Hello from Pekin, Illinois! My husband & I were recently decorating our media room with framed vinyl album covers and we wanted you to know that the Souvenirs cover was at the very top of our list to frame! Growing up in Pekin and with both of us graduating from Pekin High in the '70's, we have so many wonderful memories of you, Dan. We also attended high school during the time your Dad was literally "The Leader of the Band." Best wishes to you & we hope & pray you are doing well.
Dan, I know you're a
very spiritual person, and have probably received some helpful insight
from Michael Card, among other comrades. Stay the course, keep the
faith, and fight the good fight - my rhetorical but sincere
encouragement for you. You were created to win. Of course I have
always had all of your albums, as soon as they came out, and I've been
fortunate enough to see you live 5 times (Memphis, Springfield MO,
Little Rock, Austin, San Antonio) over the years. My wife and I courted
to your music, since I was an addict, and it still never fails to kindle
our romance. Your music, recordings, and performing have greatly
enriched my life and I'll forever be thankful for your expression of
your gifts. Be blessed. We look forward to your victory reports. ~
Miles - Texas.
Dan, this is my second time to give you my thoughts, but since I “check up”
on you via the website, I couldn’t help but agree with a previous well
wisher about investing in your music. My grown sons gave me an IPOD for
Mother’s Day, and I downloaded your music, of course. It’s all I can do from
singing out loud at the Y when I’m on the treadmill. Like all your fans, you
will NEVER know what your music has meant to us. We all love you despite the
fact most of us do not know you personally. Always, in my prayers ~ Mary.
Your poetry and music will always be the core of my manhood: Caring,
Soft, Nurturing, Natural...and part of the stars.
Thanks ~
Tom Pappas
Dan -
My first experience with your music was in 1977. Since then I am
hopelessly devoted to your incredible sound , lyrics and passion. In
1980 when I heard your song "Longer" I knew it would be my wedding song. Nine
years later that came true. I was most saddened to hear of your
situation and wish you the best in your battle. I wish you health, love,
peace and happiness and hope to see you soon again in concert.. ~
Don & Robin
I remember the first time I heard the words in your songs that
reached right into soul. I have found silent moments of peace and
tranquility when I listen.. it has been over 30 years that I have
listened and when you sing- you sing with your heart. With your
words I can feel the story you tell or what emotion you describe. It is a peaceful and serene feeling. It is almost as if you have
been a friend for all these years.. There has been no time that your
music was not one of my most favorite or endeared- your music has had
my ear since that first song.
You are, in my opinion, one of the few true artists- and I
DO keep you in my prayers- perhaps for some selfish reasons (that I
may continue to enjoy your music and messages),but also that your
life is full and long- and that you can continue to live your path and your heart. ~
Kerry Prescott
Wishing you well always...
Dear Dan, Like so many others in the early 70's I bought all you albums then
cassettes and then CDs. I saw you many times. From Cleveland to Va
Beach , Cape Cod to Memphis. At the request of my 15 year old son I
just put some of your music on his I Pod. He is as old as I was when I
first listened. Thanks for then and thanks for now. Best wishes, we are all praying
and waiting patiently! ~BB
Dear Dan,
The beautiful wishes from all your fans on this website have moved me to tears. How wonderful it must be to feel so much love! I am a 50 year old mom of two who has listened to your music since the mid-seventies. We dragged our children to see you at the Melody tent in Cape Cod many years ago.....the memories of you, the piano, and a slowly revolving stage will last a lifetime.
I really just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have every song you have ever recorded, I've harmonized with most of them for the past 30 years and rejoiced and cried with others. There is not any emotion of mine that you have not touched; you have more talent in your little finger than 99% of the human beings walking this earth. But even with all that talent I don't think you are arrogant at all! I always thought you to be the kind of guy that I could just sit down and have a beer with and shoot the shit!
So from Don, Dolores, Joey and Carly Herchuk- we wish you the strength to keep fighting this and are sending much love and gratitude. I have never written anything like this in my life (I am Not a groupie!). But it's YOU, and you are real to me and to all your devoted fans. We need you to heal and to keep on writing those incredible songs that have touched millions of lives.
