I consider Dan to be the greatest singer/songwriter of all. I saw him in concert several times and it was a life experience never forgotten. Either you got him or you didn't. I did. Let's not forget he was also an incredible guitarist. A perfectionist on an acoustic and a real rocker with an electric. I miss him.
His music was a staple for my young wife and I while duty kept us apart during my years in the US Navy. His words were our bond and have enriched out lives like no other. We were fortunate enough as a family to take our daughters to see him in the early 90's, which raised their awareness and love for his music. Memories that will endure forever. Left us way too soon! RIP Dan!
Dan Fogelberg never got the attention of the masses that he so deservedly earned. A true artist and brilliant songwriter. Thanks for sharing this video!
I'm misty-eyed as I add Only The Heart May Know to the collection. Just a tender tribute to all the friends who have been companions through life. "At picture shows/where nobody goes/and only the heart may know." How many times have we played back little vignettes of special moments as children playing with our friends, and other moments as we get older? Little movies stored in our hearts because they meant something important to us. Sigh. That Dan Fogelberg put that in a song so beautifully...sigh. No one could have done it better. Many thanks, Dan. You touched hearts and souls with your words and music. Gone too soon.
Dan is someone I rarely hear talked about. He wrote so many great songs. Criminally underrated and often overlooked singer songwriter. Thank you for making this.
Loved him, the sweetest. purest voice, all such great songs but especially Missing You and my personal favorite, Go Down Easy. Such a loss for 70's and 80's music lovers.
Married 55 years to my rock. We will be dancing to Longer at our granddaughter's wedding in just a few weeks. The moment I heard this song all those years ago, I knew it was us. Bless you Dan...you sang what was in our hearts.
My favorite singer-songwriter of all time. The words and music touched the soul, and that beautiful voice! There are no words to describe how his music touched me through the decades. Rest in peace, dear Dan.
Finally!!!! People in this forum who have the thoughts I’ve had since the 80s!!! DF was the most underrated and under appreciated artist ever! Thank you for bringing his music to light!!!
Longer 1979 Same Old Lang Syne 1980 and Leader Of The Band 1981 all those 3 songs still make me cry to this very day. All 3 songs are beautifully crafted by the greatest singer/songwriter of my generation. God speed Dan Fogelberg 1951-2007 you're still greatly missed by we your fans.
Where to begin with Dan Fogelberg?...First of all, thanks to the Professor of Rock for his heartfelt tribute to Dan, describing so beautifully what so many of us feel when listening to Dan Fogelberg's music. Fogelberg was an exceptionally gifted musician, a brilliant composer, and his lyrics? Dan was a poet. Just read his lyrics without the music, and you will know his genius. His music takes a backseat to no one - Dylan, Lennon, Paul Simon, no one. Others have commented, and I agree, that as popular as he was with his countless fans, as successful as he was artistically and commercially, he was somehow not appreciated as he should have been. This I’m sure of: Dan Fogelberg’s music will live on. Thank you, Dan. May you rest in peace.
For my dad's 97th birthday, I wrote him a thank you letter that was mulling in my thoughts for years. I spent hours writing and rewriting it. I wanted to thank him for the gifts I never could repay. I quoted him the Ralph Waldo Emerson poem about what it means to succeed because that, to me, epitomized his success as a wonderful human being. I wanted to thank him "for the freedom when it came my time to go." Three days after I mailed it to him the phone rang. When I picked up the phone and heard his voice, I almost burst into tears because I knew he had just read my letter. He told me it was the nicest birthday give he had ever received. I listened to Dan Fogelberg's Leader of the Band over and over when I learned of my father's passing just three months shy of his 98th birthday and five years ago today. The tears are flowing as I write this. I knew if I procrastinated too long in writing that letter, I would forever regret it. As Dan Fogelberg says in the end of that interview, "There was nothing left unsaid."
This is extremely important, and you know that better than anyone. About 10 years ago, I started making a point of telling my father that I love him, and telling him, when I write him a birthday or a Christmas card, what a great father he has been to me. One day, I will not have him. And I don't want to be "that guy" who says he "never got to tell his father...". I'm glad you wrote that letter!
He absolutely does. As beautiful as his music is his lyrics are amazing. He's as much a poet as musician and at times it seemed like he was channeling wisdom from the Universe. Songs like Nexus, Netherlands, Ghosts, so many.
@@gorillabay75 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Fogelberg#:~:text=Songwriters%20Hall%20of%20Fame%3A%20Fogelberg,contributions%20to%20the%20music%20industry. Last paragraph under the award section.
I had a backstage pass to a Fogelberg concert once and heard him singing "scales" to warm up before the show. I had been a fan for some time, but had no idea what a beautiful voice he really had 'till then. After the incredible show, I saw Dan sitting against the wall backstage, and I could tell he was completely drained and exhausted. I should have let him be, but I couldn't resist approaching him to tell him what a great impact his music had on me. He was most gracious and made me feel like my praise was important and appreciated by him. Great musician, great guy.
❤ thank you for sharing❤ he's always been my favorite since I started listening to him in my second year at St Lawrence University in Canton New York 1972 on his home free album❤ I never got to hear him live forever meet him but I know I'll meet him in heaven❤ he has touched millions of hearts❤ I guess we'll meet in heaven too someday you and I 10 millions of the fans who will get to hear and play Forever❤❤
I'm 70 and still gigging. Dan's music had such a huge influence on me as a musician. I would really like to see him be put in the R and R Hall of Fame. He is so deserving of that.
I was so very lucky to be able to attend 3 of his concerts when I lived in Peoria. His songs are poetic and very underrated. He should be in the R and R Hall of Fame, hopefully some day he will be.
My Dad passed away this morning, all I could think of is this song what a tribute to a father. His gentle way of sculpting souls took me years to understand….. my life as been a poor attempt to imitate the man… and papa I don’t think I said I love you near enough. It’s the perfect song of love for a father.
@@beeonthyme5760I am sure he must’ve, but I still can’t remember my Dad raising his hand to me. Looking back from age 75, I remember that, after I’d frustrated my Mom just a hair too far, I knew I was in trouble when she’d say “That’s it! When your father gets home he’s going to have a talk with you!” I dreaded those talks when, in quiet, logical words, he’d break down what I’d done, thereby making me feel so remorseful about whatever it was I’d done.
The boyfriend sat me in in a chair, put the album cover in my hands and put the needle down on "Longer" . He watched my face, my reactions. We had 37 wonderful years together. Longer than many.
Nice story, but not complete as we don't know why you are no longer together. The cynic in me says you broke up, which then defies the message of the song. But then I think of the alternative and I would cry if I learned he passed away. But it would bolster the spirit of the song because he will love you forever.
Dan was a sheer genius. I can place no single songwriter/singer above him. Every time I hear one of Dan's songs, wherever I am, I find myself singing along, and I don't care who knows it. Man, do I miss him. Thank you for highlighting him, Professor, and giving him his due.
I was 17 and a real rocker. I was introduced to Netherlands. Cried at the beauty of the music. Followed him until his death, and cried even harder. Too many favorites to mention, but none would have been the three you chose. That's the magic of the man. He created songs for all of us to love.
I agree. I absolutely loved those when they came out, but there is so, so much more to Dan's body of work. Some of my favs are The Reach, To the Morning, Old Tennessee, Netherlands, Souvenirs, Part of the Plan, The River, Wild Places, River of Souls, Nexus, In The Passage, Over and Over.... I could go on and on.
Ditto ... I had Kiss Alive 2 in my collection ... next to Netherlands. I followed him through the Innocent Age. For me, Nexus, Ghosts and IN the Passage are all brilliant, as are all the songs on Netherlands, as well as most from Home Free, Souvenirs and Captured Angel ... there were sandwiched between my Zeppelin and Black Sabbath albums
This tribute to Dan Fogelberg was created a little over 2 years ago, but I just watched it tonight. Incredible tribute to one of the best singer/songwriters ever. Dan's music touched millions of souls, over and over again, and he was one of my favorites.
