Singer Dan Fogelberg, 56, dies of cancer

[smyler]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071217/ap_en_mu/obit_fogelberg;_ylt=As9D1SeKpuLPlB5vp6g31qZ8FxkF

 NEW YORK - Dan Fogelberg, the singer and songwriter whose hits "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" helped define the soft-rock era, died Sunday at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

His death was announced in a statement released by his family through the firm Scoop Marketing, and it was also posted on the singer's Web site.

"Dan left us this morning at 6:00 a.m. He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side," it read. "His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him."

Fogelberg discovered he had advanced prostate cancer in 2004. In a statement then, he thanked fans for their support.

"It is truly overwhelming and humbling to realize how many lives my music has touched so deeply all these years," he said.

Fogelberg's music was in the vein of fellow sensitive singer-songwriters James Taylor and Jackson Browne, and was powerful in its simplicity.

I'm so out of touch that I didn't even know he was ill.  The youngsters may not know who he was but those of us who lived through the 70's & 80's remember his thoughtful lyrics and easy listening music.  If you would like an introduction to his music, I highly suggest going to Last.fm and playing some of his music (it's free and legal).  God bless his family. 

[HUDSON HORNET]

Thanx for the news report, Smyler.
Sad news, but somebody had to deliver it.
I agree with your assessment of Dan's music,
and he will, ........ no, ...... IS missed,........... already.

Shux Howdy, the boy was younger than me.
And that ain't old enough.

R.I.P. Dan Fogelberg.

Your music is timeless.
Thanx for your priceless gift.

Your fan, and one of many.

[IndyCarzGo]

One of my favorite tunes from that era...THIS song says all you need to know about Dan Fogelberg... I will miss your wit and wsdiom......

Part Of The Plan

I have these moments all steady and strong
I'm feeling so holy and humble
The next thing I know I'm all worried and weak
And I feel myself starting to crumble
The meanings get lost and the teachings get tossed
And you don't know what you're going to do next
You wait for the sun but it never quite comes
Some kind of message comes through to you
Some kind of message comes through
And it says to you...

Love when you can
Cry when you have to
Be who you must
That's a part of the plan
Await your arrival with simple survival
And one day we'll all understand
One day we'll all understand
One day we'll all understand

I had a woman who gave me her soul
But I wasn't ready to take it
Her heart was so fragile and heavy to hold
And I was afraid I might break it
Your conscience awakes and you see your mistakes
And you wish someone would buy your confessions
The days miss their mark and the night gets so dark
And some kind of message comes through to you
Some kind of message shoots through --
And it says to you...

Love when you can
Cry when you have to
Be who you must
That's a part of the plan
Await your arrival with simple survival
And one day we'll all understand
One day we'll all understand
One day we'll all understand

There is no Eden or Heavenly gates
That you're gonna make it to one day
But all of the answers you seek can be found
In the dreams that you dream on the way  

[sugar]

It made me sad when I read of his death.  He was one of the ones who seemed to chronicle the lives of my generation.

Gone to soon.