Dan Fogelberg - Leader of the Band | FIRST TIME HEARING!

[@SalvoG]

His voice captivated me from the START, pure joy for me. Such a silky smooth beautiful voice, seems without imperfections.

[@spawn4582]

He was very confident in himself, this is what he needs, that's for sure

[@SWLinPHX]

@SalvoG You my friend have such a sweet, sincere appreciation for music and general sensitivity not to know and have experienced all these classics I grew up with. Better late than never -- but you grew up in the wrong era, man.

[@SWLinPHX]

His father lived to hear this tribute and have it become a big hit, and then soon died. Perfect timing. Poor Dan himself died much too young. He was a very kind, sweet and gentle man.

[@CardiacCat]

@@SWLinPHX LOL, I commented when I first started watching his reviews that he is such a 70's kid. He listens the way we did back in the day, so intent and appreciating every little thing, picking up the needle arm and moving it back on the album a bit. 🙂

[@SWLinPHX]

@@CardiacCat Yes, he is ideal and rewarding as a reaction channel. I just can't believe how he's never even heard of some many superstars and supergroups though. I think he's in his early 30's maybe and some you just know from your parents or movies or just how big they are.

[@davidsonchris737]

It's a True story about His dad ❤

[@valerie4286]

Melancholy is the word I think you want

[@doplinger1]

NO ONE writes lyrics like Dan did. The Professor of Rock just did a great video on Dan and this song, an homage to his dying Dad.

[@vickiwhite4004]

that was a fantastic video from him ! He really thought it was to personal to release .

[@joejackson73]

Dan said in all of his interviews that this song brought he and his father very close. He added that because of this song there was nothing left unsaid between them when his father passed.

[@4brtndr1]

“Same Old Lang Syne” is a personal fave. I never fully understood it's weight and depth until I'd gotten a bit older and better understood the lyrics. Such an amazing tale of how it feels to suddenly be confronted with your past and how cherished and yet melancholy those memories can be. I highly recommend it.

[@ChicagoDB]

Dan wrote this song as a tribute to his father…and like several of his songs it’s based on his own life/experiences. “Same Auld Lang Syne” another of his great hits was based upon actually bumping into his old girlfriend at a convenience store on Christmas Eve while back visit his family in Illinois for the holidays 🤍🤍🤍

[@kejola1969]

Christmas Eve my friend.

[@YachtMaestro]

@@kejola1969 Even still, the basic sentiment is still correct. No need to pick nits here.

[@joelmoreno4223]

Profound! A great underappreciated lyricist and story teller. Auld Lang Syne another must listen to lyric/story.

[@469buck]

He needs to be in the HOF. He was an extraordinary songwriter...

[@lynnemiller3633]

Amen!

[@billboroson2412]

Anyone else tear up watching this one? I must have heard this song over a thousand times and it still gets to me. Thanks for reacting to it.

[@carolynschmidt5467]

All of us who have lost loving fathers get this one right in the heart.

[@rebeccamccann8710]

This song was so deeply personal to Dan…a touching tribute to his father, who was sick for a long time, DF was able to say all the things that he needed to tell his father through his music. He related how much his dad loved the song and that there was nothing left unsaid between them when his father passed away. We are privileged to be able to share this loving tribute.

[@kingboda]

So glad you found Dan Fogelberg... The Netherlands album is genius and you should also check out the song, "The Reach"... the lyrics are so visual.... Thanks SalvoG!

[@ChicagoDB]

Fogelberg - Long “O”

[@sharongaskell]

Thank you long oh

[@ChicagoDB]

Dan Fogelberg was truly one of the GOATs - and “Leader of The Band” has always been one of my favorites. Exquisite voice…and a great songwriter!

[@dagmar.6954]

One of my favorite artists. Dan Fogelberg was such a great folk rock singer songwriter & storyteller. He also played multiple instruments such as guitar, bass, piano & mandolin. I had his double album "The Innocent Age" from 1981. "Leader Of The Band" is my favorite song by him, a loving tribute to his dad. He wrote so many great songs such as "Longer", "Hard To Say", "Missing You", "Make Love Stay", "Run For The Roses", "The Language Of Love", "Believe In Me", "Same Auld Lang Syne" etc. We lost him much too soon in 2007.

[@ChicagoDB]

All great songs…”Make Love Stay” is also a personal favorite in addition to this one.

[@dantallman5345]

Had the Innocent Age album. Loved it. Adding to your call outs.. I really liked the song Reaches and his duet with Emmylou Harris…Silent Sea?

