Dan Fogelberg: 1951-2007
Singer Dan Fogelberg died this morning at the age of 56. He is best remembered for his 1981 hit “Same Old Lang Syne.” Dan was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and waged an unsuccessful battle for three years.
Fogelberg was also known for his hit “Leader of The Band” and this song, like “Same Old Lang Syne” was inspired by real-life events. Dan’s father was a band leader, and “Same Old…” was about running into an ex-girlfriend during the holidays. I can remember when this was hit, and while it may seem dated and cheesy by today’s standards, I found it very touching (and still do) when I hear it.
Dan was survived by his musician wife Jean. From the article:
“Dan left us this morning at 6:00 a.m. He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side,” it read. “His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him.”
This makes me quite sad. Rest in Peace Dan.
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His best song, in my opinion, was the incredibly beautiful love song, “Longer”. I remember the first time I heard it, I thought, “Wow, I hope someday I’ll have someone worthy of singing that song to.”
Dan was a very literate songwriter in the style of the great 70s confessional singer-songwriters. Absolutely one of the best.
Comment by bonni — December 17, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
Yes I forgot that one. He really had a beautiful voice and poignant lyrics. Truly makes me feel really sad.
Comment by D — December 17, 2007 @ 10:52 pm
Truly one of the greats. I remember studying his song “Leader Of The Band” in a class I had. He will be missed…they don’t make them like this any more.
Comment by k — December 17, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
I always remember a wonderful time in my life
when I hear Same old lang syne! It makes me sad to hear this news as I lost a brother about the same age to prostate cancer. RIP B
Comment by b — December 17, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
I could relate to his lyrics, I am sad that he left us, there are not many singer song writers left from the era of talent.
Comment by Bob — December 18, 2007 @ 12:43 am
A true storyteller. As one co-worker said, “Dan Fogelberg was from the era of singer/songwriters who grew up listening to The Beatles.”
Ditto what Bob above (#5) says — there really aren’t that many with that kind of talent around anymore.
Comment by crazymom — December 18, 2007 @ 10:55 am
I am a career long Dan Fogelberg fan, having been to his several concerts and own much of his catalog. When I saw his death, I was deeply sorrowful. What a pioneer! He was the best, I remember him fondly, he didn’t rely on the volume of his voice to convey his emotions; instead, they came through in the soft, tender delivery and his poignant lyrics. Truly a great singer-songwriter. To a bunch of kids growing up back then, he rocked! Now I still enjoy listening to his albums. One CD–Souvenirs, I like best. The sound quality is average at best, and now owning the CD is not a big problem. I found one with a good price here: dealstudio DOT com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=73229 , by this way, we can feel that he is still alive! God bless him!
Comment by LLLOPLE — December 18, 2007 @ 8:17 pm