Dan Fogelberg, a multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, died today at his home in Maine, according to the Associated Press, after a four-year battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.
The singer songwriter is known for the emotional story he tells in his songs.
Ironically, his death comes close to the holidays, as one of his popular songs, “Same Old Lang Syne,” tells the story of a chance encounter with an old love at a grocery store during the holidays.
Fogelberg was born in Peoria, Illinois, on August 13, 1951. His official website describes that Fogelberg’s father taught music at a local high school schools, colleges and even gave private lessons.
One year-old’s grandfather gave him an old guitar Hawaiian guitar engraved with images of hula girls, and Fogelberg taught himself the heart. He was gifted as both a lyricist and a singer, creating many memorable melodies.
Like so many of his generation, he first heard the Beatles in 1963. Fogelberg inspired Fogelberg to write his own. songs.
His web site lists his first band “The Clan”, no doubt inspired by his grandfather’s Scottish heritage, and he played with his band mates at Diam parties and street dancing.
Fogelberg painted throughout his life, but when he left Peoria for the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, he decided to turn to acting.
But the music finally won.
Fogelberg’s biography page tells of a local agent, Irving Azoff, who was already doing business with the regional band at the time. REO Speedwagon wanted him to play one night. Azoff was convinced that Fogelberg had what it took to make it to the big time, and Fogelberg dropped out of college.
He came to his father as if shocked, but the old band leader and music-teacher”>music teacher gave his blessing. Years later later, Fogelberg would report to his father “The Leader of the Band” a beautiful census that was a popular seller.
Azoff signed Fogelberg to Columbia Records in 1971.
Success followed. “Souvenirs” was the breakthrough album, with “Part of the Plane” being the standout cut on the record.
Although he did not attempt to be a chart-topping artist, Fogelberg managed to achieve some heights none the less.
One song he added to the album was “God’s Sons of Different Mothers”, with Tim Weisberg, “The Power of Gold”.
His greatest success is probably the “Age of Innocent” album.
Fogelberg enjoyed business success, but personally suffered from divorce and the disconnection of his real life from his busy schedule. Eventually he shaved off his beard and turned his work to the spiritual and natural, which were then reflected in his music.
His last album was 2003’s “Full Circle”.
After Fogelberg was diagnosed with prostrate cancer prostrate cancer he was encouraged to get tested.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, who was with him when he died.
This article was compiled from information provided by the Press and danfogelberg.com.