Dan Fogelberg literally changed the direction of my life. I remember washing the dishes by hand one night in 1981 with the radio playing when Leader of the Band came on. I stood there mesmerized, with soap dripping off my fingers, listening. As soon as it ended I remembered that one of my sisters had been a big fan of his and had some of his albums. She was older than me and had already moved out. I ran back to her room and found what seemed like a treasure drove to me - five or six of his early albums. I was a drummer at the time, but after listening to Dan, I sold my drum set, took up the guitar and started writing songs. My favorite album is undoubtedly Innocent Age. And my favorite song on that album is The Reach. Truly amazing musician, singer, and songwriter. Just recently I picked up playing the bass guitar. I was listening to Auld Lang Syne by Fogelberg and thought, "Wow, who played bass on this song, it's incredible!" I looked at the liner notes to discover it was Dan himself. Amazing! I could go on and on, but I'll stop there. Thanks for this little tribute!
Wow, how refreshing to hear anyone so in love with Dan's voice and poetry. My first introduction was in 1984. I was 26. I found a cassette on the floor of my buddies car. It was 'Souvenirs'. That started a journey of discovery and love that hasn't ended. I had to have every song he ever played. I cried and rocked and longed for past loves vicariously through his music. Then one day in 2002, I got to see him 'Live' in Seattle at the 'Concerts on the pier'. He was beyond words. I sang every song as loud as I could and will never forget it. He played piano and guitar and that voice, that was all he needed. I was in heaven. The day I heard he passed on was sad indeed but the memories and the music remain. Thank you Dan for a wonderful legacy and thank you my friend for putting this out there. He was one of the greatest. Peace
In 1990, I was in Provo, Utah, and my girlfriend had tickets to the BYU Dance Troupe performance. It was amazing, and I would have walked out the doors uplifted and entertained without the last song they danced to. But, the lights went down, it got quiet, and then, on the stage sides, ethereal figures began moving to the song "Ghosts" by Dan Fogelberg. It was heart stopping. It was beautiful beyond description, words fail to purvey the emotion this performance would evoque in the spectators. They had soaked their costumes in phosphorous, and had black lights illuminating them as though they really were ghosts, dancing down the ancient corridors, and through the gates of time, running like the dreams we left behind. When the performance ended, you could have heard a pin drop. The audience was still, hardly daring to breathe. Then, as one, we all stood and showed our appreciation for the wonder we had just witnessed. To this day my breath catches, a lump grows in my throat, and my eyes tear up at the memory of that night. I was a Fan Fogelberg fan already, but after that night that I evolved into the acolyte I am today. I love every song he wrote and performed, and listen to his words every day. Thank you for this video, Mr. Reader.
EVERY TIME I hear "Same Old Lang Syne", I get a lump in my throat and tears well up in my eyes. Probably the most emotion-evoking song I know of at age 56..."The Pain of Nostalgia"...what a profound and accurate statement.
Michael Jaqua I should have read a little farther down, cuz I wrote almost the exact same thing!! There is always that one person that you wonder about....that you care for no matter how much time goes by. It’s joyful and gut wrenching all at once.
Souvenirs might be the definitive song about the pain of nostalgia, and the song might have the definitive line about the pain of nostalgia: when faced with the past, the strongest man cries.
" just for a moment I was back at school and felt that old familiar pain.." The song captures that moment in time when love rips you apart and the person who is buried in your psyche the whole of your life.
SAME OLD LANG SYNE is by far my favorite...never really had that experienece, but I know that I could have with some of my past relationships! So emotional and what a great story teller! GodSpeed, Mr. Fogelberg!
When I met my wife for the first time, she asked me if I knew who Dan Fogelberg was. I was a big fan. So was she. We have been married 38 years now. Thanks Dan. We connected over the love of your music. You're the best.
Dan F truly is one of the greatest singer songwriters I've heard. His music has had a forever impact on my life for nearly 50 years. Windows and Walls probably gets the most playtime in my home...
It was late on Christmas Eve in 1981. I was 8 years old, and I was sleeping and dreaming about Santa's visit. I woke up to the sound of The Innocent Age being played from downstairs. The album was a gift to my father from my mother, and had been opened a couple of hours earlier along with a new needle for the turntable. I crept downstairs and caught a peek of my parents placing gifts under the tree. I lost some of my innocence with the discovery that Santa was not real, but I could not imagine finding that out to a better soundtrack. Sometime around 2008, I got into vinyl, and purchased a used copy of the album. The first time I played it, I was overcome with emotion to the point I could not listen to it again for several weeks. No other artist will ever have an impact on me like that. Ever.
To me...Fogelberg is and was a national treasure. I think the BEST American singer songwriter in history. Certainly the most muslcially talented. Dan's 3 best songs for me are: Tucson Arizona(Gazette)- Man in the Mirror/Slow Below the Surface -She Comes and Goes. I was as sad the day I heard he died as if a family member had passed..One of my true heroes.
Dan Folgelberg's music is what I grew up on and for me the pinnacle is Another Auld Lang syne. when he says "and as I turned to make my way back home, the snow turned into rain" hit so hard for me. I have loved only a few women like that and non of them ended up with me. Pain is my companion sadly. Its happened for me.
I was in grade 12, went to the hospital for an appendectomy, in recovery listening to the innocent age. Hospital staff worker came to my bedside and said she just had to say how good it made her feel that a young lad would be listening to such good music. Turned out long ago she had assisted my grandmother so many years before.
Nether Lands. Dan Fogelberg’s lyric brings me to tears….”like the song that the darkness composes to worship the light..” How many have been brought out of the darkness with his music ? And will for generations to come. Rest In Peace sweet soul
I only have one song that cuts so deep that even 40+ years later it still can bring me to tears. The River is my song. Grew up next to a river the sun burning on my shoulders...
What a Renaissance man he was. No, really he did it all. Master lyricist ,writer composer,a master of studio track layering,pianist,great unknown guitarist,and outstanding vocalist. Hid paintings,photography,his respect,for cultural history,the inviornment,and love for all things. He was the musician of my era that i loved and respected most.
I've loved him since 8th grade. I even played " PART OF THE PLAN'..in 9th grade guitar recital. Dan, was so unrated that it should be a crime. Souvenirs is my favorite IF that's possible! God speed my friend. I would have married him if he asked!
I’ve never left a public comment anywhere before. But Dan’s music has made a deep and profound impact upon me. I agree with your choices but personally have always has a special love for his Netherlands album. The soaring vocal and orchestral accompaniment is spectacular!
I like the way you phrased it - a deep and profound impact. Me as well. And Netherlands was my favorite also with Captured Angel and Souvenirs as my second and third. I was pretty torn up by his death and I will never forget him.
Dan Fogelberg has been one of my favorite singer/songwriters since I was a teenager in the 70s! I have had several of his albums (and still do). I saw him in concert twice!! Love all his songs!
My absolute favorite artist of all time! Who can deny the haunting loneliness of "Windows and Walls" or the lyrical majesty of "Sweet Magnolia (And the Traveling Salesman)?" I used to play his songs on the piano for hours every day. I almost never play anymore, but whenever I do, it is imperative that I play one of Dan's songs as a tribute to the wonderful journey on which he has guided us.
I think it would be very difficult for me to narrow Fogelbergs songs down to just three because I love so much of his work and so much of it speaks to me. I don't think we will ever see his likes again.
I think that "Make Love Stay" is my favorite Fogelberg song. The beautiful poetry of the lyrics, and the gentle tone of the song with its heartfelt swells in the chorus, it's one of the most sincere love songs that I've ever heard. I can only dream of finding love like that. So I'm happy to enjoy someone else's dream.
