Farewell Dan Fogelberg

[rockymtnhigh]

Just read in the newspaper that Dan Fogelberg died yesterday after a three year battle with prostrate cancer.

From his website:

Sunday, December 16

Dear friends,

Dan left us this morning at 6:00am . He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side. His strength, dignity, and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him.

I had the privilege of seeing Dan perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center back in the early 1990s. It was a great show, and I have always liked his music. I always hoped to see him perform again.

Rest in peace Dan.

An only child alone and wild, a cabinet maker's son
His hands were meant for different work
And his heart was known to none
He left his home and went his lone and solitary way
And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay
A quiet man of music denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once, but his music wouldn't wait
He earned his love through discipline-- a thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand
(Chorus)
The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band
My brothers' lives were different for they heard another call
One went to Chicago and the other to St Paul
And I'm in Colorado when I'm not in some hotel
Living out this life I've chose and have come to know so well
I thank you for the music and your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don't think I said 'I love you' near enough
(Chorus)
I am a living legacy to the leader of the band

 

[dfergie]

R.I.P. Dan...

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Longer then theres been fish in the ocean,
higher then any bird ever flew.
Higher then the stars up in the heavens
Ill be in love with you.

Farewell Dan.

The leader of the band has died.

 

[Bobby]

Dan Fogelberg and Harry Chapin were two of my favorite storytellers. I am saddened that they are both gone.

 

[69Mustang]

Such a loss and at a young (50's) age too. Prostate cancer I think they said.

Best wishes and sincere condolences to his friends and family.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

My father was good friends with Harry Chapin, I still vividly remember the day he died as it was one of the few times I have actually seen my father cry.

Actually still bring a tear to my eye to just think about it.

 

[Foxbat]

I saw this in this morning's paper and thought back to being a DJ in College, playing his songs. I especially liked the "Twin Sons of Different Mothers" that he did with Tim Weisberg, but "Souvenirs" is my favorite of his albums.

R.I.P., Dan...

 

[Ramy]

So long old pal.

 

[johnmac59]

I am bummed. I grew up with my dad listening to Dan and he made me a fan.