Dear Dan, Recently I have tried to make sure that I let people who are important
to me or have had an effect on me let them know their importance in my life. I
came of age when you were just breaking out--the late 70's-and laughed, loved
and cried with your songs. I am always amazed and truly awed by persons who
can create songs and music that can affect another human being. What an
accomplishment for you!!! I guess through the new-wave technology there is the ability to allow me
to say "thank you" to you for your gift of music. It has carried me a long
way. At age 47 now, there is more time to reflect and remember and I just
wanted you to know your place on earth will be secure with a generation of fans. I am a teacher and have been for 24 years. I so enjoy it. I also have
been involved in our local RELAY for LIFE 24 hour walk for a cancer cure for
the past 12 years. Our elementary school has a mini-relay each year to raise
money for fighting this terrible disease. This past year we raised over
$4,000.00. It is a lot of work, but such a positive force with the children--to
help others we do not necessarily know. I will add you to my prayers. I pray you and your family will gain
strength from each other as you continue your fight.
Sincerely ~
Carole Nicholl
Hi Dan,
Don't want to write a drawn out fan letter, but do want to connect
for a moment to say hello, human to human. The fact that you are
famous and have shared extremely personal information on what you're
going through speaks volumes in itself. We're humans sharing on a
human level first, not star to fan or fan to star. I'm a concerned lover of
your work connecting to a person who's given me so many moments to love over the
years.
I had an interview album about the making of The Innocent Age, and you said you really dug deep into yourself for that album. To me that
means you've got the spiritual resources to face what's going on in
your life, as I must face what's going on in mine. The difference is,
you've helped me, as a person, as a musician, as a human, by just
being the most impeccable you that you are, and being visible for all
the world to see. Thank you so much. I need to connect with you right this moment and say thank you, and let you know how much I care. It's
the least I can do for you, to give a little, at least in feeling, back.
Love, hugs, prayers. Yes, I said a
prayer for Dan Fogelberg today. And a few other people I know. Be
well, and if you can't be well, be accepting. The Buddhists call this
life impermanent. So, maybe there's a permanent side somewhere you
can hold onto? I have a feeling you might know what I'm talking about
here.~ Jim from Pasadena, CA.
I decided to check out your web site after having one of your songs stuck in my
head since I was a child. I haven't heard it since and everyone I asked was
unfamiliar. The song is "Leader of the Band" and it has made me cry for over twenty years. I wish you all the best. I lost my father to Prostate cancer in 2005, and I as well am a cancer survivor- I have past the 5 year mark. Although they say the Adenocarcinoma will eventually come back- I am here today- I will keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Blessed Be ~
Tina from NJ
Dear Dan, I just wanted to write and thank you for your music. I too
have
been recently diagnosed with cancer. I have stage IIIC breast cancer. I am
going to beat it but it is terrifying and I feel your pain. My sister and I
grew up singing and harmonizing to your music and I attribute my ability to
harmonize well to listening to your music. ("Wysteria" has always been my
favorite). Please know that my prayers are with you. I will be finishing up
my radiation treatments in two weeks and finished my chemo on Jan 10th. I
have a two year old daughter. I have no choice but to beat this. I hope you
are feeling okay these days. God bless you.
Sincerely ~ Patty Spitzler
Dan,
I have loved your music for decades. It has been very instrumental in my taking up the guitar as a vehicle to express myself, and even given me the inspiration to SING out loud.
Needless to say, I feel terrible about the ordeal you are going through now. Having said that, I hope and pray you keep positive and strong, even in your most weary of moments.
Your unique talents have touched so many with the timeless and poetic themes you express in your art. The world, gripped in so much angst, has been made better by the offerings of your talent.
Thank you for giving what many feel, but cannot express. Here's hoping for your recovery such that you can return to either the stage or studio, and again extend what comes from your heart and touches all of ours.
Sincerely ~
Michael Steinman
Dear Dan,
You saved my life in many ways. When I was young I moved to three high
schools - I had 'TO THE MORNING' playing on my record player and I have
tracked your songs ever since. Your music was a comfort and my
companion during those hard time. I wrote in my diary "One day I will
meet Dan Fogelberg". Years later I saw you skiing in a race in Aspen
Colorado - I was at the end of the ski run and you graciously let me
have my picture taken with you. I found that diary and wrote "I met
him!' You are the only musician I every really followed and all my
friends and family know, when asked, who in all the world is my
favorite!
