Steve Goodman
American folk music singer-songwriter (1948–1984)
Steve Goodman was a prominent American folk and country singer-songwriter from Chicago, born in 1948. His musical career was marked by notable compositions, including the iconic song "City of New Orleans", which gained widespread recognition through recordings by renowned artists such as Arlo Guthrie, John Denver, Willie Nelson, and Judy Collins. Goodman's talent also extended to collaborations, as evident in his co-writing of "You Never Even Call Me by My Name", a song that became a huge commercial success for country musician David Allan Coe.
Goodman's passion for music was complemented by his love for his hometown's baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, inspiring him to write the song "Go Cubs Go". Although his life was cut short when he died of leukemia in September 1984, his legacy continued to be celebrated. The following year, in 1985, Goodman posthumously received the Grammy award for best country song, a testament to his enduring impact on the music industry. Through his contributions to folk and country music, Steve Goodman left an indelible mark on American musical heritage.