[@elizabethfrench8709]

It's an elegy. Full of sadness but a son's respect for the legacy his father imparted.

[@sfcub-Bill]

Same Old Lang Syne" is a song written and recorded by Dan Fogelberg and released as a single in 1980 another Holiday tear inducing song!

[@janspond4]

Always loved Dan Fogelberg. Always!!!

[@YachtMaestro]

Melancholy would be the word I'd say you're looking for at 5:45. In an interview, Dan said "My father got to experience the success of this song, people were walking up to him and asking him 'Who is this man, the Leader of the Band?' And I loved that, because HE loved that. This song cemented our relationship, because it left nothing unsaid between us before his passing" I think I've got that quote almost completely correct, although I haven't seen the interview in years.

[@TripletDad3]

The O in his name is pronounced like the O in "photo" or like in the name Vogel. This song resonated so much with people that his dad received multiple interview requests from the media. He was a former marching band and concert band leader at multiple schools. Dan Fogelberg said that one day when he was very young, his father let him go up on stage with him and handed him a baton and let him direct the orchestra with him. He said that experience was so powerful to him that he immediately knew he wanted to be a musician. He also said that if he had only been able to write one song in his lifetime, it would be Leader of the Band without question.

[@algregory6597]

Dan Fogelberg was born in Peoria, Illinois. He was the youngest of three sons born to Margaret (née Irvine), (1920-2015), a classically trained pianist, and Lawrence Peter Fogelberg, (1911-1982), a band director at Woodruff High School in Peoria, at Pekin Community High School in Pekin, and at Bradley University in Peoria. Fogelberg’s mother was a Scottish immigrant and his father was of Swedish descent. Fogelberg often related his memory of his father allowing him to "conduct" the Bradley University school band when he was only four years old. In 1981, Fogelberg released the song "Leader of the Band", which was written for and inspired by his father.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

My hometown is Peoria. My stepmom used to sell sheet music to his dad who was a band leader in pekin Illinois

[@leighsaldivar4439]

Are you from Peoria? I went to central

[@algregory6597]

No I am not.@@leighsaldivar4439

[@llrice3711]

He was singing about his father. His father lived long enough to experience the public reaction to this song. Many people came to see his father and meet him because of it. Also - it's a long O FOgelberg.

[@SS-rk2me]

You've entered your Yacht Rock phase and im here for it.

[@SWLinPHX]

"His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand". His father was a student band teacher.

[@officeofthedissidentelect2217]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Dan Fogelberg in concert back in the 80's. What a great show. He did so many encores, near the end, he said something like "I think I've sang enough tonight. How about y'all sing for me?" That was amazing hearing thousands of people all singing their best.

[@inkoinfinity2]

KZbin needs to be flooded with more Dan Fogelberg reactions :D

[@jeffpose2135]

Dan Fogelberg has a deep rabbit hole, just about any song is a gem. His Dad got to see him perform this live shortly before he passed away

[@beadybaby]

I can’t listen to his songs without profusely crying. I have the same reaction to Harry Chapin. One of my favorite artists. We did this song in chorus in high school.

[@sherry640]

I still ugly cry every time I hear this song. I love Dan Fogelberg. He has a breathtaking voice & I love his story telling.

[@mia795]

Song makes me cry. A child who appreciates a parent that much is a beautiful thing.

[@kevinmusso2397]

Sit down and listen to the entire Netherlands LP… start to finish. It’s a glorious masterpiece

[@bob_._.]

Thanks for reminding me about this one. Dan's lyrics had a way of catching your heart; even to feel the grandeur of being a horse with "Run for the Roses," written for ABC's Kentucky Derby coverage. His song "Longer" was my wedding song.

[@jackishman7707]

This, together with Cat Stevens' "Father and Son" and Harry Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle" form a trifecta of the "best Father/Son songs" It's hard to listen to all three one after another and not end up with a tear running down your cheek, especially if you have lost your own dad.

[@stevetournay6103]

Mike and the Mechanics' Living Years, too...

[@danae8112]

And James Blunt "Monsters"

[@jeffhoyt5661]

Being a musician, who’s father and grandfather were both musicians, this song has always rung so true for me, it’s pretty much guaranteed to bring tears.

[@julianortiz4151]

Same.

