"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.' " ~ Erma Bombeck
Dan -greetings from Kilkenny, Ireland. I have only recently become aware of your troubles. All I can do is pray for you and tell you that in my book you are up there with the greats.Thank you for all the pleasure your songs have given countless people.
Best wishes ~
Frank McKenna
Dan, My brother was rocked to sleep to your music by my father when he was
just a baby. Naturally, like a mothers heart beat, your music has
always been something so close to his heart. I was brought up
listening to your music as well and I can say quite easily with
singless of mind, that your craft is perfected and nearly unmatched.
I can also say with joy that you, along with my father David, are one
of the greatest influences on my playing. I think you should know
how much you're appreciated, and I want to say that the Lord has
blessed you with a talent that most only dream of. I will be praying
for you and your family, that He might do a great work in you all.
God bless ~
Jeff Lyons
Dan,
I just want you to know that you are in our prayers daily. We pray for
your strength and for a positive recovery from this awful disease. Your
music has inspired all of us for years! I remember first hearing your
music at my cousin's house when I was a kid. I was 11 years old... I am
39 now! I think the album was "Souvenirs". Excellent music! Your music
is so inspiring and gorgeous. Each song seems to convey a fitting
message for all of us somehow. My favorite songs are "Leader of the Band", "Same Old Lang Syne", "Longer", "Lonely in Love" and so many
more! Anyway, we just wanted to send you, Jean, and the rest of your
family our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. We will continue our
prayers and keep the faith and hope alive as you battle this poison. Ok,
we'll check back again. God bless and you are in our prayers!
Take care ~
Mary Vento, Houston, TX
Dan, I wish only the very best for you and yours. You have been my very favorite
since the early 1970's. I have seen you several times in Colorado where we live. God speed a quick and full recovery to you. ~ Connie & Vince Vaughn, Loveland Colorado
Dan,
The way my wife and I discovered your music was quite unusual. We were both
looking in a record store (I am a music fanatic and was always looking in
record stores) and my wife (at the time just my girl friend) found your
Souvenirs album. She brought it over to me and said, "let's buy his album- he
is really good looking!" At the time I had no idea what your music was like
but agreed to buy it. We both immediately fell in love with the album and
played it with great regularity. We turned our family and friends on to
your music. We became big fans and bought many of your albums,
unfortunately we never took the opportunity to see you in person, something
we still regret. I don't know if we have one favorite album, I recently
repurchased Twin Sons of Different Mothers (on CD), because I am a big fan
of acoustical pieces. One of my personal favorite songs is "Leader of the
Band", it so clearly states the way I feel about my father and always stirs
my emotions when I listen to it. I used one of the verses for a hand made
Father's Day card one year.
My wife and I were truly sorry to hear of your condition and even if you
aren't able to get back to your music, we certainly hope you get a chance to
greatly extend the time you spend with your family, because that's what
really counts.
Best wishes ~
Bob and Fran Caruso,
Crofton, Maryland
Your music has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. We
sang "Part of the Plan" as our high school graduating song. I have very
fond memories of sitting in my best friends bedroom listening to your
albums over and over again and fawning over the album covers at how cute you were. I am 43 years old and I have not missed a chance yet to see you
in concert when you come to Philly. Based on what I have read and seen,
you are a true gentleman - and a wonderful story teller. My thoughts and
prayers are with you and your wife Jean as you battle this terrible
disease. It has taken many of my family members throughout the years so I
feel connected in some way.....
I love your music and your heart. I wish you could live forever.....~
Jenny Goldfarb
Dan - You are a great songwriter & you've touched my life in a very
positive way. I pray that you'll feel better soon.Thanks for the music! ~
Lisa Haasl
In 1977 I heard "Scarecrow's Dream" on the radio and only caught the artist
name.
Not knowing which album to get without knowing the songs name I picked
Nether Lands.
On the way home I listened to it and loved all the songs. And the last
song I heard
was the one I wanted. I loved it so much that I wore out a record, a 8
track, 2 cassettes and
now I have it on CD.
I introduced many people to this album. The songs and orchestration and
voice make this
the greatest album of all time for me. ~
George E. Fuller
Dear Dan,
I became your fan back when "Longer" hit the air waves. One of the things that
amazed me then and still does is there is never a "filler" song on your
albums. You write beautiful, meaningful music and your songs touch people
deeply. I miss anticipating a new album, but I'm very grateful for all the
wonderful music you have created and given to the world. I also think of
you often and say a little prayer for your health and quality of life. ~
Donna
My wife, Candy, and I just want to send our best regards and prayers to
you
and your family in your tough time. We've been big fans since the 70's, and
have been blessed to have your music in our home for all these years. We
pray for a strong and lasting recovery for you, and wish you the best of
every day's gifts. Looking forward to much more great music from the leader
of the band. By the way, thanks so much for promoting prostate and colon
screening on your site. I don't think that the importance of early screening
and treatment can be overstressed. Wishing you a long, healthy, and
fulfilling life. ~ Chris and Candy Shaver
Dear Dan,
Thanks to my parents, I was exposed to your music from an early age and I am very thankful for that. I truly enjoy your music and lyrics! Back in 1980, my Aunt and Uncle played "Longer" at their wedding for their first dance. I was 10 at the time and said I would have that song played at my wedding one day because I thought it was a beautiful song. I was married in November 2004 and we had my Aunt and Uncle perform an acoustic version of "Longer" at our church ceremony. Now when I hear the song, I have such wonderful memories!