"Hard to Say" would be on my list. Amazing imagery about lost love. "There's still a lot of things You'll never know Like why each time The sky begins to snow You cry" "It's never easy And it's never clear Who's to navigate And who's to steer So you flounder Drifting ever near the rocks"
Prof....Your descriptive words here are as eloquent as Dans lyrics themselves. I couldn't agree more with everything you described about the songs of the great Dan Fogelberg. Great work!
Today Dec. 16, 2019 is the anniversary of Dan's passing ! Dan was born Aug. 13, 1951. I was born Aug 13, 1960. I've listened to a lot of music in my life but I have never seen or heard another human being that I would say that was truly a complete artist ! Yes, Dan was a composer of music and lyric but he at times played all the instrument on songs, he mixed, produced his work.He did the album cover photography and art work, spoke of environmental and humanitarian issues and much more. A complete Artist ! Thank you Daniel Grayling ! You've truly touched my life and thousands of other with your life ! Peace !
I am a month older than you RJ, and agree wholeheartedly with it all. To me the "Twin Sons of Different Mothers" album from '78 (?) was the truest measure of this great wordsmith/musician. His re-do of a Hollies tune"tell me to my face" was outstanding!! His originals were great, and his versatility in re-making classics like "rhythm of the rain" was without peer. Underappreciated artist, gone way too soon.
My birthday is August 13,1965...Friday the 13th. The day I was born my neighbor's husband died and on my 13th birthday my older brother Jackie was killed in a car accident.
You are such a good soul Prof…no one would do a tribute as you’ve done with Dan…and so eloquently and perfect in your description of him, the man, his voice and his songs. It is so hard to pick 3…but I love Aspen/These Days, Tell me to my Face and Hard to Say but after hearing Donna Summer sing an incredibly moving version of Netherlands on the tribute album, I’ve liked that one more than I ever did. Lastly, there are two especially riveting breakup-old flame songs on Exiles…Seeing you again and Our last farewell…if anyone isn’t moved by those songs, they should check their pulse. Thank you Professor!
I have to admit, I never thought I would see a video on RUclips dedicated to Dan Fogelberg. I was in middle school when DF was popular, along with the entire genre Dan was a part of. For months it seemed like “Leader of the Band” was the only song played on the radio. Remember radio? I didn’t appreciate him then but he really was a genius.
Phoenix makes me rise above every time I feel I cant go on. But we must all do so- especially since Dan inspired us to rise above our very own expectations and continue to do so consistently against all odds. Love you My Fogelberg, forever. A true romantic singer and visionary, as well as a true prodigy as well. RIP Angel Man.
4 years ago I was dying, as i waited on a life saving liver transplant. Of course i was fighting depression, and i kept telling myself i was in the Netherlands of my life. I remembered the song by Mr. Fogelberg, and and this song helped me hold on til i recd the transplant. Thank you sir for your words.
Interesting that you posted this on the eve of my birthday. Dan died on my birthday. I’ve always felt that same connection to Dan Fogelberg that you are expressing. I had some of his 45s back in the 70s and was one of the rare teenagers riding around with the cassette of his greatest hits going in my truck in the 80s. I am/was also a singer, and I sang many of his songs in talent shows and for other events. His early death was a shock to me. A few months after his death, his personal piano technician (tuner - which is also my profession) contacted me to get some info about a job opening I had just vacated. He and I talked for what must have been more than an hour. He talked about what a fantastic person Dan was and then out of the blue sent me a personal copy of a live version of “Part of the Plan” that was never released but was his personal favorite. I share another connection with him. I was diagnosed with Gleason 10, late stage metastatic prostate cancer at age 48, nearly 5 years ago. I had apparently had it for years. I think we are beginning to learn that the treatment Dan would have received and that I have so far received, wasn’t just based on faulty research, but is completely backward. There appears to be a cure for this nasty disease that completely ruins your life, but the pharmaceutical industry and the oncologists make too much money selling their poisons to allow the cure to see daylight. The traditional treatment has taken my voice away and stolen my energy. But thanks to the internet, the truth is beginning to be told. I can’t narrow my favorites down to 3. There is a Dan Fogelberg song for every life moment, every mood, every emotion, every evil and every virtue. I had stopped listening to his songs for a while because I just couldn’t handle the emotions of the nostalgia you talk about. But maybe it’s time to dust off the old records. Thanks
As a young Peoria area kid with an older sibling in Lawrence Fogelberg’s high school band, I’m sad that I was too young to appreciate “Leader of the Band” when it was released and didn’t understand it’s beauty until later in life. I still get chills when I visit the Dan Fogelberg memorial at Peoria’s Riverfront Park. Thank you, Professor, for telling this story.
Been a musician all of my life. Played many of Dan's songs. It was rewarding when you play to a room full of strangers and the next time you were in town someone would come up with some Fogelberg albums and say that after he heard us play the songs he went out and bought the albums. Now he loves Dan's music and his kids think he is cool. My favorites range from "Stars" on his Album Home Free to "Go Down Easy" on High Country Snows... and Man in the Mirror and Below the Surface.........
The most memorable concert I've ever been to was seeing Dan play at Red Rocks in Denver. I was working at Ticket Master at the time and scored some free tickets. I wasn't familiar with his music, but I knew my Mom liked him. So, I took my Mom to the concert. It was a beautiful summer night. The stars were shining and Dan sung so beautifully. It was truly amazing. I'm so glad I got to hear him play.
When I was a little kid in the 70s I took swimming lessons at our community swimming pool. The female life guards would play this song over and over. It was the first song that I connected to a persons reaction to how music affected them.
Longer was the song I shared with the one great love of my life. He was 22 and I was 20 and I have never before or since been so much in love. He left me without explanation one day and broke my heart. I never found out why, but I never got over him, and I cry when I hear that song.
Similar story for me. I was 22 and she was 20. We fell hard in love as only young people can and moved in together almost immediately. It was like heavenly fire - unstoppable and all-consuming. I never felt anything like that again. It was 1974 and she introduced me to “Homefree” before Dan was even famous. We eventually drifted apart then tried to get back together, but it ended badly. Strange how a love so strong can get lost. I married another with whom I am now growing old. I have had a very good life with 2 wonderful grown children and yet, “Homefree” still makes my heart ache and I cannot help but think about what might have been.
When I was younger my dad and I used to always go in the basement of our old house and listen to Fogelburg, Croce, America, etc. We always had a good time listening to the old folk ballads. He changed though. My family spiraled out of control. Let's just say I wound up being the one taking care of my mom and the house. I picked up the slack to pay the bills. I worked full time and went to college full time. While I was staying up to do my coursework until 3 and 4 am I'd play those old records to remember what things were like before. Fogelburg was always my favorite. The music got me through a lot.
Thank you. I am a Swedish girl hm... 60. Fogelbergs music came to me one night on you tube. I fell in love totally as never before. Long night when I cant sleep he sings it seems just for me. Ive never heared of him before a pity but Im so gratefull for it now.
I remember coming home from college in the 70s and telling my friends I discovered this singer that they had to hear. They were all into Queen and Van Halen. I was more into the lyrics and musicality of the artists (not that there wasn't that in the music in which they were engaged.) There was something about Dan that grabbed me and, to this day, holds me in awe and wonder. I was fortunate to have seen him live in concert a number of times. His album "The Innocent Age" is, in my opinion, his masterpiece! The world is a better place for his having been here, and lesser for his untimely departure.
I so agree with you! He was the purest voice. A master with words. His music touched the soul. So many of his songs still bring me to tears. One of the greatest regrets of MY life is that I never got to hear him in person. I tried when he came to my Illinois college when he had just broken through. By the time I scraped together the 7 bucks for a ticket, they were sold out. I was heartbroken. He died the same month I was diagnosed with cancer. Music helped to heal me, (as well as turning to wholistic medicine). It breaks my heart he could not find the music that would heal him. Proud of our boy from Illinois.
"The Last Nail" will always be my favorite DF song. He has this genius of using the last line or two to really hammer home the song's meaning and just hit you hard in the heart.
