I carry a gift in my heart–an early teen memory of listening to Dan live on a warm Southern California night playing steel string guitar, classical guitar and piano. Thirty years later, it seems like a dream.

I don’t think it is hyperbole to say that perhaps a bit of future heaven broke into than evening.

To everyone distressed over Rolling Stone’s effort to date, hey, no worries. Music with integrity and beauty stands the test of time. Dan’s music will be bought, played, shared, enjoyed and continued to be celebrated long after we are gone–as well as unbalanced music critics.

For Rolling Stone’s reputation and sake, I hope they take the opportunity to do a “Fogelberg Reconsidered” piece with more balance and fairness to this unique, distinctly American artist.

Fogelberg’s credibility is secure; Rolling Stone’s is still an open question.

Peace

It’s been almost a year now since Dan left us, and I still think about him almost every day. I have always considered myself to be a Rock and Roll fan in the vane of the Stones or Deep Purple, but I keep coming home to Fogelberg. I was first introduced to DF by a close family friend, who died suddenly from a massive heart attack several years ago, right after “Captured Angel” came out. Every time I hear that album I think of my late friend and the gift he gave me some 34 years ago.

Dan’s music always seems to get me. Many times I will find myself so filled with angst after listening to one of his compilations and then two songs later I get so filled with joy that the hair on the back of my neck is standing up. This was an artist who really understood his craft and how to connect with his audience.

I really don’t understand how some of the critics could pan his work. Some people just aren’t wired with a deep seeded sense of sentimentality, I guess. Dan’s opus, “Nether Lands”, always brings a tear to my eye. The deeply forlorn “Scarecrows Dream”, the introspection of “Loose Ends”, to the soaring orchestration of the finale “Sketches/False Faces”.
‘One last time sing that old song we used to know,
But this time sing a little more slowly…’

It’s the middle of October and the weather is finally changing here in East Texas. We just finished eating supper with Greetings From the West playing on the TV in the other room. I bought the DVD in Southern Utah a few years ago. Now when the weather turns, no matter where I am, I play the songs or the video just to remind me of where I came from. I am 37 years old and can’t recall music that changes my mood or broadens my perspective the way DF’s does. We may not, in this lifetime, encounter a talent that reaches so many people on so many levels as his does (note I say “does”). Screw Rolling Stone Mag, I stopped reading it in the 11th grade. Some things take me to good places. Certain smells, pictures, scenery. Music.

“Portait” is standing on my shelf between “Greates Hits” and “The Wild Places”. No different than uncountable numbers of other music shelves.

And that’s how it is.

One month before Dan’s passing I borrowed “Leader of the Band” and included it in my own father’s eulogy. There were around 200 people at the church and I am stilling receiving messages from people I never even met asking for copies of the eulogy. There is no copy. I have told all of them to check out “Innocent Age”. To listen, and really listen. My co-workers jokingly poke fun at me for playing too much Dan Fogelberg music. I, like may others was introduced to Dan Fogelberg with “Souvenirs” and purchased “Homefree” a day later. Then anxiously awaited each release of a new album, then CD as they came out. On trips to Colorado I would make mixxed tapes of favorite Fogelberg for the ride, and those tapes turned out to be my own “Portraits”
There were your ballads, your rock, your hits, and your stories. That is how I labeled them. It is now over over 7 months since he passed, and I miss him now as much I miss my dad but in a different way. His music took me places I could never go, and it taught me things I would never have known. My life is better because of Dan Fogelberg, and I know others who feel the same way. It really seems almost as if he knew something when he came out with “Full Cirle”
He like my dad, did everything in his life the way that he wanted to. Neither one of them went with the “norm” or “safe” way of doing things. There are not a lot of people who can say that. I only hope that before he passed, he got to see just how much he affected other people’s lives. God Bless you Dan Fogelberg.

I can not believe that for all the years on this earth, I was only introduced to Dan’s music 10 months ago. His vocal range, musical talent & poetic style speaks volumes of love & nature. I am now collecting as much of his music as possible. Thank you Dan & thank you my dearest lady-love

Merci beaucoup pour le musique et le vie d’amour. Aller avec Dieu mon amie
Thank you very much for your music & your love for life. Go with God my friend

I first came across Dan Fogelberg in 1987 whilst on holiday in upstate New York. I was driving around and Lonely In Love was being played on the car radio and it hit me like a hurricane iy was one of the greatest songs i’d ever heard. I was hooked completely and have been a huge fan ever since. I have also spread the word as muuch as possible too of Dan’s wonderful talent. Terrible tragedy and deepest condolences.

