Dan and Jean, Just wondering how things are going since your announcement.  No news  is hopefully wonderfully good news.  Miss hearing you. Merry Christmas ~ Emily Rhodes, Oklahoma City,  OK

Dear Dan and family,  You and your family are in our prayers. We've always loved your Music. Love ~ Anthony and Rosemary

I'm writing because recently I lost someone who I didn't realize was so dear to me till after he passed.  Though he had cancer and had neglected treatment earlier on, it was still unexpected. It's prompted me to try and take the time to "do more" instead of just thinking about doing it. Everything seems so fleeting.  I will keep you in my prayers, you and your family and pray for your recovery.   I 'm sure you've heard it before, but your music has been such a large part of my life for so long. It's been wonderful, thought provoking at times, comforting as well as providing a haven of sorts.  I wanted to communicate this because someone told me "tomorrow is not promised". I say this because you may very well live to enjoy another couple of  decades while I may not be so fortunate.  I just wanted to say Thank you for your beautiful music and let you know that I, along with countless others pray for your recovery. God Bless You ~ Kathy Briggs

Blessings to you and Jean as you keep the faith.  I'm playing "Souvenirs" tonight and thought of you. ~ Wade Adams, Michigan

To Dan, Your music has inspired me for many years. The pure harmonies and the clear music arrangements are some of the most beautiful things that have ever touched my ears. Whether it's the smooth sounds and the wonderful lyrics of  "Dancing Shoes", " Illinois", "Scarecrow's Dream", "Wishing on the Moon", or  "Wandering Shepherd." There are so many songs that have touched my soul. I remember going to Market Square Arena in '85 and seeing you in concert
during the "High Country Snows" tour and thinking what talent God has given you. That was a GREAT show! I had listened to you for many years before then and was a huge fan of  "Twin Sons of Different Mothers". I truly regret not seeing you more when you were touring.

 I don't know what drove me to look up your website this evening, other than to see if you were still on the road and when you might be in the Midwest again, but when I did and saw that you had prostate cancer, my heart felt very heavy. You music has helped me through some troubled times of my own and when I hear some of them playing on the radio, it also brings such great memories and smiles to my face. My wife is an Oncology nurse here in Indianapolis and has been for many years. She brings home the stories of people battling that terrible disease but also tells me of the miracles that happen everyday. I surely hope that you are doing fine with your cancer and you will always be in my prayers. May "GOD BLESS YOU" Dan Fogelberg and your family and please keep us updated on your battle. Remember "the higher you climb, the more that you see" so keep climbing!!! ~ Tim A. Kinslow, Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear Dan and family,  I wish to thank you for your timely advice on getting to a doctor and having a prostate check. I did so on my 50th birthday. I was shocked when my PSA levels were elevated. I was told it was good timing on my part to have it checked. I told my doctor, whom I hadn't been to in years, that the reason I got checked was from hearing of your illness. THANK YOU!!! I hope and pray you and your family are doing well, and I will continue to pray for all of you. Your music has inspired and soothed my soul for many years now. On a brief side note, I found a old ticket stub, which I have passed on to my son, of a concert in Indianapolis in the mid seventies at the Convention Center downtown. You opened with the Eagles, and if I remember correctly, the ticket price was under fifteen bucks. What a great deal!!!  Thank you again, and God Bless. Sincerely ~ Ken Guarnery

Dear Dan, My husband and I have been fans since the beginning of your career.   We were decorating our Christmas tree the other night, while listening to your  album, "The First Christmas Morning" and thought that it had been some time  since we've seen an update on your health.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and trust that "no news is good news."  Thank you for  all your music and the delight we have shared in it.  God bless you. Sincerely ~ Rich and Jolene Lunsford, Clark, Colorado

Aloha from Maui ~ Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.  You know full well the impact you've had on so many and now we pay it forward to you with our faith and prayers ~ that the God of the Universe touch you with His Healing Hand. Just this last month your songs (particularly 'Part of the Plan') moved me through a 'moment in my life' where I needed to understand a lost love and why 30 years later we again meet.  Erghhh. But thank you for your words and the comfort they elicit. God bless you.  Be well. ~ jody