[@leslieoneal4464]

Same here. ❤ I've loved this song since it came out; it hit deeper every time I'd hear it through the years. It's especially poignant and heartwrenching now, since my Daddy died in May 2021. He was a professional musician and bandleader. The year before he died, at age 88, he was awarded the Edwin Franko Goldman Bandmaster Citation. It meant the world to him, although he'd be the first to tell you, he didn't do it for the awards or money or acclaim...he did it because he loved passing on his love of music to future generations! He worked with professional and military bands, college bands, and even many high school and junior high school bands; and treated them all the same. He loved everybody and everybody loved him. He was the leader of the band if there ever was one. 🎶❤🎶 I miss you Daddy!

[@DianaW3431]

His rhyme scheme seems so simple, but his lyrics really make you think. I've always enjoyed this song.

[@critterwatcher8009]

Fogelberg is SO underrated as a singer/songwriter. His lyrics tend towards poetic with wonderful imagery. He has done bluegrass; orchestral / existential angst of Netherlands; he could do rock "Power of Gold" and he could do all the seasons of love: young love "Dancing Shoes"; enduring love "longer"; Rocky relationships: "lonely in love" and Broken love of divorce "Seeing you again" and "heart hotels" then there the nostalgic love of"same old lang syne". To name just a few. Edit: He ran with some great musicians. On "souvenirs" Joe Walsh - (EAGLES) who played and produced the album Gerry Beckley -(AMERICA) Don Henley - (EAGLES) Graham Nash - (Crosby Stills and Nash) Glenn Frey - (EAGLES) The Front Line Gardenia Choir (Don Henley, Randy Meisner, Jody Boyer and Marie Ouhrabka) - choir (11)

[@MissAstorDancer]

Spoken like a true fan! Miss Dan so much!

[@critterwatcher8009]

@@MissAstorDancer Yes. I fondly remember 3 concerts. Two acoustic shows and one with the band.

[@MissAstorDancer]

@@critterwatcher8009 I only got to see him one time, but it was freakin' amazing! He performed SOLO at a great small theater in Phoenix called "Celebrity Theater", which was "in the round". It was just LUCK that he was appearing there when I was on vacation visiting my Dad in Scottsdale, and I happened to see it in the morning paper about the concert! Wish I could have seen him more times!

[@cayminlast]

It's crazy to witness a younger generation discovering all the different and amazing music my generation had while growing up decades ago, it warms my heart in so many ways, thanks you.

[@bethcrumpton476]

I get a lump in my throat before Dan even starts singing. By the end of the song, I'm in tears.

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

Dan Fogelberg = amazing talent. He has several great songs, but this one is my favorite. Incredible voice and yes, he should have way more views.

[@glassontherocks]

Dan Fogelberg "Go down easy"

[@duncansonoryan]

I was raised on Dan. These songs are my childhood. I have an intense gratitude to so many groups that came out of folk.

[@LadyJ--1]

This song is one of the most touching and honest tributes ever written. Thanks so much for covering this one. ❤

[@mdj-ie7rj]

‘Moving’ is a good description for this song. It’s a reminder to appreciate our loved ones and the simple, powerful, moments we share with them. We know life is short, and Fōgelberg reminds us to tell those who love us, we love them in return ❤

[@firedoc5]

LATE COMMENT: Dan's song "Run for the Roses" is one that cannot be excluded as one of his very best. Growing up raising horses and helping to train them for a number of different tasks including racing, it is a song that also gets into my heart.

[@mimic1176]

Thank you for such a moving reaction. I've loved this song for decades. It gives me goosebumps and tears every time I hear it. Now go listen to "Longer." It came out just a couple years after I got married and became "our" song. Will celebrate 48 years this fall and it still moves me. Dan Fogelberg's voice was unique and he was so very very good at writing wonderful music.

[@Niecy70]

Dan Fogelberg is amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to react to him. I think one of his best songs is seeing you again. I hope you listen to that❤

[@wgandy9541]

I have always loved his music. Great reaction! Please, please, please listen to his "Another Old Lang Syne". Dan is a master of story telling and this one doesn't disappoint. He meets an old girlfriend from years ago in the grocery store and he explores all the feelings that come with a chance meeting like that. Please listen to the studio version to get the full effect of the song.

[@garyarnett1220]

Written as an ode to his father, a University band conductor, who passed shortly after the songs release. He did get to hear it first though. I loved Dan from his earliest to his last albums. (Although he passed on my birthday which made his passing especially poignant.) Fogelberg (long "O" BTW) was a master of the craft.

[@leighsaldivar4439]

He was a band leader at Bradley too. My neighborhood I grew up in

[@MrJohnw2454]

This song is a forgotten gem. For some reason many artists who had great songs never saw them blossom in the garden of time.

