Home » Dan Fogelberg ~ The Passing of a Legend
Dan Fogelberg ~ The Passing of a Legend
Posted: Saturday, December 22, 2007
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
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Hearing the news of Dan's passing was pretty shocking, even though I knew he had prostate cancer. For some reason, I fully expected that he'd 'beat it' and continue to grace us with his beauiful voice and moving musical storytelling. So, when I got the call from a friend that Dan had passed, I found myself fighting back tears. Did I know him personally? Not exactly. He was my musical guru. His music inspired me to pick up the guitar some 25 years ago, and all the music I wrote, sang and performed was influenced by his music. I saw him in concert a dozen times and always believed that ONE DAY I'd share a stage with him. It was one of my biggest dreams.
So, no, I didn't actually 'know' him. But that didn't change how I felt about his passing. It saddened me for a few days, until I realized that death, as we know it, is a choice. I've always believed that we write that ticket long before we arrive on this planet, and I still believe that. So, if Dan Fogelberg passed onward, it was his choice to do so, and I'm happy for him. Will this belief make me miss him less? Of course not. But I don't have to miss him either. I can put on any of his albums and visit with him any time I like. I can pick up my guitar and sing a song. I can watch any number of videos. And he'll be there. He'll always be there. He was such a huge part of my life for so long that even with his departure from this plane, he'll always remain a huge part of my life.
Dan Fogelberg wasn't a world-wide phenomenon like many of his collegues from that era (like the Eagles and Elton John and Eric Clapton), but his fan base was loyal and often, when going to one of his concerts, you were likely to see many of the same people. He had a very large impact on so many people, that even though his status as 'super star' may have been elusive, his music touched all those who loved him. It may be hard for us, in our puny human minds, to grasp the concept of 'death', but I believe that energy has no end. I believe that we ARE energy and it never, ever dissipates. And so long as I believe this, then no passing is finite. It's merely a transition to something else. Do I believe this so that I can forego the pain of someone's death? Perhaps. But perhaps I choose to believe this because somewhere, deep in my Inner Knowing Self, I remember that it's truth. Whatever the case, I do know one thing for sure:
To me, Dan Fogelberg was a living legacy. And his music had a profound affect on my life. So, for now, I will bid him farewell and put on some of his music so we can have a 'visit'.
We love you, Dan. Travel well. You will be sorely missed.
Camille Strate is a blossoming Being who spends much of her time writing. She writes for various eZine sites, as well as her own Blog (JoyZAChoice). You can also find more of her 'stuff' at her secondary blog Cam's Meanderings.
Her most current published work is a little book entitled "Whispers-The Often Subtle Sometimes Rowdy Voice of Truth". Her next book is in the making...you can't rush Genius! Visit her blog for more information and a joyful respite from your day.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Dave Ellington
4 years 50 days ago.
Camille, A local cartoonist here in Springfield,IL, Chris Britt whose published in the State Journal Register is clearly a "Dan Fan". He drew a tasteful memorial to Dan Fogelberg and I'd be happy to send it along if you'd like, either the actual clipping or a scan. Dave
hi camille,
a girlfriend of mine turned me on to dan when i was in my twenties, some 30 years ago. i was taken aback when i first listened, and felt like i finally was listening to someone who thought a lot like me.
somewhere in this house, is a cassette of his, maybe 2. i'll have to look.
sorry for your loss, for i believe it is a loss,
best regards,
sue
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