May God bless you and yours.
Dear Dan,
I am one of those your music has touched very deeply. I was in high school in Aurora, Colorado when a friend of mine told me, "Did you know Dan Fogelberg wrote a song about you?" It was "Nether Lands." It truly touched my soul. I never missed a Red Rocks performance after that. I also saw you at McNichols, and the Rainbow as Frankie and the Aliens. I enjoyed when you came out at Red Rocks as another band before your show. Your music, all of it, has meant a lot to me over the years.You are my favorite artist. I wish you the best and send you lots of love. "
When the voice and the vision on the inside become more profound and more clear and loud than the opinions on the outside, you have mastered your life." -John DeMartini, D.C." ~ Kathy Plummer
Dear Dan:
I was so very sorry to hear of your illness. I have listened to your
music since somewhere in the mid '70's. My good friend and roommate
turned me on to you and we were both so madly in love with you and your
music -- we would listen over and over. My records are all scratched
and dinged, but I'll never toss them. We used to make jokes at your
concerts (we were always close to the front) like, "Dan was looking at
me when he was singing that." ..and she would say, "He was not, he was
looking at me." Anyway, stupid girls, that we were. Of course, we're
still madly in love with you and your music. We don't live close
together anymore, but we'll still in touch and say that whenever we hear
your music, it reminds us of those days.
I remember specifically one concert at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, it
was a full house, a hot summer day, and you were singing "There's a
Place in the World for a Gambler", or I should say the audience was
singing. You just stopped singing and playing and the whole place was
singing the chorus a cappella, which seemed like it could have been
heard for miles (The Greek has great acoustics). Anyway, this I'm sure,
was not the first time that happened at one of your concerts, but you
just sat back with what looked like a stunned and amazed look on your
face (I think because you thought it was beautiful and it was). It's a
fond memory of mine and has stuck with me all these years (and I've been
to many, many concerts).
So, my thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery, and long
and happy life. I will never stop listening.
Love ~
Karin Sproul,
San Francisco
Dan,
You are the guitarist and songwriter I always wanted to be and you've
influenced my music ever since I purchased "Nether Lands" so many years
ago. At that time in my life, I had only heard your name when I
examined the album in the store; I had never heard your music. I don't
know why I purchased it, but I'm glad I did. Since then, I've followed
your music and had the pleasure of seeing you in concert at the Northrop
Auditorium in Minneapolis, MN several years ago. You were alone --- as
I prefer to see musicians perform --- and I remember that the show was
affiliated with some sort of wildlife preservation effort. A
representative from a local wildlife organization brought a "recovering"
bald eagle out onto the stage and you seemed to really be enjoying the
experience. Your music is attached to many sweet memories I carry with
me.
I'm now a 46-year-old father of two and, with the exception of the
occasional solo at church, the only performances I give are in my living
room for family and friends. I never had the guts to try to make a
living through music. I can't begin to tell you how much I respect ---
and thank --- you for not burying your dream like I did. You've
consistently brought melodic, thoughtful and inspiring music to the
airwaves --- a true craftsman who shares his gifts responsibly. It's a
pleasure introducing those tunes to my 14-year-old son and 11-year-old
daughter.
I wish you only the best as you face this challenging phase in your
life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lean hard
on each other and love will make its presence known.
