The devastating Los Angeles fires threaten to destroy the legacy of late folk legend Steve Goodman, including his cherished guitars and lyrics.
CHICAGO: The tragic wildfires in Los Angeles have hit hard, especially for the family of beloved singer-songwriter Steve Goodman. His daughters are worried that some of their dad’s most treasured items, like his guitars and the original lyrics to “City of New Orleans,” might be gone forever.
David Goodman, Steve’s brother, shared that both of his daughters lost their homes in the Eaton Fire. It’s heartbreaking to think about what they might have lost. Rosanna and Sarah had moved to Altadena, a creative community, and now they can’t even go back because it’s too dangerous.
Rosanna is a video producer and photography student, while Sarah works as a social worker. They both have kids, and Rosanna helps out with them. Right now, they’re staying in temporary housing, but it’s tough not knowing what’s left of their homes.
GoFundMe pages have been set up to help them out during this difficult time. Rosanna managed to grab her cats and her car, but everything else, including some of Steve’s guitars and memorabilia, is a big question mark.
David mentioned that Rosanna’s apartment is still standing but is unlivable. They might not be able to assess the damage for months. It’s a tough situation, and the uncertainty is hard to bear.
Rosanna had previously loaned some of her father’s items to a museum for an exhibit, so at least there are high-quality images of some of his keepsakes. Those items mean a lot, representing not just memories but a whole era of music.
Steve Goodman, who passed away in 1984, left behind a legacy that includes the famous “Go Cubs Go,” which still plays at Wrigley Field after every Cubs win. His music continues to resonate, but now his family is left to deal with the aftermath of this disaster.
David shared some memories of his brother, including a funny story about a stolen van right after a big photo shoot. It’s these little moments that keep Steve’s spirit alive, even in such tough times.
Altadena, where the Goodmans lived, has a rich artistic history, but now it’s facing significant loss due to the fires. The community is coming together, but it’s a long road ahead for everyone affected.
