The song
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot
Without his classic song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," most of the world would not be aware of the Fitz story, It would be an entry in shipwreck journals that only enthusiasts would know. Gordon himself was surprised at the enduring legacy of the song and the effect it had on his own life. Gordon passed away in 2023.
Listen Now
Gordon Lightfoot and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Gordon Lightfoot - Discusses "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" | GRAMMYs
Source: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
Highly Recommended!
How Gordon Lightfoot Captivated RADIO With THIS Tragic & Haunting 70s Epic | Professor of Rock
Source: Professor of Rock
How Gordon Lightfoot honored the Edmund Fitzgerald
Source: WOOD TV8
The Moment the Mariner's Church rang the bell for Gordon Lightfoot
Source: CBS News: The National
Remember Canadian Icon Gordon Lightfoot
Source: CTV Your Morning
Articles
Reactions to hearing "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" for the first time
You old-timers out there probably don't know this, but posting reactions to hearing old music for the first time is a big thing with these youngsters. I was surprised to find reaction vids of our favorite song. Not only that. I was surprised at how emotionally charged they are. Watching other people react to both the song and story for the first time is an emotional experience. Don't be surprised if these vids make you tear up.
Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald!
Source: Black Pegasus
Gordon Lightfoot - The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald | REACTION
Source: Jamel_AKA_Jamal
Vocal ANALYSIS of Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Source: The Charismatic Voice
Source:
First time hearing of Gordon Lightfoot
Source: Sebs Duran
Alternate versions of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Below you'll find alternate versions of the song. Gordon's is always top. But my new favorite is the Punch Brothers.
Artist: Gordon Lightfoot
A live performance by Gordon Lightfoot later in his career, where you can see he's still connected emotionally to the story.
Artist: Billy Strings
Not my thing, but many people I know like this version.
Artist: Punch Brothers
I just now, in putting together this site, ran across this one. It both gave me chills brought tears to my eyes. Don't miss it. You should be crying too.
Artist: Dandy Warhols
Hmmm. I'm struggling here. I love the Dandy Warhols. But this? Hmmm. Perhaps there are some people out there wearing black eyeliner who will like this version. So here it is.
Artist: The Longest Johns
Love this Irish-ized version. Fits the Fitz and the culture in much of Michigan. Where I grew up, I thought we were the only non-Irish, non-Catholics in the world.
Gordon Lightfoot Documentary
Here's the trailer for this high-production overview of Lightfoot's career. The doc was made with Lightfoot's cooperation and contains many new interviews. You'll have to check your streaming or broadcast services for availability of the full feature.