Amen to that RIP all ..Gordon and all 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇. Fly to the angels every time I hear this I cry 😭...I was a small girl when this happened lived on Lake Superior until 2005 now Lake Michigan..in my town, Marquette Michigan ,it hit our town and our family we all mourned and still mourn😢❤...
Gordon Lightfoot our Canadian son ensures that the world will never forget "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"!! Lord be with all those lost and their families and now Gordon!
I read that when Mr. Lightfoot passed away that they rang the bell again. Instead of 29 times but 30 times ..... Adding that extra ring for Gordon Lightfoot.
Company 301 San Diego Navy Bootcamp. My 9th days end before taps when MMC Legg; our Company Commander explained what happened. He asked for silence & Prayers for the lost and families. Quietest lights out in my 27 year Navy career, and still vivid in my mind. God lift up all Edmund Fitzgerald familes and crew.
I read that when Mr. Lightfoot passed away that they rang the bell again. Instead of 29 times but 30 times ..... Adding that extra ring for Gordon Lightfoot. Mr. Lightfoot gave all his royalies of this song to the families of those who perished on the Edmund Fittzgerald.
Years ago my older brother and company were having dinner at a Duluth restaurant. They noticed a gentleman sitting by himself. They asked him if they could join him. He readily agreed. The man was Gordon Lightfoot. He was an absolute gentleman and a fascinating conversationalist. My brother called that evening well spent and an extraordinary opportunity. RIP, Gordon Lightfoot.
I'm from Toledo, OH near Lake Erie. I was a Sr. In High School when the Edmond Fitzgerald went down. We lost a lot of good men and woman. It still breaks my heart.😢
❤❤❤❤❤sure did .RIP Gordy .I met Gordy after his concert at the palace theater in Lorain ,Ohio years ago.omg what a highlight in my life .the man was so awesome and gracious to speak with me .I told him I'm a great lakes mariner at the time ,he asked me how I liked it and I told him I loved being a sailor 25 year veteran mariner since retired .he shook my hand and told me to take care .
I agree! I was 15 when this happened, & when Gordon’s song came out, it became my favorite. My parents took us on a vacation up there, & we went through the locks and dams of the Great Lakes. I always felt a connection with this place, & this song. It still makes me sad. 😔🙏💜
Ive been obsessed with the Fitzgerald pretty much my entire life. This ballad I can listen to it continually all day and I have. I live in Michigan and when I take to the upper peninsula from down in the lower I listen to it all the way. This song, this Ballad is very emotionally powerful to me. As a younger man it was all about the ship and the ' how it happened ' as a older man im very troubled knowing how awful those men died. I was in the Great Lakes Maritime academy same place where cadet David Wise went. I hope I spelled his name correctly. I met one of the instructors who taught David. He knew very well how bad it can be out there. I dont where was worse to die in the bow or stern. This stuff really messes with me. I have a lot of experience on the great lakes not on a freighter, mostly in small craft. I was in a youth volunteer program called U.S. Navel sea cadets. Our division was the great lakes and the navy donated a yard patrol ship, named Pride of Michigan. Look it up its here on RUclips. This was back in 1990. I served on her for 3 years. In '91 we were working with scientists studying zebra mussels back when they were not as known as they are now. Anyway we were in lake Michigan not far from the summer island and we were heading back to escanba. This huge storm hit us, I was in the pilot house so I heard all the raido traffic. We were in a gale. I sailed on this ship on the Atlantic through big rolling waves I thought that was bad. This was armageddon compaired to the Atlantic. We were fighting 20 foot waves, crashing across the bow which looked like we were going under! There are gauges that mesure the pitch and roll of the ship, we rolled a few times 42 degrees!! I was stationed at the lee helm, there is a iron bar bolted to the ceiling we called it the Jesus Christ bar. I was hanging on to that with both hands and my feet were comming off the deck! The sky was completely overcast dark and it was around 3pm. Lighting striking the water, the waves looked demonic, demons running into the ship from all sides. The verse " does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the Minutes to hours?" That is SO TRUE!!! we were only making 8 to 9 knots. I really believed this was it. The Captain, capitan Clyburn was at the helm he could hardly hang on because we were being tossed around like a cheap toy. I heard an adult in the crews quarters screaming in fear and it was a man. Remember the crew was mostly cadets. So that day of horror I can be sure pales to what the crew of the Fitzgerald went through. I get a bit emotional about that. God bless those men and for all stuck in a storm on the great lakes.
You probably suffer from P.T.S.D. after that and the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald only magnifies the feelings you are having.Real Trauma from the inland seas that are our Great Lakes! You at least survived the trauma to re-live - they took the trauma to their watery graves!
Gad...sounds utterly horrifying. I have nightmares of being on a sinking ship and watching it slowly disappear in the depths and me trying to swim to it to rescue the people in it but I run out of breath and can't reach it. It was so real I will not go on a cruise.
@@billofrightsamend4 Yes it was scary, but the experience, the memories of all the good outweighs the real scary stuff. Sometimes scary stuff makes us a better person, a humble person. The great lakes definitely can be a humbling experience and it doesn't have to be scary to do that. Just the. Beauty the sheer size of them is a wow experience. You shouldn't let your fears rule you kellywiese8991. If you want to go on a cruise do it. I'm 50 and I let alot of time go by just doing the everyday norm. It's been a very long time since I've done anything on the lakes. What I'm trying to say is dont let life pass you by, LIVE it! Thank you for sharing 😁
I was a kid when this song came out. Listend to it on wls am radio chicago. Later in 1980s I was on a 600 ft ship in south pacific.i was in the navy during persian gulfwar. My ship uss proteus as19. From Guam.we hit a typhoon breaking our keel. We pumped water for 500 Mile's we didn't sink. But having a 90ft wave hit the ship is something I will never forget. Nobody died but we sat 4 months having the ship welded back together. Was hell of a ride. Gordon Lightfoot an Edmund Fitzgerald song always a gem to listen to.
I have spent 38 years on the oceans. Been through some of the worst storms. I have a pice of steel railing that I kept for a reminder. The safety railing I was holding onto snapped like a twig (solid steel). Stories about this of the Mariner’s who lost their lives gives me a blessing to them and that I have been blessed with and survived it. Christopher Wayne Alexander AB.
The Great Lakes can put many oceans to shame with their storms. I grew up near both Erie and Ontario and they are magnificent when calm. But, when they decided to roll out their anger and Mothers Nature cuts lose it is unbelievable the fury they unleash. In a way calling them Lakes is not right. They are inland seas. If you want to know how much water we are looking at think about this. All the water comes into Lake Eire. Erie dumbs it into Ontario by the Niagara river. Go to Niagara Falls and look at the water flowing over them. For most of you there will be more water in one second than you will see in your entire life. They say sailing the Lakes is harder than the oceans. I don't know, you can answer that. I've heard that you need special instructions to Captain a ship on them.
I was in the Navy for almost 8 years and have been through some rough seas too. If you want to see rough? Go up close to the Alutian Islands off of Alaska in late November and early December. That is very rough.
Spent alot of time out at sea in the navy hurricanes are no joke. Remember plenty of ti.e the front under water safety equipment straps so I would go overboard RIP 29 brave seaman❤
Thanks for your stories. Always wondered what it would be like during a storm on the sea. Water. The irony. Need it for survival, but natures greatest weapon. I was in Whitefish Point looking out and a storm was brewing. It got black. Waves were kicking on shore. I couldn’t imagine. Saw a freighter on Superior and thought, stay close.
Growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario, this song really hits home for me, because I have a friend that lost her uncle during that sinking, and my uncle who also worked on one of the many Great Lakes freighters, also lost a good friend, during the sinking of the Fitzgerald, which affected me deeply. What most people don’t realize is how dangerous the great lakes can be, especially in November. All of the great lakes bottoms are scattered with shipwrecks from centuries gone by. Leave it to a great Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, to memorialize an honour The Edmund Fitzgerald, and all the crew that were lost in seconds. I can tell you from personal experience, the great lakes are just as dangerous, if not more so, then the oceans, with storms seemingly coming out of nowhere, powerful enough to sink almost any vessel no matter how big. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine, who is also my colleague at the hospital where I work, had just bought himself a private yacht, something he wanted all his life, and sacrificed everything to get. She was so beautiful, almost 100 feet long, with opulent interiors, built by hand from the keel plates up. He invited me out on the lake for a day of fun on her maiden voyage, unfortunately my family couldn’t come, but I went by myself…. Thank God my family was not there. When we left the Toronto harbor, the water was perfectly smooth, not a breath of wind, and sunny skies, on a warm August day. By the time we were about 10 km from shore, literally out of nowhere, an enormous black cloud begin to form, the winds begin to blow hard, and the waves started churning. Within a matter of 10 minutes we went from perfectly sunny clear skies and smooth sailing, to near hurricane force winds, rain, and waves at least 8-10 feet high. Even though we were in his nearly 100 foot long yacht, it was being tossed around in the waves like a dinghy, and with one wave, The engine hatch was knocked open, flooding the engine room, killing all the power. We just sat there helpless, at the mercy of the storm. There were so many times I thought for sure we were going to go under the waves. If it wasn’t for the watertight doors between the engine room and the rest of the ship, we all would have been dead (there were about 30 people aboard, including his own wife and 3 children). We radioed for help immediately (using the back up generator), by the grace of God, there was a military ship that just happened to be only 1 km from us, which is very rare, but in the summertime, The Royal Canadian Navy sails into Toronto’s harbour, docks, and gives tours of one of their frigates for the public. She was on her way back to her home port in Halifax, and it was pure luck they were just passing us soon after we lost power. To make a long story short, they were able to attach a tow line, and take us back to shore, but my friends ship was heavily damaged by the waves. I felt so bad for the poor guy, it was his dream, he saved every penny he ever made to purchase this boat, and planned on living on it all summer, thank God he had insurance, because the storm managed to cause over $200,000 in damages to the boat. But that’s not the worst part. I have been on the water all of my life up until that point, especially because I grew up on the waterfront, but that day changed everything. I was absolutely petrified, convinced we were all going to die, as the little ship was tossed Mercilessly in the 10 foot swells (that’s according to the naval frigate that saved us). At one point, almost the entire ship was underwater after being hit by a huge wave, I’ve never been afraid to be on the water, in fact I loved it, I was always happiest when on the water, but no more. After that day, you could not pay me enough money to set foot on any boat or ship. I know it was just a freak storm, but the psychological damage was irreversible, I even had to see a psychiatrist help deal with it, and my poor friend ended up selling his dream boat, because he too was absolutely terrified, and his wife never liked being on the water to begin with, and after that day, she refused to ever set foot on that boat again. I’m not saying to stay off the water, what happened to us could happen to anyone at any time, but when it does happen, it leaves a scar, a scar that never fully heals. I can only imagine the terror those poor men on the Fitzgerald felt as the ship broke in two and went under the waves in seconds. The lakes and oceans may be a playground for many, but is also deadly for others, treat it with respect, and don’t ever underestimate the power of the water, it can rip a solid steel ship in half in seconds, remember that the next time you want to scoff at those of us afraid to go on the water ever again.
What a great and interesting tale you have there.you are absolutely right,the great lakes are nothing to underestimate.i live on the most northerly point of lake superior and I've seen the waves and weather RIP through so hard that we could hear the waves crashing from my house which was 5 kilometers away..i can only imagine the anxiety you must feel looking back to the day you were on that yaht.absolutely,the great lakes need to be respected and how quickly they brew up storms.there are places in lake superior over 1000 feet deep and it chills me to the bone thinking of those poor souls aboard the fitz.never do I venture too far from shore when cruising Ontario great lakes!thank you for sharing your story and wish you safe travels.gods speed!
well, that is what most who do not live around or near the great lakes understands and that is the problem, they think that they are just `larger lakes', when in a sense, they could be considered what are called inland seas. not to mention they have the capability of creating their own weather.
I loved this song when it came out and still do in July 2022. It's beautiful and hauntingly sad. All those precious lives lost. All the families left behind to carry on. God bless those who had to live through this tragedy. ❤️🤟
I remember that day as if yesterday, My mother and I cried all day and night. Mom knew a large number of the crew. This was a very bad time for all the mariners who rode the lakes. R.I.P. May God keep you in his arms.
So haunting is this song. It brings me back to that time when i heard it on the radio. This song will never die. It is beautiful, memorable, and haunting at the same time.
Just wanted to say you did a hell of a great job on the imagery for this. Using authentic footage and photos really brought it to life and hit all the right emotional notes. Very satisfying, and very close to what my own head imagery for the song has always been.
Gordon's great ballad and your great imagery thank you. you took a great presentation and made it better. now i remember being on a red tractor in sandy creek new york in a crop field with a bush hog attachment over looking the surf of lake erie.in november near thanks giving time. yeah watch out for the november winds over those great lakes.
So true. If you allow yourself the images almost put you there with the absolute horror of knowing your going to die. Thanks for giving us the faces and names--never seen them before.
"The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her, " Those lines are heartbreaking. . (If only they made it) It's the only song to consistently bring a tear to my eye every time I hear it RIP crew of the E.F.
wonderful tributes to everyone on the ship, Gordons voice and song perfect to tell everyone this sad story, we must not forget our brave sailors, ever,
"And later that night when his lights went outa sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". For anyone that has put to sea, that line sends chills up your spine. Every time you hear it.
I had hoped someone would make a song for the US cargo ship El Faro that sank in 2015 off the coast of Jacksonville, FL. This song has always stayed with me because of the sailors who went down with their ship. Shalom
Listening today...i live 2 hours from Lake Superior...today we are under storm warning with 80km an hour winds...how fitting and gives us a clue what the crew went through...RIP to all lost...and thanks for your video...well done
I was born in 1963 so I remember this song playing on AM radio and even as a child just listening to the songs words and the way the music hauntingly carries you along you knew it was serious and the way Gordon sang it gave it a feel and drew on you to take it to heart...... And to hear him sing "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the Gail's of November come early"....... That shakes me to my core, it lets you feel the sense of panic and terror that must come with being on raging waters......😕
Growing up in Michigan I was raised with these haunting Great Lakes Shipwrecks. People don't realize how deadly our Great Lakes really are. The Fitzgerald was actually headed to Detroit and a Hatch did not open it was taken over by 35 foot waves and higher
It's like being stuck in the Devil's Triangle what happened to me when I was a young girl and my daddy took the 31-foot boat of his to the Bahamas suddenly the sea turned upside down and it was very very scary I'm wondering if that ship rolled over on its side riding the waves back in
This was a beautifully done tribute. I'm not a sailor but an aviator and this made me tear up. We all share a common bond when our brothers and sisters lose their lives doing a job they love. RIP sailors.