Thank you so very much for the joy you have brought to my world. ~ Carrie
J. McIndoe
Hi Dan and Jean; As always you are in our prayers. We can only imagine what the
past few years have been like for you, but please take comfort in knowing what
you mean to all of us here in Montana. Our children, ages 9 and 11 have recently
found your music, and have become addicted to it. Our daughter Elizabeth loves
the way you tell stories. Christopher uses your music as his bible during Guitar
lessons! You sir have made an impact on yet another generation, and with what is
being offered in the name of music these days we can only say thank you. We pray
that you are finding healing with each passing day. EVER ON! ~ Dale Rodwick & Family
Dan,
I know you have heard this a thousand times, but I wanted to let you know
how much your music has meant to me. I was never lucky enough to see you in
concert, so I had to resort to the next best thing...watching your concert "Greetings from the West." I have just finished watching it for the third
time..what great memories come back to mind when I listen to your music. I
am always touched by "The Leader of the Band" and your love for your father.
I can only imagine the joy you both received from that great song. My family
with be praying that you feel the love of another Father and His Son Jesus
Christ. We are praying that His presence is very evident and that you feel
his love and will experience his healing in your physical body, but even
more important your spirit. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing gift with all of us for all these
years.
In Christ ~
The Turner Family
Dear Dan,
I am praying for your recovery and your return to the stage. WE MISS
YOU!! As 2007 begins, my divorce is final, and as always your music is
soothing and healing in a time when life has been tumultuous. You have
been my friend through your music for 30 years, and I want you to know
how much you have been a part of my life. Thank-you for sharing your
poetry with me. Your loving fan from Tucson ~ Cynthia
Dear Dan & Family,
Sending you my good thoughts and prayers as you continue to heal. Thank you for sharing so openly about your battle with Prostate Cancer with others...you continue to be a light and inspiration for others. ~ Rose, Duluth, MN
Dan,
As I read thoughts from your friends and fans, of which I am one, I can't
help thinking that you truly deserve this support. You have given much,
during happy and sad hours of life - now it is your turn to receive. No
gift is more precious than the gift that comes from the heart. We give you
our hearts and wish you the very, very best. Truly, it is only through
struggles we become strong. May the Lord bless you. ~ Lasse, from Norway and Utah
I have been a fan since I first heard " Souvenirs". My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your loved ones. ~ Beverly
Dear Dan,
Yesterday I heard one of your songs on the radio, and decided to check out your website. I was awed by what I found there. Your biography is incredible. I felt like I found a soul-mate in music. Then I read about the prostate cancer. What a blow! I will be continually praying for you and your family, and especially for your healing. God has a reason for everything and I pray that he will heal you. May He be with you and strengthen you each day. ~
Kathy Piotrowski, WV
Greetings! We are from Alaska & you have been a bright light in our lives since the 70's. Our children were raised with your music, and many, many times over the years your words and voice have encouraged us, especially throughout our long winters. To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in 2001 we made a Special trip to Seattle just for your concert on the pier. It was the perfect evening, your voice and music so beautiful and we loved your sense of humor (What's with all these pigs! remember those silly painted pigs that were out for some art benefit) Good times for sure, Thank you!
Sending much Love & Light to you, Dan, Jean, family & friends ~ Barbara & Brad, Homer Alaska
Dan...your music continues to enrich my life, each and every day. You
are always in my prayers. ~
Rebecca
Mr. Fogelberg,
I join all who wish you well, and please know that you are in my thoughts
and prayers. I recently lost my baby sister to cancer in October 2006, and
when she passed, I found great comfort listening to your music. Mary K, while
not a big fan of yours, always loved your song "Along The Road"
, and appreciated
the message the song conveys. I played that for her right after I got the call that she
had passed away. And as per usual, I sang along so she could hear me, and hear
you singing as well. What a gift you have given us over these many years
with your songs, and I truly hope that you realize how much your music has been
a part of countless lives over the many years we have got to know you
through your music.
I got to see you one time in concert. 1981, at the University of Dayton,
while I was a freshman at Ohio University. One of the better road trips I have
ever taken, and you were outstanding that night. It's a memory I will never
forget, and it is also one I cherish to this day. I always found it funny, that certain folks would give me grief in college
because I loved listening to your music, and yet, when they had a female over,
you would walk by their room, and hear your music. :) Boy did that tick me
off.;)
You have been a big part of my life, Dan, and while we have never met, I
always considered you my Twin Brother of a Different Mother. You captured in
your songs what I was thinking, and what a gift you have bestowed on me.
