Posted on 11/09/2025 9:13:26 AM PST by Omnivore-Dan
Monday marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a tragedy on Lake Superior that claimed the lives of 29 men. In the days following the calamity, songwriter Gordon Lightfoot read about it in Newsweek and immediately put his God-given gifts to their highest and best use.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
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A deeply touching song that always brings tears to my eyes.
As an aside, it was not really a ship, it was a barge with the superstructure added for looks and functionality.
Yes, it probably did break in half.
LOVE the song! Also love Billy Joel’s Downeaster Alexa
Downeaster Alexa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVlDSzbrH5M
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzTkGyxkYI
Making History: Gordon Lightfoot & The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osAvIsgwIV0
The year Gordon Lightfoot died, We rang the bell 29 times for the men on the Edmund Fitzgerald, once for all other great sailors lost on the Great Lakes, and once for Gordon Lightfoot.
“Is the landlord still a loser..”
😆
Was seriously thinking about making the trip up there for the 50th, but the weather is supposed to be “gale” like.
I could never find Somillan, Wisconsin on a map ...
The pride of the American side.
That’s because I’d bet you REALLY understand it.
This is a good documentary on the EF sinking, covering more of the human side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KpkceTklu0
This one covers more technical details and theories on the cause of the sinking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2f0tZBSByI
Gordo wrote so many good songs. Ya don’t hear this one on the radio much, if at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mATZznY7H_Q
There’s something about the cadence of a sea chanty that makes you almost feel the waves.
I like Gordon’s music as well and like this SCTV parody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZpk0A4hZes
After the ship sank, the US Coast Guard mandated that Great Lakes freighters (ore boats) carry survival suits.
I was working on a freighter in 1976 and we had a drill to get the survival suit out of it bag and put it on. It took about four minutes. The Fitzgerald sank in seconds.
So the suits will save crew members if just before the ship sinks, the crew is on deck with their suits on.
We have a painting of the Edmund Fitzgerald on our living room wall. It depicts the moments before the Fitz cracked and sank as she tried to navigate the huge waves. James Clary is a well known artist who painted Great Lakes freighters. This is considered his best work.
I forget the number but it’s one of only 750 copies. My brother has another one.
Our kids found it last year for sale online. The seller didn’t know the value. They got it for $750. Copies usually go for $3000 or so.
The paining is very dark and foreboding and clearly depicts the everptesent danger of the sea.
One of my all time favorite songs! Just because I happen to make a living over the ocean.
Cool picture!
That’s a great song!
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