Hey Dan , I wanted to thank you for all the memories your music has given me. I thought of your music last weekend when I was hiking in the San Juan Islands WA.  I pray that you are fighting this Beast  we call Cancer . My family is affected by it too. My mother has been fighting it for 13 years now. Please never give up! You are too important to alot of us out here. ~ Brett

Dan, wanted you to know that I am still sending prayers your way.  I  hope you are in good spirits. Your music has made my spirits go upward for years now, possibly over 30 years - YIKES! Now I play your albums to my three daughters and they are hooked too. My mom & dad have enjoyed your music for many years, in fact they attended a concert with me in St. Louis about 25  years ago. So we have three generations loving your poetic homage to nature and life. Thanks, Dan for all the beauty you have brought to me!!

Hello Dan and Family- It's the Holiday season and with the thoughts of goodwill toward all. Nothing makes me feel that kindness in my heart more than listening to your music and with that I wish you and you family the most joyous holiday and prayers for you! I have been following you and your music ever since my first concert in the late 70's while at college. You are what music is meant to be...a feeling that stays with you in all times... Keep the fight and look forward to hearing and hopefully seeing you again soon.... Sincerely...a true fan ~ Steve Smith - Fort Edward,NY

Hi Dan and family, I sincerely hope all is better for you Dan in the health department. It's that time of the year again where there's a chill in the air, the christmas trees are in the shop windows and your CD "The First Christmas Morning" is getting dusted down in our household. Believe it or not, I actually heard, for the first time, your song "Same Old Lang Syne" here on a local Seville radio station this morning. Anyway, have a great Christmas and when your artistic skills flow musically again it be great to hear another album. Here's hoping. All the best ~ Johnny "B" Good in Seville,Spain.

I will never forget the first time I heard your album "The Innocent Age", it really touched my heart in a very profound way and I still, after all these years, have that feeling inside of me. You´re truly an amazing songwriter - may you live forever. All the love to you and your family. ~ Stig Nyman

Dan, I heard "Same Old Lang Syne"  today on the radio and it made me feel so good (and a bit nostalgic) that I came home to play your albums again.  You now have four new fans.  My teenage daughters and 18 yr old son and 6 yr old son
were all struck by your music and talent asked me for CDs for their cd players. Dan, your music has been in my life for so long it is like comfort food  ( I even had some on 8-track!) . The truth and simple honesty of it is a balm for the soul. I was shocked and saddened to hear of your illness. I will definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers because we need you and your music in this world. Peace and Light to you and your family and have a Happy Holiday Season. Your friend and longtime fan ~ Jeff Kincaid (also James, Ainsley, Alexandra and Ian.new fans), Lynchburg, VA

To Mr. Fogelberg and family: I read the letter on your site, about your remission. I hope this email finds you still in that state. It is a true blessing, remission. I lost my beloved mother this year to her cancer. I will have no more Christmases with her. She loved your music as do I, so it was important to me to come say this to you. Hold your family close, my friend. Let them love you and hold you as close. I know you've been through hell, but so have they. They've received this gift as much as you have. Celebrate this gracious gift from the One who gave it. Peace, my friend ~ Ms. Jesse V Coffey

Dearest Dan, I struggle to find words deep enough to express my appreciation. Like so many others, you have provided one of the soundtracks to my life. I am so fortunate that my friends and I discovered you in the early 70s while we were in high school. It has given me a trusted friend on this long journey - each step I took was accompanied by your words and music.