This is a beautiful tribute to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. You did a phenomenal job on the video. Gordon Lightfoot's words and composition are perfection. The man was connected to his head and his heart. The musicians in his band are outstanding. They complete this song. They made it seem easy. People back then were so down to earth and real.
As a former member of the Coast Guard, it easy to understand how the ocean can almost be flat at times......and then look so terrifying in short order. When "The Winds of November" blow early......every sailor knows how that feels...
RIP crew Ernest McSorley - Captain born in 1912 in Canada and lived in Toledo, Ohio. He started command of the Fitzgerald in 1972 with more than 40 years of experience navigating oceans and the Great Lakes. McSorley was highly regarded for his skills, especially in heavy weather. He intended to retire after the 1975 shipping season but was survived by wife Nellie Pollock. John McCarthy - First mate born in 1913 and lived in Bay Village, Ohio. James Pratt - Second mate born in 1931 and lived in Lakewood, Ohio. Michael Armagost - Third mate born in 1938 and lived in Iron River, Wisconsin. David Weiss - Cadet born in 1953 and lived in Agoura, California. Ransom Cundy - Watchman born in 1922 on Easter Sunday in Houghton, Michigan, and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. He was in the Marine Corp and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII. Fortunate to survive, Cundy was awarded several commendations and medals for his service. He was sailing with his friend Frederick J. Beetcher at the time of the sinking. Cundy was survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband, and their seven children as well as three grandchildren from his youngest daughter Janice who passed away in 1974. Karl Peckol - Watchman born in 1955 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. William Spengler - Watchman born in 1916 and lived in Toledo, Ohio. John Simmons - Senior wheelman born in 1913 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He was known as a storyteller, jokester, and pool shark, and he loved sailing. Friends with Captain McSorley for more than 30 years, the ill-fated Fitzgerald trip was going to be his last before retirement. Simmons was survived by wife Florence (who never dated or remarried after his death) and two daughters Mary and Patricia. Eugene O’Brien - Wheelman born in 1925 in Minnesota and lived in Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Great Lakes Gambler,” he worked on ships from age 16 and only took a four-year hiatus as a glass factory worker. He loved casinos and playing cards. O’Brien was survived by wife Nancy and son John, who was just 17 when he lost his father. John Poviach - Wheelman born in 1916 and lived in Bradenton, Florida. Paul Riippa - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio. Mark Thomas - Deckhand born in 1954 and lived in Richmond Heights, Ohio. Bruce Hudson - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in North Olmsted, Ohio. George Holl - Chief engineer born in 1915 and lived in Cabot, Pennsylvania. Edward Bindon - First assistant engineer born in 1928 and lived in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Thomas Edwards - Second assistant engineer born in 1925 and lived in Oregon, Ohio. Russell Haskell - Second assistant engineer born in 1935 and lived in Millbury, Ohio. Oliver Champeau - Third assistant engineer born in 1934 and lived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Buck,” he quit school at age 13 to raise four siblings after his father died. During his life, Champeau fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps. Ralph Walton - Oiler born in 1917 and lived in Fremont, Ohio. He and his brother Wade sailed on many Columbia Transportation ships, including the Fitzgerald, but only he was on board when it sank. He often volunteered to maintain the ships during winter and gave his nephews tours of the vessels. Walton was survived by a wife and son Alan who worked on freighters too. Blaine Wilhelm - Oiler born in 1923 in Big Bay, Michigan, and lived in Moquah, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy for 11 years, serving in WWII and the Korean War before being discharged as a first class fireman. Afterward, Wilhelm sailed for 19 years. He liked to go fishing and deer hunting and enjoyed playing pool, barbecuing, spending time with family and friends, and eating blueberry pie. Wilhelm was survived by wife Lorraine, seven children, and a grandchild born just four days after the Fitzgerald sank. Thomas Bentsen - Oiler born in 1952 and lived in St. Joseph, Michigan. Gordon MacLellan - Wiper born in 1945 and lived in Clearwater, Florida. Less than one month before the tragic Fitzgerald journey, he built a home in Presque Isle, Michigan, to make travel between the two states easier. MacLellan took after his father, Master Captain Donald MacLellan who traveled the Great Lakes route several times. Robert Rafferty - Steward and cook born in 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, where he also lived. After 30 years of sailing, he started just filling in for crew members. Rafferty wasn’t supposed to be on the fateful journey but was called to fill in for the regular steward. He was actually considering retiring altogether. Rafferty was survived by wife Brooksie, daughter Pam, and several grandchildren. Allen Kalmon - Second cook born in 1932 and lived in Washburn, Wisconsin. Joseph Mazes - Special maintenance man born in 1916 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He sailed for 30 years on the Great Lakes and loved his job. At one point, he saved another crewman’s life. Sadly, the 1975 season would have been his last because he planned to retire. Mazes loved ice fishing, deer hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time. His siblings, nieces, and nephews remember how kind and generous he was. They recall him being afraid of Captain McSorley’s habit of never pulling out of a storm. Thomas Borgeson - Maintenance man born in 1934 and lived in Duluth, Minnesota. Frederick Beetcher - Porter born in 1919 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. Nolan Church - Porter born in 1920 and lived in Silver Bay, Minnesota. He didn’t start sailing until his 40s after watching the freighters pass by his home and thinking that the job would be fun. He was survived by multiple children who say that he loved the job. Son Rick recalls his father joking that the Great Lakes didn’t have a hole big enough for the Fitzgerald. Church didn’t think that such a tragedy could happen.
Visited the museum at Whitefish point last year and was stopped in my tracks as the first thing you see as you walk in is the ships bell. What an amazing thing to see rita in front of you.
I remember very well the night, when the Fitzgerald went down. I was 13. Denny Anderson from WDIO (tv station in Duluth, MN) was the first broadcaster in the USA, to break the news. So, so sad. 😢😢😢
Hello You Done A Wonderful Video Tribute Of The Edmund Fitzgerald . My Husband David & I Are From Duluth Minnesota . My Husband David Was A Boy His Father Took David To See The Edmund Fitzgerald His Father Was Working The Two Harbors Dock Filling The Edmund Fitzgerald & Many Other Freighters . I'm 25 Years Younger Than My Husband David He Is 72 & I'm 47 . I Wish I Could Have Seen The Queen Of The Great Lakes The Edmund Fitzgerald . We Will Never Forget . Sincerely Gabby Gustafsson Bock
The first time I heard the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald I broke down and wept. And whenever I was in my car, and it came on the radio I had to pull over, because I couldn't see where I was driving. Here it is 2023 and the tears still come. I will never forget those 29 and the family who lost their loved ones.
Such an awesome song! Not only that but a wonderful video. This is American history. Needs to be told to generation after generataion. Stay off that lake that has seas like an ocean in November! 😓
Just came back from my first trip to the UP including the Soo Locks. We watched a freighter pass through heading east. This song and story were on my mind. RIP.
My dad began his career at the Locks,n lived on Superior, in the Sault. This song makes me feel for the familys. I'm 64 now n still remember that November night. May they rest in peace 😢
I have always loved the sea & sailing. I feel drawn to all ships and freightliners. I must have been a shipman in another life. My heart goes out to all the families that have lost love one's. Brave souls. Thank you for sharing.