Be well ~
Steve,
Eau Claire, WI
Dan,
I was introduced to your music by my then girlfriend, now wife of 25 years,
survivor of breast cancer, so I'm somewhat familiar with the up's and down's
of the disease. We've been fortunate enough to attend 3 concerts, in
Illinois with a 5 piece band, Tennessee and a full orchestra and Texas, as a
solitary performer. All were memorable, and touching to the soul, as is most
of your music. As a songwriter, I can connect with the feelings some lyrics
can bring. You are an American legend, Dan, a fighter, and a winner. My
prayers are with you and your family. My overall favorite is still "Tucson
Arizona Gazette", telling the story of Tony. What a song!!! Best wishes ~
Barry
Dan - I began wearing out "Home Free" in 1972 and bought every Fogelberg album I could
afford. They were all stolen and each had to be replaced. I know of no other artist I
would choose to invest so completely in. I too grew up in Illinois, and lived in
California (ugh) and currently in Colorado. Knowing this was also your path, I feel a
kinship with you. Your love for what you do is clear in your heartfelt lyrics. Your
music has been with me for 35 years and shaped my youth so many years ago. I'm so happy
to have found your talent, and crank the volume when I hear you on satellite radio. My
thoughts are with you and your family as you work toward better health. If you ever need
a spiritual lift, do what I do. Slip in a Fogelberg CD.
Dan,
I heard your first song back when I was a Jr. in High School. Life was tough
back then. I didn't understand who I was or what I was meant to be. The
words to "Souvenirs" touched something deep in my soul that I never had
experienced before. I think it was God's way of speaking to me.
I recently had a scare with Prostate Cancer. My PSA is high but following a
biopsy was given a clean bill of health. I go back for tests every six
months and like you highly suggest every man start having this done once a
year.
The last time I heard you was at the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon.
What a great night.
I was saddened to hear about your situation and decided to write you.
I don't know you, but your work has deeply and continues to touch my life.
(right now it's Nether Lands).
I sang one of your songs at my wedding..."Sketches".
I will pray for you.
But please know that God has used you so much in this lifetime. Words are
magic and can give people a path to follow. That is what yours have done for
me.
I thank you for following your heart and showing me "the long way". ~
Rick Dancer
Dan, All the best to you. Wish I could say that I've seen you in concert! Hope that you are able to heal. Peace, brother. ~ Brad
Good luck Dan and best wishes from me and mine to you and yours . I am passing your message on prostate cancer and have taken the test . Lastly, thanks for all your wonderful music. God bless ~ Mark Keyton
Dan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your music has
given me so much enjoyment throughout the years. I started as a fan in
1972 and still appreciate your music today as much as I did then. Thank
you so much for sharing your heart and soul with us. ~ Nancy Winters
Dear Dan and family,
my family and I continue to wish you all the best in your fight with prostate cancer. I have listened to you since the 70's. You are the tapes I listen to when I fish the Arkansas by Salida. You have touched my soul as well as that of my best friends and my sisters and brothers.
As a nurse in the hospital setting I cannot agree with you more about the early testing and recognition of prostate cancer. I have seen the ravages of this cruel disease over the last 30 years. We pray for your recovery and hope, when all is well again, that we may be blessed to see you in concert again or to enjoy a new album hopefully in the future. ~
The Watson Family,
Pueblo, Colorado
Dear Dan,
Your wonderful music has touched me deeply over the years - through good
times and bad. I have never written a "fan" letter to anyone, but in light
of your health challenges, I wanted to send along my positive thoughts to
you and your family. I recently took my 80-year old mother on a 6 hour road
trip. It was your music we listened to during the entire trip. I was singing
along, as I know every word to every song. It was comforting to have you
along on the journey with us. I wish you health, love, peace and happiness.
May you stay strong for a very long time to come. And. my favorite is still
"There's a Place in the World for a Gambler." ~
CZD, Scottsdale, Arizona
Dear Dan,
You've been my muse forever and because I dreamed of you last night, I
had to write to you. Trust me, I've never done this before and it seems
weird to me. I only want you to know that from the first time (1975) I
heard your music, I became a devotee. I truly hope and pray for your
successful recovery. I saw you in Clarkston, Michigan in the mid-late
1980's at an outdoor venue called Pine Knob. I was so overcome that,
much to the dismay of my sisters who accompanied me, shouted out during
a pause and silence, "I love you!" It was the truth and I just had to
tell it:-) I bought all of your music and marveled at your
craftsmanship. I still hold "Nether Lands" as my favorite. Your writing
is poetic and deeply felt. I've been a writer all my life and so much of
what you've expressed touched me to the core. I've often thought we were
soul relatives. I wanted to make a career out of writing and you've
always been a tremendous inspiration. I really hope you can feel the
love your fans send out to you and that our great common prayer, heals
you.
