Hopes and prayers for Dan. ~ Glenn Halberg

I just found out about your condition Dan and I will pray for you often. Just thought I would tell you that after the first time I heard "Home Free" I started playing the guitar seriously. I'm from Muscle Shoals, Alabama and have many musician friends here. I will tell each of them to send the prayers and positive vibes to you and your family. Your music truly changed the direction of my life for the positive. Thank you and please get well. Love to you and your family ~ Greg Lovett.

Dear Dan, I pray that your strength and spirit will help you through. I hope that knowing so many people love you and carry your songs in our hearts will multiply your strength. Take loving care of yourself.    Peace ~ Erika, CT

Dan, I've been a fan since the 70's. My wife and I were there when "Greetings From The West" was filmed at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, and we still talk about how great it was. You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Michael Dobson

Dan...If I could turn the inspiration I've gained from you and your music into hope,strength and good wishes ...I would. I will ...and it's big, very big. Huge as a matter of fact... as well as timeless. You are in my thoughts... ~ nancy,  winfield, Illinois

Hi Dan! So sorry to hear about your illness.  My prayers and thoughts are with you. I met you when I was a young teenager and was taking music lessons from your father back in Illinois in the '70s.  You came to my school (Pekin Community High) and we were so thrilled to meet you.  Your father also taught music to my father in Peoria.  We've always loved your song, "Leader of the Band." Wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery! ~ Sandy Frazier

Hello to the Fogelberg Family - I am just writing to send my best wishes and thoughts to you all.  I am Australian and have been a fan of yours Dan for over 30 years now.  My husband introduced me to your music in 1974 when we first met.  We have been playing your music in the Errey household all of that time.  Our children know it and the extended family and friends know how much I love your music. I was delighted one Christmas morning when I was given Greetings From the
West on video, so I could actually hear you speak as well as sing - what a pleasure it is.  I now have the concert on DVD so will have it forever. 

I'm so sorry to hear of your illness and hope that all goes well.  I hope it is some comfort for you that there are so many people who have, like me, gained so much pleasure from your music.  I hope to be listening to your music for the rest of my life. I have recently been diagnosed with kidney failure and am probably looking to having a transplant in my later years so I understand how illness can change one's life. I feel like my body has cheated on me sometimes.  But I have support in my family and that helps immensely.   Anyway, I'm sure you know that there is a lot of love out there for you and that that, at least, makes life a little easier.  I am very envious of all of those thousands of people who were lucky enough to actually see you in
person. With much admiration and love ~ Ellen

Dear Dan & Jean, I just finished watching Soundstage which repeated Dan's wonderful show and I just wanted to send some positive energy your way.  I hope you and yours are all doing well and that you are enjoying the summer.   One of my good friends is a sailor and everytime she talks about going out on her sailboat (with her husband "Captain Chuck") I think of you up in Maine on your boat! I wish you well as always and thanks for the music.   Your cd's are always in heavy rotation in my car! God bless ~ Leila Soffen

We love you Dan ...and wish you well. ~ Dave & Lorelei

There are never too many prayers that can be sent for one who is ill, hurting, or just plain tired.  Please know that I am praying for you also. Good luck and Godspeed. ~ Linda

I miss you.  God Bless You.  ~ Chris in Oklahoma

Dear Dan and Jean, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of healing and discovery.  Dan, like so many others have reiterated here, your music had a profound impact on my life during those awkward teenage years, and still
continues to impact my life to this day.  Anyone can sing a song, but a precious few are granted the gift of being able to share that song in such a way one feels comforted, safe and renewed when hearing it.  You have such a gift, and it can only come from one who is at total peace with himself and all those around him.  Though that faith may be challenged during your
trials to come, always know that the legacy you have sown throughout the decades is one that is strong, will not unravel, and will carry on for decades to come.  You hang in there, dear one.  We're all behind you 100%. Hugs, kisses, love and prayers
~ Dena

Dan, you have been one of my idols for some thirty odd years and a big reason I started playing guitar and writing songs .  I've seen you in concert many times, but a solo show in Portland, Maine is one of my fondest memories.  Just you, some guitars and a grand piano.  Your songs spoke to me in a way that seldom happens.  Thank you for sharing yourself   All my thoughts and good wishes to you and your family. I hope I have the good fortune to see you perform again. Peace ~ ed carter

My name is Louise Catherine, and I've been listening to Dan since he started recording...way back!  :) I was given the opportunity to have met him twice. I've had major decisions in my life to make, and Dan's music had helped me through them. I am sending out energy to you now Dan, and Love and Blessings. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENERGY, YOUR SPIRIT, YOUR BEING HERE. All the Best ~ louise catherine schultz-rushton