Fantastic job on your video. I was in the Army when this was a big hit on the radio and I have the record on vinyl somewhere. Your video deserves 50 million or so views like the original track which has nothing but a photo of the album cover. (There are several official versions on RUclips with varying numbers of views.) 🧨
I remember this song like it was yesterday. Working in a convenience store right after I graduated. All good things must end as they say, but never forgotten.
Beautifully produced. Chilling how well it goes perfectly with this haunting song. Only true Lakers will really appreciate it. RIP to all sailors lost at sea.
I have seen several videos well done, but I really think this one captures the reality of the loss. I graduated soon after this event. December 1975, class of 1976. Gordon Lightfoot captured this piece of tragic history masterfully...I tear up to this day.
I "discovered Gordon Lightfoot while a student at The University of Texas (Austin campus); I'd been injured in a car accident, I was paralyzed, so all I could do was LISTEN (while lying there). My older brother took his record player to me; I'd "discovered Gordon Lightfoot, & was ENTHRALLED by his music, ESPECIALLY the album, "If You Could Read My Mind"; I set that bar "open", so the record could be played ENDLESSLY!! I listened to his music LITERALLY, ALL day AND ALL NIGHT!! You CAN say Gordon Lightfoot genuinely helped me heal...!! Hisusic STILL "moves me...!" He, in spirit played such a part of my recovery AND rehabilitation! (I had to learn EVERYTHING all over; if you have your health & the ability to move, YOU are RICH! ( Thanks for reading this; I can't put it all in words that contain the reality.) But, y'all...I'm OK now...(I had fantastic therapists & MD'S; THANK YOU, God... 🙃🙂
This is an awesome video to this song. I’ve known about this song for years but never listened to it. Actually didn’t even know the complete name of the song till I listened to it on RUclips some months ago. What an amazing song about that terrible tragedy. My life is all about music and car audio. Has been for over 30 years. I have a 6000 watt 2004 Ford F-150 with an Alpine radio, 7 Alpine amplifiers and 16 speakers in it, including 4 10” subwoofers in a custom made ported enclosure. There’s not too many songs that don’t sound good in this truck. Considering that the original song is an older recording, it sounds really amazing. For me, the louder it is, the better. Listening to this song on a computer or phone or a stock radio in a car does this song no justice. When you put higher amplification to your car speakers, it brings out so many nuances of the music that lower power doesn’t do. As powerful as this song is, I’m extremely lucky I get to listen to this in the setting I do. This, as many other songs do can give chills and goosebumps. Wish everyone that likes this song and loves music the way I do could listen to this truck. I would like to think they would enjoy it.
I worked in the Upper Peninsula the summer of 1976 as a student engineer for a company that produced taconite pellets, the same as the cargo that went down with the Edmund Fitzgerald. I knew the news of the wreck prior to working there and then being on Lake Superior that summer 6 months or so after, the tragedy was still raw in Yooper’s minds. Then Lightfoot’s masterpiece came out. It was played endlessly once it dropped. I was able to tour the sister ship of the Fitzgerald which was docked in Marquette and being loaded with my plant’s taconite pellets in August 1976.
Ring the bell 30 times.
29 for the crew
1 for Gordon
Rest easy men. Your legends live on.
The Mariners Church in Detroit rang the bell 30 times the day after Gordon Lightfoot died. The video of part of the tribute is on RUclips.
Amen 🙏❤
Amen ❤❤❤❤ 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Amen to that RIP all ..Gordon and all 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇. Fly to the angels every time I hear this I cry 😭...I was a small girl when this happened lived on Lake Superior until 2005 now Lake Michigan..in my town, Marquette Michigan ,it hit our town and our family we all mourned and still mourn😢❤...
@@melissadavis225 ⚓🚢❤️
Still listening in October 30, 2024, Chicago, Illinois. I still cry every time I hear this song. I salute the Captain and crew. R. I. P.
Rest in Peace, Gordon Lightfoot! Your legend will live on in Minnesota and beyond!
Gordon Lightfoot our Canadian son ensures that the world will never forget "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"!! Lord be with all those lost and their families and now Gordon!
I read that when Mr. Lightfoot passed away that they rang the bell again. Instead of 29 times but 30 times ..... Adding that extra ring for Gordon Lightfoot.
I have listened to this song since I was a child. I'm 58 yrs old now. It still brings chills to my soul.
I too have been listening to this song for many many years. Thank you Dad! I’m also 58.
I am almost 60. Same sentiment!
Same
Me too. Grew up with it.
You learn about ship wrecks like Titanic, it was surreal to have it around us
Company 301 San Diego Navy Bootcamp. My 9th days end before taps when MMC Legg; our Company Commander explained what happened. He asked for silence & Prayers for the lost and families. Quietest lights out in my 27 year Navy career, and still vivid in my mind. God lift up all Edmund Fitzgerald familes and crew.
I read that when Mr. Lightfoot passed away that they rang the bell again. Instead of 29 times but 30 times ..... Adding that extra ring for Gordon Lightfoot. Mr. Lightfoot gave all his royalies of this song to the families of those who perished on the Edmund Fittzgerald.
Still listening in 2024.
I have not forgotten.
Cleveland Ohio.
Same💔
Same here ❤
Thank you Gordon Lightfoot for such a memorable song of these lost souls. Rest In Peace Gordon 05-01-2023✝️
Years ago my older brother and company were having dinner at a Duluth restaurant. They noticed a gentleman sitting by himself. They asked him if they could join him. He readily agreed. The man was Gordon Lightfoot. He was an absolute gentleman and a fascinating conversationalist. My brother called that evening well spent and an extraordinary opportunity. RIP, Gordon Lightfoot.
It's amazing who you can run into traveling this country. I've often said I would hate to be on the run.
R.I.P Gordon Lightfoot 1938-2023 I will always remember your legendary song. 🙌
Probably the best song no other musician will ever cover.
I agree.
It's been covered. By a band called, the Headstones.
@@gregoryhagen8801 did it compare ?
@@idiot-983 It's OK. More up tempo.
It was also covered by a group called “Punch Brothers”. It’s different for sure, very dark.
Just heard Gordon passed away yesterday! He touched so many lives an souls with his music!
Still brings a tear to your eye, all these years later. Godspeed to the families and the lost crew
Ditto
even in 2022
It affects me so deeply, every time I hear this song, I keep a box of Kleenex at hand.
Even in 2023😞
I'm from Toledo, OH near Lake Erie. I was a Sr. In High School when the Edmond Fitzgerald went down. We lost a lot of good men and woman. It still breaks my heart.😢
RIP Gordon Lightfoot, one of the GREATEST songs EVER WRITTEN☝️☝️🙏🙏🙏💔💔😢😢🙏
❤❤❤❤❤sure did .RIP Gordy .I met Gordy after his concert at the palace theater in Lorain ,Ohio years ago.omg what a highlight in my life .the man was so awesome and gracious to speak with me .I told him I'm a great lakes mariner at the time ,he asked me how I liked it and I told him I loved being a sailor 25 year veteran mariner since retired .he shook my hand and told me to take care .
