NASHOTAH, Wis. (AP) — The tragic sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 remains deeply embedded in public memory, largely due to Gordon Lightfoot's iconic song. Without this tribute, the Fitzgerald and the approximately 6,500 other ships lost in the Great Lakes could have faded from historical significance.

Gordon Lightfoot drew inspiration for “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” after reading the first Associated Press article about the disaster and a feature in Newsweek magazine on November 24, 1975. The song was released in August 1976, less than a year after the shipwreck, and quickly became a poignant reminder of the loss of the 29 men aboard the Fitzgerald. Despite it not being the deadliest incident in the Great Lakes— that title belongs to the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin, which claimed nearly 400 lives—Lightfoot's song helped propel the Fitzgerald into the spotlight.

Reflecting on the impact of the song, John U. Bacon, author of “The Gales of November,” asserted that the Fitzgerald is now the most renowned Great Lakes shipwreck, ranking just behind the Titanic and possibly the Lusitania on the global scale of famous maritime disasters.

Rick Haynes, who played bass for Lightfoot and was part of his band for 55 years, commented on the emotional resonance of the song, stating, “When you listen to the record 'Edmund Fitzgerald,' it’s like he’s putting you right there.” This connection to the tragedy resonates deeply with listeners.

Debbie Gomez-Felder, whose father, Oliver “Buck” Champeau, perished on the Fitzgerald, initially found the song difficult to hear. At just 17 years old, she recalled feeling that the music was “eerie” when she first listened to it but eventually grew to love the heartfelt lyrics. She particularly emphasized the line “All that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters,” expressing that every word captured the essence of the tragedy.

Lightfoot, who passed away in 2023, maintained a personal connection to the Fitzgerald throughout his life, as noted by his widow, Kim Lightfoot. She shared that the tragedy lived on in their home through various artworks and models, demonstrating the profound impact it had on him. “If Gordon were with us today, he would have been intent on helping keep the candle of memory lit,” she remarked.

Lightfoot was also known for his compassion towards the victims' families, often engaging with them and even altering song lyrics at their request by removing a reference to an unproven theory regarding the wreck's cause. The exact reasons for the sinking of the Fitzgerald remain unclear, adding to the enduring intrigue surrounding the incident.

The story of the Fitzgerald continues to captivate audiences today, especially among younger generations who discover it through platforms like TikTok and social media. Bruce Lynn, the executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, pointed out that children visiting the museum often dress up as the Fitzgerald, indicating the ongoing cultural legacy of the shipwreck.

Haynes estimates he has performed “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” over 2,000 times, never tiring of it. His commitment to the song is evident as Lightfoot's band continues to tour and include it in every concert. Haynes recalled a poignant moment flying with Lightfoot to Whitefish Point, Michigan, to commemorate an anniversary of the wreck, where the emotional weight of the tragedy left a lasting impression on him.

In summary, the legacy of the Edmund Fitzgerald, immortalized through Gordon Lightfoot's song and the stories of those affected, remains a crucial part of maritime history, echoing through generations and drawing new attention from a modern audience.