Not Part of the Plan

My beloved has been a fan of Dan Fogelberg for a long time. Her friend Eileen introduced her to his music more than 25 years ago and when my wife found out that Dan was from Peoria (her birthplace), she was even more enchanted with this singer/songwriter.
We had the pleasure of seeing Dan Fogelberg in concert on two occasions. Once was the year we were married when he performed at the old Poplar Creek outdoor theater north of Chicago. We were able to barter up for tickets in the pavilion and thoroughly enjoyed the music in the outdoor venue during a warm late summer evening. The second time was about five years ago in Rockford, where he performed at the Coronado Theatre. This was a very intimate setting where we were able to see him much more up close.
We were sad to hear that he had advanced prostate cancer, when it was announced in 2004 and are now even sadder to read of his death at the young age of 56.
We can be comforted by listening to his music, but it is tough to realize that there will be no new original music from this gifted musician, who brought pleasure to hundreds of thousands over the years. I know that he was labeled as a "pop" musician or as one of the forerunners of "light rock," but he could play just about any type of music and could have gone either the direction of classical or big band (like his father) or country, rock, folk or any combination. He played music that thrilled his fans and from the depth of the lyrics and the purity of his voice, he most likely played that which pleased himself, also.
It is too bad that people and performers are often pigeon-holed into one genre or another and are chastised when they try something new, but in any respect it shouldn't matter if you are making music or listening to music that you enjoy.
Dan, you were truly a "Leader of the Band" and I'm sure that your father and mother were proud of your accomplishments. We will miss hearing your voice live, but know that we can always hear from you at almost any time.

Check out some of the songs from "The Very Best of Dan Fogelberg listed in the post above or go to Rhapsody.com and listen to one of my favorites, "The Power of Gold" from the album, Twin Sons of Different Mothers with Tim Weisberg.