I agree! I was 15 when this happened, & when Gordon’s song came out, it became my favorite. My parents took us on a vacation up there, & we went through the locks and dams of the Great Lakes. I always felt a connection with this place, & this song. It still makes me sad. 😔🙏💜
Ive been obsessed with the Fitzgerald pretty much my entire life. This ballad I can listen to it continually all day and I have. I live in Michigan and when I take to the upper peninsula from down in the lower I listen to it all the way. This song, this Ballad is very emotionally powerful to me. As a younger man it was all about the ship and the ' how it happened ' as a older man im very troubled knowing how awful those men died. I was in the Great Lakes Maritime academy same place where cadet David Wise went. I hope I spelled his name correctly. I met one of the instructors who taught David. He knew very well how bad it can be out there. I dont where was worse to die in the bow or stern. This stuff really messes with me. I have a lot of experience on the great lakes not on a freighter, mostly in small craft. I was in a youth volunteer program called U.S. Navel sea cadets. Our division was the great lakes and the navy donated a yard patrol ship, named Pride of Michigan. Look it up its here on RUclips.
This was back in 1990. I served on her for 3 years. In '91 we were working with scientists studying zebra mussels back when they were not as known as they are now.
Anyway we were in lake Michigan not far from the summer island and we were heading back to escanba. This huge storm hit us, I was in the pilot house so I heard all the raido traffic. We were in a gale. I sailed on this ship on the Atlantic through big rolling waves I thought that was bad. This was armageddon compaired to the Atlantic. We were fighting 20 foot waves, crashing across the bow which looked like we were going under! There are gauges that mesure the pitch and roll of the ship, we rolled a few times 42 degrees!! I was stationed at the lee helm, there is a iron bar bolted to the ceiling we called it the Jesus Christ bar. I was hanging on to that with both hands and my feet were comming off the deck! The sky was completely overcast dark and it was around 3pm. Lighting striking the water, the waves looked demonic, demons running into the ship from all sides. The verse " does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the Minutes to hours?" That is SO TRUE!!! we were only making 8 to 9 knots. I really believed this was it. The Captain, capitan Clyburn was at the helm he could hardly hang on because we were being tossed around like a cheap toy. I heard an adult in the crews quarters screaming in fear and it was a man. Remember the crew was mostly cadets. So that day of horror I can be sure pales to what the crew of the Fitzgerald went through. I get a bit emotional about that. God bless those men and for all stuck in a storm on the great lakes.
That really painted a picture, thank you. Intense.
You probably suffer from P.T.S.D. after that and the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald only magnifies the feelings you are having.Real Trauma from the inland seas that are our Great Lakes! You at least survived the trauma to re-live - they took the trauma to their watery graves!
Gad...sounds utterly horrifying. I have nightmares of being on a sinking ship and watching it slowly disappear in the depths and me trying to swim to it to rescue the people in it but I run out of breath and can't reach it. It was so real I will not go on a cruise.
@@billofrightsamend4
Yes it was scary, but the experience, the memories of all the good outweighs the real scary stuff. Sometimes scary stuff makes us a better person, a humble person. The great lakes definitely can be a humbling experience and it doesn't have to be scary to do that. Just the. Beauty the sheer size of them is a wow experience.
You shouldn't let your fears rule you kellywiese8991. If you want to go on a cruise do it. I'm 50 and I let alot of time go by just doing the everyday norm. It's been a very long time since I've done anything on the lakes. What I'm trying to say is dont let life pass you by, LIVE it! Thank you for sharing 😁
Lake Supreme
I was a kid when this song came out. Listend to it on wls am radio chicago. Later in 1980s I was on a 600 ft ship in south pacific.i was in the navy during persian gulfwar. My ship uss proteus as19. From Guam.we hit a typhoon breaking our keel. We pumped water for 500 Mile's we didn't sink. But having a 90ft wave hit the ship is something I will never forget. Nobody died but we sat 4 months having the ship welded back together.
Was hell of a ride. Gordon Lightfoot an Edmund Fitzgerald song always a gem to listen to.
I have spent 38 years on the oceans. Been through some of the worst storms. I have a pice of steel railing that I kept for a reminder. The safety railing I was holding onto snapped like a twig (solid steel). Stories about this of the Mariner’s who lost their lives gives me a blessing to them and that I have been blessed with and survived it. Christopher Wayne Alexander AB.
The Great Lakes can put many oceans to shame with their storms. I grew up near both Erie and Ontario and they are magnificent when calm. But, when they decided to roll out their anger and Mothers Nature cuts lose it is unbelievable the fury they unleash. In a way calling them Lakes is not right. They are inland seas. If you want to know how much water we are looking at think about this. All the water comes into Lake Eire. Erie dumbs it into Ontario by the Niagara river. Go to Niagara Falls and look at the water flowing over them. For most of you there will be more water in one second than you will see in your entire life. They say sailing the Lakes is harder than the oceans. I don't know, you can answer that. I've heard that you need special instructions to Captain a ship on them.
I was in the Navy for almost 8 years and have been through some rough seas too. If you want to see rough? Go up close to the Alutian Islands off of Alaska in late November and early December. That is very rough.
Spent alot of time out at sea in the navy hurricanes are no joke. Remember plenty of ti.e the front under water safety equipment straps so I would go overboard RIP 29 brave seaman❤
Chris Alexander, just checking to hear you are still with us, your the kind of person I'd listen to all day, total respect,and admiration,my captain
Thanks for your stories. Always wondered what it would be like during a storm on the sea. Water. The irony. Need it for survival, but natures greatest weapon. I was in Whitefish Point looking out and a storm was brewing. It got black. Waves were kicking on shore. I couldn’t imagine. Saw a freighter on Superior and thought, stay close.
Great video. The song is brilliantly written, and as the history guy says, "It's history that deserves to be remembered."
