Goodbye To Dan Fogelberg
There are some people that touch your soul and will never be forgotten, Dan Fogelberg was one for me. I can’t attest to being a big fan, or even having ever purchased a single one of Fogelberg’s records. I can admit to tearing up just about every time I have ever heard the song, Leader of The Band on the radio over the years.
You see, Fogelberg’s dad was a high school band director and the song was dedicated to him. My own high school band director, Bob Good, who still leads the bands at Argo High School (just outside Chicago), had an immense impact on my life.
As a high school freshman, I was seated 13th chair out of 16 trumpets. I was so far down on the stage, I could barely see the first trumpet player. I decided that day I was going to move up in the section. I practiced every day, and hired a private trumpet instructor. The next year came and all band members were required to audition for positions. Everyone was shocked, most of all me, when I moved up to 4th chair my sophomore year.
It was great to have something I was good at (and a band director that encouraged me) and I worked hard and soon became the first chair in every one of the three performing bands in the school. Later, I toured professionally and still play the trumpet to this day.
It is uncommon today for people to be grateful, Dan Fogelberg clearly was one of those few. In dedicating this song to his father, he honored him and touched the hearts of millions. Of course, Fogelberg had many other hits, but I don’t think there are many people that could not sing along with Leader Of The Band.
An only child
Alone and wild
A cabinet makers son
His hands were meant
For different work
And his heart was known
To none --
He left his home
And went his lone
And solitary way
And he gave to me
A gift I know I never
Can repay
A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldnt wait
He earned his love
Through discipline
A thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand.
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.
My brothers lives were
Different
For they heard another call
One went to chicago
And the other to st. paul
And Im in colorado
When Im not in some hotel
Living out this life Ive chose
And come to know so well.
I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go --
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, pap, I dont think i
Said i love you near enough --
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band.
Goodbye Dan, you will be missed but your music will live on.
Daniel Grayling Fogelberg (August 13, 1951 – December 16, 2007)
Add your thoughts, click on comments below.
My main website is www.ChristianMoney.com
James L. Paris