I am 36 years old and currently battling Breast Cancer. My motto is, "I have cancer, but it does not have me!" and I feel that a positive attitude is key to survival. I wish you all the best in your battle with prostate cancer, and hope you win the fight and continue making beautiful music for the world to enjoy for many years to come! ~
Quinn Tiller-Claassen, Ontario, Canada
Hello Dan- I am sure you have been told many times how inspiring your music is and has been to many people. Well, you can add one more to the list. It was 1975 and I heard a song from "Home Free" - I have been hooked ever since. You seem to write and vocalize what so many of us feel. It is as if you know us. I have listened to you at my saddest moments (my mother's passing) as well as the happiest (the birth of my 2 children). I pray you are on the speediest road to recovery. Love to your friends, family and most especially- to you. ~ Kathleen Mihaly, Montrose,CO
Hi Dan-
I was sitting in front of the computer tonight and goofing around on my
guitar and started playing "There's A Place In The World (For A Gambler)".
It was one of the first songs I learned to play 25 years ago. (Unbeknownst
to you, you were my guitar teacher! I used to sit and play along with your
albums until my fingers bled!) I was thinking about you and went to your
website and just learned of your illness. I just wanted to send you my best
wishes and to let you know that you've been a tremendous influence on me.
Your music has carried me through some tough times. Your songs have lifted
my spirits and filled my heart with warmth. Best wishes to you and Jean. ~
Neil - NY, NY
Hi Dan,
This time a year, it has become a tradition for me to start listening to
your The First Christmas Morning record. I recall seeing you doing a
solo acoustic show back at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia back in
the mid-late 90s and was blown away when you played a few pieces from
this album. It still fills me with joy - especially your original
Christmas compositions. I hope one day they enter in the popular canon
of holiday music. As a singer/songwriter/guitarist, I'll be doing my
best to perform them in hopes of getting people to ask, "what was that
Christmas song?" I wish you nothing but the best & hope that you are
doing well this season. It is my deepest desire that you are conquering
the cancer. Hang in there Dan.
Season's Greetings ~
Greg Ralls,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fogelberg, That is what my friend Rick and I say whenever we are going through
whatever life throws at us. We simply say ,we need a Fogelfest. Maybe silly for a
47 year old man to be saying, but since 1977 you have been more than music to
me. As many others have said, your songs seem to touch us as if you know what we
are going through. I can't express the feelings I have for you and your music
adequately. Thank you Dan Fogelberg for taking your amazing gift and sharing it with the world. I wish you and your beautiful wife the best for many years to come.You are in my daily prayers." I BELIEVE IN YOU " ~ Howard Waller, St. Louis,Mo.
Hey Dan - Someone else here noted about your health, that maybe no news is
good news. That is my deepest hope! For some reason, I've been thinking about
you recently and that always makes me check in on whoever comes into my
thoughts suddenly. But...I understand that life is a private affair and just
because "we" feel we want to know how you are, we are not entitled simply because we
admire your music. Please know that everyone who has visited this site wishes
you everything that you wish for yourself. In reading the messages, I'm
struck be how many people feel they have connected with you personally, through
the truth and deep feeling of your music. I am one of them. I will always be
grateful for the beauty you have brought to my life and for the grace with
which you've lived yours. May that great grace continue! ~
Francie Berens
Dan,
There are few people in this world that can touch the lives of many and you ,
my friend, are one of them. You write from your soul and sing through your
heart and together you create music that will stay with people a lifetime. You
have written beautiful ballads as well as songs that reflect the love you
have for the great outdoors. Having spent endless amounts of time in Maine, "The
Minstrel" to me is a masterpiece. It's a place I find peace and obviously you
have as well.
I want to wish you and your entire family the very best as you continue your
fight. Peace is what you have given millions of your fans for years and peace is what I wish for you today. I look forward to meeting you someday and once again witness the magic that only you can offer. That magic comes from a
man that truly understands the meaning of life.~
Bob Oliver, MA
Dan,
First heard your music through a fellow Illini, 1974,
at Newman Hall, Champaign. Appreciate
your talent and dedication to your musical
craft. You're the bomb.. Will
continue praying for your health and return
to the stage.