Professor - you're killing me here. The same three songs??? SO Dan Fogelberg had much more music in him and he left us way too early. He remains in my top 10 list of male singer-songwriters. Really loved Longer (remember the first time I heard it on WOWO). Romance. The Cinderella Princess kind. I can remember laying on my bed, listening to this song and thinking that his voice was magical. I fell in love just a little bit with him. But the song that really cut me and still gives me goosebumps today - Same Old Lang Syne. There's no other song from a male's point of view that captures that level of nostalgia and most importantly ANGST...and to weave all that in via a completely believable story (who haven't any of us ever run into at the grocery store?!). Leader of the Band. I learned my love of playing the alto sax from my grandfather. It was the first instrument he ever learned. My grandfather wasn't a physically demonstrative man but our shared love of all things musical brought us close and kept us close. I was 19 when he died and my life has never been the same. sigh. Thanks for posting this about Dan. GREAT EPISODE.
Thank you for this on the great Dan Fogelberg……………… you have chosen the 3 songs I love the most…………..you are such an incredible . Interviewer………..I cry every time I hear Auld Lang Syne…………& I tear up at Leader of the Band…………🎼❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️🎼
These songs Take Me far back to a time when life was happy when I had family and friends and loved ones. When I wasn't alone in the world and when I was so happy! Christmas Eve is coming soon and I will be alone with my cat stuck in my little apartment and I have so many things to be thankful for including the music of my life. These songs I still know the words to I will be listening on Christmas Eve and feel Joy and Pain happiness and sorrow through Dan Fogelberg Angelic voice.
Elizabeth Shaw I’ve read through so many comments reading everyone’s favorite Dan Fogelberg songs. Yours is the only one I’ve stopped at to write. I wish I’d have run across this video sooner, like last week so I could have said this to you then - - “Just know that a stranger is hoping you have a nice holiday even though alone with your kitty and Dan Fogelberg playing.” There are only two artists that have touched me so deep in my almost 58 years of life. He was one of them.
Professor: The more i hear you, the more I say we have sooooo much in common. My language is music and at age 70, I still sing along to karaoke oldies, and, in my humble opinion, it seems like I keep improving my singing skills. All for the joy of speaking through a song. Yes, we, too, dedicated leader of the band to my dad and would play it during family reunions. Thank you!!
Believe in me is one of my favorite songs of Dan. I never missed listening to that song. What a beautiful and romantic piece..Truly an incomparable voice.
This one had me in tears almost immediately. I don't know why. Or I do. I found Fogelberg in Netherlands. Oh my God. The beauty and emotion. But for months now I have been involved in a project involving remastering my father's 12 albums, a man trained in opera who chose to sing gospel all of his life. He passed 31 years ago, but his song is in my soul, somehow, even though I was just a rock kid. To say it takes us years to understand... wow. There was no one like Fogelberg, and never will be. What a gift he was to sing us his songs.
I already created two - one that focuses on the main point of the interview and another song list where every song mentioned in every episode is on it.
This guy knows what he is talking about.... thanks for putting this out there. I was 14 in 1975 and an older friend had an extra ticket to a Fogelberg concert in Houston. I was blown away.... saw him 8 or 9 times over the years and knew every song on every album. Dan was a supreme singer songwriter, an amazing musician who even played all instruments, and a deeply committed artist to his craft. Every lyric and every note had a purpose. Over the years, his music evolved as he grew and evolved in his life. His early folk style developed into a more jazzy feel, and even on an album like River of Souls he transcended into Brazilian and African themes and moods. No other artist had his range and talent, period..... He had an incredible ability to conquer both simplicity and deep layers of complexity in his music... all at the same time. And he didn’t let commercial success ruin his music, he followed his heart and stayed true to himself. I liked that he came full circle back to his core folk music with his later albums. I have a deep and personal connection with his music, not many understand... and that’s ok. Miss him and wish he were still with us. Favorite songs..... Stars, Wild Places, Faces of America.
My dad loves Dan Fogelberg and he’s shown me so much of his music and it’s grown on me a lot by far one of my favorite artists. I’d say empty cages, days to come and in the passage are probably my favorite songs of his, there are so many great songs to choose from. My dad and I get together and play music and we always put a Dan Fogelberg song in there.
'Next Time' -- my favorite Fogelberg song of all. And check out his live performance of it on the Live at Carnegie Hall, recently released solo acoustic CD!
"You can see forever in a single drop of dew; you can see that same forever if you look down deep inside of you." We miss you now, Dan, but we'll rejoice to see you when we reach that same forever. Thanks for making and sharing Magic Every Moment.
Dan was the the greatest painter of a song that ever put pen to paper
I consider Dan to be the greatest singer/songwriter of all. I saw him in concert several times and it was a life experience never forgotten. Either you got him or you didn't. I did. Let's not forget he was also an incredible guitarist. A perfectionist on an acoustic and a real rocker with an electric. I miss him.
His music was a staple for my young wife and I while duty kept us apart during my years in the US Navy. His words were our bond and have enriched out lives like no other. We were fortunate enough as a family to take our daughters to see him in the early 90's, which raised their awareness and love for his music. Memories that will endure forever. Left us way too soon! RIP Dan!
Dan Fogelberg never got the attention of the masses that he so deservedly earned. A true artist and brilliant songwriter. Thanks for sharing this video!
He actually did and his record sales prove it.
I'm misty-eyed as I add Only The Heart May Know to the collection. Just a tender tribute to all the friends who have been companions through life. "At picture shows/where nobody goes/and only the heart may know." How many times have we played back little vignettes of special moments as children playing with our friends, and other moments as we get older? Little movies stored in our hearts because they meant something important to us. Sigh. That Dan Fogelberg put that in a song so beautifully...sigh. No one could have done it better. Many thanks, Dan. You touched hearts and souls with your words and music. Gone too soon.
Thank you! I wish they had done other collaborations. Dan and Emmylou...my Favorite Singer Songwriters.
Words can not express what a precious human being he was to open his heart and invite us all in. Best lyricist ever ❤
I have to agree whole heartedly.
Amen❤
Dan is someone I rarely hear talked about. He wrote so many great songs. Criminally underrated and often overlooked singer songwriter. Thank you for making this.
The 70s were so crowded with great songs that it was a battle to get on the charts.
Totally agree
Loved him, the sweetest. purest voice, all such great songs but especially Missing You and my personal favorite, Go Down Easy. Such a loss for 70's and 80's music lovers.
Amen
Leader of the band . Is my fave. too
Married 55 years to my rock. We will be dancing to Longer at our granddaughter's wedding in just a few weeks. The moment I heard this song all those years ago, I knew it was us. Bless you Dan...you sang what was in our hearts.
Souvenirs gets me every time.
My favorite singer-songwriter of all time. The words and music touched the soul, and that beautiful voice! There are no words to describe how his music touched me through the decades. Rest in peace, dear Dan.
Finally!!!! People in this forum who have the thoughts I’ve had since the 80s!!! DF was the most underrated and under appreciated artist ever! Thank you for bringing his music to light!!!
Longer 1979 Same Old Lang Syne 1980 and Leader Of The Band 1981 all those 3 songs still make me cry to this very day. All 3 songs are beautifully crafted by the greatest singer/songwriter of my generation. God speed Dan Fogelberg 1951-2007 you're still greatly missed by we your fans.
Exactly. :Same Old Lang Syne gets me every time!
Where to begin with Dan Fogelberg?...First of all, thanks to the Professor of Rock for his heartfelt tribute to Dan, describing so beautifully what so many of us feel when listening to Dan Fogelberg's music. Fogelberg was an exceptionally gifted musician, a brilliant composer, and his lyrics? Dan was a poet. Just read his lyrics without the music, and you will know his genius. His music takes a backseat to no one - Dylan, Lennon, Paul Simon, no one. Others have commented, and I agree, that as popular as he was with his countless fans, as successful as he was artistically and commercially, he was somehow not appreciated as he should have been. This I’m sure of: Dan Fogelberg’s music will live on. Thank you, Dan. May you rest in peace.
