Dear Dan -
Each of us is born with a unique combination of gifts and potential, and there will only ever be one of us. What a glorious world it would be if everyone used his gifts as you have!
We enter life in amazing grace, so the best we can do is share our gifts. Music is among the greatest of all gifts.
Now we, your friends, share with you our energy, thoughts, meditations, prayers or whatever form of spiritual expression God gives each of us. May your body, spirit, soul, mind and heart all come together on your pilgrimage to wholeness and health.
Suffering has no intrinsic purpose but it tends to show us what is important. To me, that is home, family, friends and music.
I am 57 and have been having regular prostate check-ups since my mid-forties. Your struggle may make more men more diligent in this regard.
Thanks for the music over these many years. I am looking forward to your music in the years to come. Because of this experience this it will be different, the same and better. Wishing you a speedy return to health, strength and vigor.
Kindest regards ~
Bruce Barclay,
Melbourne, Australia
Hope you can beat this thing. Wishing and praying for
the best.
Dan, I am so sorry to hear about the prostate cancer. I grew up listening to your music. "The Innocent Age" was, and still is my favorite album. I consider it a masterpiece. I am in my late 40's, and my family has been bugging me to get myself checked, but I haven't yet. I guess I'm afraid of the results, but maybe it's time. My best wishes go out to you and Jean. Very Sincerely ~ Gene Albin.
Hope to see you on stage again. It was a long time ago, I saw you at the Fox in St. Louis and always wanted to see you sing in person ONE MORE TIME!! ~ Kurt
Many moons ago (mid-70's), when I was a young teenager, I attended an Eagles concert in NJ, and heard you for the first time. I was a stead-fast fan from that moment on. Your music was the soundtrack of my teenage years and my twenties. I carried you with me through my thirties, and now, through my forties. You (through your work) traveled with me across the US, helped me navigate teenage angst, sang me through boyfriend-breakups, even accompanied me into my wonderful marriage. You lived with us in Europe, and helped us welcome our boys into the world (one of whom is now sick with a poor prognosis for survival -- he is just 9 years old). Mr. Fogelberg, THANK YOU for sharing your self and your artistry with us all of these years. June Carter Cash used to say (when people asked her how she was doing) "I'm just tryin' to matter". Mr. Fogelberg, I want to tell you that you have mattered. You have made a difference. And you are loved. Truly. You are loved. Be well, my friend. Always ~ Theresa Lindner
You have been my favourite artist since I was in my teens. Thank you
for over 30 years of warming my soul and inspiring my dreams. My
prayers go out to you. ~
Robin (Originally Utah, now the Central Highlands of Queensland,
Australia)
Dear Dan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What you gave to me over the years can hardly be expressed in just a short note but I'd just like to say thank you for your music. I wasn't born with the gift of language so I'll try not to sound so cliche. Your songs, among other things inspired my family and I to move to Colorado from Long Island and fulfill a lifelong dream to wake up and see the San Juans each day. Thank you for that. I wish I could give back in some way. I'll just keep hoping that I'll see you in concert again in the near future. Ever On... ~
Kathy, Montrose, Co
Dan Fogelberg's words, through his music, have always inspired me. Yet, never have his words inspired so personally as his plea for testing. Be well, sir. We need you now more than ever. ~ kevin shea, Toronto, Canada
Dear Dan,
Best wishes for your continued success over disease,
and many thanks for your music. I met my wife Joyce
because I had loaned her your first album through my
brother, who knew her. You knew Joyce (Richardson) at
Woodruff HS and were in drama together, so she was an
enthusiastic fan early on. In any case, we have
enjoyed your music over the many years, and continue
to do so, and have been very concerned about your
illness. ~
David Fletcher
Dan,
I have been a fan of your music for more than 25 years, I just learned of your illness
today when I went to your website, and I want you to know I will be praying for you. ~
Mark Floyd,
Irvine, Ky.
