Dan Fogelberg: 1951-2007

A tribute to Dan Fogelberg: "Leader of the Band"



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'Chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance,
so it's high time you joined in the dance'

Dan Fogelberg died Sunday (Dec. 16). It wasn't huge news; USA Today had a story on page D2.

It was, however, a huge loss for music lovers.

Most people remember Fogelberg for his touching -- some say sappy -- ballads of the 1970s and '80s, but I'll always remember him as a great live performer and one of the poet laureates of my generation.

I saw him and his band perform at the long-gone Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland years ago, and it was an electric night, literally and figuratively. It was a rock concert in the true sense -- hard, driving electric music; strong, rollicking lead vocals; and great electricity in the crowd. We sat a row in front of Eric Carmen -- another great rocker known more for love songs -- and he and his mates were on their feet applauding Fogelberg along with the rest of us.

It was a memorable night, because it showed off all of Fogelberg's talents.

But remember him we will, too, for the hits. Links to a couple are above and below.

I think of him whenever I see my Dad, because "Leader of the Band" is the best song ever written by a son for a father.

I'll think of him on every first Saturday in May, because "Run for the Roses" is the new theme song for the Kentucky Derby.

I'll think of him when "the snow was falling Christmas Eve," and every New Year's Eve when the radio plays "Same Old Lang Syne."

Godspeed, Dan.

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"Run for the Roses" (here as a tribute to Barbaro)



"Same Old Lang Syne" (live)