Dear Dan,   I have long wanted to thank you for the great gift that you have given to us all, with your music.  Your songs have been dear companions since I first heard them in the 1970's. You followed your heart to share this gift with us, and it has touched us all deeply.  I hope each day that you and your family now feel distinctly the Love we are all sending back to you. ~- Linda McNeil, St. Louis, MO.

Dan - Like everyone else who views your site and posts messages, I keep hoping that "no news is good news" regarding your health.  My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you daily as your music is with me daily, to and from work in the car and at home on the weekends.  I have noticed recently how much your music has encouraged me to be the person I have become in the past couple of years - the person I finally like. Your passion for nature and your strength to be true to yourself,
whether it is the popular decision or not, have truly influenced me.  I am finally at a point in my life, albeit a little late, where I can be the person I want to be, not the person someone else wants me to be. Your music helped me get to the place and I thank you.  As you said, "Be who you must, it's a part of the plan."  Thanks for being the person you were destined to be and for sharing that person with us for so long. Stay strong, be healthy, and know that you are loved.  ~ MJ

Dear Dan, I am 55 and I walk each morning and just a few days ago while walking a neighbor asked about my T-shirt which was from your 1987 Exiles tour and it has your picture on the front.   We walked for a while talking about how much we love your music and reminiscing our youth and each of your songs and concerts we attended.  You are my favorite artist and you touched my life in so many ways while I was growing up listening to your music.  I think you are a beautiful person inside and out.  I decided to find out about you and if I could find a CD with your greatest hits so I went to the internet today and found your website.  I was so sorry to hear you were diagnosed with cancer in 2004.  I hope this email finds you much improved.  I will pray for you and your family that you will find the strength and courage you will need to get you through this very difficult time.  Thank you for sharing your gift with us.  ~ Deborah Cobb, Homewood, AL

I am 50 years old but can still remember the first song I heard when I was 16 or 17. It was "Part of the Plan" and I have bought every album, tape and cd since that time. You are one of the very few songwriters that I always have made a point of learning all the words. My wife died of cancer a year ago and your song "Beggars Game" always reminded me of when we met. I wish you a great recovery and a return to writing and performing more great songs. You are the best. ~ Dwight G.

Dan, My husband and I just celebrated our 25 Wedding Anniversary and danced to our Wedding Song, "Longer" once more.  After all these years, it is still the perfect song for us, and I want to thank you for your beautiful gift of music.  I hope that you are doing well and continue remaining strong.  God Bless and if you ever do decide to do 1 more concert...I hope it's in North Carolina! :-)    ~ Eileen M.

Dan, your spirit and health is on all the guys' minds every day. Keep the candle lit. ~ D Henley

Had no idea of the battle you and your family have. I was just looking up your name on the internet because I thought of your song, 'Longer'   which was my wedding song 20 years ago and it gave me chills.  Wow, you're one magnificent singer and writer! Best hopes and wishes to you and your family - hang tough. We love you! ~ Phyllis

Dear Dan, I've been a fan since 1977, when you released " Nether Lands"..........I was a 18 year old high school senior.  I've since obtained all your works and have seen you perform 4 times. How can I possibly thank you for ALL of the words and music with which you've graced us?  I cannot.   I can only tell you that in many defining moments in MY existence, your Art has inspired, comforted, and actually guided me (as well as wooing my wife, Lorraine, who was a fan when we met in 1983!)  I can honestly say, Dan, that I would not be what I am today if you had never written all that marvelous music! Today, in my car, I thought how much fun it would be to get " High Country Snows" on CD ( I've had it on vinyl since its release date).  I went to Amazon, started reading some reviews and one of them mentioned  your diagnosis.  I was deeply troubled by this shocking news.  Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and may God bless you, Dan. ~ Peter and Lorraine Brasch

Dear Dan and Family, I think of you often. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your inspiring music is ALWAYS with me. And I hope you will always know that those you have inspired are inspirations for you. We continue to love you, and miss you on the concert scene. However, your health, strength, and love are most important now. You have provided the canvas and the portrait...we continue to be your museum. Wishing you the best... ~ Nance A