"The Last Nail", "Nether Lands", "To the Morning", "Believe in Me", "Beggar's Game": each and every one of your songs has a place in my life, but the most lasting and deeply felt came about when I was 20 years old. My father had been terminally for 10 years. He was my hero and protector, friend and father. The Innocent Age was recently released and with it, "Leader of the Band." The song came into my life at a time when I knew I was spending my last Christmas with my dad. As part of his gift that year I purchased the 45 of  "Leader of the Band" and gave it to my dad with a note telling him how much the song would always remind me of him (he was a very talented singer). When Christmas day arrived I put the single on the turntable and played the song for him. As you sang, unending tears streamed down my face as my father sat quietly and listened. My heart was breaking in a million pieces for this man who gave me life and was always a ray of sunshine to everyone he met. The song ended and I caught my breath. My father sat there for a few minutes, wiped a tear from his eye, and proclaimed, "You know, I couldn't understand a damn thing he was saying. I had the same darn problem with Elvis too." And to paraphrase you, we laughed until we cried. He, of course, understood every word but was trying to save his daughter's heart the agony, if only for just a minute. It's such a bittersweet memory that still to this day with a tear in my eye makes me smile and laugh.

Thank you, my friend, for always being there for me and with me. Just know that we are all here for you now; the ones who's journeys you traveled along beside. Be well Dan. Much Love ~ Maureen Valdes Marsh

Hi Dan and Jean! I am enjoying the heck out of your Christmas album, Dan. It's only right after six years of begging, eh?
I hope you are well and warm at home. Here's wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. Post a message soon. We all want to hear from you. ~ Alexia and Dave Rogers, Reno, NV

Just thinking about you, Dan, and was concerned I hadn't heard anything for awhile.  I will pray for you.  You can beat this.  Words can't express how much your music has meant to me over the years.  I can't imagine not having had your inspiring and touching music to remember and listen to as I go through life.  I wish you the best for a speedy recovery. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.  Keep fighting.  Your fan ~ Randy.

Dear Dan and Family, The last time I saw you perform Dan was at West Fest in Winter Park. You made fun of me while crossing in front of the stage with some of my funky shorts and a tank top on "nice all fit". You gave me a good laugh too. It was a great day of music and fun.  Your music -- It's timeless and you are one of my all time favorites artists.  Thank you for the Music.  Dan, I hope that this finds you and your family in good health and happiness. You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers.  I hope all the best for you. Sincerely ~ Keith Ziegler, Arvada, Colorado

I'm not sure I can put into words what your music has mean to me over the years. When I think of you, I immediately think of the "Home Free" album. When I was a young single mother in the late 70s and early 80s, life was so scary and felt so out of my control. Ritual was very important to me. Okay, control was very important. Control and ritual. My morning ritual was listening to "Home Free". Some mornings would include my flute but with or without my accompaniment, I would get the comfort and assurance that I could go out into the world and get back safely at the end of the day by listening to your beautiful music.

 I was shocked this afternoon when I looked your name up on the internet and saw that you had been diagnosed with cancer.  I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. I wish I could do something for you that would help you the way you helped me all those years ago. Much love to you Dan ~ Robin Freeman

Dan, While flying across the front range yesterday, I could see forever from 35000 ft.  The first thoughts to come to my mind were of  "The Wild Places". " I was walking alone through the lofty San Juans, With a heart full of light
and a head full of songs" and "High Country Snows".    I wondered if you might even be down there at that time, it looked just like the cover of High Country Snows.  As I look through my extensive song collection there's only one other artist who's albums I have as many of as yours,  Steven Curtis Chapman,. good company.  As I sit writing this I am listening to First Christmas Morning.  Even when I am away from home at this time of year, it keeps me connected with "home".  It's probably my favorite Christmas album of all that I have.  We continue to pray for you, your family and your health.  Let us know how you are doing. ~ Max and Karen Batson, Castle Rock, CO.

Dan, if I could only say thanks for all the great music

I think about you off and on all the time.  I have loved your music since the early '70s, when I first heard it.  And it is still my favorite music.  Your words have touched my soul so many times, getting me through many rough, great, weird, fun times.  I am praying for you and your family.  My good thoughts are going to you all the time, sending you positive healing and thoughts for a speedy, as painless as possible recovery. ~ Sally Cabanski

Dan Fogelberg plays a key role in my personal story. He provided inspiration and a wholesome message about fidelity, permanence, beauty and love. During a period of music when many artists were tearing down the moral fabric of
America, Dan was building up the moral fabric of America.

