Born:
Daniel Grayling Fogelberg was born on August 13, 1951 to bandleader Lawrence Fogelberg and singer Margaret Irvine. Dan was the youngest of three sons.
Birthplace:
Peoria, Illinois
Died:
December 16, 2007 in Maine due to prostate cancer
Early Years::
Dan Fogelberg was very much influenced by his parents, especially his father who was a music teacher and conductor of big bands. He received piano lessons when he was young and at age 11 learned to play on an old Hawaiian slide guitar given to him by his grandfather. Inspired by the songs of the Beatles, Dan began writing his own songs when he was 12 and later formed his first band called the Clan. Afterward, he joined a band called the Coachmen where he continued to showcase his vocal ability and talent on playing several instruments.
Influences:
Dan Fogelberg excelled in the arts: acting, painting and drawing were among his interests. He went to the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana to first pursue acting before switching to painting. But it was still music that he was most passionate about. He began performing at a music club called The Red Herring which was run by fellow musician Peter Berkow. It was there that Dan was able to share his talents as a singer-songwriter. Later, Irving Azoff, a music agent looking for new talents, sent word that he wanted to see Dan perform. What transpired next signaled the beginning of Dan's rise to fame.
Rise to Fame:
Dan dropped out of school and followed Irving to L.A. where they eventually signed a contract with Columbia Record in 1971. Dan spent his days getting ready for his first album, writing songs inspired by the people he met and the places he's been to. He traveled to Nashville to meet Norbert Putnam, who produced his first album "Home Free." His next album "Souvenirs" with the help of Joe Walsh went to the top of the charts.
Becoming Famous:
Dan continued to perform and write songs, releasing his next album "Captured Angel" in record time. When his father became ill in 1975, Dan flew back to Peoria to be by his father's side. He stayed there until his dad recuperated, writing songs and recording demos on his free time. He released the album "Nether Lands" in 1977 and then "Twin Sons Of Different Mothers" in 1978, the latter going up to the Top 20. In 1979, he performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, both his parents were in attendance.
Other Albums/Notable Songs:
Later Years:
Dan Fogelberg continued to perform, write songs and release albums in the early part of 2000. In 2004 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was receiving treatments. He took time off from his career to focus on his health and family. Sadly on December 16, 2007, he passed away after battling cancer for three years.
Interesting Facts:
The song "Leader of the Band" was a song Dan wrote in honor of his father. For more on Dan Fogelberg's life and legacy, visit his official website.