[@judydubiel]

So beautiful and moving . Love Dan

[@richardanderson3322]

Ok SalvoG, ready for a blown mind? Pull up an album called "Twin Sons of Different Mothers" by Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg and listen to a song called "Tell Me to My Face". If your jaw does not disconnect from your face, I will eat your backwards facing hat. I am serious, you will thank me. Dan plays guitar, Tim plays flute.

[@jodij6280]

He was my oldest brother's favorite singer so, of course, I heard his music a LOT growing up. I haven't heard this song in decades but can still remember the lyrics. His voice is so soothing. I think the word you're looking for is melancholy.

[@oakhillfound847]

Dan had no bad albums. Some of his earlier work veered toward more of a folk rock sound. Theres ai Place in the World for a Gambler and The Power of Golg are two of his more accessible songs.

[@jjh5374]

As a grown man, I can't ever hear this song without getting choked up. Even if you're not a musician, the themes of what this song is saying easily translate into one's own life. A masterpiece.

[@frankhemmen9551]

Dan's Mother was an English Professor, His father was a Music Teacher. Dan learned to play multiple Instruments. His first album, "Souvenirs" was my first introduction in 1972.

[@LuckyDawgProductionsModerator]

Love love love Dan Fogelberg. Always been one of my favorite singers. Great reaction.

[@rogueleader4181]

A magical storyteller and musician. RIP. Had the honor of seeing him live under the stars at Red Rocks.

[@johnbattles1002]

A beautiful song with lyrical sentiments beautifully expressed about his own father. Just magical and heartwarming! I hope you will also react to his song "Longer Than," which has gorgeous and meaningful lyrics!

[@TamiThePinkHairedGirl]

This song makes me cry every time. Fogelberg is such a beautiful storyteller.

[@johncopeland3826]

The single most underrated and overlooked artist in the history of popular music ...Dan Fogelberg ! It's a disgrace that to this day he hardly ever gets the credit for his wonderful body of work which stands up next to the very best singer / songwriters there has ever been ! His musicality was exceptional. It's long past overdue Dan got his recognition as a world class songsmith ...are you listening RARHOF ?

[@kevinsmallwood8584]

I saw Dan way back in 1976 prior to his really big hits, but I've always enjoyed "Part of the Plan" from his earlier days. Fantastic voice and talent.

[@rebeccamunoz2948]

Oh my guy, this is my favorite guy. Thanks for giving this beautiful song a listen. Please more of Dan, his catalogue is great.💕💕🎶🎶🦋

[@bevkonde9028]

I totally agree!

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Classic here love you

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

I have every album he ever released and he will always be missed. His concerts were amazing.

[@lookingood364]

This song makes me cry every time. It says so much about love, fathers and children, raising and being raised, such a beautiful tribute... aaaaaaggghhhh. It kills me and makes me really miss my dad.

[@EC-dz3fb]

Lovely reaction. Simply lovely. THANK♡YOU.

[@marvellousmartha07]

Beautiful tribute to his dad. So love his voice

[@twwtjohns]

Absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. My wife luckily won tickets to see Dan Fogelberg doing an acoustic only concert at the Lakeland Civic Center. It was an amazing show that I remember to this day. Sadly Dan died at age 57 from cancer or surely he'd still be performing and making his beautiful music.

[@celineboivin9888]

What a beautiful song ! His voice gives me chills, very talented ! Love from Québec ❤

[@danacasey8543]

So much to explore from Dan Fogelberg! My favorite is Run for the Roses. He wrote it for the Kentucky Derby, and shows his love of horses.

[@firedoc5]

Mine too.

[@connieforth705]

Another of my favorites. His voice and lyrics are amazing still today.

[@cynthiahoffmann5757]

His catalogue is deep. Anything from Innocent Age is wonderful! Dan is greatly missed. RIP

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

This song was dedicated to his father.

[@ellet6560]

Thank you for a Dan reaction! He was my high school sweetheart (metaphorically). Got Home Free (first album) as soon as it came out! Part of the Plan, There's a Place in the World for Gambler", Hard to Say and so many hidden gems on all his albums ("To the Morning" is one of my favorites.) Don't let the ballads fool you, his concerts rocked!

[@rebeccalipps23]

I put Dan in the same class as John Denver. Clear, pure, & resonant vocals with a depth of meaning as well as style.

[@lskylarbrown]

I had the pleasure of being a friend of his. He was amost magical soul.

