Quigley Introduces Bill to Rename Post Office After Singer Goodman

Chicago - Congressman Mike Quigley, who represents a North and Northwest Side district that includes Wrigley Field and most of the surrounding area, introduced a bill Tuesday to rename the Lakeview post office after singer/songwriter Steve Goodman, best known as the man behind the song, "Go Cubs Go."

“While most Chicagoans know him for the song we sing after every Cubs’ win, Steve Goodman’s contributions reach far beyond the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley,” Quigley said.

“Goodman was one of the most prolific American songwriters and performers of our time whose songs have been played by Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, and John Denver and whose short but tremendous life reminds us how one person can impact so many others.”

Besides his Cubs-related music -- "Go Cubs Go" and "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" -- Goodman released 10 albums of folk music and five albums of his work have been released posthumously. He received two Grammy Awards, both posthumously, for his writing of the hit “City of New Orleans” and his album Unfinished Business. “City of New Orleans” was a top-20 hit for Arlo Guthrie in 1972, and a number one country music hit for Willie Nelson in 1985, the year that Goodman won his first Grammy.

Goodman battled leukemia for 15 years, until his death at age 36 in 1984. On the day he was scheduled to sing the “Star Spangled Banner,” Jimmy Buffett filled in and dedicated the national anthem to his friend at Wrigley Field, where Goodman’s ashes were later scattered and his song is still sung after every Cubs’ win.

The bill would rename the post office at 1343 W. Irving Park Road, about a half-mile from Wrigley Field, after Goodman.

Quigley’s resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, on which Quigley sits. Once the measure is approved, Quigley is planning a “musical” unveiling event at the post office for the community. More details will be made available as the legislation and plans progress.

Post offices have been renamed by Congressional law since 1971. Steve Goodman becomes the second honoree in the 5th District joining Roger McAuliffe, a member of the Chicago Police Department and Illinois House of representatives, who was recognized at the 6441 W. Irving Park USPS location in 1996. Except in special cases for high-ranking officials such as the President of the United States, post offices may only be named in honor of the deceased.