Dan Fogelberg Passes

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

Sorry to report Dan Fogelberg has died. He was an artist of great depth and talent. You may think no further than "Longer" but you'd be missing out on a tremendous body of work from a fine artist. I will miss him. RIP.

here's the article from USA today
Singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg dies

Dan Fogelberg lost his battle with prostate cancer. He was 56.

Digg del.icio.us Newsvine Reddit FacebookWhat's this?By Ken Barnes, USA TODAY
Dan Fogelberg, one of the most popular singer/songwriters of the '70s and '80s, died Sunday at home in Maine at age 56. He had battled advanced prostate cancer since being diagnosed in 2004.
Fogelberg was a key component of the golden age of the confessional singer/songwriter, joining the likes of James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne and more in turning pop music's focus inward after the '60s' explosion of social commentary. He had started as a rocker in bands around his hometown of Peoria, Ill., but began performing solo while attending the University of Illinois.

There he met a local booking agent, Irving Azoff. He and local band REO Speedwagon became Azoff's first managerial projects (prior to managing the Eagles). Azoff secured Fogelberg a contract with Columbia, but first album Home Free made little impact. 1974's Joe Walsh-produced Souvenirs, however, hit the top 20, thanks largely to hit single Part of the Plan, and Fogelberg embarked on a two-decade run that would include nine top-30 albums (including three that hit the top 10).

His best-remembered songs include his biggest hit, the affecting ballad Longer; The Power of Gold, a collaboration with flautist Tim Weisberg; Leader of the Band, a tribute to his bandleader father, Lawrence; and the evergreen seasonal standard Same Old Lang Syne, which originally hit the top 10 in 1980.

In later years, he ventured into new musical territory, recording a successful pure-bluegrass album, High Country Snows, in 1985, and tackling broader political, spiritual and environmental issues in his songs. His last album, Full Circle, was released in 2003.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Eagles | Singer | Jackson Browne | Carole King
The most apt summation of his life's work likely comes from Fogelberg himself, when he said, as quoted in his online biography, "You've got to just follow your heart and do your best work … There is no doubt in my mind or heart that everything I've done is exactly what I intended to do."

[charlyg]

Man, that's a bummer! Here's a sample of my fave!

[phlemmy]

Same Auld Lang Syne is one of my all time faves. Sad. My dad died of prostate cancer 10 years ago. Rough stuff.

[jimk]

56! Man, I didn't realize he was only two years older than I am. Ooh....


JimK

[charlyg]

I am 56!

[rickboy88]

Unfortunate news. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his early 60's. He decided to have it out rather than watch and wait or do radiation. It had been giving him trouble off and on since he was in his early 40's. He was ready to have it out as a result. He's had some minor residual issues, but is cancer free. I take after him a lot, so decided to be as proactive as I could. If one of my uncles or kid brother gets it my chances of also getting it go way up.

[teb]

So long buddy, Who would have thought back then that we wouldn't live forever?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djCUfGVd9lY

[admin]

Very sad. He has touched the hearts of so many. He will always be the leader of the band. May he rest in peace.

[phlemmy]

Unfortunate news. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his early 60's. He decided to have it out rather than watch and wait or do radiation. It had been giving him trouble off and on since he was in his early 40's. He was ready to have it out as a result. He's had some minor residual issues, but is cancer free. I take after him a lot, so decided to be as proactive as I could. If one of my uncles or kid brother gets it my chances of also getting it go way up.

It is better that he had it in his 60s than at 53 when my Dad first got it. With the testosterone levels going down as age goes us, it makes the cancer grow more slowly. I'm glad he's doing well.

[fatcat]

That's a sad turn of events as prostate cancer is easily diagnosed and treatable.For all of us with an age similar to his, regular exams are in order.

[ken_j]

So sad. I had recently learned of Dan's cancer from a thread here on this forum. His music will live on for many years.

[tamborineman]

A great loss. He may have been underestimated by some but certainly not by other singer/song writers. His mother was an opra singer and it showed in Dan's voice. His lyrics could stand alone as poetry. He was an excellent piano player and a GREAT guitarist. In addition to his acustic abilities he played a mean electric. Listen to some of his early work, [ Part Of The Plan, The Last Nail or Nexus], ala Dickie Betts or ofcourse Joe Walsh, who was one of Dan's oldest and best friends. He was undoutedly the master of the heartwrenching melody.

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

So long buddy, Who would have thought back then that we wouldn't live forever?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djCUfGVd9lY

Todd, I forgot you knew the man back in the day, playing the same places. Sorry you lost an old mate.

[tamborineman]

Todd, if you have any personal memories or stories about you and Dan we would love to here them. I'm sure it was interesting to have known someone, in their early days, who was bound for greatness. We share in your greef. RIP Danny.

[admin]

Todd: thanks so much for that you tube performances of Rhythm of the Rain. If that doesn't start the tears flowing I do not know what will. What a beautiful joyful performance with a surprise ending. Wonderful memories all around.