Dear Dan,
I dreamt last night (as I have several times) that I was at your return
concert. Your loving fans were all cheering, we were so excited to see
you back on stage! You looked so happy and healthy, and Jean was on
stage with you. Your voice was as clear and beautiful as ever, and it
was a magical night! You sang "To the Morning" and "The Reach" and my
heart was filled with admiration for you. I pray that my dream will
come true and I will enjoy the "gift" of watching you perform on stage
again as I have 13 times over the past 30 years. Sending you prayers and angel kisses ~
Cynthia (Tucson, Arizona)
Dan,
I hope you are doing better and that eventually you'll be doing concerts once again. You bring so much joy with your music even if you don't choose to perform. Your albums are timeless and I listen to all of your music each day. I've seen you every time you performed in SLC and Park City. The Sandy amphitheater where you performed is very close to my home. I can't begin to tell you what a impact you've had on my life. I began playing guitar because I had to be able to try to make the beautiful sounds that I heard you make. Your picking is so beautiful. I've made my living with my guitar by performing and teaching, sometimes the songs you've written. I now have my own CD of which I wrote the songs.
Good luck, get well soon. My prayers and love are with you. Love ~
Diane King
Dear Mr. Fogelberg:
Thank you ever so much for creating the wonderful music you have. Your
music has always been a source of comfort and joy for me to listen to. I
truly hope that you come back 100% strong and thoughts and prayers are with
you and for your family. ~ Christine S. in CT.
Dan -
Thank you for your wonderful musical gifts. Your lyrics have moved me deeply
and I am grateful to you. I pray for your healing and strength to make it
through this valley.
God bless you.
Sincerely ~
Matt Zimmer
Thanks...a simple word that holds so much. May the love of others keep you and your family strong always. My son is just learning guitar and asked who I would recommend to listen to...of course, DF was the first to come to mind. He is now a fan, too. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us through the years. Peace.
Mr. Fogelberg - It doesn't seem fair that you don't know me, while I
feel like I've known you for a lifetime. Your music is a true gift and
its messages have helped me through my toughest challenges. Now it's my
turn to return the favor. I hope this message finds you in a good place
and please accept my thoughts and prayers. I am Okinawan by heritage and
there is a belief that the moment we meet people, we are brothers and
sisters. Odds are, we will likely never meet, but I would still like you
to know that through your music, you have been one of my best friends
for over 20 years. Thank you for that and I hope that energy finds it's
way back to you and your family in this time of need. ~
Gene - Milwaukee, WI
Your music has been a great inspiration for settling the soul. My
family will keep you and your family in our prayers for your healing
both physically and emotionally. May God work through you to heal you,
guide you and bless others
Hello again Dan,
I wrote in a few weeks ago and told you my husband and I were buying our
first non-Sunfish sailboat and were planning to name it The Reach in
your honor. I remember a 1998-or-thereabouts concert on the Pier in
Seattle when you played it and talked about your love of sailing. That
was my favorite of the 4 times I've seen you perform, twice around DC
and twice in Seattle.
However, having now listened to that beautiful song more closely and
realizing The Reach isn't actually the boat (duh), we've pondered other
songs and lyrics of yours as a name. To the Morning was first
runner-up, but we've chosen....drumroll....Captured Angel as the best
possible name for our 25' Coronado. She's a 1969 classic, a little
older than the song, and only about 10 or 12 years younger than we are.
We will pray for you and toast your health as we sail her on the
Chesapeake Bay. Please pray for us too as we have a lot to learn about
sailing! ~ Maura
It had been a while since I had listened to any Dan Fogelberg, although I grew
up with
the music all through grade and middle school. My sister & brother in law are huge fans
and after hearing Dan’s music at their house several times, I went to the library, found
a CD, and burned it to my computer. My daughters, especially my three year old, fell in
love with it, (Greatest Hits). Sometimes we let her sleep in our bed, earlier in the
evening before we come to bed, and she always wants to listen to Dan Fogelberg…and
somehow I find that very special, especially since it is music from my youth. It started
me thinking, “Wow – wouldn’t it be great if Dan Fogelberg went on tour? My sister &
brother in law & I could all go & we could take the kids!” So I found the website in the
hopes of finding local tour info and was very dismayed to hear about Dan’s battle. So, I
just thought I’d add my best wishes to the collection. Dan, please know that you have
touched many lives, both past and present, and I thank you for that.
Yours truly ~
Lisa O’Connor (
Mom of Annie & Maggie O’Connor, ages 8 & 3 respectively)
Dear Dan,
From my youth in Illinois, to time in the Rockies, now back home again in Illinois,
your music has been the "soundtrack" of my life. So many wonderful memories are brought to mind each time I listen to your music! How blessed you are to have touched so many lives, and how blessed you will be for making the most of your gift.