I have listened to your music since 1975 and have appreciated your art in so many different ways. I learned to play guitar from studying your music and it's the reason I fingerpick today. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and I hope one day you can tour again bringing your unique style of music to the stage. ~ Mark Tilson

A couple of years ago, sitting in a car and driving along the german coast of the northern sea, I remember that I had to stop the car and pull to the side of the road. The reason for this was a song on the radio, which instantly touched me so deeply that I simply had to stop and pay all my attention to it. Unfortunately the dj didn´t say the name of the song nor the artist, so I bothered all of my friends and family by singing the few words I remembered to them for - I think - months... Although I didn´t hear that song again nor managed to find find out its title or who had performed it, it stayed in my mind from then on. Some years later I stayed at a friend's place for the summer and while we were sitting in the garden talking over a couple of beers, I suddently urged my friend to go inside and turn up the music, that was running in the background, because I heard a song touching me on the spot that intensively. I had to hear it over and over again. My friend, who had been to America a couple of times told me that I was listening to Dan Fogelberg and that the name of the song was "The Leader Of The Band " from the live album "Greetings from the West". He also told me, the one time he had worked for DF at his ranch and talked of him as a kind, gentle and humble person with no attitude at all...which I believed just by hearing the gentleness of DF´s voice and the deepness of the lyrics. Nevertheless I got struck once more that night - because later on on that same CD I recognized that same song, that had been on my mind since that day in the car : it was  "Same Old Lang Syne." Since than Dan´s music has been quite an influence in my life - both as a listener and as a musician.

Dan - thank you for all the comfort and joy I felt - both in my darkest and my brightest moments - and thanks even more for the inspiration I received as a singer and guitar player just by listening to your music - you encouraged me. So - all the way from the rough northern shore of Germany - wishing to be able to tell you that in person I send you a lot of love and good thoughts and may God bless you and those around you. Sincerely yours ~ Christoph Bachmann, Niebüll, Germany

Dear Dan... Just like the hundreds of people writing to you here, your music touched my life a long time ago and all those feelings are stored in my heart. And it's bittersweet meeting up with you again here so many years later. When "Souvenirs" was first released that was it for me. That photo on the cover!!! I was in high school....I played guitar....and I learned all your
songs....(yikes! ) Growing up in L.A. I was obsessed with music and you were my guy for many years. I saw you perform at the Santa Monica Civic..(when they actually had shows there) .Fools Gold opened!  Universal Amphitheatre (It was outdoors back then...) Nether Lands tour...

Music is a timeline for me and I thank you for taking me on the journey. If I were a more talented writer I would say something that no on else has said yet but no other words could ever mean as much as the ones already expressed. You are a brave man. An inspiration.... May all this love heading your way give you strength to stay healthy. Love~ Lisa K. -- Los Angeles, CA

Dear Dan, I have been a devoted fan since I first heard your music when I was in college in the late 70's.  I introduced my husband to your music, and his sister ( who had only ever heard of John Denver before, IMAGINE!)  Needless to say, we are all praying for your speedy recovery.  If love and good wishes can work miracles, surely you will have one.  Beat this one for all of us who hope to hear you sing again!  And as for me, I hope to be sitting in Red Rocks in my 70's when I hope you will still be touring... ~ Wendy Pillard

Dan - Your music was there when we were falling in love, when we married, when our kids were born, when our parents left this life. And most recently so many times in the last ten years while I was driving and listening to your music your songs turned into prayers from me for my wife who was battling cancer and is now a two time winner over breast C and ovarian C.
Now your songs celebrate gratitude and relief; she's no longer a Captured Angel. She'll be 50 two days after your birthday this year. Fight this battle the best way you know how, you've given us enough of yourself--Thanks for everything. Besides if we don't get to see you concert again in this life we will have all of eternity to each have our own private concert. And you'll get to jam with Mozart, Hendrix, Goodman and the Leader of the Band. Another Illinois boy ~ Don

To Jean & Dan Fogelberg - I was rather surprised to find out about the medical problems you are facing. Rest assured that my talks with The Father will include you both. First for divine healing, and second for your faith to be renewed daily by the grace of the Almighty GOD. Dan, I have been listening to your music since "Home Free" was released. Your music is so
earthy and true to the heart. Your song "Leader Of The Band" has meant so much to me in that my father was an old time fiddle, banjo, and guitar player. Music was in his soul. He would rather play a fiddle than eat most of the time. Thankfully he shared that gift with me. Hence the reason I love that song so much. Now as I end, let me again wish for you peace and health, and for your wife my prayer is that our LORD, Christ, will gird her with strength that can only come from on high. Peace and Prayers. ~ Chuck Gibson, Thomaston, Georgia.

