"There is no darkness in this place that we're bound. Love is the only thing that matters."--Dan Fogelberg-Icarus Ascending
Dan Fogelberg was born 59 years ago today in
Fogelberg’s music is timeless and unforgettable with a broad appeal. His lyric tenor voice had a wonderful comfortable down-home quality that invited the listener to basically come in be a part of his life.
A consummate gifted musical genius; a composer, arranger, vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and bass and mandolin player; he seemed unassuming and humble and grateful where his talent is concerned. Unlike many of the big-fish-in-a-little-pond pseudo geniuses with big egos. Dan Fogelberg was world class, the cream of the crop, one of a kind, and definitely had “it”. In his career, he produced one triple platinum, 4 double platinum, 3 platinum, and two gold albums. Thankfully he didn’t die with his music still in him. What a gift he gave to the world.
Some of my favorite songs of his include; Illinois, Souvenirs, As the Raven Flies, Leader of the Band, Same Old Lang Syne, Longer, Part of the Plan, and Dance with Me.
His last album with eleven songs, was released posthumously in 2009, and is titled, “Love in Time”. It is marvelous, and clear he had never lost his touch. My favorite gems from this album include; Come to the Harbor, A Growing Time, Diamonds to Dust, and
Sometimes a Song. (In fact Sometimes a Song was sold on the Internet as a single before the album’s release, with the proceeds going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.) His rendition of Birds on this album definitely gives Neil Young a run for his money.
Since I am Santa Claus, I am always on the look-out for great holiday music. In the mid 90’s, Dan released a Christmas album, “The First Christmas Morning.”. It is absolutely superb. He put all of his creative juices to work on this one. His brilliant mix of old and new is incredible, and has an appeal for all musical tastes. He makes old Christmas standards come to life again, as well as original instrumentals and vocal compositions which include his At Christmas Time, The First Christmas Morning, This Endris Night, and Christ the King. If you don’t have this album in your collection of holiday CD’s, get it! It will make your holiday season!
When Dan Fogelberg passed away in December of 2007, he left behind a great legacy of music and humanitarianism that few will equal. I never got a chance to go to one of his live concerts, or meet him in person, but I sure would have loved to. I hope I do get to meet him at some future date and express my appreciation for the gift of his work and its effect on my life.
Anyhow, that’s how Santa sees it!
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