For my dad's 97th birthday, I wrote him a thank you letter that was mulling in my thoughts for years. I spent hours writing and rewriting it. I wanted to thank him for the gifts I never could repay. I quoted him the Ralph Waldo Emerson poem about what it means to succeed because that, to me, epitomized his success as a wonderful human being. I wanted to thank him "for the freedom when it came my time to go." Three days after I mailed it to him the phone rang. When I picked up the phone and heard his voice, I almost burst into tears because I knew he had just read my letter. He told me it was the nicest birthday give he had ever received.
I listened to Dan Fogelberg's Leader of the Band over and over when I learned of my father's passing just three months shy of his 98th birthday and five years ago today. The tears are flowing as I write this. I knew if I procrastinated too long in writing that letter, I would forever regret it. As Dan Fogelberg says in the end of that interview, "There was nothing left unsaid."
This is extremely important, and you know that better than anyone. About 10 years ago, I started making a point of telling my father that I love him, and telling him, when I write him a birthday or a Christmas card, what a great father he has been to me. One day, I will not have him. And I don't want to be "that guy" who says he "never got to tell his father...". I'm glad you wrote that letter!
Truly a genius. He needs to be in the Songwriyers Hall of Fame.
He absolutely does. As beautiful as his music is his lyrics are amazing. He's as much a poet as musician and at times it seemed like he was channeling wisdom from the Universe. Songs like Nexus, Netherlands, Ghosts, so many.
He is. He he was inducted into the songwriter's hall of fame in 2017.
No, he wasn't @@gooddaysahead1
@@gorillabay75
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Fogelberg#:~:text=Songwriters%20Hall%20of%20Fame%3A%20Fogelberg,contributions%20to%20the%20music%20industry.
Last paragraph under the award section.
@@gorillabay75 Wiki is wrong. He wasn't inducted. Correction stands.
Ever since Part of the Plan he had been a part of my life..RIP Dan...
Part of the plan, one of my favorites too!
I had a backstage pass to a Fogelberg concert once and heard him singing "scales" to warm up before the show. I had been a fan for some time, but had no idea what a beautiful voice he really had 'till then. After the incredible show, I saw Dan sitting against the wall backstage, and I could tell he was completely drained and exhausted. I should have let him be, but I couldn't resist approaching him to tell him what a great impact his music had on me. He was most gracious and made me feel like my praise was important and appreciated by him. Great musician, great guy.
❤ thank you for sharing❤ he's always been my favorite since I started listening to him in my second year at St Lawrence University in Canton New York 1972 on his home free album❤ I never got to hear him live forever meet him but I know I'll meet him in heaven❤ he has touched millions of hearts❤ I guess we'll meet in heaven too someday you and I 10 millions of the fans who will get to hear and play Forever❤❤
NETHERLANDS his one of my favorite albums ever. The music and lyrics are soul touching. He was a genius who passed too soon.
My favorite of all DF's albums as well. I saw him twice in concert and not one song from that album. Bummer
I love that album too. I listened to it countless times. It's one of those albums that are great from start to finish.
What an incredible album. Dancing shoes, Scarecrows dream…
I'm 70 and still gigging. Dan's music had such a huge influence on me as a musician. I would really like to see him be put in the R and R Hall of Fame. He is so deserving of that.
How can such a towering musical genius not be in the RRHOF?!
@@gregm8522 You'd be surprised by how many greats are not in the RRHOF. There's at least 30 that should be in. And at least 30 that should be out.
I was so very lucky to be able to attend 3 of his concerts when I lived in Peoria. His songs are poetic and very underrated. He should be in the R and R Hall of Fame, hopefully some day he will be.
My Dad passed away this morning, all I could think of is this song what a tribute to a father.
His gentle way of sculpting souls took me years to understand….. my life as been a poor attempt to imitate the man… and papa I don’t think I said I love you near enough. It’s the perfect song of love for a father.
Thundering velvet hand...always gets me
@@beeonthyme5760I am sure he must’ve, but I still can’t remember my Dad raising his hand to me. Looking back from age 75, I remember that, after I’d frustrated my Mom just a hair too far, I knew I was in trouble when she’d say “That’s it! When your father gets home he’s going to have a talk with you!” I dreaded those talks when, in quiet, logical words, he’d break down what I’d done, thereby making me feel so remorseful about whatever it was I’d done.
The boyfriend sat me in in a chair, put the album cover in my hands and put the needle down on "Longer" . He watched my face, my reactions. We had 37 wonderful years together. Longer than many.
you were blessed
That's beautiful Deborah.
Beautiful story, Deborah. God bless you!
Nice story, but not complete as we don't know why you are no longer together. The cynic in me says you broke up, which then defies the message of the song. But then I think of the alternative and I would cry if I learned he passed away. But it would bolster the spirit of the song because he will love you forever.
@@shyman99 ___Jim passed away Nov. 17, 2013, and every day that passes brings me closer to him.
Dan was a sheer genius. I can place no single songwriter/singer above him. Every time I hear one of Dan's songs, wherever I am, I find myself singing along, and I don't care who knows it. Man, do I miss him. Thank you for highlighting him, Professor, and giving him his due.
I was 17 and a real rocker. I was introduced to Netherlands. Cried at the beauty of the music. Followed him until his death, and cried even harder. Too many favorites to mention, but none would have been the three you chose. That's the magic of the man. He created songs for all of us to love.
Ditto.
I agree. I absolutely loved those when they came out, but there is so, so much more to Dan's body of work.
Some of my favs are The Reach, To the Morning, Old Tennessee, Netherlands, Souvenirs, Part of the Plan, The River, Wild Places, River of Souls, Nexus, In The Passage, Over and Over.... I could go on and on.
Ditto ... I had Kiss Alive 2 in my collection ... next to Netherlands. I followed him through the Innocent Age. For me, Nexus, Ghosts and IN the Passage are all brilliant, as are all the songs on Netherlands, as well as most from Home Free, Souvenirs and Captured Angel ... there were sandwiched between my Zeppelin and Black Sabbath albums
This tribute to Dan Fogelberg was created a little over 2 years ago, but I just watched it tonight. Incredible tribute to one of the best singer/songwriters ever. Dan's music touched millions of souls, over and over again, and he was one of my favorites.
Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan Fogelberg literally changed the direction of my life. I remember washing the dishes by hand one night in 1981 with the radio playing when Leader of the Band came on. I stood there mesmerized, with soap dripping off my fingers, listening. As soon as it ended I remembered that one of my sisters had been a big fan of his and had some of his albums. She was older than me and had already moved out. I ran back to her room and found what seemed like a treasure drove to me - five or six of his early albums. I was a drummer at the time, but after listening to Dan, I sold my drum set, took up the guitar and started writing songs. My favorite album is undoubtedly Innocent Age. And my favorite song on that album is The Reach. Truly amazing musician, singer, and songwriter. Just recently I picked up playing the bass guitar. I was listening to Auld Lang Syne by Fogelberg and thought, "Wow, who played bass on this song, it's incredible!" I looked at the liner notes to discover it was Dan himself. Amazing! I could go on and on, but I'll stop there. Thanks for this little tribute!