My thoughts, prayers, and many good wishes are with you and your family. ~ Laura, Woodridge, Illinois.
Dear Dan & Jean:
Needless to say, my husband and I were devastated to hear the news of your battle with Prostate Cancer. Our 24 years together started with your song, "Longer", as our wedding dance. We have been enjoying your music ever since, although my husband has been a fan since day one. He is a guitarist who has a style much like yours and loves to play your music. Your music was one of the reasons I fell in love with him. I want you to know that I am a cancer survivor and know the struggle you are going through. I believe that my battle was won not just with modern medicine, but a survivalist attitude and a true belief that the crisis was but a temporary one. I often referred to it as just a speed-bump in life. Perhaps God's way of slowing me down some. Stay strong.-Your friends and fans ~ Steve and Debbie
Dearest Dan, You have no idea how many lives you have touched with your music; you are such a fine example to everyone.Your kindness radiates through the words and gentle songs you sing. Each one is special. You are in my prayers, and I wish all the very best and full recovery to you. Most sincerely ~ Marcia
Dear Lovely Songbird,
I wish you & your family well thoughts and prayers during your fight.
Your words and music were a strong force during my youth allowing me
to feel more connected to greater things and deeper feelings and I thank
you.
Much love and light to a shining bright star in the morning sky. ~
Nadine
Dan - holding good thoughts and prayers for your recovery. Your music is
inspiring. ~ Jeff
Dan has given us a great gift. His gift of music. He is the most played artist in our home. His timeless music is an inspiration. Like listening to an old friend. I can always count on Dan's music to lift my spirits. My family and friends have not missed one of his concerts when he's played in our neck of the woods (Mpls). I wish him a speedy recovery and appreciate his sharing his story with others. Early detection is the key. Ever on! ~ Deb Jean Savage, Mpls, MN
I have enjoyed Dan's music for over thirty years now...Although we've never met, I consider him my friend...
You've probably read this many times from many different people, but I
always loved your music (at least the ones that played on the radio). Having always had trouble getting lyrics
right, I decided tonight to see if i could find the lyrics on the internet. This has brought me to your website and boy did I have a bunch of lyrics
wrong!! But now I know and can sing along with you with confidence!! Anyway, I was
reading everything on your website and that has brought me here to "thoughts", so i wanted to tell you that though I don't know you at all, I've always
had a sense of who you would be through your music. If I'm right, then you are
a deeply introspective soul who has great passion for life, love, and
nature... passion is what makes us strong and fight for things in which we
believe. I don't know how you are doing now, but I hope you haven't lost sight of
fighting, with a positive attitude..and I hope you are doing well and still
enjoying life and all the great things around you. I will pray for you and
your family. Thank you for the great music. I will have to check out all the
rest of your music unknown to me... Sincerely ~ Denielle
Hey Dan - My name is Charles Harris and I was just checking out your website. I enjoy and have enjoyed your music since i was in college. I am now 45 years old with a wife and two rowdy but wonderful little boys. I am in the dental industry and two of my customers just recently told me they had been out for prostate cancer. After surgery, they seem to be doing fine. I am African American so I appreciate the admonition you gave to be checked. My wife would be glad you said that. I'll be praying for you, man, as I head home. THEN, I plan to make an appointment with the doctor so I can get checked. Thank you, for giving of your heart and self with your music all these years. I appreciate you much. Best wishes ~ Charles Harris
Hi Dan, I don't know if you remember me but I met you in '87 in a bar in SW
Colorado.I was in school at Fort
Lewis and it was my 21st birthday. You were very courteous and kind playing
music to a quiet room. I was with a few friends but it was a week night and
not many people were out in the bars. I just remember this from time to time
that you were so nice and friendly when you didn't even know who I was. I
was very impressed with the person that you were even when I was only 21! I
have just heard that you have Prostate Cancer. I will keep you in my prayers
and I hope that you will recover soon. Best wishes for you.
Regards ~
Sean O'Byrne
Dan,
I listened to your music in college back in North Carolina in the 1970's. I listen to your music tonight and still remember the images you painted in your songs of mountains, snow and wild water.
Your songs mean a lot to me and bring me back to my younger years of climbing mountains and camp fires.