In my first audition for a Broadway show in 1981, I performed Dan Fogelberg's song "Longer". It was an open call with 2000 participants. I was cast in the show based on that audition. I went on to a successful career co-starring in films for Paramount and Columbia Pictures and a starring role in the US National Tour of "Cats." However, in my mad dash or success, I forgot the wholesomeness and integrity that was exemplified in Dan's music. I fell into addiction and lost everything at 24 years old. At the bottom of that terrible loss, I reached out to the God who touched Dan Fogelberg, and
who was reflected in his beautiful songs. It has been a long journey since those days and I can say that I am grateful
for all that I lost. I am currently happier than ever. I became a Christian, and I travel all over the world playing and singing in churches.  Dan, I thank you for your example as a Christian. Thank you for showing me that success and media acceptance are not the goal of a true artist. The goal should be artistic integrity and that we always turn our hearts towards the source of our gifts, God. Hopefully, on that day when we return to him, he will welcome us saying "well done, good and faithful servant." Thank you for being a light Dan. I will be praying for you and your family. Blessings ~ David MacDonald

Always love your "timeless" music and wish you well.  As a cancer survivor, I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to good news regarding your future music plans. God Bless ~ Ellen Huntsman

Dear Mr. Fogelberg, I wanted to first of all say a thank you to you for your music. I secondly want to send my best wishes to you for continued health and happiness. I pray for your road to recovery,,, may it be smooth and the sun at your back. Take care ~ Lori Thornton

Dear Dan: I am 32 and was raised on your music.  Every time my Mom put on one of your records, she'd remind me that you were from Peoria, just like us, and how fortunate we were to have a claim to fame like you.  I was further intrigued by the story that my Aunt Theresa knew your father when she was a high school student.  I grew up wondering which Peoria grocery store you were shopping in when you met your old lover, the inspiration for "Same Old Lang Syne."  That particular song is getting a lot of radio play this time of year, which has me thinking about you and praying for your speedy recovery.  Thank you for being a part of my life, past and present.  I was fortunate enough to see you in concert at the Peoria Civic Center circa 1997 or '98 - a dream come true!!  I have a two-year-old son now and he loves music.  He will not be a stranger to your genius as he grows up.  Thank you, and God Bless. ~ Aaryn  

Dan, A close friend of mine recently turned me on to Pandora.com where I entered your name to create an internet radio format of your songs and similar artists. A major benefit is the detailed biography offered of each artist. I read yours with great interest (although much was familiar as I have been an ardent fan since my high school days in Peoria in the 70's). Greatly saddened to read of your illness, I felt compelled to write and express to you, my sincere thanks for your music.

I first heard Souvenirs in 1974 as a teenager in Peoria and was immediately inspired. Having taken guitar lessons as a child only to abandon it for years, I bought an old Epiphone acousitc at a garage sale for $20, picked up the sheet music to Home Free and Souvenirs, and taught myself to play again. Upon hearing my relentless practicing  and playing of your albums on the family hi-fi, my mother inquired as to who this was that had inspired such action in me. When I told her your name and that you were from Peoria, she exclaimed "Larry's boy?"...and went on to tell me of her days in the Manual High school band in the 40s, with your dad as her leader and instructor. At that moment I felt a very kindred spirit with you that will always be with me.

 

Moving on to college, I met a girl one summer at Hickory Grove during one of the drunken German Schlock Fests. We hit it off immediately, and soon after I played her the song "Hickory Grove" on the guitar, we fell in love. Hickory Grove and your music carried us through a long distance relationship in college. Each of us wore the grooves of your albums thin while missing each other...her at Eastern and me at Western. Your songs sustained us. I'd like to say it was a happily ever after ending, but alas we went our separate ways. Then, Same Old Lang Syne" was life imitating art as we briefly reconnected a few years later in much the same way as your lyric....and that "old familiar pain" was unmistakable. You are a lyrical genius. Now at 48, living in Tulsa and spending my time as a dad and financial advisor, my guitar has been gathering dust in its case, patiently waiting to be played again someday.  Seems there is never the time and I guess my youthful enthusiasm has waned. But today I read your bio, listened to your songs again and have been re-inspired to take it out of its case. Please know that I will be praying for your full recovery and hope you will once again give the world the gift of your music. Thanks for your living legacy and all that it has meant to me, past and present. ~ Lorn Lyman 