I love your music Dan, and I love you.
Hope you are feeling better.
Regards from the Garden State ~
Steve Basic
Dear Dan: I saw you and Dave Mason at a concert at what was formerly the Mosque (now the Landmark Theatre) in Richmond, Virginia in 1975. I have always enjoyed your albums especially Souvenirs. I pray that Jesus heal and deliver you from cancer and you will get a total renewal in your health. May God's compassion and mercy rest upon your life during this ordeal and that you will reap the ultimate victory.
God bless you ~
Bruce Simon
I hope you are doing well. It has been a while since the diagnosis, and I know the fight is hard, but I hope that you are winning. I really wanted to share a memory with you. I had the opportunity to see you at Western Illinois University in 1976 in Western Hall. I was actually on vacation - and returned for your concert - a major accomplishment for a senior in their last year of college. My friends and I waited in line (I wish I could tell you we got the best seats in the house, but unfortunately we got impatient and headed to the nearest bar). Upon returning the seats that were left was high up. At first
this was very disappointing, but later it afforded me the memory:
You were singing your last song - "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler" - and the entire audience was standing, singing, swaying to every note, every word. It was extremely impressive to see these college students (who had earlier nearly booed off the stage another act earlier in the year) so unified. Finally, near the end of the song I noticed a young woman peeking out of the curtains of the stage. I can only imagine what she saw - but her arms were raised and she was jumping up and down - because she knew you had the audience in your hands. You, I thought, saw her - because your face did light up. I was a fan prior to that concert, and still a fan today. I wish you well and, since I generally sing all of your songs with you when I have seen you concert, I hope one day we will have another "duet". ~ Cavanaugh
Dan, as a former Illinoian (Joliet), I send my best wishes for you to recover
completely. You were great when you played here in Springfield MO on your
solo tour. Memories are wonderful. May GOD bless you and your family and keep
your faith as I know you will.
Regards ~
Dale Augustson Springfield, MO
Dan,
I'm saying prayers for your full recovery!
I wanted to thank you for the song "Leader of the Band". My Dad died last
year and at his memorial service, I had a power point presentation and the
main song was "Leader of the Band". All of my 7 brothers and sisters were crying with joy during the song, as my Dad was our "leader of our band".
If you ever have the energy to write more songs, could you please consider
writing a song about a "Mom". As my Mom is 80, I know in the future I will need a song that celebrates her life as a wonderful Mom!
God Bless ~
Marita
Hope you get to read this among the thousands of letters. Heroes are maybe something for kids, but we all need them. Dan, you've been one of my life heroes. I know it's just music, but music has a power to change people, stir emotions and help them reach into their souls and more importantly reach out to other souls. Your music has helped me do that in many ways.
The last few months I've lost 2 parents to cancer and a couple of close friends. It's hard for me to think that my hero is fighting for his life too, but I've prayed a lot for you recently.
Please get well because there's a lot more music to share, ski trails to explore and waves to sail.
Prayerfully ~
Steve Sellers, Pastor, Olympic Chaplain, Olympic XC ski coach ('02, '06, '10)
May peace and joy surround you, Dan, as your wonderful energy surrounds me
through your music. Safe journey.....
Dan -- Continued good thoughts and wishes for your full recovery. My life
is richer because of your music, and I hope yours is richer because of the
fans/friends and support you may have received here. Be well ~ Claire
Dear Dan Fogelberg,
I went to the web tonight to see what your concert schedule was, only to
hear of your diagnosis. I am a great fan of yours from the seventies. Your
lyrics, your music, and your presence. I don't know who is more fortunate; you
in having such a wonderful talent, or your family, friends, and fans, for
having the blessing of God in having shared our path in life with you. I will
pray for your peace and comfort. And God willing, I will be at your next
concert, wherever it may be.
Peace be with you, Dan and Jean. ~
Tonette Cristaudo
Dear Dan, I want to thank you for being my "Mr. Holland's Opus." Many years ago, a young girl had no where to turn but to music. I was drawn to your Home Free album and the kindness and strength in your self portrait. From there, I have spent my life as a professional performer/singer and now will become a K-8 music teacher as of next December. Today as you face your own struggles, know that I am singing a heart song for you surrounded in light and love. I wish I could return the strength you gave, that got me through my dark place. If I had one wish, I would give that to you in deepest gratitude. God Bless You Dan, and peace and strength to those near you. ~ Karin
Dan & Jean,
My heartfelt prayers are with you both as you deal with the reality of
now and what lies ahead for you in the future. Only God has the
anwers. However, I'm hoping and will be praying your health and future
good health.
