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Auburn Annie · 11-13-2005, 01:41 PM

I think it was a combination of factors that brings the Fitz more attention; certainly Gord's song is a major reason. She was a huge ship and a major carrier, the loss was unexpected,, the news coverage was extensive at the time (print and TV) and something about TWOTEF strikes a chord with listeners. He wrote another shipwreck song about another real disaster, Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle, at least as moving at TWOTEF but except for Lightfoot fans, survivors of the YC, and marine historians, not many could tell you what happened 40 years ago today. I think the Fitz became a symbol for all those others lost over the years, and the airing of TWOTEF reinforces its memory.

11-13-2005, 01:41 PM	#10
Auburn Annie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Upstate New York Posts: 3,101	I think it was a combination of factors that brings the Fitz more attention; certainly Gord's song is a major reason. She was a huge ship and a major carrier, the loss was unexpected,, the news coverage was extensive at the time (print and TV) and something about TWOTEF strikes a chord with listeners. He wrote another shipwreck song about another real disaster, Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle, at least as moving at TWOTEF but except for Lightfoot fans, survivors of the YC, and marine historians, not many could tell you what happened 40 years ago today. I think the Fitz became a symbol for all those others lost over the years, and the airing of TWOTEF reinforces its memory.