Please know that you are constantly in my prayers. Not a day goes by that one of your songs doesn't echo through my soul. Your gift of music and inspiration will long outlive you and its reach is indescribable. The world is a better place because of your life. Thank you, thank you. These messages prove your tremendous impact on us all. I pray for your health, your strength, your peace and, when your time comes, your eternal rest. With sincerest love and appreciation ~ Nancy in Alabama.

Cher Dan ~ Je suis francais et fan depuis que j'ai decouvert ton  premier album. Je te souhaite de te rétablir au plus vite pour pouvoir  t'entendre à  nouveau. ~ GILLES (I am French and a fan since I discovered your first album. I wish you to recover as fast as possible so I will be able to hear your new music.)

Dear Mr. Fogelberg, My earliest memories of hearing your music were when I was a teenager.  We lived in a rural area of Kansas and my brother put in Souvenirs as we were driving the backroads one Thanksgiving.  I think my husband and I now own close to every album you produced.  I think my favorite is Innocent Age, because it reminds me of the summer he and I met in Alaska. Last week, some 30-odd years later, I happened to be home with my family and that brother pulled out my son's guitar and began playing "There's A Place in the World for a Gambler."  We all began to sing, and believe me, I'm glad you weren't there to hear it, because we can't sing it like you (although my brother has become a fine guitarist). But now we've introduced my son and his cousins to your music (who are about the age I was when I first heard it), and they're fans. We will continue praying for your complete recovery.  May God bless you and your family. ~ Sharon Geiger, Dallas, TX

I hope that you will one day write a song about this journey you have been on, the places it's taken you and the people you have come to know, the things you have learned and the love it has brought. I know that having cancer opened my soul and only another cancer survivor can understand what that means. You are always in my thoughts. ~ Jannine

Hey Dan and Jean ~ my prayers and best wishes are with you both. Dan, I have always admired your talent since the early 70's and collected your albums.  Now, I've downloaded from the internet....... your music is classic and will last the test of time. Jean, you're a lucky woman. We all want a man that is in touch with his inner soul..... bless you both! ~ Beth

Hello Dan, I just heard "Same Old Lang Syne" on the radio today and, of course, it got me to thinking about you and wondering how you are doing.  I hope you are strong both in body and spirit.  And I believe that one day you will look back on all you have gone through and realize that you have won the battle. I've always loved your music and admired your talent. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by your loved ones, and a New Year filled with good health, happiness and love. ~ Teresa

Dan,so sad and sorry to hear about the cancer. My prayers will still be in my heart for you. I also will add you to our church prayer list. I pray and hope that things are going well for you, but even more I pray that you have been blessed with healing and good health. I also want to thank you for sharing your gift of music with me over the past many years.Your music has been an inspiration and blessing. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your wife Jean,and that you will share many more wonderful times together. I was not aware you were a believer, but that is really awesome. My wife, Michelle,and I wish you both a very BLESSED and MERRY CHRISTMAS in 2006, may we stay the course on our journey, persevere, be true to our Heavenly Father,as well as to ourselves. Sincerely ~ Carey & Michelle Foerster

Hi Dan, I have enjoyed your music for many years and a couple in particular I find of depth and music that helps give meaning to my life. I wish you all the best and sincerely hope from here in New Zealand you recover and go onto better things. Your music lives on and is a great legacy and strength to people who take the time to listen and ponder.............life is so short yet can be so rich if we choose to let it through all our trials, tribulations and the mountains we climb that enable us to look down on where we have been and to where we are going. God bless ~ Gary Narborough