RIP Gordon Lightfoot , your music will always live on forever.❤
Rip Gordon Lighfoot. Tks for all the yrs of hits and meaningful music
Growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario, this song really hits home for me, because I have a friend that lost her uncle during that sinking, and my uncle who also worked on one of the many Great Lakes freighters, also lost a good friend, during the sinking of the Fitzgerald, which affected me deeply. What most people don’t realize is how dangerous the great lakes can be, especially in November. All of the great lakes bottoms are scattered with shipwrecks from centuries gone by. Leave it to a great Canadian, Gordon Lightfoot, to memorialize an honour The Edmund Fitzgerald, and all the crew that were lost in seconds. I can tell you from personal experience, the great lakes are just as dangerous, if not more so, then the oceans, with storms seemingly coming out of nowhere, powerful enough to sink almost any vessel no matter how big. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine, who is also my colleague at the hospital where I work, had just bought himself a private yacht, something he wanted all his life, and sacrificed everything to get. She was so beautiful, almost 100 feet long, with opulent interiors, built by hand from the keel plates up. He invited me out on the lake for a day of fun on her maiden voyage, unfortunately my family couldn’t come, but I went by myself…. Thank God my family was not there. When we left the Toronto harbor, the water was perfectly smooth, not a breath of wind, and sunny skies, on a warm August day. By the time we were about 10 km from shore, literally out of nowhere, an enormous black cloud begin to form, the winds begin to blow hard, and the waves started churning. Within a matter of 10 minutes we went from perfectly sunny clear skies and smooth sailing, to near hurricane force winds, rain, and waves at least 8-10 feet high. Even though we were in his nearly 100 foot long yacht, it was being tossed around in the waves like a dinghy, and with one wave, The engine hatch was knocked open, flooding the engine room, killing all the power. We just sat there helpless, at the mercy of the storm. There were so many times I thought for sure we were going to go under the waves. If it wasn’t for the watertight doors between the engine room and the rest of the ship, we all would have been dead (there were about 30 people aboard, including his own wife and 3 children). We radioed for help immediately (using the back up generator), by the grace of God, there was a military ship that just happened to be only 1 km from us, which is very rare, but in the summertime, The Royal Canadian Navy sails into Toronto’s harbour, docks, and gives tours of one of their frigates for the public. She was on her way back to her home port in Halifax, and it was pure luck they were just passing us soon after we lost power. To make a long story short, they were able to attach a tow line, and take us back to shore, but my friends ship was heavily damaged by the waves. I felt so bad for the poor guy, it was his dream, he saved every penny he ever made to purchase this boat, and planned on living on it all summer, thank God he had insurance, because the storm managed to cause over $200,000 in damages to the boat. But that’s not the worst part. I have been on the water all of my life up until that point, especially because I grew up on the waterfront, but that day changed everything. I was absolutely petrified, convinced we were all going to die, as the little ship was tossed Mercilessly in the 10 foot swells (that’s according to the naval frigate that saved us). At one point, almost the entire ship was underwater after being hit by a huge wave, I’ve never been afraid to be on the water, in fact I loved it, I was always happiest when on the water, but no more. After that day, you could not pay me enough money to set foot on any boat or ship. I know it was just a freak storm, but the psychological damage was irreversible, I even had to see a psychiatrist help deal with it, and my poor friend ended up selling his dream boat, because he too was absolutely terrified, and his wife never liked being on the water to begin with, and after that day, she refused to ever set foot on that boat again. I’m not saying to stay off the water, what happened to us could happen to anyone at any time, but when it does happen, it leaves a scar, a scar that never fully heals. I can only imagine the terror those poor men on the Fitzgerald felt as the ship broke in two and went under the waves in seconds. The lakes and oceans may be a playground for many, but is also deadly for others, treat it with respect, and don’t ever underestimate the power of the water, it can rip a solid steel ship in half in seconds, remember that the next time you want to scoff at those of us afraid to go on the water ever again.
What a great and interesting tale you have there.you are absolutely right,the great lakes are nothing to underestimate.i live on the most northerly point of lake superior and I've seen the waves and weather RIP through so hard that we could hear the waves crashing from my house which was 5 kilometers away..i can only imagine the anxiety you must feel looking back to the day you were on that yaht.absolutely,the great lakes need to be respected and how quickly they brew up storms.there are places in lake superior over 1000 feet deep and it chills me to the bone thinking of those poor souls aboard the fitz.never do I venture too far from shore when cruising Ontario great lakes!thank you for sharing your story and wish you safe travels.gods speed!
@@derekirons8577 thanks Derek!
That was a fascinating,& wonderfully told story! Thanks for sharing
Grew up on Atlantic Ocean and after watching this stuff and your post I can say those lakes terrify me unlike the ocean.
well, that is what most who do not live around or near the great lakes understands and that is the problem, they think that they are just `larger lakes', when in a sense, they could be considered what are called inland seas. not to mention they have the capability of creating their own weather.
what a hauntingly beautiful song Thank you Gordon Lightfoot.
I tear up EVERY time I hear this song, remember these men. Rest in Peace, Mariners.
Yep, me too!
Same here. May thay all RIP
Its still so sad
Just one of those songs I can’t make it through without tears.
My brothers & I watched her leave Duluth, MN.
She was something to behold.
This is the most heart wrenching song that has ever been written
Yes,, what a tribute to the men and conditions on the great lakes that people don't know about! And I'm short changing it!
I disagree. ruclips.net/video/J3vu-DKNeOc/видео.html
Kind of fitting that an American Indian would pay tribute to EF and the crew. A beautiful heart wrenching song. Talent of Gordon Lightfoot.
@@joshuabrown9609 He is not Native American infact the name Lightfoot is Anglo-Saxon
AGREE
So heart touching......huge respect for the singer and all soul of this Edmund Fitzgerald
I loved this song when it came out and still do in July 2022. It's beautiful and hauntingly sad. All those precious lives lost. All the families left behind to carry on. God bless those who had to live through this tragedy. ❤️🤟
This is my first memory of news in my childhood.
I remember that day as if yesterday, My mother and I cried all day and night. Mom knew a large number of the crew. This was a very bad time for all the mariners who rode the lakes. R.I.P. May God keep you in his arms.
So haunting is this song. It brings me back to that time when i heard it on the radio. This song will never die. It is beautiful, memorable, and haunting at the same time.
Just wanted to say you did a hell of a great job on the imagery for this. Using authentic footage and photos really brought it to life and hit all the right emotional notes. Very satisfying, and very close to what my own head imagery for the song has always been.
I agree. Great editing!
Gordon's great ballad and your great imagery thank you. you took a great presentation and made it better.
now i remember being on a red tractor in sandy creek new york in a crop field with a bush hog attachment over looking the surf of lake erie.in november near thanks giving time. yeah watch out for the november winds over those great lakes.
So true. If you allow yourself the images almost put you there with the absolute horror of knowing your going to die. Thanks for giving us the faces and names--never seen them before.
Tv junk face preacher Head donn comes late preacher. Like the vid2
Fish dimension .you're right .the video Edmund Fitzgerald great
Excellent video.. this song is always haunting.. these clips make it even more so..
“Fellas, it’s been good ta know ya” always gets me.
"The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her, "
Those lines are heartbreaking. . (If only they made it)
It's the only song to consistently bring a tear to my eye every time I hear it
RIP crew of the E.F.
The legend lives on! Rest in peace. Gordon Lightfoot
A meaningful tribute. It still brings tears
wonderful tributes to everyone on the ship, Gordons voice and song perfect to tell everyone this sad story, we must not forget our brave sailors, ever,
I first heard this in fall of 1977, it still chills me! I am originally from Massachusetts, and was in Georgia at the time. Such a sad song!
Rest in peace Gordon, your music and legacy will continue for centuries
one of my all time favorites from Gordon Lightfoot, may he RIP 🥰
Goosebumps- “ The church bell chimed till it rang 29 times for each man on the #EdmundFitzgerald “ 🔔 🔔 🔔 ❤️🩹
They do it every year in their memory....sadly, they never found anyone's remains... I wonder what on Earth or in Heaven could be responsible for that
@@kristenkiene8939 i’m fairly certain they’ve found all of them. i know they found one not to long ago
And the 30th time, for the man who made sure none of them will be forgotten....
"And later that night when his lights went outa sight, came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". For anyone that has put to sea, that line sends chills up your spine. Every time you hear it.
I love his music. He has so much feeling in it. You are almost there when he sings every word.
R.I.P. Edmund Fitzgerald Crew 🙏
I had hoped someone would make a song for the US cargo ship El Faro that sank in 2015 off the coast of Jacksonville, FL. This song has always stayed with me because of the sailors who went down with their ship. Shalom
I feel this song is the soul of all lost and downed ships ❤
One of the best compilations.
Watch this in Apr 2022. Become emotional for the men and their families.
Thank you for the great video. Thanks, Gordon for a great songs remembered.
Seriously touching. Nicely done. This is so respectful. Thanks
Superb , outstanding video,
Thank you Gordon Lightfoot. Your music will be treasured by all. You will be missed. R.I.P.
Beautiful tribute to the men of the Edmond Fitzgerald.