Best wishes. You have been my favorite singer-songwriter since I bought Captured Angel in 1976. Love ya!! Your songs have meant so much to me. I have seen your concerts five times. Thanks. ~ Kathy Scurlock

Dear Dan and Jean, You've heard everything I have to say so many times before, I am certain. Still, I find the need to speak.
You've touched me with your music for so much of my life, that I cannot begin to tell you the amount of respect I have for you as a person.  It's not just the music, but the lyrics, and emotion behind them.  I thank you for that.

When the song "Leader of the Band" came out, I found that I had tears in my eyes.  You see, my father is a band director.  And I, like you, am also a musician.  My life has taken a different road than yours, in that I am a semi-pro French hornist playing in B orchestras and once in the while playing for the "big names" that come through town.  I once had the honor of playing for Ray Charles, Bernadette Peters, Colin Raye, to drop a few names.  So, I too am a living legacy to the leader of the band.
I wrote the lyrics to "Leader" out one Father's Day and put them in a card to my dad several years ago.  Mom said he cried when he read them and immediately went out and bought "Innocent Age".  Now he is also a fan of yours, and owns several of your albums.

My wife and I saw you in concert in Flagstaff back in the later 80's when you were there to raise money for arts on the reservations in the area, if I recall correctly.  I'll never forget how much fun it was to sing harmony to your songs on the stage, as it was only you with no band.  I was worried that I'd upset others in the audience, so I kept my voice low.  Then I noticed that everyone else was singing along anyway.  I'll also never forget how amazed I was that you, playing solo, could get that much sound out of a single guitar.  You didn't need a backup band.  "And every time the snow begins to fall, you
Ski".  We laughed and laughed about that lyric change.  Still do, to this day.  I didn't get the chance to see you in person.  But, that didn't disappoint me too much.  I can only imagine what privacy would mean to someone as famous as you.  I guess this letter, then, is my chance to finally say hello and to "thank you for the music". I sincerely mean what I say about thanking you.  As I play my horn, and listen to the results of years of practice, enjoying the privilege of being able to play what's written on the page in front of me..   I often ponder what gives me that ability.  Mostly, I blame God for the blessing.  But I also realize that a lot of what shapes my understanding of things like intonation, expression, and style comes from whom I listen to.  My dad got me started in music.  John Williams gave me my fire to play the horn.  But folks that force me to sing along and cherish their music, namely you and a very few others, gave me the rest of what it is that makes me who I am.  This is why I thank you
for your music.

When I first listened to your Christmas album (published by Chicago records!!  My most favorite group), I was struck by many things.  Your musicianship, the history that you researched, and your faith in God and Jesus.  I was even more thrilled than ever that I had taken the time to become such a fan of your music and you.  Because of the faith that we share, I am certain you will you will understand that I have been and will continue to keep you in my prayers.  The list is always growing, as I find more and more people to pray about.  It gets quite long but I know that each and every one of those named is important to God and to those touched by them.  You have touched so many.  I am sure the prayers are flowing constantly.

My father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a few years ago.  Not the advanced kind, but serious enough that they removed his prostate.  It was a very scary time for us.  He got better.  I'm well aware that I will need to start being checked for this on an annual basis now that I have passed the 40 year mark.  Rest assured I will take your words to heart on this manner.  I've added them to the speeches my own father gives me on a regular basis. You don't know me other than from the words in this letter.  I feel I've known you most of my life through your music.  It's an odd sort of relationship.  From one living legacy to another, my prayers are with you.  I think I'm gonna put Innocent Age on my iPod while I drive to work..  and sing along (I'll try to stay in tune).  I have no choice really. Since I started writing this letter, your tunes have taken over in my mind...  best get them out in the open and let them loose. Take Care ~ Todd

 Dear Dan, I have been inspired by your music since the very first time I heard it in the 70s. You are a living legend in my mind. Nothing topped seeing you in person at Interlochen, Michigan, must have been in August 2001. It was my birthday celebration and I know just a few days before yours. It was your first appearance at Interlochen and you shared wonderful stories about both your parents. I'll never forget when you broke down singing "Leader of The Band"  in honor of your Dad. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. We all felt your love for him and his presence on the stage he occupied many years before. I hope and pray for your full recovery and look forward to your return to Interlochen or anywhere close to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Love and respect to you and your incredible gift of music to the world. ~ Kathy Cavanaugh

