Steve Goodman’s Enduring Legacy Lives On Through Go Cubs Go
More than four decades after his passing, Steve Goodman remains one of the most beloved figures in Chicago music history. A heartfelt NBC Today show tribute by Mike Leonard revisits the life and legacy of the legendary folk singer and songwriter whose influence continues to resonate through generations.
Goodman was widely admired not only for his remarkable songwriting talent but also for the warmth, humor, and courage that defined his life. Emerging from Chicago’s vibrant folk scene alongside fellow songwriter John Prine in the early 1970s, Goodman earned lasting respect as a gifted storyteller whose songs captured everyday hopes, struggles, and joys with uncommon honesty.
Among his most enduring contributions is Go Cubs Go, the song that eventually became the unofficial anthem of the Chicago Cubs. Although often associated with the team’s historic success years later, the song was originally commissioned by WGN Radio for the 1984 baseball season. Despite periods when it received little attention, the tune never disappeared from the hearts of loyal Cubs supporters.
As the years passed, Go Cubs Go evolved into something far greater than a baseball song. It became a symbol of faith, perseverance, and unwavering loyalty. For many, it represented decades of hope during long seasons of disappointment and near misses. When the Cubs finally captured the World Series championship in 2016, the song seemed to take on an even deeper meaning, connecting a long awaited triumph to the memory of the man who wrote it.
The emotions surrounding Goodman remain powerful. His music continues to inspire affection, gratitude, and reflection. Many remember him as a brilliant entertainer whose performances left lasting impressions. Others celebrate the joy and optimism he brought to countless lives through his songs.
Goodman’s connection to the Cubs was so profound that his ashes were scattered at Wrigley Field, a tribute that reflected both his devotion to the team and the affection Chicago held for him. Today, his songs remain cherished, his spirit remains present in the city’s cultural memory, and Go Cubs Go continues to echo through the ballpark he loved.
Steve Goodman may be gone, but his music and legacy continue to endure.