May good health be with you and keep climbing that mountain my friend.
Best wishes ~
Jack
Dear Dan, I was very saddened by the news of your cancer. Your music was such an inspiration to me back in the 70's, during my teenage years. My boyfriend would call me on the phone whenever one of your songs was playing! Such soulful music, from obviously, a soulful man. God Bless you, Jean and your families. ~ Dana Bruce, Joshua, TX
Wishing you well and to tell you I have loved your music since Home Free came out. Please let us know some news on your condition......it's been so long with no word. Peace.
 I haven't checked in in quite a while and was hoping for some news. I'll say no news is good news!! Best wishes for your recovery, Dan. I'm still thinking of you and praying for your healing. Many blessings - Linda Matson, NY
Dan - I have been where you are now. I am a survivor. You can be too. Never give an inch to this condition. I know you won't. Stay strong.
Dan Fogelberg's music has such a fond place in my heart... as it represents a time shared with my best friend Cindy Dunlop Gallagher. Growing up the hours we spent listening to his sounds. The poster I framed and gave her. The concerts we went together.
The path of our friendship has split as the courses of our lives ran different places, but our love of Dan and his music always brings us together at the first note.
She became a beautiful woman, wife, mother and I became a care giver to my ailing parents, separated by miles of road but always together in spirit and in Dan's beautiful music. It is the music of my life. And I and Cindy are forever grateful that Dan ever took pen to paper, and pick to guitar strings....
Thank you Dan, God Bless and may you know nothing but happiness and peace til your last breath. ~
Joan E. Costello,
Auburn, NY
Dear Dan,
I've listened to your music since I first heard "To the Morning" playing in
a music store in Harvard Square during the early 70's. You've touched so
many lives. Your music is timeless - my teenage children enjoy listening
to your music as well. I wish you all the best. My thoughts and prayers
are with you and your family.
Your fan ~ Lois
Dan, I have just now learned of your illness. I cannot remember a time
when your music wasn't a part of my life. Thank you for all you've
given us. All we can give back are our prayers for your recovery. I
pray for your speedy recovery. ~ Charlotte in Dallas
Dan-- seeing all these thoughts from all your loyal fans surely you must know how your music has touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Get well soon. You and your messages in your music are greatly missed. May the Lord shine his blessed light on you. ~ L and K in Essex, IA.
I bought Captured Angel, looking for "Part of the Plan."
I have 9 vinyls since then. I bought
4 music books, including The Innocent Age. Your music taught me guitar. When things are better
drop by & teach me some more. (In my younger days I was going to be your successor). Good
Luck & God bless. ~ Duck, Amarillo TX
Dan, I visit your website from time to time, praying that you are
recovering and relieved to find you still with all of us who have been
touched by the genius of your music. Whether or not you return to the
concert stage or the recording studio, your legacy will continue to
enrich our lives and spirits each time we hear one of your songs. May
you find the solace in reading of our love, thoughts and prayers that we
find in your music. God bless. ~ Pam
Just like many others, I have listened to your music for more years than you or
I want to
admit to. I was 13 when I would steal into my brother's room and listen to his Fogelberg
and Buffett albums...one ear always listening for his return so I could scoot out
quickly. Your music has always been near and dear to my heart and will always be.
You are in my prayers. Be well.~
Jennifer Wheatley
I will try to make this note briefer than the couple I have left over the last year and a half. I know that we all (the people and fans who love you) tend to ramble on about what a tremendous impact you and your music, your joy of life, has had on our own lives. Had you ever fully realized, Dan, the way you would influence so very many?! Well, I just wanted to take another chance to say that we still constantly keep you and Jean in our thoughts and prayers. I am a nurse and find myself telling lots of my patients that we will just "keep doing this until we get it right!" . In your case, Dan, I just plan to keep checking in for news and keep sending in notes of love and gratitude until "we get it right!". So, keep fighting, keep loving and living for every moment, and keep believing that we all are better for having come to know you. Your music has proven to be the "soundtrack" for the love story my husband and I have been living for the last four and a half years. What an amazing gift you have given the world!! May we hear from you soon and find that we have something wonderful to celebrate. Until then, let our love be your guiding star!!! ~ Kris and Brian, Wichita, Ks
I was deeply saddened by the news of your battle with cancer. I'm a cancer survivor though. It can be overcome so hang in there and don't lose heart. Your music has brought beauty, peace and strength into my life. In fact, it's been the soundtrack for everything that I've gone through. You didn't even know it...You played a request for me at Chastain in Atlanta, "Old Tennessee", and that was a sweet moment. I was scared to even ask. May you be blessed with the same strength and peace you've given me.