Wow, how refreshing to hear anyone so in love with Dan's voice and poetry. My first introduction was in 1984. I was 26. I found a cassette on the floor of my buddies car. It was 'Souvenirs'. That started a journey of discovery and love that hasn't ended. I had to have every song he ever played. I cried and rocked and longed for past loves vicariously through his music. Then one day in 2002, I got to see him 'Live' in Seattle at the 'Concerts on the pier'. He was beyond words. I sang every song as loud as I could and will never forget it. He played piano and guitar and that voice, that was all he needed. I was in heaven. The day I heard he passed on was sad indeed but the memories and the music remain. Thank you Dan for a wonderful legacy and thank you my friend for putting this out there. He was one of the greatest. Peace
In 1990, I was in Provo, Utah, and my girlfriend had tickets to the BYU Dance Troupe performance. It was amazing, and I would have walked out the doors uplifted and entertained without the last song they danced to. But, the lights went down, it got quiet, and then, on the stage sides, ethereal figures began moving to the song "Ghosts" by Dan Fogelberg. It was heart stopping. It was beautiful beyond description, words fail to purvey the emotion this performance would evoque in the spectators. They had soaked their costumes in phosphorous, and had black lights illuminating them as though they really were ghosts, dancing down the ancient corridors, and through the gates of time, running like the dreams we left behind. When the performance ended, you could have heard a pin drop. The audience was still, hardly daring to breathe. Then, as one, we all stood and showed our appreciation for the wonder we had just witnessed. To this day my breath catches, a lump grows in my throat, and my eyes tear up at the memory of that night. I was a Fan Fogelberg fan already, but after that night that I evolved into the acolyte I am today. I love every song he wrote and performed, and listen to his words every day. Thank you for this video, Mr. Reader.
EVERY TIME I hear "Same Old Lang Syne", I get a lump in my throat and tears well up in my eyes. Probably the most emotion-evoking song I know of at age 56..."The Pain of Nostalgia"...what a profound and accurate statement.
Michael Jaqua I should have read a little farther down, cuz I wrote almost the exact same thing!! There is always that one person that you wonder about....that you care for no matter how much time goes by. It’s joyful and gut wrenching all at once.
Souvenirs might be the definitive song about the pain of nostalgia, and the song might have the definitive line about the pain of nostalgia: when faced with the past, the strongest man cries.
" just for a moment I was back at school and felt that old familiar pain.." The song captures that moment in time when love rips you apart and the person who is buried in your psyche the whole of your life.
ruclips.net/video/suRDUFpsHus/видео.html
You should listen to "paris nocturne". One of the most emotion evoking pieces ever written...
SAME OLD LANG SYNE is by far my favorite...never really had that experienece, but I know that I could have with some of my past relationships! So emotional and what a great story teller! GodSpeed, Mr. Fogelberg!
When I met my wife for the first time, she asked me if I knew who Dan Fogelberg was. I was a big fan. So was she. We have been married 38 years now. Thanks Dan. We connected over the love of your music. You're the best.
Leader of the Band can still make me cry all these years later. 💜
Dan Fogelberg was so underrated.
Dan F truly is one of the greatest singer songwriters I've heard. His music has had a forever impact on my life for nearly 50 years. Windows and Walls probably gets the most playtime in my home...
Dan Fogelberg is one of the greatest singer-songwriters ever. He affected my life!
It was late on Christmas Eve in 1981. I was 8 years old, and I was sleeping and dreaming about Santa's visit. I woke up to the sound of The Innocent Age being played from downstairs. The album was a gift to my father from my mother, and had been opened a couple of hours earlier along with a new needle for the turntable. I crept downstairs and caught a peek of my parents placing gifts under the tree. I lost some of my innocence with the discovery that Santa was not real, but I could not imagine finding that out to a better soundtrack. Sometime around 2008, I got into vinyl, and purchased a used copy of the album. The first time I played it, I was overcome with emotion to the point I could not listen to it again for several weeks. No other artist will ever have an impact on me like that. Ever.
My favorite is The Reach. And lots of others but The Reach is special.
I believe Dan's widow said they played The Reach while they scattered his ashes into the water...
Omigosh, I forgot "The Reach." My sister and I used to duet it at music parties at our parent's home; sadly they're both passed on.
Professor of Rock: I am from Hong Kong and is 68 years old now. Your number 2 and your number 1 have been the same songs of mine in the last 35 years
To me...Fogelberg is and was a national treasure. I think the BEST American singer songwriter in history. Certainly the most muslcially talented. Dan's 3 best songs for me are: Tucson Arizona(Gazette)- Man in the Mirror/Slow Below the Surface -She Comes and Goes. I was as sad the day I heard he died as if a family member had passed..One of my true heroes.
"Believe in Me"...... exquisite!
Dan Folgelberg's music is what I grew up on and for me the pinnacle is Another Auld Lang syne. when he says "and as I turned to make my way back home, the snow turned into rain" hit so hard for me. I have loved only a few women like that and non of them ended up with me. Pain is my companion sadly. Its happened for me.
I was in grade 12, went to the hospital for an appendectomy, in recovery listening to the innocent age. Hospital staff worker came to my bedside and said she just had to say how good it made her feel that a young lad would be listening to such good music. Turned out long ago she had assisted my grandmother so many years before.
"Stars" and "To The Morning"...beautiful
Good choice
Nether Lands. Dan Fogelberg’s lyric brings me to tears….”like the song that the darkness composes to worship the light..” How many have been brought out of the darkness with his music ? And will for generations to come. Rest In Peace sweet soul
I only have one song that cuts so deep that even 40+ years later it still can bring me to tears. The River is my song. Grew up next to a river the sun burning on my shoulders...
What a Renaissance man he was. No, really he did it all. Master lyricist ,writer composer,a master of studio track layering,pianist,great unknown guitarist,and outstanding vocalist. Hid paintings,photography,his respect,for cultural history,the inviornment,and love for all things. He was the musician of my era that i loved and respected most.
I haven't cried over many celebrities passing on, but Dan is an exception since I was such a fan starting in my youth..still miss him...
I've loved him since 8th grade. I even played " PART OF THE PLAN'..in 9th grade guitar recital. Dan, was so unrated that it should be a crime. Souvenirs is my favorite IF that's possible! God speed my friend. I would have married him if he asked!
Loved Dan. He left way too soon. RIP
I’ve never left a public comment anywhere before. But Dan’s music has made a deep and profound impact upon me. I agree with your choices but personally have always has a special love for his Netherlands album. The soaring vocal and orchestral accompaniment is spectacular!
Innocent age for me. Saw him 3 times at Blossom Music Center. Songs - Souvenirs and Sand and the Foam
@@bryanfew2680 my favorite and the one I didn't get to see live.
@@bryanfew2680 OMG me too. Nexus blew me away but the whole album. All of his albums just incredible
❤❤❤
I like the way you phrased it - a deep and profound impact. Me as well. And Netherlands was my favorite also with Captured Angel and Souvenirs as my second and third. I was pretty torn up by his death and I will never forget him.
I agree with your Netherlands album as Dan’s favorite! But I love all of his music!
Dan Fogelberg has been one of my favorite singer/songwriters since I was a teenager in the 70s! I have had several of his albums (and still do). I saw him in concert twice!! Love all his songs!
My absolute favorite artist of all time! Who can deny the haunting loneliness of "Windows and Walls" or the lyrical majesty of "Sweet Magnolia (And the Traveling Salesman)?" I used to play his songs on the piano for hours every day. I almost never play anymore, but whenever I do, it is imperative that I play one of Dan's songs as a tribute to the wonderful journey on which he has guided us.
The lyrics, "And papa, I don't think I said I love you near enough" break me every single time.
I think it would be very difficult for me to narrow Fogelbergs songs down to just three because I love so much of his work and so much of it speaks to me. I don't think we will ever see his likes again.
I think that "Make Love Stay" is my favorite Fogelberg song. The beautiful poetry of the lyrics, and the gentle tone of the song with its heartfelt swells in the chorus, it's one of the most sincere love songs that I've ever heard. I can only dream of finding love like that. So I'm happy to enjoy someone else's dream.
"Hard to Say" would be on my list. Amazing imagery about lost love.
"There's still a lot of things
You'll never know
Like why each time
The sky begins to snow
You cry"
"It's never easy
And it's never clear
Who's to navigate
And who's to steer
So you flounder
Drifting ever near the rocks"
Prof....Your descriptive words here are as eloquent as Dans lyrics themselves. I couldn't agree more with everything you described about the songs of the great Dan Fogelberg.