Dan had an incredibly gorgeous voice. Much, much better than James Taylor or Jackson Browne. Dan’s music always had something magical that entered my mind and soul. No other singer and musician has ever done this. There are plenty of other excellent singers and musicians, but Dan just had something that no none else did. Oh, I miss him. I hope Dan knew how much people loved the art he created and that the stupid and scathing reviews from the Rolling Sotne didn’t get him down. He deserved better from the Rolling Stone. Time will show how massively brilliant Dan was. I would rather hace been Dan than a music critic. Dan led an incredible life.

This man was one of the best–if not the best–all-around singer/songwriter in rock/pop/country genre. His music and lyrics are so powerful, and spoke to me on the deepest levels of my being. It’s hard to accept that he will never write and play for us again, but at least we have his catalog of music to enjoy and remember him by. Thank you, Dan, for inspiring me and making me feel so alive.

Dan could really rock and play a mean guitar. Remember Phoenix? Or Missing You? Then he would wow me with something like Give Me Some Time. He wrote beautiful instramentals in all styles. He did blue grass, lullabyes, the blues, bossa nova, and hot love songs. I also love Paris Nocturne. Dan was the real thing.

no other human being touched my life as deeply as dan fogelberg, through his music. he guided me on a journey away from my society-defined superficial persona to a much more deep and meaningful authentic self. his music led me to myself, to God, and to others. i know the ripple effect of his music is far-reaching and incredibly ‘under-seen’. blessings to him on this ‘new journey’ he is on and peace to his wife, family and friends.

fogelberg didnt expose himself or shave his head like loser brit. and thats all there is to it. what a shame that rolling stone couldnt do a great story instead of following the crowd .drop the ball you guys never even had it your in hands.youll have to excuse my writing im not a writer but then again nether are any of you.

Dan was a stellar musician, songwriter, singer, and performer whose work as an artist goes way beyond the hits played on the radio. I have about 35 favorite Dan songs and I NEVER tire of hearing them. Dan’s music has moved me for thirty years. I wish the Rolling Stone would do a story about this artist who could make his fellow human beings actually feel something. Not many artists can do this today. Dan made huge contributions to music. He had the gift of connecting to a music listener’s soul, heart, and mind. I also understand that he was an outstanding human being. He seemed to be an introvert, liked reading, and enjoyed privacy…these things took him off the pop music and hollywood radar. He gave up glitz for dignity and a good life. Share Dan’s music with your kids so they can experience real musical art and carry Dan’s influence into the next generation. I will think of Dan every time I cross-country ski and sail. Love you Dan!

Dan Fogelberg was an absolutely, amazing talent. What other musician, past or present, could write so prolificly, sing so soulfully, and play so many instruments so incredibly well?
No one comes close.

Ike Turner? Please!! Maybe Dan Fogelberg was too nice of guy for you to write about. Shame on you Rolling Stone, for slighting a man whose music was pure poetry! In so doing, you have lost credibility as a knowledgeable music magazine.

dan fogelberg was my youth, before the eagles came along, i loved him. i’m sorry to say that i let him slip away .

Agreeing with the writer in the above post who expresses outrage.

The fact that this AMAZING Composer/Singer/Mulit-Instrume ntalist/Lyricist and overall genius in an otherwise idiotic poop-ular music market has been given less than heroic status by the this Mega Market Magazine is just pissing me off to no end.

What does it take these days? Do we have to walk on water to get your attention?
I have performed Dan’s songs my whole life, from “The Last Nail” and “Tuscon Arizona Gazette” to “Phoenix”, “Souveniers”, and “River of Souls”…this undue lack of attention is simple rejection of REAL talent.
PLEASE give Dan his DUE. Please.
Rewrite this epitath. Be hereoic your own bad self, and do the right thing.

Dan was an acomplished musician using music as a beautiful voice, speaking about life’s experiences in so many varied forms. We are so fortunate to have had his thoughts accompany us through many dark places…seeking the light and truth. Thank you Dan…for being a lifetime companion through your gifts to us. To the Fogelberg family, we will forever share this loss.

I agree with Ticked Off Dan Fan. Rolling Stone, you need to recognize Dan Fogelberg with a much more in depth article. The influence he had on a generation of musicians born in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s is undeniable. From Garth Brooks to Babyface Edmunds, his music did make an impact. An impact worthy of much more than a two inch obit.

When is someone going to get smart and induct Dan Fogelberg into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Get away from the music you THINK you know that he did and listen, really listen to the other stuff that didn’t make it on the radio and then you will see what a genius he was.
Saying I’ll miss him doesn’t even touch it. His music was such a part of me that I now feel as though a part of me is gone too.