Listening today...i live 2 hours from Lake Superior...today we are under storm warning with 80km an hour winds...how fitting and gives us a clue what the crew went through...RIP to all lost...and thanks for your video...well done
I was born in 1963 so I remember this song playing on AM radio and even as a child just listening to the songs words and the way the music hauntingly carries you along you knew it was serious and the way Gordon sang it gave it a feel and drew on you to take it to heart...... And to hear him sing "Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the Gail's of November come early"....... That shakes me to my core, it lets you feel the sense of panic and terror that must come with being on raging waters......😕
First heard this on a portable radio somewhere on the slopes of Mount Washington, NH, ca. 1976. Never forgot it.
Grew up in Ishpeming and this song still makes me cry at almost 50.
Awesomè video. Pictures. Always loved the song and Gordon Lightfoot. R.i.p. men.
Growing up in Michigan I was raised with these haunting Great Lakes Shipwrecks. People don't realize how deadly our Great Lakes really are. The Fitzgerald was actually headed to Detroit and a Hatch did not open it was taken over by 35 foot waves and higher
I grew up in Cleveland in the '70s. The song hit close to home. Still does, every time I hear it.
This made me so sad. Prayers to the sailors and their families
why tho
It's like being stuck in the Devil's Triangle what happened to me when I was a young girl and my daddy took the 31-foot boat of his to the Bahamas suddenly the sea turned upside down and it was very very scary I'm wondering if that ship rolled over on its side riding the waves back in
@@WindsorRailProductions because 29 men lost their lives in a storm?
I remember this song from when I was young. Made such a big impact on me for the men and ship. Thanks for this reminder.
This was a beautifully done tribute. I'm not a sailor but an aviator and this made me tear up. We all share a common bond when our brothers and sisters lose their lives doing a job they love. RIP sailors.
This is a beautiful tribute to the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald. You did a phenomenal job on the video. Gordon Lightfoot's words and composition are perfection. The man was connected to his head and his heart. The musicians in his band are outstanding. They complete this song. They made it seem easy. People back then were so down to earth and real.
As a former member of the Coast Guard, it easy to understand how the ocean can almost be flat at times......and then look so terrifying in short order. When "The Winds of November" blow early......every sailor knows how that feels...
I remembered the day this happened. The song is haunting, god rest their souls. What a song, truly a fine tribute.
Thank you for keeping history alive for future generations.
This a reminder to honor all the persons that put their lives on the line ever day to make the world function. GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
RIP crew
Ernest McSorley - Captain born in 1912 in Canada and lived in Toledo, Ohio. He started command of the Fitzgerald in 1972 with more than 40 years of experience navigating oceans and the Great Lakes. McSorley was highly regarded for his skills, especially in heavy weather. He intended to retire after the 1975 shipping season but was survived by wife Nellie Pollock.
John McCarthy - First mate born in 1913 and lived in Bay Village, Ohio.
James Pratt - Second mate born in 1931 and lived in Lakewood, Ohio.
Michael Armagost - Third mate born in 1938 and lived in Iron River, Wisconsin.
David Weiss - Cadet born in 1953 and lived in Agoura, California.
Ransom Cundy - Watchman born in 1922 on Easter Sunday in Houghton, Michigan, and lived in Superior, Wisconsin. He was in the Marine Corp and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII. Fortunate to survive, Cundy was awarded several commendations and medals for his service. He was sailing with his friend Frederick J. Beetcher at the time of the sinking. Cundy was survived by his daughter Cheryl, her husband, and their seven children as well as three grandchildren from his youngest daughter Janice who passed away in 1974.
Karl Peckol - Watchman born in 1955 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio.
William Spengler - Watchman born in 1916 and lived in Toledo, Ohio.
John Simmons - Senior wheelman born in 1913 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He was known as a storyteller, jokester, and pool shark, and he loved sailing. Friends with Captain McSorley for more than 30 years, the ill-fated Fitzgerald trip was going to be his last before retirement. Simmons was survived by wife Florence (who never dated or remarried after his death) and two daughters Mary and Patricia.
Eugene O’Brien - Wheelman born in 1925 in Minnesota and lived in Toledo, Ohio. Nicknamed the “Great Lakes Gambler,” he worked on ships from age 16 and only took a four-year hiatus as a glass factory worker. He loved casinos and playing cards. O’Brien was survived by wife Nancy and son John, who was just 17 when he lost his father.
John Poviach - Wheelman born in 1916 and lived in Bradenton, Florida.
Paul Riippa - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in Ashtabula, Ohio.
Mark Thomas - Deckhand born in 1954 and lived in Richmond Heights, Ohio.
Bruce Hudson - Deckhand born in 1953 and lived in North Olmsted, Ohio.
George Holl - Chief engineer born in 1915 and lived in Cabot, Pennsylvania.
Edward Bindon - First assistant engineer born in 1928 and lived in Fairport Harbor, Ohio.
Thomas Edwards - Second assistant engineer born in 1925 and lived in Oregon, Ohio.
Russell Haskell - Second assistant engineer born in 1935 and lived in Millbury, Ohio.
Oliver Champeau - Third assistant engineer born in 1934 and lived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Nicknamed “Buck,” he quit school at age 13 to raise four siblings after his father died. During his life, Champeau fought in the Korean War with the Marine Corps.
Ralph Walton - Oiler born in 1917 and lived in Fremont, Ohio. He and his brother Wade sailed on many Columbia Transportation ships, including the Fitzgerald, but only he was on board when it sank. He often volunteered to maintain the ships during winter and gave his nephews tours of the vessels. Walton was survived by a wife and son Alan who worked on freighters too.
Blaine Wilhelm - Oiler born in 1923 in Big Bay, Michigan, and lived in Moquah, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy for 11 years, serving in WWII and the Korean War before being discharged as a first class fireman. Afterward, Wilhelm sailed for 19 years. He liked to go fishing and deer hunting and enjoyed playing pool, barbecuing, spending time with family and friends, and eating blueberry pie. Wilhelm was survived by wife Lorraine, seven children, and a grandchild born just four days after the Fitzgerald sank.
Thomas Bentsen - Oiler born in 1952 and lived in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Gordon MacLellan - Wiper born in 1945 and lived in Clearwater, Florida. Less than one month before the tragic Fitzgerald journey, he built a home in Presque Isle, Michigan, to make travel between the two states easier. MacLellan took after his father, Master Captain Donald MacLellan who traveled the Great Lakes route several times.
Robert Rafferty - Steward and cook born in 1913 in Toledo, Ohio, where he also lived. After 30 years of sailing, he started just filling in for crew members. Rafferty wasn’t supposed to be on the fateful journey but was called to fill in for the regular steward. He was actually considering retiring altogether. Rafferty was survived by wife Brooksie, daughter Pam, and several grandchildren.
Allen Kalmon - Second cook born in 1932 and lived in Washburn, Wisconsin.
Joseph Mazes - Special maintenance man born in 1916 in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he also lived. He sailed for 30 years on the Great Lakes and loved his job. At one point, he saved another crewman’s life. Sadly, the 1975 season would have been his last because he planned to retire. Mazes loved ice fishing, deer hunting, and snowmobiling in his free time. His siblings, nieces, and nephews remember how kind and generous he was. They recall him being afraid of Captain McSorley’s habit of never pulling out of a storm.
Thomas Borgeson - Maintenance man born in 1934 and lived in Duluth, Minnesota.