Dan, Both my wife and I have wished you nothing but the best in your recovery. I'm 58, and last year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This needless to say was the biggest scare of my life. I had surgery, and thankfully today, I am cancer free. Over the years we've seen you play many times, and look forward to seeing you again should you decide to tour in the future, but first and foremost, we wish you a healthy life. My father too was a band director for many years, and you, as only you can do, put a lot of what I felt into a beautiful song. You have touched the lives of countless people in ways that they only understand. Thank you for the words, and music which have woven a tapestry through our lives. With September being prostate cancer awareness month, I can only echo your words to every man out there. Please get your exams on a yearly basis.

Dear Dan, I have been a fan of yours since I was a teen. I was reading your bio today and was saddened to hear of your illness. My heart goes out to you and your wife. I grew up in Santa Fe (where I met my husband) before moving to Peoria where my first son was born. I told him it was rumored that your father taught at Woodruff but I'm not sure if that's true. I'm 37 with three boys now and we too call Colorado home. All my boys play a musical instrument and my oldest is a fan of yours. Your music has truly touched many generations and we, your fans, are forever grateful. The best to you Dan ~ Laurie San Miguel

Dan, Your music helped me get through a tough adolescence.  Thirty years later you helped me through a bout with breast cancer.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, since that's all I'm able to repay you with. ~ RM in Orange County, CA

Dan, I have recently rediscovered your music and it's as awesome as it ever was. Listening to Home Free is magical...and powerful enough to bring me right back to the time in my life it is connected with...Wow! Your music has touched so many lives...and you have made a difference in this world.  Many aspire to that, but few succeed. News about you is sparse, and being the eternal optimist, I always see no news as good news. I'm hoping that you're still fighting the fight and are able to enjoy each and every moment. Thanks for sharing the gift of your music. Best Wishes ~ PJ

We would like to extend our best wishes and extreme gratitude to Dan for his health and his music.  Both are very near to our  hearts and we wish him and his family many many blessings!! ~Sheryl Radetsky, The Rock N Soul Cafe, Boulder, CO

Dan, I think about you often and wonder how you are doing. My older brother recently had successful prostate cancer surgery. Thankfully, it had not spread beyond the gland. My prayers are with you and your family as you fight this disease. God bless ~ Jerry Burr, Terrell, TX

You don't know this, but you and I spent much time together over the years. As an introverted teenager, I spent hours listening to your music. Your song, "Along the Road", was my high school graduation song at Farmington High. I now own more of your CDs than any other artist.  I live in Albuquerque and work in Santa Fe.  On the commute up this morning, I listened to Innocent Age, and this afternoon, working on my computer, I listened to Souvenirs. How strange to log onto your Web site tonight and learn of your illness. For some reason, known only to God, I was led to start praying for you about
three years ago.  Maybe your illness now is part of the reason why. I pray that you lean on God during this time and that he give you and your family peace in the midst of uncertainty.  You are a brilliant singer and musician. Thank you for sharing your God-given gifts.  ~ Marla P.

Dan, I hope you are hanging in there. I am a 49 yr-old who has seen you play a few times over the years in NC and Tennessee. You music has always been both soaring and a source of comfort & joy for so many years. I remember going to college in 1975 and we had this great station in Raleigh NC called WQDR and they were really into you, playing all the deep cuts from Souvenirs, Captured Angel, Home Free.... This is how I learned about you and began to buy all of your stuff.  I am also a global wanderer and lover of cooking food and wine, I hope you are able to still enjoy. I wish you God-Speed, please remember, There's Always a Light in the Depths of your Darkness....Let It Shine! ~ Geoff Williams, Raleigh NC

Dan, I hope this note finds you in a healing process. My wife and i have been fans since the start and your songs have touched our souls and lives along the years. We wish you health and send our humble thanks for some of the greatest music ever written. I pray for your recovery and wait for the next album after your healing. This world needs beautiful souls like you so please don't leave this world anytime soon. Your friends and fans ~ John & Carol Edwards