Man Rolling Stone, you really blew it. In your latest issue you give Dan Fogelberg the usual 2 inch obit and next to it is a half page article about Ike Turner?? Are you guys insane? For God’s sake have a brain and do a full article on Dan, at the very least! If you doubt his fanbase, just check out Youtube and his website and look at the numbers. You really dropped the ball this time. How’s about makin it right huh?

Bought ‘Souvenirs’ on a whim and two years later quit my job, sold everthing, and moved to Colorado to test my wheels as a songwriter. Dan lived nearby and would stop in the bar. I played there a couple times and was PETRIFIED he would walk in while I butchered his songs. Had the unbelieable good luck to be his darts partner and one night we trounced Glenn Frye and Joe Walsh. I still own the Guild (”It’s not a Martin, but it will work…”) Dan debuted ‘Netherlands’ on in my living room one night. His voice, musicianship and writing…along with J.B.’s, gave many lives a voice in the ’70’s-’80’s.
Peace to the family.

It was with profound sadness I greated the news of Dan’s passing. He was like an old pal. All of us citing his work meaning special things to us all. My favorite which I think is a work of art that will stand the test of time is the ‘Innocent Age’. A sublime piece of work and every song a gem. It’s nice to hear Jackson say such nice things about him too (another significant talent). It was a special time in America’s musical history (the 70’s) and these two artists longevity speaks for itself. The nectar we’ll remember but we’ll never taste again.

“Greetings From the West” is a great DVD of the same titled concert. Dan was a musical and lyrical genius. “Innocent Age” songs that did not get on the radio are each worthe price of 100 CDs. Very often the case is that his “no-hits” were his best music. “Tuscon Arizona” from “Phoenix” comes to mind first.
For Jean and the rest of his family, thank you eternally for sharing him with us.

One of the artists who defined my early adult years, introduced to me by my ex husband. Twin Sons was my first experience with collaboration, and hearing it today can still send me way back in time. Souvenirs is probably my favorite album, and hearing it sometimes, I am astounded at how this guy could rock and rock hard. Don’t overlook Wisteria from his first album, Home Free.

I saw him “in the round” in a one-man performance, all acoustic, in Atlanta in the fall of 1981. What a performance. How many artists do you know of who can do that? Sing all by themselves, all acoustic, switching from piano to guitar, and singing his heart out? What an experience, and I’m so glad to have had it.

I’m sad for his family. What a tremendous loss. He was way too young to die. As a woman, I’m telling you guys: take those tests seriously. Fogelberg implores you to do the same on his web site.

A terrible loss for music, but much worse for his family, I’m sure.

“Between the worlds of men and makebelieve…” Dan will be found. It was a grace for us to catch a glimpse of him.

I was touched at the lovely post here. So eloquent so tender. I use the word tender because those who understood and appreciated DF’s music, were of a special kind: he had the voice of an angel-he thought so innocent and yet so hopeful after being hurt from love that didn’t stay.
To me, he is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. He has captured so much of life’s mysteries in a single strand of music. I LOVE DAN FOGELBERG forever! I thought of him this morning(Christmas morn) and about Jean and Dan’s mother and brothers…and how so many miss him. And by the looks of this board, he will be terribly missed. He made a beautiful mark on the world.
I saw him in Colorado several times and man, he rocked! he played piano classically and sang so sweet. He was humble too. Oh and can’t forget how handsome…
I think many of us girls dreamt of one moment with this man : )
Rest well sweetie, Vee, Colorado
Fan

3 of my favorite artists have left now as Christmas approaches…John Lennon, George Harrison and now Dan. Happy Christmas to all.

My wife and I saw him twice, she passed away at 39. RIP Dan and thanks for the memories and two wonderful evenings.

This rough news is eased by the fact that Dan Fogelberg brought us beautiful songs such as “Longer,” “Leader of the Band,” and definitely “Same Auld Lang Syne”…all of which will last long in our hearts and on our music players. Somewhere he’s still singing about snow turning to rain on a nostalgic night, and being inspired and strengthened by his powerful dad. These just-as-powerful tunes are his own living legacy. Rest well, Dan, and thank you for the songs in our souls.

Somehow he made our hearts beat as one. His fans will love him forever.

My brother introduced Dan Fogelberg to me in 1979 when he have me a copy of “Captured Angel”.
I learned every word of every song. “The last nail” is still my favorite. For the last 5 days, I have played nothing but Fogelberg on my computer. Thinking back to those days when I first heard him and how amazed I was at his ability. I feel as if I have lost a piece of myself. God Bless!