I had been searching for music to sing in recent weeks. I work for
juvenile parole in Texas and have been asked to sing at our Volunteer
conference in June. Anyways, long story short. I've been searching for
inspirational songs and for whatever reason your name came to mind.
You've always been one of my favorite song writers and musicians over
the years and you have such a beautiful way of inspiring others thru
your songs.So, I did a search and came across your official website.
Please know that you are in so many peoples' prayers and that God has a
plan for you and Jean...He always has a plan. Trouble is sometimes it's
not exactly what we are looking for, but if I can offer any words of
encouragement to you, please continue to reach out to God thru
prayer.I'll do the same for you as well.I'm a strong believer in the
power of prayer.
You both will be in my prayers for healing and blessings.
God's Blessings to you both. ~
Roxanne Peeples,
Corpus Christi, TX.
Dear Dan,
There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and about the
many ways that your contributions to the world of music have touched my life.
For nearly every situation I have faced, there has been a song you have written
that winds up being tied to a memory in some way.
I've written you a few letters over the years, never knowing if you had
actually received them and read them, but not caring...it was in the writing them
that I found satisfaction. You have been a solid friend through your music, and
as a small personal tribute to you, I did something that close friends many
times do. My youngest son's middle name is Daniel...in honor of you and the
happiness your music brought to our family. (Incidentally, he is very musically
inclined...LOL!).
Please know that in my prayers, I not only pray that you will survive this
horrendous illness, but that you will do so with quality of life as you so
richly deserve. Thank you for your "sermon" to others about being tested. I'm sure
you will save lives with your encouragement.
Thank you, take good care of yourself, and may you feel the Creator's spirit
with you and in you each day.
Warmest regards ~
Kathryn Jacoby
Don't judge an album by its cover? Guess I should confess that I
bought Souvenirs 'cause that face was so geee-orgeous!! Then, of
course, I was fast smitten by the music as well. Now, more than 30
years later, I still find myself singing "Sketches", "To the Morning", or
"Stars". The lyrics hold up. The songs are beautiful. Thank you for
enriching our lives with your beauty.
If I could only do one thing, then I would free you of the pain, so you could just move on to sing. We'll always believe in you!
Dan,
I often check the website for updates on your battle with cancer. Know that
you are in my prayers and I hope that you are making progress in your
recovery. I have been a fan since the seventies and Home Free and
Souvenirs are still my favorite albums. Your music has been a constant
companion over the years. It always stirs heartfelt memories of times when
your songwriting was there through the lonely times in my life. Hailing from the Quad-Cities, and now a fifteen year resident of Colorado, I
have seen you play many venues over the years- from the Midwest to my all
time favorite place...Red Rocks. As millions of fans across the world wish
you and Jean the best- I too wish you health...Godspeed ~
Holly Charboneau
Greetings!
I dreamt of you last night - you were performing at a concert. It was a
very different concert than the one I enjoyed in the seventies in
Dallas, which is one of my absolutely happiest experiences and memories
ever! But it was a concert, nonetheless. It was a very relaxed affair,
with lots of children playing and laughing and many of us sitting beneath the evening sky in comfy lawn chairs. It was a happy dream!
The dream reminded me of how many times I have thought of you and your
music over the years, and how many times I have hoped and prayed for
your health, happiness, and well being.
I am also a cancer survivor - I have been in remission for 15 years
now. I have lived, but I could not have children. Talk about your best
and worst experience, all rolled into one. Life is nothing if not a trip!
And now, my husband is also a cancer survivor - 2 and a half years. I am sending you lots of white light and love energy, as well as
tremendous appreciation for your music and art, which have encouraged me
throughout my life. Best regards and much encouragement to your wife ,
Jean, as well! Later ~ Judy
Hi Dan. I recently rediscovered "No Resemblance" in my CD collection,
and have been listening to it a lot. What a marvelous work! So I
decided to visit your website to see if you've been recording, and was
very saddened to hear about your illness. I hope that the prayers
and wishes of your family, friends and admirers give you strength. Your
music has touched me in so many ways. One memorable moment was driving
to campus in college and hearing "Leader of the Band" for the first
time -- tears welling up in my eyes. You have a beautiful soul.
Wishing you the very best!
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