Great work!
Today Dec. 16, 2019 is the anniversary of Dan's passing ! Dan was born Aug. 13, 1951. I was born Aug 13, 1960. I've listened to a lot of music in my life but I have never seen or heard another human being that I would say that was truly a complete artist ! Yes, Dan was a composer of music and lyric but he at times played all the instrument on songs, he mixed, produced his work.He did the album cover photography and art work, spoke of environmental and humanitarian issues and much more.
A complete Artist !
Thank you Daniel Grayling !
You've truly touched my life and thousands of other with your life !
Peace !
I am a month older than you RJ, and agree wholeheartedly with it all. To me the "Twin Sons of Different Mothers" album from '78 (?) was the truest measure of this great wordsmith/musician. His re-do of a Hollies tune"tell me to my face" was outstanding!! His originals were great, and his versatility in re-making classics like "rhythm of the rain" was without peer. Underappreciated artist, gone way too soon.
My birthday is August 13,1965...Friday the 13th. The day I was born my neighbor's husband died and on my 13th birthday my older brother Jackie was killed in a car accident.
You are such a good soul Prof…no one would do a tribute as you’ve done with Dan…and so eloquently and perfect in your description of him, the man, his voice and his songs. It is so hard to pick 3…but I love Aspen/These Days, Tell me to my Face and Hard to Say but after hearing Donna Summer sing an incredibly moving version of Netherlands on the tribute album, I’ve liked that one more than I ever did. Lastly, there are two especially riveting breakup-old flame songs on Exiles…Seeing you again and Our last farewell…if anyone isn’t moved by those songs, they should check their pulse. Thank you Professor!
Netherlands.... this song has spoken to me for over forty years now. I consider it my theme song.
Thanks for honoring Dan fogelberg. I have too many memories of his music through 40 plus years. I haven't stopped crying about his early death.
I have to admit, I never thought I would see a video on RUclips dedicated to Dan Fogelberg. I was in middle school when DF was popular, along with the entire genre Dan was a part of. For months it seemed like “Leader of the Band” was the only song played on the radio. Remember radio? I didn’t appreciate him then but he really was a genius.
Phoenix makes me rise above every time I feel I cant go on. But we must all do so- especially since Dan inspired us to rise above our very own expectations and continue to do so consistently against all odds. Love you My Fogelberg, forever. A true romantic singer and visionary, as well as a true prodigy as well. RIP Angel Man.
Sand and the Foam. There is simply no way to find a more delicate and eloquently written song then this masterpiece.
todd borden “Gone like the sand...”
One of his best!
4 years ago I was dying, as i waited on a life saving liver transplant. Of course i was fighting depression, and i kept telling myself i was in the Netherlands of my life. I remembered the song by Mr. Fogelberg, and and this song helped me hold on til i recd the transplant.
Thank you sir for your words.
Interesting that you posted this on the eve of my birthday. Dan died on my birthday. I’ve always felt that same connection to Dan Fogelberg that you are expressing. I had some of his 45s back in the 70s and was one of the rare teenagers riding around with the cassette of his greatest hits going in my truck in the 80s. I am/was also a singer, and I sang many of his songs in talent shows and for other events. His early death was a shock to me.
A few months after his death, his personal piano technician (tuner - which is also my profession) contacted me to get some info about a job opening I had just vacated. He and I talked for what must have been more than an hour. He talked about what a fantastic person Dan was and then out of the blue sent me a personal copy of a live version of “Part of the Plan” that was never released but was his personal favorite.
I share another connection with him. I was diagnosed with Gleason 10, late stage metastatic prostate cancer at age 48, nearly 5 years ago. I had apparently had it for years. I think we are beginning to learn that the treatment Dan would have received and that I have so far received, wasn’t just based on faulty research, but is completely backward. There appears to be a cure for this nasty disease that completely ruins your life, but the pharmaceutical industry and the oncologists make too much money selling their poisons to allow the cure to see daylight. The traditional treatment has taken my voice away and stolen my energy. But thanks to the internet, the truth is beginning to be told.
I can’t narrow my favorites down to 3. There is a Dan Fogelberg song for every life moment, every mood, every emotion, every evil and every virtue. I had stopped listening to his songs for a while because I just couldn’t handle the emotions of the nostalgia you talk about. But maybe it’s time to dust off the old records.
Thanks
Tannertuner, here’s wishing you healing in the new year. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Walli Haley thanks! And best of New Years to you!
Wow...
All three of these songs are precious and beautiful! I have all of his albums, and he was my favorite artist of all time! (Diane)
Netherlands is Dan's most majestic and soul fulfilling composition.
The entire album is his opus.
My favorite Dan Fogelberg album since it came out. A beautiful masterpiece!
Forgive me for this, but its "Nether Lands." Two words.
@@octo1186 Forgiven. Thank you.
@@octo1186 I stand corrected,,,,what a song!
As a young Peoria area kid with an older sibling in Lawrence Fogelberg’s high school band, I’m sad that I was too young to appreciate “Leader of the Band” when it was released and didn’t understand it’s beauty until later in life. I still get chills when I visit the Dan Fogelberg memorial at Peoria’s Riverfront Park. Thank you, Professor, for telling this story.
Been a musician all of my life. Played many of Dan's songs. It was rewarding when you play to a room full of strangers and the next time you were in town someone would come up with some Fogelberg albums and say that after he heard us play the songs he went out and bought the albums. Now he loves Dan's music and his kids think he is cool. My favorites range from "Stars" on his Album Home Free to "Go Down Easy" on High Country Snows... and Man in the Mirror and Below the Surface.........
One of my favorite singers of the 70s. The Leader of the Band is a song like no other. Another singer gone too soon!
"To the Morning" 💕
There are no words to describe the place Dan and his music have in my heart.
“To the morning “
I agree, one of my favorites and one of his first.
The first song I ever heard from Dan was To
The Morning. His voice was angelic.
Yes it’s going to be a day there is really no way to say no to the morning.....and maybe there are seasons..
Today, I was able to introduce my youngest to this song as we drove to school watching a beautiful sunrise😊
The most memorable concert I've ever been to was seeing Dan play at Red Rocks in Denver. I was working at Ticket Master at the time and scored some free tickets. I wasn't familiar with his music, but I knew my Mom liked him. So, I took my Mom to the concert. It was a beautiful summer night. The stars were shining and Dan sung so beautifully. It was truly amazing. I'm so glad I got to hear him play.
Red Rocks ruled !!!
When I was a little kid in the 70s I took swimming lessons at our community swimming pool. The female life guards would play this song over and over. It was the first song that I connected to a persons reaction to how music affected them.
Same Old Lang Syne - just typing that made me cry; guess that says it all.
Longer was the song I shared with the one great love of my life. He was 22 and I was 20 and I have never before or since been so much in love. He left me without explanation one day and broke my heart. I never found out why, but I never got over him, and I cry when I hear that song.
Similar story for me. I was 22 and she was 20. We fell hard in love as only young people can and moved in together almost immediately. It was like heavenly fire - unstoppable and all-consuming. I never felt anything like that again. It was 1974 and she introduced me to “Homefree” before Dan was even famous. We eventually drifted apart then tried to get back together, but it ended badly. Strange how a love so strong can get lost. I married another with whom I am now growing old. I have had a very good life with 2 wonderful grown children and yet, “Homefree” still makes my heart ache and I cannot help but think about what might have been.
Crying 🎶💙
When I was younger my dad and I used to always go in the basement of our old house and listen to Fogelburg, Croce, America, etc. We always had a good time listening to the old folk ballads. He changed though. My family spiraled out of control. Let's just say I wound up being the one taking care of my mom and the house. I picked up the slack to pay the bills. I worked full time and went to college full time. While I was staying up to do my coursework until 3 and 4 am I'd play those old records to remember what things were like before. Fogelburg was always my favorite. The music got me through a lot.