My hopes, thoughts and prayers are with you.  I tried really hard to have a child and finally became pregnant.  My husband and I could not agree on a boy's name.  We had lots of girl's names picked out.  One day, while my sister and I rode our horses, we talked about my pregnancy and how happy we were, but I lamented about not having a name for a boy, because I knew I was having a boy.  I came up with my favorite song writer/singer and he is "Dan" today and he is 16 and wonderful.  You have meant something to me and so many.  I am for you.  Very sincerely ~ Cathy from Kentucky

Just a quick synopsis of my thoughts of how your art has inspired my soul. It was your songs and how they were portrayed that led me on a path which will lead my spirit to freedom. Your inspiring voice and poignant song inspired in me a thirst to know my Soul . May you find the Path to the Heart as you have led me to the Path of mine. It's only a matter of time , and time is only a state of mind ,until you sing once more. In understanding ~ Julie

Dear Dan and Jean, Every now and then I check out The Living Legacy website to see if there is any news about how you are doing. This evening I saw a message posted by Deborah and Laurie which would seem to indicate a large number of people are actively inquiring as to your health. In light of this, I just wanted to offer a word of encouragement not only to you, but to all of us who hold you so dear:

I am very thankful you had been able to arrest the spread of your prostate cancer, and your announcement last year on your birthday was a great gift and reassurance to us all (as well as a pointed sermon to us guys out here to have that annual exam!). And while I (we) would love to hear a quarterly update on your progress, or perhaps learn of some rare, one-off performance for some worthy charity benefit or something, over the years I have come to truly appreciate your desire to live a private, quiet life, to live a "real" life, not one on "the elevator," as I believe you once referred to it in an interview. I had the great fortune to speak briefly with you after a couple of your shows on your 1997 25th anniversary tour, and on the second occasion, after your Nashville date, I heard you talking at the stage door with some kind folks who announced they had come from somewhere up east to see you at the Ryman. Your reply was understated, but quite humorous: "You people need to get a life!" But all humility and modesty aside, you have touched so many lives through your music, and are pretty much unique in the popular music realm, so it is only natural that some of us would have made these pilgrimages to see you perform. Now, I hope we can all content ourselves by praying in the wings for you, hoping the next update, whenever it is, is a good one, and that you and Jean and your dear ones have many healthy years ahead, and beyond that, eternal life and light in the bosom of Love. We appreciate and respect your privacy, and truth be told, we are consoled by the fact that we never see you on the
covers of the tabloids (can't miss the damn things in the checkout lanes!). If for that reason alone, for the preservation of your dignity, we hope you will remain "below the radar screen," and will do our part to quietly support you with continued prayers and positive thoughts. We need not see to believe! God's peace and blessings on you, Dan and Jean! You continue to be in my prayers. with sincere affection and thanksgiving ~ Hunt Sidway, Cincinnati OH

Dan, Just a note to let you know that you and Jean are in my thoughts and prayers.  Your music has been a big part of my life, and I thank you for the many hours we have "shared" together.  You will always be my favorite artist.  (No one else even comes close.)  Please know that you are not alone in your battle with cancer.  You are surrounded by the love of all of your fans.  May God bring you strength and good health.  Much love ~ Dina Schweizer, Canton, OH

Dan- Let me take this moment to truly thank you from the staff and management of Radio Scooter International. for your incredibly wonderful music, which I am sure you know  has withstood the test of time. One of the most popular artists I play on my show is indeed someone named Dan Fogelberg - heavily requested you are! From all of us at the station, and all of our listeners, we salute you for not only your endearing music over the years, but, for being there for us when we get older and need to call on those long ago memories. God Bless ~ Bill Bergadano

Dan; It is late in Montana and shockingly I have only now discovered the news of your cancer.  I pray this finds you well under the circumstances.  As a single father for many years, my son and I fell asleep to "Innocent Age" and a cup of tea more nights than not.  It binds us to this day, and now blesses my granddaughters as well.  When I was selected for a cultural exchange in India, I chose this same album to accompany me, and my voice rang as I shared with them.  Some chided me as your music became a litmus test while I searched for the woman with whom I would want to spend eternity.  I can still picture her, and hear your music as she hit "Play" after the day's skiing--"Dew on the grass like the tears the night wept..."  Years later I phoned her to report that, in a twist, the rain literally turned to snow as "Same Old Lang Syne" played on the radio.  Alas, she was married..... And so am I now after a long wait.  Godspeed to you and your family.  Your poetry is without peer and I can only selfishly hope that our dream to some day see you perform will come true.  With every good wish ~ Ron from Montana.