Many nights I listened to your music and still do. Just want to send to you
prayer for
recovery. You have given so much joy to your fans
I am just now learning of your battle with prostate cancer while checking your web page for all the CDs you have generated. I do pray that you are getting good reports from your physician and enjoying wonderful quality of life. Your music has always brought me great listening pleasure. The best to you and your family. ~ Sarah
Dan, I first heard your music in the San Juan mountains of Colorado in the early '70s. Your gift of song has blessed me for many years, and I'm thankful to have this opportunity to pray for you ...and to thank you. The Lord is with you ~ Deborah
Dear Dan and Family,
My thoughts and best wishes have been with you, and your family, since I heard about your illness. I was fortunate enough to see you perform live in Ontario, Canada, a few years ago, shortly before your illness was announced.
Currently, my brother-in-law is dying from prostate cancer because he believed that prayer would cure him, so he refused medical treatment till it was too late. His only treatment came in the form of prayer meetings and vitamin supplements. If God gave the world prayer, he also gave it the medical community!
Keep spreading the word about early detection and treatment, and keep fighting. Your legion of fans don't want to say goodbye to you yet.
With love ~
Anita H. Wolting-Visser
Dear Dan, I was a college DJ and Journalism major at Samford U. in Birmingham, Al.
1970 - 1974. We received a copy of "Home Free" at the station. It became the
favorite of my college sweetheart and I. Ten years later she would become my
wife of now 23 years and three kids. "Phoenix" stays in my six disc changer in
my truck at all times! I loaned my original copy from the station to a local
Birmingham DJ and also told him that you were on the Michael Stanley album
which was getting some air time then. I was also the first DJ to play "Yes" here
but your music has meant so much to my wife and I. We have been fortunate to
hear you in Auburn and in Birmingham over the years. We are praying for your
recovery. My wife has been a social worker for 35 years and is deeply involved
with Cancer programs here. I am sure you are getting the best of care but we
would be glad to help you in any way we could. Thank you so much for your lyrics
and music over the years. May God's peace be with you and your family always! ~
Toni & Al Uffinger
Dan Fogelberg -
I've been listening to your music for so long and have seen you in concert.
Your songs have touched my life in many ways. You've written them based on
your own experiences, but they reach out to so many and relate to so many.
The "Leader of the Band" --WOW I cry every time I hear that one. It reminds me
so much of my own father. I was looking forward to seeing you at the State
Theater in New Jersey (a few years back). I guess what I m really trying to
say is that my prayers and well-wishes are with you and your wife and I hope
that soon - what you're going through will be nothing more than a challenge
you have been given and become a memory of what you have overcome. Looking
forward to seeing you in concert when you're able. Thank you for the music ~ Sue (East Brunswick, New Jersey)
Oh Man! Living legacy is an understatement.
I am one of 8 kids. We thrived on the fabulously healing and restoring music
Dan provided. I really love absolutely everything he ever did. But the ones
I seem to the play the most right now are, "Since You've Asked" and "Tell Me To My Face" . Dan, I have made sure that my whole family is
acutely aware of your situation and awareness of PSA testing. I have been
running an Internal Medicine office so the subject is very clear to me. Getting
men to understand that is another issue. Sometimes I think you have to scare
folks with the truth before they take you seriously. We are of Gods eternal unending family my
talented friend. Blessings to you. ~. Robin Annen, Dallas Texas, born in Waukegan Ill. have family in Peoria, IL, and all around there.
Like so many others who have expressed their gratitude for your God-given
talent and musical ability, your songs also greatly influenced my early
years. Each one SO expressive & so beautiful!
My prayers go out to you & your family, as you continue to face this
daunting health challenge. I pray that God will restore you to good health,
and grant you the strength & energy to continue your life's journey in joy,
peace, and fulfillment. Miracles CAN and DO happen, for God is in control.
Bless you for touching the hearts and renewing the spirits of SO many!
Sincerely ~
Mike (a life-long fan) |