostly thank you for reminding me of the message - "We are holding our own". I so desperately needed to hear that, I am like so many rather shattered by recent events. I said the message aloud. It is a good mantra - one that I will repeat. A vessel that is shattered can be repaired, rebuilt - stronger than before.
Hope is strength - thank you for always bringing hope.
The big lake they calked Gitchi Gumi
There is a beautiful ballad on the Shipwreck written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot.
Thins for reminding us all of the Tony Rice version! I always loved that tale, so sad and tragic. I was just a little punk in Boston in 1975 but we talked about the Fitzgerald’s fate…and I love the name “Gitche Gumi”.
Thank you, Jesse. This is a beautiful and informative tribute. Including the roster of the sailors is done with a lot of sensitivity and respect. I’m reminded of visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial and the wall of names. To read is to remember. I also am reminded here that the very first concert I ever went to was Gordon LIghtfoot when I was 13. I’ve always loved his music. Thank you again and take good care.
Connections historical and personal are brought to bear beautifully in this soulful piece, Jesse. We need to be reminded to remember. I wouldn't have thought about the Edmond Fitzgerald without this post.
Now, many of us are taking a few moments to read the names of the lost - to linger with them in thought. Lightfoot's song began playing in my head as soon as the photo opening the piece appeared.
Tony Rice's version deserves more listening time. But I can't stop listening to Stan Rogers. With the first
few notes of NW Passage my emotions immediately rose up - and then the tears. There's something about the Celtic style, especially done acapella, that carries joy and sorrow simultaneously. The deliberate tone? Singing out with forceful intention? Is it just in the dna? I can hear the similarities
with the shape note singing of the Appalachian Mountains - brought there by Irish and Scottish settlers. Whatever the case may be, the music reaches deep.
Jesse, for reminding me to remember - for introducing me to Stan's music, and for your always thoughtful and generous writing, thank you.
Beautiful story! I live on Lake Erie where we have stories of ships and storms as well as a vibrant music scene. Speaking of which, I met my daughter's father when his band opened for your mother's band at Buffalo State College in about 1978. Today, we have two grandsons and we are all holding our own in Buffalo with stormy seas in the forecast.
Ships lost on the Great Lakes.
Jesse, Erie girl here. Thank you for this post. Tug operators in my neighborhood tell this tale and many olders do not forget. Are you aware or do you have a favorite reference for history on ships list in the Hreat Lakes?
Jesse Erie girl here. Thank you for this rembrence.
thanks, rich davpi3.14
Thanks Linda. davpi3.14
Thanks Laura. davpi3.14
Thanks Jesse p.s. good luck with your MUSIQUE
Very nice Jesse!! What a wonderful tale of connection around this tragedy. Growing up in Detroit I remember this when it happened. Of course the song was big in Detroit. I was married in a church not far from Mariner's Church and saw it many times going to and from Sunday services and with this story you tell here I find your family's connection to that church. I've admired your mom and dad for a very long time. I saw the MC5 many times as a teenager and remember your mom's store in Royal Oak that she started after your parents were married and they chose to stay in Detroit to raise a family. For that they are heroes to me!! I read this today, 11/11 which is typically marked as Veteran's Day. But it is also celebrated as Armistice Day, the day that marked the end of WWI. Thanks again, Jesse for this story!! Peace, darkmatterdon, Bainbridge Island, WA.
What a lovely story and really quite amazing connections within friends and family. We are holding our own is a phrase that has been used by amazing people in all walks of life in Britain too, old fashioned now but great words. Thank you Jesse 🙏
Wow, thank you so much for sharing this post, Jesse, it moved me immensely.
You really captured the poignancy of the Fitzgerald's story - it is such a part of our beloved Michigan.
I have a personal connection to the Fitz -
My parents were at her launch in 1958, the company my father worked for - Northwestern Mutual - had sponsored her construction. We would see her when I was a boy when we would be on the water. I was 10 when she was lost. My dad was a lifelong Detroiter, he loved boating and freighters, he always kept tabs on her, she was special, for he had witnessed her birth.
My father's favorite church was the Mariners. Whenever I am near it, I think of him, the Fitz and of course your wonderful folks.
And mostly thank you for reminding me of the message - "We are holding our own". I so desperately needed to hear that, I am like so many rather shattered by recent events. I said the message aloud. It is a good mantra - one that I will repeat. A vessel that is shattered can be repaired, rebuilt - stronger than before.
Hope is strength - thank you for always bringing hope.
Sending love from Detroit, from Michigan.
🕊️💙⚓✨