Thank you. I am a Swedish girl hm... 60. Fogelbergs music came to me one night on you tube. I fell in love totally as never before. Long night when I cant sleep he sings it seems just for me. Ive never heared of him before a pity but Im so gratefull for it now.
I remember coming home from college in the 70s and telling my friends I discovered this singer that they had to hear. They were all into Queen and Van Halen. I was more into the lyrics and musicality of the artists (not that there wasn't that in the music in which they were engaged.) There was something about Dan that grabbed me and, to this day, holds me in awe and wonder. I was fortunate to have seen him live in concert a number of times. His album "The Innocent Age" is, in my opinion, his masterpiece! The world is a better place for his having been here, and lesser for his untimely departure.
I so agree with you! He was the purest voice. A master with words. His music touched the soul. So many of his songs still bring me to tears. One of the greatest regrets of MY life is that I never got to hear him in person. I tried when he came to my Illinois college when he had just broken through. By the time I scraped together the 7 bucks for a ticket, they were sold out. I was heartbroken. He died the same month I was diagnosed with cancer. Music helped to heal me, (as well as turning to wholistic medicine). It breaks my heart he could not find the music that would heal him. Proud of our boy from Illinois.
Being from Kentucky, "The Run for the Roses" has a special place in my heart.
Sang that to my little daughter as her good night lullaby song. Years later it was the Father / Daughter song we danced to at her wedding.
That is my Mom's favorite song. She is from Ohio.
dennis chupik I'm not crying , you're crying!😉
Ever since I was little when I lived in Kentucky where I was born hearing this song every year watching the Derby it moved me and still does.
Same for me with "Illinois".
"The Last Nail" will always be my favorite DF song. He has this genius of using the last line or two to really hammer home the song's meaning and just hit you hard in the heart.
That's one of mine favs as well. The sand and the foam and The reach are in my top 3.
Truely amazing song. My fave.
Professor - you're killing me here. The same three songs??? SO Dan Fogelberg had much more music in him and he left us way too early. He remains in my top 10 list of male singer-songwriters. Really loved Longer (remember the first time I heard it on WOWO). Romance. The Cinderella Princess kind. I can remember laying on my bed, listening to this song and thinking that his voice was magical. I fell in love just a little bit with him. But the song that really cut me and still gives me goosebumps today - Same Old Lang Syne. There's no other song from a male's point of view that captures that level of nostalgia and most importantly ANGST...and to weave all that in via a completely believable story (who haven't any of us ever run into at the grocery store?!). Leader of the Band. I learned my love of playing the alto sax from my grandfather. It was the first instrument he ever learned. My grandfather wasn't a physically demonstrative man but our shared love of all things musical brought us close and kept us close. I was 19 when he died and my life has never been the same. sigh. Thanks for posting this about Dan. GREAT EPISODE.
Thank you for this on the great Dan Fogelberg……………… you have chosen the 3 songs I love the most…………..you are such an incredible .
Interviewer………..I cry every time I hear Auld Lang Syne…………& I tear up at Leader of the Band…………🎼❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️🎼
I'll never forget where I was when I first heard "Longer" in '79. I still cry when I think of his passing. Way too soon!
Make Love Stay... solo and acoustic. Magical, mesmerizing, and humbling. I'll never forget watching him play and sing that song.
He had the most beautiful ,pure heavenly songs and voices ever. God given. What a legacy he left. Thank you for this .
Thank you for honoring Dan is such a heart felt way. So deserved. Such a genius.🥰
These songs Take Me far back to a time when life was happy when I had family and friends and loved ones. When I wasn't alone in the world and when I was so happy! Christmas Eve is coming soon and I will be alone with my cat stuck in my little apartment and I have so many things to be thankful for including the music of my life. These songs I still know the words to I will be listening on Christmas Eve and feel Joy and Pain happiness and sorrow through Dan Fogelberg Angelic voice.
Elizabeth Shaw I’ve read through so many comments reading everyone’s favorite Dan Fogelberg songs. Yours is the only one I’ve stopped at to write. I wish I’d have run across this video sooner, like last week so I could have said this to you then - - “Just know that a stranger is hoping you have a nice holiday even though alone with your kitty and Dan Fogelberg playing.”
There are only two artists that have touched me so deep in my almost 58 years of life. He was one of them.
My wife and I got married in 1982 and Longer was our wedding song. We were young and yet so wise. Thank you Dan for a masterpiece! Lenny
Can't forget The Reach. Dan was quoted once saying, "I dearly love this song." Good enough for me.
Greg Myser, you nailed it. Pick a favorite Dan? That's just impossible, until you consider The Reach.
I listened to this song in my shop while spending four year building a my sailboat, and I felt like I was out there sailing!
This is my favorite also. In a word: Majestic!
His encapsulation of the human condition, whether joy or sorrow, puts words to what we all feel, such that they become our words, describe our lives.
Professor: The more i hear you, the more I say we have sooooo much in common. My language is music and at age 70, I still sing along to karaoke oldies, and, in my humble opinion, it seems like I keep improving my singing skills. All for the joy of speaking through a song. Yes, we, too, dedicated leader of the band to my dad and would play it during family reunions. Thank you!!
Believe in me is one of my favorite songs of Dan. I never missed listening to that song. What a beautiful and romantic piece..Truly an incomparable voice.
This one had me in tears almost immediately. I don't know why. Or I do. I found Fogelberg in Netherlands. Oh my God. The beauty and emotion. But for months now I have been involved in a project involving remastering my father's 12 albums, a man trained in opera who chose to sing gospel all of his life. He passed 31 years ago, but his song is in my soul, somehow, even though I was just a rock kid. To say it takes us years to understand... wow. There was no one like Fogelberg, and never will be. What a gift he was to sing us his songs.
I NEED a Spotify channel with song lists from Professor of Rock. Who is with me on this!!!
MAJOR talent; agreed!
Great call.
Here's a twist for you darling, I'm too old to know what Spotify is but I actually have all these albums that I bought when I was a kid!
How do we do this. Love this
I already created two - one that focuses on the main point of the interview and another song list where every song mentioned in every episode is on it.
"In the Passage" might just be my favorite of his, and one that got no radio play, no accolades -- just a brilliant song.
agree - and Nexus
His best songs didn't get the airplay they should have.
@@work41 I completely agree. I can't tell you how much I listened to Nexus and In the Passage from The Innocent Age.
This guy knows what he is talking about.... thanks for putting this out there. I was 14 in 1975 and an older friend had an extra ticket to a Fogelberg concert in Houston. I was blown away.... saw him 8 or 9 times over the years and knew every song on every album. Dan was a supreme singer songwriter, an amazing musician who even played all instruments, and a deeply committed artist to his craft. Every lyric and every note had a purpose. Over the years, his music evolved as he grew and evolved in his life. His early folk style developed into a more jazzy feel, and even on an album like River of Souls he transcended into Brazilian and African themes and moods. No other artist had his range and talent, period..... He had an incredible ability to conquer both simplicity and deep layers of complexity in his music... all at the same time. And he didn’t let commercial success ruin his music, he followed his heart and stayed true to himself. I liked that he came full circle back to his core folk music with his later albums. I have a deep and personal connection with his music, not many understand... and that’s ok. Miss him and wish he were still with us. Favorite songs..... Stars, Wild Places, Faces of America.
My dad loves Dan Fogelberg and he’s shown me so much of his music and it’s grown on me a lot by far one of my favorite artists. I’d say empty cages, days to come and in the passage are probably my favorite songs of his, there are so many great songs to choose from. My dad and I get together and play music and we always put a Dan Fogelberg song in there.
'Next Time' -- my favorite Fogelberg song of all. And check out his live performance of it on the Live at Carnegie Hall, recently released solo acoustic CD!
"You can see forever in a single drop of dew; you can see that same forever if you look down deep inside of you." We miss you now, Dan, but we'll rejoice to see you when we reach that same forever. Thanks for making and sharing Magic Every Moment.