Dan... a fan, I am.  Living in Evergreen, Colorado during the 80s and  90s, I was in the crowd for each and every one of your concerts at Red  Rocks, Fiddlers, and the awesome old Ogden on Colfax.  So many  memories of those nights, especially the ones spent under the stars.  Thank  you, thank you, for sharing your art - the poetry of your lyrics and the  music of your soul - and for remaining true to yourself.  I think of you and wonder how you and yours are coping.  My mother was diagnosed with  Stage 4 colon cancer last spring... the highs and lows, frustrations and  fears, and the Hope and Faith necessary to
balance it all out, well, it truly  is a struggle sometimes.  I keep you and Jean, and those closest to  you, in my prayers.  By the way, I'm back in the corn now -  Illinois, that is - but with the push of a button, and after closing my eyes,  I'm in the mountains again, with your song, "Nether Lands", echoing in the  canyon of my back yard.  Wherever I am, your music fills my home,  and
breathes through my soul.  Be well, Dan... be well. ~ DeeDee in Princeton, Illinois

Dear Dan, I just wanted to let you know that YOUR MUSIC, YOUR SONGS are the reason that I was able to survive in  this world. There was a time in my life that all  I knew was cruelty and abuse.  Without your songs such as "Believe  In Me", " Gambler", "Songbird" -- I just might as well say all of your music saved me. If I may use a line from your  song   'To the Morning'   you helped to realize that I could not say no to the morning. Your music also helped me with  raising my son.  He has special needs and when he was just 8 months  old I would play your music and sing to him and slowly he started to make noise and hummed along with your songs.  One can says that your music helped to develop my sons auditory area of his brain, sorry he is tone deaf but he still  loves music. THANK YOU for all that you have  given to me and others. God bless you and your wife. ~ Mystic

Dan..thanks for your songs and thoughts about life. Your concern for the planet has made me join others in protecting it for all to enjoy. Your life has brought me much joy through your songs. Stay strong. Peace always. ~ Ron, Stevens Point, WI

I have been enjoying your music for decades. I just introduced your music to my husband, by playing The Wild Places, and he was astounded by the beauty of your voice, music and lyrics. We're so sorry to hear of your illness, and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. - RS in NC

Dan, Although it is not Maine, nor autumn, it sure feels that way. A kind of loneliness and coldness that makes you shiver a bit. That is how I felt when I heard of your situation. Your beautiful song,"The Reach", has always been a favorite of mine as it
surely is of many others as well. I cannot adequately tell you how much your music has meant to me. I recall having to buy second (vinyl media) copies of Home Free, Souvenirs, Captured Angel, and Phoenix to replace the worn-out originals. Of course I had to do it again when CDs took over. What a tremendous collection of music. And then you did The Innocent Age. your Masterpiece. Although your songs will never be silent and your strings will never be still, here's another prayer that this will be due also to the words and music that you have yet to compose, record, and perform for your legion of fans and friends.
Get well. Thank you, Dan. ~ Greg McArdle, Lake In The Hills, Illinois

Indulge us once again with a birthday letter!  Your music continues to be a gift to us all. Happy #55 on 8/13. ~ Becky in Texas

May the peace that passes all understanding envelope and  embrace you. Yours is a sacred journey, Dan -- not a single step has been  wasted. You are God's.

Dan and Jean, My prayers and best wishes are with you in your battle.  I can't agree strongly enough with your advice for men to get tested regularly.  I was diagnosed with prostate cancer a year and a half ago after a PSA test that was done completely by accident in the blood lab.  I was 43 when I found out, and am currently going through proton radiation after my cancer recurred earlier this year.  No history of cancer before me, so it really came as a complete surprise, so get tested, guys.  I hope everything goes well and that you do keep your options open regarding performing.  We'd love to see you on the stage again one of these days. ~ Orla Reese, Radnor, Pennsylvania

Dear Dan and family, I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to your music over the past 30+years..."To the Morning" has always been my favorite.  I've seen you several times in concert, most recently 9 years ago when I was pregnant with my first son.  You had an influence on that night at the Bronco Bowl in Dallas because he has been playing guitar for the past 2 years and is now able to play some of his favorite songs from Phoenix.  At 8 1/2,  it is so great to hear him enjoying music that has been so special to me over the years.  Being busy with boys, I had lost track of you but logged on today to check on your status.  I was saddened to hear of your illness but wanted to let you know that you will be in all of our prayers for recovery and want to thank you for the peace that your music has brought to us all these years and is now coming full circle in my family.  Keep up your fight and may God bless you and your family.  ~ Denise Evans, Plano, TX