Thanks Dan Fogelberg

On Sunday, December 16, Singer/Songwriter Dan Fogelberg passed away at the age of 56 after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. In many ways, his passing reminded me of his songs, my youth, and my father. During the holidays, I especially miss my Dad.

You see, Dan Fogelberg came into the height of his music around 1976 and had some pretty incredible songs. That time period also happened to be the years in which I turned from teenager to man. One of his songs, was titled, “Leader of the Band,” a tribute for the love he felt for his father. In 1982, I heard the song for the first time and bought the Album and played it for my dad. With lyrics like, “I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band” and “his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul,” Dan Fogelberg’s lyrics hit the heart of the commandment, “Honor thy Mother and Father.”

My Dad died in 1993 and we had great love for each other and spoke of it often. We were blessed as many father and sons don’t speak to each other, or can’t find the words to express their feelings to each other. Maybe Dan’s unwritten message is don’t forget to honor your mother and father and to humble yourself to share your feelings with them before it’s too late. Fogelberg’s other message is about dying young. Life is short. And in the case of Cancer, proper screening could save your life or, at least, postpone your death.

I am grateful to Dan for writing and allowing me to grow up with his beautiful music. And thanks Dad for giving me the opportunities in life and allowing me to reach the unknowns with your trust, your love, and your wisdom. As Dan said in his lyrics, “My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man, I’m just the living legacy to the leader of the band,” and in my case this is so very true. I love you and miss you Dad!

To hear some Dan Fogelberg music, such as “Leader of the Band” you can hit the below link in which conservative writer, Michelle Malkin opined: http://michellemalkin.com/2007/12/16/dan-fogelberg-rip/ or you can visit http://danfogelberg.com.