-From the time we were in High School, mu besy buddy and I loved to take off on spur-of-the-moment
roadtrips to the mountains or oceans East of Seattle.
Necessities for these trips included
AMoke-House Almonds, Tab (yuk) and Dan’s album “Home Free”, which was the perfect soundtrack for an early morning adenture!
Rest in peace Dan.

A singular, major loss to music and to humanity. There was no one who could capture the soul of man as deeply as Fogelberg. I cried when I listened to his music & I cried when I heard that he died (this from a 55 year old man. A testimony to the breadth of Fogelbergs’ ability to touch us). Now follows the news that Stills has the same disease. Tragic, but beatable. Guys, ask your doctor what it takes to get the test. It’s easy & smart. Learn from our teachers.

I was just beginning to come into my own as a singer/songwriter in the seventies. Then I heard Crow from Souviniers and realized that I had to go back to the drawing board. He’s been my inspiration ever since. Great voice, first rate songwriting, phenomenal instrumentalist. Who can we say the same about now?

There was a stretch in the late 70’s when I played the Captured Angel and Netherlands albums just about non-stop, and I fondly remember going to Dan’s concert at the Berkeley Community Theater in 1979. Dan greatly enriched those years for me.

I ran away from home when I was 16. Drove my VW Bug - which was a shiny candy red color - from LA to Colorado. An important part of my soundtrack was the TWIN SONS OF DIFFERENT MOTHERS album. Arriving to fresh air, and a new life, accompanied by that beautiful music was amazing.I admit I haven’t listened to you for a while now, but Dan, you’ll be missed.

love his music. very heartfelt. quite a loss. wish more people were as genuine as dan’s music…

It was quite a poignant moment when I heard the news of Dan Fogelberg’s death. I so loved his music from back when I was a kid in the 70’s. I still ache for the moving music of the great singer-songwriters of the era. Jackson will always top my list — and unlike many, he still creates great songs — but Cat Stevens, CSNY and the like are right on his heels. It was interesting to read what Jackson had to say about Dan and his music. I suppose the crying thing is payback as one of the two songs that has made me cry hardest in my life is ‘For a Dancer’. The other is John Lennon’s ‘In My Life’. I got the chance to thank Jackson in person at Agape this year for the way his music and example as an activist shaped and enriched my life. I hope that Dan knew how deeply his contributions affected folks as well.

I shared this Dan Fogelberg tribute song of mine at my Christmas CD release party tonight for Certified Gold, Incense and Myrrh, and it was very well received. It’ll Never be the Same Auld Lang Syne. For anyone who would like to check it out, it’s a free download at my website:

http://www.drblt.net

Dan was the greatest…
not only as a musician,but also as a man…
Jackson was right “an angel…”
thank you…grazie Maestro!

Were any of Dan Fogelberg’s concerts filmed? Can you please let us know where we might be able to buy.

Is there a place where one might find Dan Fogelberg in concert on dvd? Sure would like to have a copy.

re: Internet Anonymity | 12/19/2007, 10:59 pm EST

One last thing. If you read through the comments, you would notice that NO ONE made fun or joked about Dan Fogelberg.

RIP, Dan, ’cause we know how to laugh AND care!

re: Internet Anonymity | 12/19/2007, 10:59 pm EST

“Usually translates into alot of unfunny, callous remarks by children, or by childish adults. Take your drivel to fark.com, kiddies.”

. . . Which are usually read by losers who can’t see the humor in anything and feign compassion to feel morally superior to others who realize that nothing will bring these dead celebrities back and much prefer to laugh through life and really care about others instead of having phony tears for their own twisted enjoyment.

(That’s quite a sentence I must say! And if it’s grammatically and technically incorrect I’m still very proud of it. Look mom. No commas!!!)

I Cryed When I heard the news….
Greetings from the West Live is one of my all time favorites, he shall be surely missed. RIP Dan.

Usually translates into alot of unfunny, callous remarks by children, or by childish adults. Take your drivel to fark.com, kiddies.

One of my favorites. One of those rare guys that did it all at a world class level: write, arrrange, sing and play lead guitar, not to mention several other instruments, and keep your attention for 2 hours playing solo. Glad I made a trip to Vegas in ‘02 to finally catch him with a band. Known as a love ballad guy, but he could really tear it up on his Strat and sing blues songs in an unrecognizable gruff voice, have a listen to his Statesboro Blues.