With sincere respect and gratitude ~
Linda
Dear Dan -Greetings from Ireland. I am currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer so I can understand something of what you are going through. I have always loved your voice and your music has touched my heart. Sending you big hugs. ~ Mary
Dear Dan,
Yesterday I put on Souvenirs ,a well worn CD, while driving in my car. I instantly was transported back to my youth. Every song reminded me of a special event in my life. It also made me reflect on how lucky I am to have been with my high school sweetheart for thirty five years and have raised four wonderful children. I can't remember a time in my life when your music didn't touch me in a deeply personal way. Thank you for all you have done to share your life with your fans through your music. I feel that I experienced your ups and downs just as I experienced them in my own life. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and our gratitude for making memories in our lives even more vivid every time we hear your music. Lots of love and best wishes ~ Angela Schmidt, a loyal fan.
Dear Dan: I was a high school kid back in the 70's and worked out every evening
on the back patio. I finished my grueling regimen with 5000 straight jumping-jacks - which took about 2 hours. I started the old arm-release player
stacked with records. Most records were yours. I found the strength to complete my daunting task by listening to the passion in your words/voice and the power in your music. (I still listen now, at 50, and no jumping!) I know there is an incredible well of strength within us all ... my wish is that you tap yours ... for when you do ... you can overcome ANY obstacle!! Take care. ~ J.Niland from PA.
You are in my thoughts and spiritual practice. I pray for your healing and peace for you and your family. I saw my husband through a similar trial. You are brave. You are loved by so many. Namaste' ~ J. Baxman
Dan and Jean - "don't lose heart." There's "magic every moment."
I'm at work and heard those songs on my computer and they jumped out at me. I think of you each day, and the thoughts include many, many prayers.
As I read the wonderful thoughts from other fans, I have no adequate words to add. Just know that prayer works, and God so loves you when you sing and all the rest of the time too.
I have purchased nearly every album, and they are all fantastic! Please don't give up your talent.
You are an incredible man, and Jean is a lucky woman. Please continue to fight this battle and win!
Ever On, with love and prayers ~ Kathy in WV
Dear Dan and family,
My dear husband recently created a playlist of my ipod with some of my favorite Dan Fogelberg songs. It brings back some wonderful memories of listening to your albums - and my pals trying to sing your songs. We saw you in concert back in college. Such happiness you brought to many with your work.
It all made me wonder how you were and how your recovery was going. I googled you and found your wonderful website. It is obvious that many people are praying for you and your family...I will add you to my prayers. Best wishes for your peace and recovery.
Dan: My wife and I have been coming back to your words and music since we "discovered" you in the late 70's. They have always made us laugh, love, and take a longer, deeper look at the world around us. We always travel with your music (and drive our kids nuts singing to every song), as so much of your work seems to fit for hitting the road. We have great memories of seeing you in a few Colorado venues, and hope that we will be able to again. We will continue to pray for your strength, well-being, and recovery. ~
Bill and Mollie
Dear Dan,
My wife and I saw you in concert here in San Diego the last time you were here. We were looking forward to seeing you again the following year and were going to take some friends. We were then deeply saddened to learn that you had fallen ill with cancer. My wife and I have greatly enjoyed your music over the past several years and were thrilled to see you in concert here. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and hope that someday you will return to the stage. ~
Penn & Carol Jones,
San Diego, California
Dan, your words have touched my heart more often than you know. Songs
will dance through my head at all times, the time I remember most is
driving from Colorado to Montana to see the total eclipse of the sun
with a not so great boyfriend, the solstice and your music saved the
day. I think it was the 'twin sons" album. None of us really know how
many days we have left we can only hope they are lived well and in
beauty. My love to you and your family. ~ Mary Karner
Dearest Dan, Last night I found you again and sat up all night to listen to
every song. I say again, because your words and music took me through some of
the best times of my life and sustained me through some of my harder times. They
helped shape my thoughts and feelings during my 20s. I hope that you know that your songs were there when a lot of commercial and non meaning songs were thrust at all of us. You are like no other. I send you hope, light and courage, the same as you have sent to me so many times. Bless you and your family. There is a light that has shown to some many thru you. May it be reflected back to you 100 times the brilliance.
