Steve Goodman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Goodman
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Goodman in 1983
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Steven Benjamin Goodman |
| Born | July 25, 1948 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 20, 1984 (aged 36) Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1968–1984 |
| Labels | Buddah, Asylum, Red Pajamas |
Steven Benjamin Goodman (born July 25, 1948 – died September 20, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He wrote songs in the folk and country styles. Steve was from Chicago, Illinois.
He is famous for writing "City of New Orleans". Many artists recorded this song, including Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson. In 1985, Steve won a Grammy Award for it. He also co-wrote "You Never Even Called Me by My Name". This song became a big hit for country musician David Allen Coe.
Steve Goodman had many loyal fans who loved his albums and concerts. His song "Go Cubs Go" is played often by the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Sadly, Steve died from leukemia in September 1984. He was 36 years old.
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About Steve Goodman's Life
Steve Goodman was born in Chicago to a middle-class Jewish family. He started writing and singing songs when he was a teenager. After high school, he went to the University of Illinois. There, he formed a band called The Juicy Fruits.
He left college to focus on his music career. In 1967, he spent a month in New York City. He performed regularly at a famous club called the Cafe Wha?.
When he returned to Chicago, Steve started performing in local coffeehouses. He quickly gained a following. Around this time, he learned he had leukemia, a serious illness. This made him even more determined to pursue music full-time.
In 1970, Steve married Nancy Pruter. Even though he had times when his illness got better, Steve always felt like his time was limited. His wife said he was a "well-adjusted man" who lived his life as fast as he could. She said he found meaning in everyday things.
Steve Goodman's Music Career
Steve's songs first appeared on an album called Gathering at The Earl of Old Town in 1971. He performed many times at The Earl, a folk music bar in Chicago. He also helped his friend, John Prine, with his music.
Later in 1971, Steve was performing at a bar in Chicago. Kris Kristofferson, a famous musician, saw him play. Kristofferson was impressed and helped Steve get a record deal. Steve signed with Buddah Records.
The Song "City of New Orleans"
Steve was always busy writing new songs. One night, he met Arlo Guthrie at a bar. Steve asked if he could play a song for him. Guthrie agreed, but only for as long as it took him to drink a beer. Steve played "City of New Orleans."
Guthrie loved the song so much that he decided to record it. His version became a Top 20 hit in 1972. This success helped Steve become a full-time musician. The song is about the City of New Orleans train.
"City of New Orleans" became a very popular American song. Many artists, like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, covered it. Willie Nelson's version won Steve a Grammy Award in 1985, after Steve had passed away. The song was even translated into French, Dutch, and Hebrew.
Other Famous Songs
In 1974, David Allan Coe had a big hit with "You Never Even Called Me by My Name." Steve Goodman co-wrote this song with John Prine. It made fun of typical country music songs in a friendly way.
Steve's own albums were liked by critics more than they were big sellers. One of his most well-known songs that he didn't write was "The Dutchman." He also opened for comedian Steve Martin, which helped him reach more people.
Steve wrote many funny songs about Chicago. He wrote three songs about his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. These include "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" and "Go, Cubs, Go." "Go, Cubs, Go" is played at Wrigley Field after every Cubs home game win.
He also wrote songs about other Chicago topics. "The Lincoln Park Pirates" was about a towing company. "Daley's Gone" was about Mayor Richard J. Daley. Steve could also write serious songs, like "My Old Man," which was a tribute to his father.
Steve won another Grammy Award in 1988 for his album Unfinished Business. This album was released after he died. Many fans discovered Steve's music through artists like Jimmy Buffett. Buffett recorded several of Steve's songs.
Steve Goodman's Passing
On September 20, 1984, Steve Goodman died from leukemia in Seattle, Washington. He was 36 years old. He used to joke about his illness, calling himself "Cool Hand Leuk."
Just four days after Steve's death, the Chicago Cubs won their division title. This was their first time in the playoffs since 1945. Steve was supposed to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before their first playoff game. Jimmy Buffett sang it instead and dedicated it to Steve.
In April 1988, some of Steve Goodman's ashes were scattered at Wrigley Field. This was a special way to honor his love for the Cubs.
Steve Goodman's Legacy
Steve Goodman's music continues to be loved. In 2006, his daughter, Rosanna, released an album called My Old Man. It featured different artists singing her father's songs.
Interest in Steve's life grew in 2007 with a new book about him. That same year, the Chicago Cubs started playing "Go, Cubs, Go" after every home game win. This made the song and Steve even more famous.
On October 5, 2007, the state of Illinois declared it Steve Goodman Day. In 2010, a post office in Chicago was renamed in his honor.
Images for kids
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Goodman in 1983