I have been a big fan since college.  (graduated 1976)  My late husband was also a big fan.  I have been to your website a number of times to be updated and am sorry that no new information is available.  I hope your battle is continuing to go well.
My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer when he was 40 and died when he was 50.  With the help of great doctors and a great spirit, he outlived all of the statistics.  It is an insidious disease that all who experience only know so well. I just want you to know that my IPOD tells me that I've listened to your music more than any other.  You have so inspired me through the years; soothed me, brought tears of joy, melancholy, sadness, remembrance and peace.  Thank you for all of that!!!! Best wishes to you and your family ~  Lisa Ciampa

Dear Dan, I have been a huge fan of yours since my sister played "To the Morning" and "Stars" from your Home Free album. I went out later that night to purchase it over 26 years ago and since have purchased all your albums/cds and cassettes to date.  I actually met you while sitting in the front row at the Mc Carter theatre in Princeton NJ around 1979. I was with a friend sitting who sat next to Tim Weisberg before he joined you for a few songs. I have thousands of records, been to hundreds of concerts, and I was in the music business as a talent scout.  You have been my absolute favorite musician
since the first time I heard of you.  I have turned hundreds of friends on to you and probably saw you play at least a dozen times, I even have two Fools Gold albums that you played on. I have been a massage therapist and often play your music
for my clients.  I recently was on vacation in Park City, Utah and thought of you often while driving along the Mountain passes and better understand how you have always had such a special connection to the wilderness.  I plan one day to return in the Winter to see the High Country Snows.  Nothing would make me happier than to see you get better and start singing again and make another record.  I chose "Believe in Me" for my wedding song and as I approach my second marriage I will be choosing another favorite "Make Love Stay". Thanks for providing me with the inspiration to learn to live again.  I too have had 5 surgeries and the latter involving a quadruple by-pass so I know the blessing of a second chance at life.  My warmest wishes for a healthy future and live a long life because you're a survivor and hope to hear that's Part of the Plan! Best wishes ~ Joel Berke

Dan, I truly want to tell you what an enormous part of my life your music and wonderful voice have been. My second husband, who died of lung cancer in 1986, and I shared so many happy times that just the sound of your voice brings back so clearly. We used to request your songs, particularly "Leader of the Band" , at our favorite restaurant from a folk singer there.  I also had cancer, colon, in 2002. I was very fortunate, surgery got it all, no chemo or radiation. I've remarried, an old high school friend, and now the two of us sing along with you on my CD's. I wish I had the appropriate words to thank you for sharing all of your gifts with us for so many years. On the days when you wonder if you chose the right road, as I'm sure the cancer has caused you to do, never for one instant doubt yourself. I'm sure you will never know how great your gift to the rest of us has been, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you tremendous success in your battle with this crazy disease. Hug your wife constantly. Having been on both sides of the issue, the one watching a loved one, and the one with the disease, it's much easier to be the one WITH the disease. I know that sounds nuts, but the horrible helplessness of the one who watches will be with me always. I'll be 56 in August, I'm still here, and I'm counting on you being here until long after I'm gone. Good luck! Most sincerely ~ Sue Caughlin

This afternoon I took a few moments to try to find out something about your health.  I gasped when I read the news. So here I sit, with teary eyes, thinking of all your music has meant to me, of the amazing poetry that fills your songs, determined to send all the positive energy I can muster your way.  I wish you peace and wonderfully good health.... All my best ~ Jean Anne Clyde

Dan, just a brief note that hopes to find you well and in good spirits and to let you know you are NEVER forgotten. My family and I pray for your complete physical and mental recovery and the spiritual sustenance of your family every day. The impact of your music on my soul and my life can never be underestimated, and its brilliance will NEVER be surpassed. (I've given your
Christmas Album to virtually everyone I know!) Take care, my dear friend, create and perform again if God gives you that full recovery so many tens of  thousands are praying for, but do all you must do in your journey to good health. Sincerely ~ Greg Tuttle,MD..Chapel Hill/Durham, North Carolina

Dear Mr. Dan - just like all our brothers and sisters, I am always thinking of you. You are like a close friend to us. I always intercede for you when I pray for my afflictions. I am always praying for those whom the world needs. I don't have all the right words to say but brother, God be with you . Long live the leader of the band. From a close fan from deep south Texas.