Love ~ Carolyn from VA.
Dear Dan: I check back now and then to see if there is any news of how you
are doing. I was sad to see that you may not be performing anymore. You
have been a big part of my life, from high school on (the 70's!) when I found
your music. My husband and I went to your concerts whenever you were in the
Orange County, CA area. Your music has so touched my heart ~ it always will!
My husband has been gone 3 yrs, 3 mos. (tomorrow) from PC. He was diagnosed
at 44 and passed away at 48. I hope your doctors have told you to be
strong, GET strong, and take care of yourself. NO STRESS!
I especially like what you have added to your homepage of this website,
advising all men to get check ups! SO TRUE! And starting at 40. My husband's
family had NO history of PC. Neither did my dad's family. My dad has been
gone almost 17 yrs from PC. Right before my dad died, he advised his brother
to get a check up. Thank God he did - my Uncle Bob is still here because of
that advice!
Sorry to go on and on, but it is a very personal topic for me. I also have
two brothers, three sons and one grandson (so far!). It's Prostate Cancer
Awareness month! Get a check up and make a donation to Cancer Research! ~
Lynn in Oregon
Dan, I heard your first album in 1974. We were sitting around a fireplace in
big old house when our host put the record on the turntable. I was hooked! I
followed your career from that moment on.
"Same Old Lang Syne" is such a masterpiece and it remains on of my top ten
favorite songs of all times. I have been in a band for over 30 years now and
at some point, we donned tuxedoes and did weddings before we got tired of
the "Rubber Chicken Circuit". "Longer" was a recurring tune for the
bride and groom for several decades. (Please don't sue me!)
Get better and may God bring you back to the stage and recording studio.
Take care my brother. ~
Al Radzik
Dear Dan,
I was driving my car sans ipod and c.d. player and was pleasantly surprised to find my
old cassette tapes. I've been listening to your Greatest Hits album and smiling over
the memories your songs evoke. Thanks for that. I was struck by the line in "Leader of
the Band" about thanking your dad for "the freedom when it came your time to go." My son
who spent the last 5 years in college, getting his music degree and his master's in
choral conducting announced to me that his band is doing so well
that he won't be returning to his teaching job next year. Yikes, my maternal instinct
just about imploded at that very moment. I was just about to say, Benefits, Insurance,
Rent, all those practical things, when he stopped me dead in my tracks and thanked me for
teaching him to believe in himself, love what you're doing, and how to live by faith.
Crap, that was me! Then I remembered what a sensible, intelligent young man he is and
decided to get on board with him. Just in case you wondered, that must have been very
hard for your parents and they must have trusted you immensely and you certainly must
have made them very proud. So now I'm carrying his c.d.'s around in my purse, wearing a
t shirt I am 25 years too old to be wearing and hoping that their tour that will begin
next month in Asia, of all places, will be the beginning of a great new career for him. I'm the mom of a bonafide rock star, how cool is that?
I hope you are doing well with
your fight with cancer and look forward to more music soon! Praying for a complete recovery. ~ debbie b
Dan,
I was just searching for a concert schedule when I came across your web
page. I have followed you music from the early 70's. The last time I saw
you perform was in Las Vegas probably 5 or 6 years ago when you cut your
forehead while changing guitars, and played "The Reach" while blood dripped
down your face from the cut. You finished the song like a true professional
amid the laughter and applause. I wish you all the best in your recovery
and look forward to seeing you perform again.
Thank you for the years of excellent music and memories. ~
Paul - Flagstaff, AZ
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