Earlier today, singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg lost his fight to a particularly virulent form of prostate cancer. He was 56.
Dan brought us lots of thoughtful and tender musical and lyrical moments. Who can forget:
"Another Auld Lang Syne," a song about the passage of time and about how the intervening years affected the perspective of an ex who had fallen in and out of love with someone else;
"The Power Of Gold," a song full of observations about avarice and its all-too-frequent inevitability;
"Make Love Stay," which dealt with the under-discussed but frequent transitions between mad-about-you love and the settling of loving relationships into routines;
"Run For The Roses," a sympathetic look at the human and equine dramas of thorougbreds at the Kentucky Derby;
"Leader Of The Band," an admission of a son that in some ways, his musician and bandleader father was a role model that earned emulation not only because of love between son and Dad, but because of the path Dad chose and the accomplishments Dad earned in this life.
Dan Fogelberg, you left us way too soon. I, and I am sure many readers, will remember you fondly with the superb and gentle songs that play back to us on our CD players as well as in our heads.
Part of the Plan
http://www.lyricscrawler.com/song/119190.html
I remember seeing him in concert once and he was trying to get people to join the Wilderness Society. I heard people complaining about it.
I think I'll join the Wilderness Society.
Goodbye Dan Fogelberg...
p.s. I believe more attention should be given to prostate cancer.
He didn't attend our 1980 wedding in person. Instead, his voice, through stereo speakers, sang "Longer" before our ceremony began. Having seen Dan many times in concert ~ having a picture of him among our family pictures in our home (prompting folks to ask, "Who is that handsome man?") ~ it seemed only fitting that Dan Fogelberg should also begin our wedding ceremony with his new song.
Ironically, my husband works for a company that created a prostate cancer medicine in the '80s and he celebrates Dan for encouraging early detection exams.
Then tonight we learned the sad news.
Dan, we wish you, "Godspeed." We offer our sympathies to your wife, Jean, to your friends, and to your fans. You will forever be remembered by us ~ and countless others ~ for your songwriting, your storytelling, your voice, and your courage. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your talent and your point of view with the world.
You enhanced our lives.
I am ashamed to say I had no idea Dan Folgerberg was ill these last years so his death came as a shock to me-- and came to me via your eloquent Post. Thank you for celebrating his life here tonight.
No matter where I am, when I hear his iconic LONGER, I am brought back to a place where love was new and young and full of boundless dreams. I want to believe all of that is still true. The music makes me believe it is.
-P. Ross
At one point, I lived close enough to Peoria to hear the 'local boy does good' tales, and it was inspiring to know he was always a very down-to-earth and compassionate person, no matter how well-known he became.
The music world has certainly lost a considerable talent today.
Miss ya, Dan. The tunes were good. Illinois, I'm also your boy. Rest easy.