His drummer for his ‘03 tour, Michael Botts (RIP) sums him up well in his journal at Everon:
“And of course “Dan the man” was up front, burnin’ on every instrument he could get his hands on except for bass and drums. I expected him to play great guitar and piano but I’m always blown away at how he can go seamlessly from electric guitar to piano to acoustic guitar and then back again. And while he’s doing all that he’s singing his ass off as well.”

I’m guessing this will stir up a tribute concert by the 70s California music family that did Nicolette’s in ‘98, in which Fogelberg did a set.

Hearing the news about Dan Fogelberg Sunday night, I felt like a part of me–the part that’s still a teenager in the 1970s, listening to Dan and Jackson and their words that spoke so true–had died, too.
(Hey, Jackson–remember “Can I feel your callouses?” in the Barn Tour? That was me.)

re:John Hiatt | 12/18/2007, 7:09 pm EST

“Jackson, when can we get together again and compare notes on our first wives. You’d think we drove ‘em off a bridge or something….”

I’ll give your agent a call and we’ll set a time for lunch. . . Gee, it’s a damned shame Ike can’t join us!

Jackson, when can we get together again and compare notes on our first wives. You’d think we drove ‘em off a bridge or something….

Jackson, when can we get together again and compare notes on our first wives. You’d think we drove ‘em off a bridge or something….

Hey Bro, Do you happen to know where I can get another liver??

NkB,

Captured Angel also has The Last Nail. My God, is that a beautiful song.

I still put The Phoenix on mix CD’s all the time.

What a bummer.

Hey you guys, you want to have some fun? Let’s nuke that jagoff Jackson Browne’s house!

I remember reading that Dan was hurt that Quincy Jones did not ask Dan to be a part of the “We are the World” song. But thats why us Fogelberg fans loved him all the more. He was a real artist and might not have been in that crowd but was in our hearts. I experienced Dan at the Nassau Collusium in Long Island in 1980 in a surprise accoustic performance in which Dan announced that he would perform the songs the way they were written. One of the highlights of my life. An unmatched musical poet.

Yeah, I remember Dan. He was tall with hair.

Tender Troubadour

get your cancer tests today kids…you can live a lot longer.

get your cancer tests today kids…you can live a lot longer.

Saw him around 1984 at The Patriot Center (George Mason Univ) Fairfax VA… best all around performer I’ve ever seen or heard. Mellow show, but his voice and guitar were flawless. Unbelieveable vocal range! Listen to his albums and you wonder if it is the same guy singing from song to song. The only way to be sure is to notice the poetic lyrics writing style… he was amazing and will be missed. RIP Dan Fogelberg? No just rock-on…

Dan, is the best performer/musician I’ve ever seen. He could play guitar/piano, sing and do it all with out others. He should be in the Hall of Fame because he had the talent to be there.

Dan, is the best performer/musician I’ve ever seen. He could play guitar/piano, sing and do it all with out others. He should be in the Hall of Fame because he had the talent to be there.

Hey Daryl(or wannabe),
Time to let it go, you 2 timing loony.

Fogelberg’s ability to virtually write and record an album all by himself was one of the remarkalble
aspects of his talent. He was both a gifted vocalist and an amazing musician. I was lucky enough to be at the Fox Theater concert in ‘91 which was released as a video and album. My syphathy to his loved ones and may he rest well knowing that his songs will inspire as long as human’s can make music. Now it’s time to tune the guitar and play “Once Upon A Time”.

Don’t believe everything you read in the Enquirer, dolt.

That is so interesting that Jackson commented on him in that way.

When I heard the news this morning, I was thinking that Dan Fogelberg was 1970’s Colorado to Jackson Browne’s 1970’s southern California.

Captured Angel was such a beautiful album. I rank it up there with Browne’s For Everyman and The Pretender.

RIP Dan Fogelberg

Yup…Dan was one of a kind, a rarity. Fogelberg produced many noteworthy albums. DEAN & ROG[Houston’s Classic Rock 93.7 FM]did a tribute this morning on their radio show, and many fans phoned in to chat up Dan’s music.

I grew up listening to Dan Fogelberg, my mom’s favorite artist… also the first concert I went to was a Dan Fogelberg concert (when I was eight). It’s so sad to think that I won’t be able to go to another one of his concerts ever again. His best albums, I think, were Captured Angel, Netherlands, Innocent Age, and Full Circle (I know Captured Angel isn’t the greatest album, but it does have Old Tennessee on it).

Did he beat the sh#t out of him too?

*on guitar.

slow down cowboy
lol

Lookin for a lady was the 1st(or one of the 1st) song I ever learned .

h/t joe walsh