Born and raised in Chicago, Steve Goodman began writing and performing songs as a teenager. By 1969, Goodman was a regular performer at the well-known Earl of Old Town folk music club. It was during this time that Goodman wrote many of his most enduring songs, including “City of New Orleans,” his most popular recording. In 1971, Goodman was playing at a Chicago bar as the opening act for Kris Kristofferson. Impressed with Goodman, Kristofferson introduced him to Paul Anka who brought Goodman to New York to record some demos; these resulted in Goodman signing a contract with Buddah Records. Seeing Arlo Guthrie in a bar, Goodman asked to be allowed to play a song for him. Guthrie grudgingly agreed on the condition that Goodman buy him a beer first; Goodman played “City of New Orleans” which Guthrie liked enough that he asked for the right to record it. Guthrie’s version of the song became a hit in 1972, and provided Goodman with enough financial success to make his music a full-time career. The song would become an American standard, covered by many other musicians including Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, and Willie Nelson.