Dear Dan:  I have been a fan for many, many years, and want to express my support for you during your present battle. I want you to know that I have recently turned on my 16 year old daughter and her friends to your music, and they absolutely love it!  It is great that your music still excites people of all ages! Imagine a room full of 16 year olds, mesmerized by  "Home Free", asking me what it was like to see you in concert during the 1970's. They really love your music and each and every one of them is now a fan.  I told them of the rough patch you are going through, and they all asked me to let you know how much your music moved them, and to let you know they would pray for you. Please take care of yourself, and try to love each and every second of the day.  I am convinced that we all have a choice to try to do good things in some small way with the time we have on this earth, and that each small joy you bring others will bring you happiness in return. Based on all the joy your music has brought to others, you must be a joyful man. Sincerely yours ~ Kevin Lee, Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Dan, I was saddened last year to hear of your cancer-the kind of unexpected news that takes your breath away.  I should have written sooner on this site to thank you for being an incredible inspiration in my life for over 30 years. I was 'hooked' in high school, dancing to "Part of the Plan" in a pom pom routine (would you have every thought a poms routine would come out of that song!); crying through "To the Morning" during our senior retreat; grieving following a broken relationship after college to "Make Love Stay", "Believe in Me", "Missing You" and "Be on Your Way"; playing "Longer" at my wedding. I still have the vinyls, updated to cassettes at one point, and now have numerous duplicate CD's.

As you can see, your words have not only touched my heart but also my soul. "Same Old Lang Syne" takes me back every time I hear it to a nearly identical experience, feeling those same emotions I did at that time and knowing one word could have changed my entire future for the better.  Dabbling in piano and guitar for many years, I have sheet music to bring me even closer to your heartfelt messages.  Some people only hear music-others, like me, not only hear and listen but feel the power and passion you bring.  For this, I am forever grateful.  Your music has shaped much of who I am, nourished me
through good and bad times, and will remain a gift I will carry always.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I hope you draw strength from the outpouring of those of us who have been forever touched by your words, your song, your hope and your commitment to carry on.  ~ Sandy from WIsconsin

Dan - I don't know what to say other than we all miss you, think about you and continue to wish you and your family the best. There's always light in the darkness be it love, health or whatever else. You taught me that. Hope you are doing better.

Dan, I am saddened to hear of your Illness, but wanted to thank you for your words during an impressionable time for me. I attended a concert in Kansas City when I believe you were  on bill with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt.....anyway I walked away from that concert in amazement of you. You announced your band did not make it and you sat down with your guitar and gave an amazing concert. I was hooked. Thanks so much and keep fighting.... ~ Ronda Platt

Dearest Dan, I love you and your music - you are a real poet and your songs have meant so much to me throughout my life from teenage years.  Even my partner of 20 years (who was a "punk" in the 70's, i.e. a fan of bands like the Clash) enjoys listening to you! (well, sometimes!) We live in the UK and I have therefore never had the chance to see you perform live, but I have just bought the DVD of Greetings from the West.  It's been fantastic to see you in action Dan and to hear that your beautiful voice is just as good live as it is in the recording studio.  Thanks for sharing your gifts with us all over the past 3 decades.  I think of you often and wish you and Jean happiness, love, and laughter in the coming months and years.  With much love always ~ Pam

Dan - whatever it takes, conquer this.  The world without you or your music will not be the same.  I know it can be done.  One of my hunting buddies, given weeks to live last year, has just orchestrated a miracle from his advanced prostate cancer that jumped to his bones, his organs, etc.  At that point he dropped all treatments, from a medical perspective.  I've read the before and after reports from his oncologist and John's Hopkins, and I am still at a loss.  His radical diet, the love of his family, and his faith in God are what he relied on and what got him through to the other side, and he'll join us once again in the deer woods this fall.  He just a good 'ol Florida Cracker, our age, and a great guy. ~ Don Minnick, Virginia

