Steve Goodman Gets Post Office

From the October 24th Chicago Tribune "Special Delivery" in Sidewalks column by Rick Kogan and Chick Osgood.

Musical friends help celebrate Steve Goodman postal tribute.

In April, House Resolution 4861 passed in the House of Representatives 371-0 and then in July, the US Senate voted unanimously to rename the Lakeview Station in Chicago the Steve Goodman Post Office Building.

The change took place in what was called a "musical unveiling" earlier in the month orchestrated by the Old Town School of Folk Music, some of whom knew Steve. His mother Minnette was also there.

Some of those performing were pals such as Ed Holstein, the master of ceremonies, Bonnie Koloc, Corky Siegel and Jim Tullio.

Politicians were there as well. Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Il) is the man who introduced the bill.

The post office is at 1343 W. Irving Park Road, just a few blocks from Steve's beloved Wrigley Field. Since 2007, every Cub victory has erupted with the song "Go, Cubs, Go," a Steve Goodman number. Of course, there is always his "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request."

New Cubs chairman, Tom Ricketts said the song "represents the passion and optimism of the Cubs fans."

Goodman is probably best-known for his song "City of New Orleans" but my own favorite is "Lincoln Park Pirates" about a well-known towing company. I'd like "Go, Cubs, Go" more, but I am more of a Sox fan, but have caught myself singing it on occasion. Hey, I back the Cubbies unless they're playing the Sox.

Unfortunately, Steve's life was cut way too short, dying at 36 in 1984 of leukemia.

A Well-Deserved Honor. --RoadDog


SIXTIES HITS REVISED: Helen Reddy: "I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore."