By Jeff McNeal
November 17, 2000

The music of Illinois-born Dan Fogelberg was omni-present throughout the late 70's and early 1980's. It was hard to turn on the radio and not hear one of his slew of Top 40 hits.

Blending modern rock influences with a folk approach more common in the early 70's, Fogelberg's distinctive vocals, rock-solid production values and poignant writing skills propelled this anti-star into the spotlight.

I saw Fogelberg live in concert in the early 80's up in Northern California at the Concord Pavilion and it was a memorable treat for me. I own Dan Fogelberg's Greatest Hits CD and consider myself a fan. That's one reason why the deplorable quality of this transfer comes as such a great disappointment.

"Same Old Lange Syne" is perhaps Fogelberg's greatest achievement as a songwriter with fans -- and it's included here -- along with Fogelberg's deeply personal homage to his father, "Leader Of The Band". Both, heavy on pathos and sentiment, can evoke tears without too much effort.

Sadly for me, the song that had the greatest significance in my life is missing from this particular line-up. "It's Hard To Say" is a song that had a real impact on how my life has turned out. I was at a crossroads in my career -- and in my relationship with my girlfriend. We had experienced our share of problems in our two-year relationship and mutually concluded that perhaps the best course for us was a friendly parting when it came time for me to move to San Francisco to accept a career-defining job offer.

As I sat alone a few evenings later after I arrived in San Francisco, "It's Hard To Say" came on the radio and the line "it's hard to walk away from love, it may never come again" really struck home. Shortly thereafter I reassessed my priorities, called my girlfriend and asked her to please come and join me.

That was 18 marvelous years and three incredible children ago. So on a very personal note, I credit Dan Fogelberg, in part, for helping me to come to my senses when I could have possibly walked away from the woman who has instilled such true happiness and meaning in my life.

How many songs can have that sort of an impact? I feel fortunate to be able to share this story with you.

The introspective honesty of Fogelberg's music is its greatest strength -- and it's greatest contribution to pop music.