Gordon Lightfoot’s “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” History
November 10th, 1975, The Edmund Fitzgerald broke in half and sank in Lake Superior taking 29 crew members with her. Gordon Lightfoot wrote “Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald” as a historical folk song. Gordon felt that the ship and crew deserved more than what the media had done to cover the story. Normally, a historical folk song doesn’t tend to chart, but this one did.
“Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” peaked at #2 on the charts (behind Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s The Night”). I do not believe for a second that Gordon was motivated to write the song as a “hit,” but it is an interesting side note. The song also received Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Gordon Lightfoot Answers Questions Regarding “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Back in 2014, Gordon held an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit. During the course of questions, he was asked about the song. Gordon said, “The Edmund Fitzgerald really seemed to go unnoticed at that time, anything I’d seen in the newspapers or magazines were very short, brief articles. I felt I would like to expand upon the story of the sinking of the ship itself.”
Gordon did his homework. He bought old newspapers and put the story together in chronological order. As for the melody, Gordon gave credit to an old Irish folk song he remembers hearing as a young child, “I think it was one of the first pieces of music that registered to me as being a piece of music,” he continued. “That’s where the melody comes from, from an old Irish folk song.”
“Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” – Gordon Lightfoot
For years now, I have played “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” at noon on November 10th each year to honor the crew and respect this sad chapter in Michigan’s history. Thank you, Gordon Lightfoot, for honoring these souls. You forever hold a special place in the hearts of Michiganders. RIP
How well do you know Michigan? Scroll down for a chance to test your skill by population. Even though I’ve done City of the Week for years, I don’t think I could guess all ten correctly. If memory serves me right, Detroit, Sterling Heights, and Warren are definitely on the list… But I didn’t look yet. What are your guesses?
Can You Name The 10 Largest Cities In Michigan By Population?
1. Detroit
Detroit is obviously the most populated city in Michigan. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Population: 621,193
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, let’s be honest. We all knew Detroit would take the number one spot. It’s obviously the biggest city in the state. However, it’s not the capital! That’s something worth remembering. Could the capital be on the list? We’ll find out!
3. Warren
Chrysler workers leaving the factory. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Population: 136,153
This was a surprise! I didn’t see it coming. However, it makes sense when you think about it. It shares a border with Detroit, which was the most populated city in the state. Lots of opportunity for work, close to other major suburbs, I get it! I get it!
4. Sterling Heights
Star Wars fans line up to see a movie in Sterling Heights, Michigan (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Population: 131,523
I didn’t have this on my list, either. I’m not off to a good start, clearly. According to Wikipedia, Sterling Heights is the second largest suburb in Metro-Detroit.
5. Ann Arbor
The Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Home of the Wolverines! (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Getty Images)
Population: 119,570
I would have guessed Ann Arbor would have taken the bronze at number three. However, it’s actually number five on the list. Home of the University of Michigan, there’s tons to do in Ann Arbor and it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the state…and that’s coming from a graduate of Michigan State.
6. Lansing
Michigan’s Capitol Building in Lansing (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for MoveOn.org)
Population: 112,460
Michigan’s state capital comes in sixth place. There’s the Potter Park Zoo which is a big attraction. Then, just to the East you know what you’ll find? That’s right, East Lansing. Home of my Michigan State Spartans. If you’ve never checked out Michigan’s capitol building, I highly recommend you go sometime! It’s really cool.
7. Dearborn
Ford Motor Company’s World HQ in Dearborn, MI (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
Population: 105,988
Dearborn is the seventh largest city in Michigan. It’s the home of the Ford Motor Company’s World HQ. It also has, in my humble opinion, some of the best restaurants in Metro-Detroit. I can never go to Dearborn without getting a delicious meal.
9. Troy
Shoppers at Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan (Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images)
Population: 86,261
Troy, Michigan is home of Somerset Mall one of the best malls in the state. Troy has the largest population in Oakland County. It’s located 22 miles north of Downtown Detroit and is very easy to get to no matter where you’re at in Metro-Detroit.