[@davidlionheart2438]

Dan Fogelberg is, quite simply, one of the greatest singer-song writers in the history of recorded music.

[@trishc3099]

Ohhhh, this song. It never, ever, ever fails to make me cry. It's beautiful and reminds me of my dad. Each line holding hands with the next? Perfect. I love that, and I promise that I am absolutely going to steal it.

[@cathyboyce6457]

Dan had a summer home here on the Maine island that I live on ~ His place was on an area called "the Reach" ~ He wrote a beautiful song by that title honoring the local lobstermen and this place that he loved ~ He was a wonderful singer/songwriter! The only current singer/songwriter that has such a personal touch to his music is Avi Kaplan. Thanks for this reaction !

[@hollyann003]

Such a beautiful song. I have always loved this song. Thank you!

[@OriginalLictre]

I'm delighted that you enjoyed this song, and hope you explore some more of his music. I think instead of "somber", a better word would have been "Melancholy". Dan's family name is pronounced FOE-gel-berg.

[@debrahartshorn3084]

One of my absolute favorites

[@iraidaacevedo3723]

Great artist ❤such beautiful lyrics, Love this song!! Thank you!! ❤️

[@lamusiclover2264]

You are going to cry. Get over it! It's a perfect song. So much of his music is just beautiful. Some is orchestral. Some simple guitar. "The Innocent Age" was a double album (in vinyl language, which means it had 2 vinyl discs of music. ) The video you chose doesn't have many views, but if you search the song, one of the first results has 23 Million views. You have to remember that these songs are posted multiple times on KZbin, so you have to add up ALL the views of ALL the postings to really see how many views there are.

[@trufflesrheaven]

I LOVE this song! I remember listening this as a kid.❤️

[@stevetournay6103]

My favourite singer-songwriter by miles. The Innocent Age was an epic (lower case e...though Epic was Dan's label most of his career!) double album. One of the ballads on it, The Sand And The Foam, is perhaps my favourite song. I love it enough to want it played at my funeral. Not soon...but I do. Simple and utterly exquisite. I could snow you under with suggestions for DF songs to react to...here are a few: The Sand And The Foam Ghosts To The Morning Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) Make Love Stay Believe In Me Longer Sweet Magnolia (And The Traveling Salesman) Nether Lands Sutter's Mill Wandering Shepherd River Of Souls Colors Of Eve ...and a few dozen others.

[@112musician]

Dan Fogelberg was a true storyteller. This song is, for me, melancholy because I also lost a “Leader of the Band”, he was like a father figure to me. Definitely check out more… you would love Dan Fogelberg’s Greatest Hits, or his version of “Since You’ve Asked”. “Run for the Roses” is incredible, “Believe in me”, “Nether Lands” is AWESOME and of course “Same Old Lang Syne”. He is one of my absolute favorites!

[@marcieharreld286]

Perfectly beautiful!! His voice has always reminded me of David Gates (vocalist for the band Bread), especially the song Guitar Man!!🎵🎼🎶💜💜🎤🎸🎹🥁

[@joanneluchenill1092]

I used the words from Dan’s song in a tribute to my husband after he passed way because it said everything that needed to be said about him and his life.

[@Altman1953]

I would cal it "uplifting". Whenever I hear this song I think of my Dad which brings a smile and good memories.

[@maryhulen7277]

Beautiful.

[@KC41961]

Dan's lyrics were the best and his music was awesome as well. This song always makes me think of my father with fondness.

[@judgildea]

It's called real music...just feel it. True talent..

[@lancerx1759]

Silky & Sentimental always sounds good to the Soul

[@ChristyCaballero-x9d]

I know it’s not Christmas yet but Dan’s “Same Old Lang Syne” is a beautiful song as well.

[@billshine401]

I agree Dan Fogelberg is much underrated. Well worth digging deeper.

[@bonnielemenager4030]

Yep. When this album was popular, this song and "Longer" were pull-the-car-over tunes. You really should check out "Longer". Nice, honest reaction as always. Thanks for sharing it!

[@vickiwhite4004]

Great reaction thank you ! Another great song and story would be "same old Lang syne " incredible story that hits you n the feels for sure .

[@MaxPower-kb4ke]

My dad would have turned 87 a few days ago...he passed away in 2010. I listen to this song a lot and miss him more & more every time! If your dad is still with us, make sure he knows how much you love him...Cheers!

[@rozequinn1519]

I absolutely love this song!

[@Nana_Reads]

One of my all time favourites