83 Comments

Such a beautiful essay. I had no idea ships sank on the Great Lakes, they must be great indeed. My ignorance!!!

I really hope that museum hears of this essay and that they decide to open on the anniversary for you, Jesse.

And thank you for introducing me to Stan Rogers, I look forward to listening to more of his work.

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blessings for The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald...I first heard this song live when Gord performed toa sellout crowd at the Miami Symphonic Auditorium in 1979. Blessings for remembering. DavPi3.14

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Thank you for this beautiful post. I was aware of Gordon Lightfoot’s tune back in the day, but like you, it was Tony Rice’s version that really drove the message home. Over the years, I’ve read here and there about the event, but you’ve woven the facts and the tragedy in an incredibly personal and moving way. What a great life lesson - “We are holding our own.”

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The big lake they calked Gitchi Gumi

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There is a beautiful ballad on the Shipwreck written and performed by Gordon Lightfoot.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ships lost on the Great Lakes.

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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?

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Jesse Erie girl here. Thank you for this rembrence.

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thanks, rich davpi3.14

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Thanks Linda. davpi3.14

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Thanks Laura. davpi3.14

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Thanks Jesse p.s. good luck with your MUSIQUE

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