Dear Dan, I was so saddened to hear about your struggles with PCa.  Despite your difficulties, I know that you and Jean will become stronger and closer because of it.  Cancer is something that can be used as a positive influence, too.  I am a cancer survivor of 15 years.  I couldn't believe all the wonderful people I met because of the ordeal, and those people that I influenced.  You have even more of an opportunity to influence people  not only because you are well known, but because you are so beloved.  Like many others, your music means so much to me.  I had started listening to your music back in the 1970s  when I was a teenager (I believe it all happened with Souvenirs).  I collected just about every single album since.  I consider myself very lucky to hear you at a small venue in Lake Tahoe during Labor Day weekend of 1990.  You played your haunting "Paris Nocturne."  Every song you recorded seemed to be connected to some important facet of my life, so listening to your songs is a journey through my life, as well. Best wishes to you and Jean.

Dear Dan, It is with great sadness I have learned recently of your illness; blame it on failing to keep in touch with the music of my college days.  I hope this e-mail finds you better and recuperating.  Perhaps with prayer and determination someday cancer may not be the debilitating disease it is now. My best wishes for a speedy recovery and know that as much as your music has touched millions, it would be fitting for your legions of fans to rally behind you to beat this insidious sickness. Warmest regards ~ Mike Hughes, Narragansett, RI

Out of a clear blue sky...thoughts of sun drenched mornings, snowcapped peaks and your voice filling a void...
I haven't listened to or thought of your music in 20 years but today for some reason going to the web and finding out...wow. I don't know you, but I wish you all the depth, breadth and spirit of your music -- that it rushes back into you and heals you; that the universe will give you grace for all the healing you and your music has brought to the world...no matter what, you know the divine and have shared it with us all.  thank you. ~ linda

Dan, Your music, your astonishing beauty, and skyward soul have touched me from the start. There has never been a musician or man who has grasped the depths of my spirit the way you have. I am also a singer and your songs have always been the most moving and emotional for me to sing. Thank you a billion times over for the magnificence of yourself and for the gift of your music. Truly a candle in the darkest night. May you always fly with the eagles. With much love and respect. ~ Lajca in Conifer, Colorado

Dan - As I dusted off my First Christmas Morning CD for the season, my thoughts turned to the years of enjoyment  that your music and concerts have given me.  I felt compelled to write you and add my very best wishes for continued health and recovery, a beautiful Christmas season and a wonderful 2007.  Thank you for brightening my life with your music and lyrics. Forever a fan ~ Steve Turner, Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Dan, I have written a few times since hearing of your illness.  It is the holiday season and I wanted to wish you and your family all the best for a happy and hopefully healthy time. I know you must be busy and hopefully healing well.  If you have the time and energy, I know that many people including me would love to hear how you are getting on.  I am constantly amazed every time I check your website at the thousands of people who have written in to wish you well.  I don't know why this should surprise me, as your music has touched so many so deeply over the years.  I am pulling for you and pray for your recovery every day. Happy Holidays to you and yours. ~ Teri Horn, Mill Valley, Ca.

Dan, I hope this season finds you well.   Your words and music have made a big impression in my life.  Your wedding song was sung at our wedding over 26 years ago. We're still together with 3 grown children, loving life! My prayers, thoughts  continue to be with you and your family.  Take care and have a happy holiday! ~ Dwight Hayes, Westfield, MA

I recently purchased your CD, Full Circle. I also bought one for my brother for Christmas since he is the one who introduced me to your music - and I will be forever grateful. I just wanted to say how wonderful it is to be here and experience your music coming "full circle". This CD is reminiscent of your earlier work - and some of your best - and I wish I had heard about the release of this CD in 2003. My favorite albums are Captured Angel and Nether Lands. In my humble opinion, some of your best work appears on these two albums and the music and lyrics still touch my heart and soul to this day. The music is symphonic and the lyrics are poetic and there are very few artists today who can rival his work. Dan Fogelberg, thank you so much for blessing us with your gift! ~ Lisa K. Gross

From a fellow Peoria-ite - hang in there.  I was at Woodruff when your Father was there and respected him so much.   You are made of the "same stuff" - first class.  I have loved your music and the stories your songs tell.  Be strong and am praying for you ~ Jan Hastings Hodge