Sincerely,
~
Dennis Dorotiak,
Orlando, FL
Dear Dan, I've written several times over the past couple of years and
I hope you'll bear with me for just one more post. As so many others
here have written, I think of you and pray for you often. Your music is
playing in my office every day. In part, this is my way of praying for
you and honoring you. Your music is also a godsend in getting me
through the often hectic workdays. Two weekends ago, I attended a
couple of concerts in Houston with my son and my cousin. One of the
concerts was at The Woodlands. This was the last place that my cousin
and I saw you perform a few years ago. Your concert at The Woodlands
Pavilion was purely magical....especially when you surprised us by
playing "To The Morning". It was perfect. Just perfect. Fast forward
to our experience two weeks ago....and replace the "magical" sounds of
your music with the "madness" of Motley Crue and Aerosmith....the word "misery" also comes to mind. I won't go into detail but let's just say
that the next time I'm at a concert at The Woodlands I hope and pray
that I'll be seeing you again, rekindling the magical sounds that we
miss so much. And here's the irony of it all...on Thanksgiving Day, my
family and I went to the French Quarter in New Orleans. We stopped at
Tower Records to shop their "going out of business" sale. I immediately
started searching for your CDs....they were all gone. All that was left
was the plastic tab with your name on it. While waiting for the rest of
my family to finish their shopping, I ran across the plastic tab for
Motley Crue...it was packed with their CDs....by the looks of it, they
couldn't even give them away! I had to laugh. I'm obviously not the
only one who appreciates your wonderful talent and beautiful spirit.
I'm thankful for having the chance to see you perform at The Woodlands
and at several venues here in Louisiana. My one regret was never having
the chance to see you at Red Rocks. My hope is that you will be healed
and that you and your music will live on. ~ Pam
Dear Dan,
I log onto ticketmaster from time to time to see if maybe, just maybe, you are better and back on the road. I know that is selfish and touring is so tough on the body yet, you are missed terribly. I have gone to so many of your concerts and only a few years back a dear friend and I got together only once per year and that was to see you perform. You see, our lives had gotten so busy we just could not seem to carve out the time to see each other, yet, somehow, when you were in Wallingford, CT or Boston, we made the time.
One year, many years back, my friend could not make it so I decided I would go to your concert alone. I thought, downtown Boston, nice Dan Fogelberg crowd...this will be fine. I sat down in my row and quickly found that I was in the midst of 6 friends who had gone to the concert together and when they found out I was alone, they adopted me into their group. The gentleman sitting next to me started to cry when "Longer" played and whispered to me, "Sorry, that was my wedding song and my wife is working in the ER tonight and could not be here. After all these years that song still chokes me up". So, here I was putting my arm around and comforting a man who had been a total stranger only an hour earlier.
The point of all this Dan is to tell you, that is how much you touch people....that is how much you affect their
lives in such a sweet and positive way . I pray that all you have done for others with your music and your charm come back to you tenfold to heal you so you are better than ever.
Bless you and your family....be well. ~
Donna C.
Dan,
I first "met" you while in graduate school in Wisconsin in 1979. I was far
from home and your lyrics and music touched my soul. Throughout I've "kept in touch" with you through your albums. I mentioned my love of your
music to a girlfriend and she shared she had gone to high school with you.
Her name was Lisa Hangartner. After learning of your illness we both were
saddened. We keep you in our prayers and wish you comfort from God. Hang in
there and don't give up the fight. ~ Melanie Pentecost
Dear Dan,
I grew up with your music and lyrics. Sometimes I think I can chart the changes in my life by the songs you wrote. The people I've loved and the ones I've lost can be found in your songs. What an awesome responsibility you've borne thru the years for all your fans. I first saw you at 16 in Pensacola...I last heard you play at Red Rocks when I was somewhere in my 30's...and you touched me every time I saw you! I hope that you are living each day to the fullest and I wish you all the joy and contentment you have helped me find thru the years...yes...being content with your life as it is today is what I would wish for you. ~
Cyn
"There's a light at the depths of your darkness.
There's a calm at the eye of every storm.
There's a light at the depths of your darkness.
Let it shine.....Oh let it shine" Those beautiful lyrics are helping me during a relationship breakup now.
Thank you for that gift, Dan Fogelberg.
Love ~ Adriana, a long-time fan.
Hi Dan and Family: I was listening to the radio today and heard one of your songs. It brought back a lot of good memories. I looked you up on the web to see if you were touring and learned of your cancer. I hope and pray that all is well and that you and your family are getting through this. I will look for updates on your website and look forward to good news. Take Care!! ~ Ron and Tina Sigrist
Dear Dan,
More than two years have passed since I wished you well through the Living Legacy website; I hope you are doing well as a result of your treatments during that time. Your music continues to give me so much through the ups, downs, and even the plateaus of my own life. Please accept my sincere thanks, again, for that. That's all. I think of you and Jean from time to time and just felt compelled to wish you well and to thank you, even though I've done it before. And Dan - tomorrow we fire up your Christmas cd for some serious tree trimming, which always inspires dancing! See how yours is the gift that keeps on giving? Take care, and have a wonderful holiday.
Best ~
Kim Schmid in NC
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