Dear Dan, Never have I written a letter to anyone famous but I felt the need and want. I was deeply moved to hear of your cancer and your bright outlook on life. I will be praying for you and your wife through these times. God is good and always there.  I knew your music in the early 80's when I was dating my first "real boyfriend" and they became "our songs". Especially "Same Old Lang Syne" . I don't know what he is doing all these years later but when I put in your CD it takes me back to a different time. My children now are 16-20 and know and love your songs as well. We have sing-alongs quite alot. Thank you for all the past memories and the present memories you have given me through your music. Love in Christ ~ Sally Owen, Kansas

Dear Dan and family -I love your music and listen to it for it always  touches my heart and my soul-no other musician can do that. I treasure you and pray that you will make a full recovery. Just know how many millions of people are praying for you and sending their love and positive energy your  way. You are the deepest and most aware person and I listen to your lyrics and  they awaken my soul. We need you on this earth. There are no people like  you. I just hope that you will read these messages and get strength from them because we love you and send our love to your family and friends also. God Bless you ~ Margaret

Dear Dan & Jean, Continued thoughts, love and prayers for your healing are sent your way.  Also, happy "belated" birthday; we drank a toast to you!!!  Thanks for sharing yourself and your gifts. In friendship, gratitude and love~ John & Lisa Andursky, Connellsville PA

Dear Dan, Your music has been an ever-present theme throughout our marriage.  We've been blessed to see you in concert 5 times.  The first time we were only 17 yrs. old and madly in love.  A couple of years later, we went our separate ways, but one night we met up briefly, to experience another of your concerts together.  During that time, your music nostalgically took me back to the intimacy of our youth.  Then fate worked its magic, and we found our way back to each other.  Appropriately, your concert was our first date.

With loved ones gathered, we married and your music lingered in the air. Under the stars, we danced to "Longer". We saw you when I was pregnant with our first child, and then years later, our beautiful daughter accompanied us to another concert.  As you can see, you have richly blessed our lives with the power of your music and spirit.  It has been the constant reminder of our love, like a delicate thread, woven through each milestone of our relationship.  Thank you for following your dream, and living your life beautifully.

We are deeply sorry to hear of your illness.  Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Continue to allow your spirit to live beautifully, by remembering how much you are loved.  Our hope is that it will lift you up, just as you have lifted us up, Longer Than I can remember.  Your life is a true blessing. ~ David and Cher Kessel

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  My husband and I have always loved your beautiful music and miss seeing you in concert.  God bless you and your wife. ~ Janie Hartley

Good Morning Dan, I just wanted to express my appreciation for the musical gift you have given me and the World. I am a Vancouver based manager of a singer/songwriter. I am your age and I have been blessed all my adult life to be exposed to the incredible body of work you have lovingly and carefully crafted. When my singer has a bad day or things just don't go according to plan, I remind her of your music and the inspirational journey you, as a singer/songwriter, have experienced.  It truly is about the journey isn't it? I wish you and your family love, health and laughter always and please remember us Canucks........we will never forget you and your contributions. Warm Regards ~ Jim Haliburton

Dear Dan and Jean, As others have written, I, too, miss your concerts and new music. The only important thing is the well being of both of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. We speak of you often and wonder how you're doing. I should get back to writing once a month, eh?? As Fall nears, we look forward to your next update. Don't Lose Heart, my friend! ~ Alexia and Dave Rogers, Reno, NV

Hi Dan, Thank you for all the beautiful songs, great feelings, and memories through out the years! My wife and I are as big of fans today as we were in the early days of your career! You will always be a part of our lives!!

Yes, Dan, we are close to the same age and I am a survivor of bladder cancer since 2003. I have my annual check ups plus the prostate tests as well. My point to writing about my details is to thank you for having a place for people to write, wish you well, and become more aware....men, please get tested. Ladies, please ask your family members or boyfriends to do the same. Dan, my best wishes for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. You are a part of our family.... Sincerest regards and best wishes ~ George Hawes, Fresno, CA (moving to Evergreen, CO next summer)