Dan Fogelberg dies at age 56

We share the same first name and I am his fan. He helped define the soft rock era with hits like “Leader of the Band” and “Same Old Lang Syne.” Last Sunday, at age 56, the singer succumbed to cancer.

Posted in his website: “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. His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him.”

Showcasing the brilliance in simplicity, Fogelberg's music influenced a number of artists including fellow sensitive singer-songwriters James Taylor and Jackson Browne. He scored several platinum and multiplatinum records during the 70's and 80's. Fogelberg’s songs tended to have a weighty tone, reflecting on emotional issues in a serious way. Nonetheless, he said they did not represent his personality.

"Music doesn’t really reflect the whole person." This is one quote I would really remember about the man.