Tall Ship captain Tom Kastle, formerly of Chicago, has written a couple splendid songs. Cold Winds about the end of the sailing season on Lake Michigan, and The Eastland, A heartbreaking tale of the largest loss of life shipwreck on the Great Lakes when an excursion boat rolled over at the docks on the Chicago River, set to the A part of Carolan's Dream. I know he also did an amusing parody of South Australia with verses about doing boat maintenance in Burnam Harbor.

Lee Murdock has taken historical material about Great Lakes ships to turn into songs, and is frequently found giving singing tours and sails to celebrate sailing life.

Though not a career sailor, Canadian David Francey has written several songs about sailing on the Great Lakes. All Lights Burning Bright & The Ballad of (forgot the name) come to mind. That's among the living- but the songs Stan Rogers wrote about salt and fresh water sailors resonate strongly with sailors.

In the "I didn't expect THAT" category are a couple songs from the incredible Shel Silverstein Mermaid of Ontario is as silly as can be, but The Great Lakes Song, co written by Pat Dailey, is a lovely tribute to the life of working sailors on the Great Lakes.

Then, there are River songs... If you think about those who do anything with boats, you have lots of choice.

Off to go sing some,
Joanne in Cleveland, on the shore of Lake Erie.