Frederick Beetcher - Porter born in 1919 and lived in Superior, Wisconsin.
Nolan Church - Porter born in 1920 and lived in Silver Bay, Minnesota. He didn’t start sailing until his 40s after watching the freighters pass by his home and thinking that the job would be fun. He was survived by multiple children who say that he loved the job. Son Rick recalls his father joking that the Great Lakes didn’t have a hole big enough for the Fitzgerald. Church didn’t think that such a tragedy could happen.
Visited the museum at Whitefish point last year and was stopped in my tracks as the first thing you see as you walk in is the ships bell. What an amazing thing to see rita in front of you.
I remember very well the night, when the Fitzgerald went down. I was 13. Denny Anderson from WDIO (tv station in Duluth, MN) was the first broadcaster in the USA, to break the news. So, so sad. 😢😢😢
Hello
You Done A Wonderful Video Tribute Of The Edmund Fitzgerald .
My Husband David & I Are From Duluth Minnesota .
My Husband David Was A Boy His Father Took David To See The Edmund Fitzgerald His Father Was Working The Two Harbors Dock Filling The Edmund Fitzgerald & Many Other Freighters . I'm 25 Years Younger Than My Husband David He Is 72 & I'm 47 .
I Wish I Could Have Seen The Queen Of The Great Lakes The Edmund Fitzgerald .
We Will Never Forget .
Sincerely
Gabby Gustafsson Bock
Nice Tribute Great Song Rest in Peace Gordon.
There is no more music like this today RIP
Such a haunting song and beautifully put together with film clips. Had to favourite this one.
The best tribute to the ship crew and their families. I was 13 and still get goosebumps evey time I hear this song. Thank you Gordon Lightfoot.
The first time I heard the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald I broke down and wept. And whenever I was in my car, and it came on the radio I had to pull over, because I couldn't see where I was driving. Here it is 2023 and the tears still come. I will never forget those 29 and the family who lost their loved ones.
I remember this like it was yesterday... born and raised in Burton Michigan and still in school at the time. Will never forget this.
From the Chippewa on down Gordon's music will flow beyond the Great Lakes forever. R.I. P Gordon and the 29 mariners ❤.
Such an awesome song! Not only that but a wonderful video. This is American history. Needs to be told to generation after generataion. Stay off that lake that has seas like an ocean in November! 😓
Just came back from my first trip to the UP including the Soo Locks. We watched a freighter pass through heading east. This song and story were on my mind. RIP.
So sad you've passed.😢such a great singer..heartfelt songs
Maybe the Crew was waiting at the gates when Gord arrived! RIP.
That was one hellava tribute to all those brave men
My dad began his career at the Locks,n lived on Superior, in the Sault. This song makes me feel for the familys. I'm 64 now n still remember that November night. May they rest in peace 😢
Thank you for a very well done video,....... you spent a lot time n effort putting this together!!
I have always loved the sea & sailing. I feel drawn to all ships and freightliners. I must have been a shipman in another life.
My heart goes out to all the families that have lost love one's.
Brave souls. Thank you for sharing.
Life is Short. Make sure you make a difference.
And please, make that difference in a GOOD way. We have more than we need of those doing it in a bad way.
Resist medical tyranny......make the difference! We all have a divine right to just be!
@@shaman9628 ???
@@davidpallin772 🐑
GREAT video. thank-you #RIP #Lightfoot
Fantastic job on your video. I was in the Army when this was a big hit on the radio and I have the record on vinyl somewhere.
Your video deserves 50 million or so views like the original track which has nothing but a photo of the album cover. (There are several official versions on RUclips with varying numbers of views.) 🧨
O k
Thank you for this Peter great job. Brings tears each time I see the faces of the men who perished.
Great video. So sad😔😔
I remember this song like it was yesterday. Working in a convenience store right after I graduated. All good things must end as they say, but never forgotten.
Beautifully produced. Chilling how well it goes perfectly with this haunting song. Only true Lakers will really appreciate it. RIP to all sailors lost at sea.
I've loved this song since I was a kid. It wasn't until I was older I realized what the song was about. RIP all.
Same
@@allencollins6031 a lot of good men lost their lives that day
@@mehchocolate1257 true
@@allencollins6031 most of them where grandfathers
@@mehchocolate1257 yes
I have been up there on vacation and viewed what they brought up from the Fitzgerald some years ago.... Place is beautiful to my eyes....
I have seen several videos well done, but I really think this one captures the reality of the loss. I graduated soon after this event. December 1975, class of 1976. Gordon Lightfoot captured this piece of tragic history masterfully...I tear up to this day.
I "discovered Gordon Lightfoot while a student at The University of Texas (Austin campus); I'd been injured in a car accident, I was paralyzed, so all I could do was LISTEN (while lying there). My older brother took his record player to me; I'd "discovered Gordon Lightfoot, & was ENTHRALLED by his music, ESPECIALLY the album, "If You Could Read My Mind"; I set that bar "open", so the record could be played ENDLESSLY!! I listened to his music LITERALLY, ALL day AND ALL NIGHT!! You CAN say Gordon Lightfoot genuinely helped me heal...!! Hisusic STILL "moves me...!" He, in spirit played such a part of my recovery AND rehabilitation! (I had to learn EVERYTHING all over; if you have your health & the ability to move, YOU are RICH! ( Thanks for reading this; I can't put it all in words that contain the reality.) But, y'all...I'm OK now...(I had fantastic therapists & MD'S; THANK YOU, God... 🙃🙂
❤💫❤
You will always be my favorite "Rainy Day" person. Thank you for each note, each word, each song. You're simply THE BEST.
Thanks for sharing! Really good. I remember this like it was yesterday. Very thoughtful presentation in honor of those sailors lost in the big lakes.
Thank you for adding this video to Gordon Lightfoot’s amazingly crafted song.
This is an awesome video to this song.
I’ve known about this song for years but never listened to it. Actually didn’t even know the complete name of the song till I listened to it on RUclips some months ago. What an amazing song about that terrible tragedy. My life is all about music and car audio. Has been for over 30 years. I have a 6000 watt 2004 Ford F-150 with an Alpine radio, 7 Alpine amplifiers and 16 speakers in it, including 4 10” subwoofers in a custom made ported enclosure. There’s not too many songs that don’t sound good in this truck. Considering that the original song is an older recording, it sounds really amazing. For me, the louder it is, the better. Listening to this song on a computer or phone or a stock radio in a car does this song no justice. When you put higher amplification to your car speakers, it brings out so many nuances of the music that lower power doesn’t do. As powerful as this song is, I’m extremely lucky I get to listen to this in the setting I do. This, as many other songs do can give chills and goosebumps. Wish everyone that likes this song and loves music the way I do could listen to this truck. I would like to think they would enjoy it.
I worked in the Upper Peninsula the summer of 1976 as a student engineer for a company that produced taconite pellets, the same as the cargo that went down with the Edmund Fitzgerald. I knew the news of the wreck prior to working there and then being on Lake Superior that summer 6 months or so after, the tragedy was still raw in Yooper’s minds. Then Lightfoot’s masterpiece came out. It was played endlessly once it dropped. I was able to tour the sister ship of the Fitzgerald which was docked in Marquette and being loaded with my plant’s taconite pellets in August 1976.
Awesome memory....
a lifelong favorite... brings extra meaning as growing up in Marshall, MI in the 70s