Dan Fogelberg was an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known for his soft rock and folk-infused ballads of the 1970s and 1980s. Born on August 13, 1951, in Peoria, Illinois, Fogelberg rose to fame with deeply personal, melodic songs that blended introspective lyrics with rich instrumentation.
His breakthrough came with the 1974 album "Souvenirs," produced by Joe Walsh, which included the hit "Part of the Plan." He became widely known for songs like "Longer," "Same Old Lang Syne," "Leader of the Band," and "Run for the Roses"—tracks that became staples of adult contemporary radio. His music often dealt with themes of love, nostalgia, and family, delivered in a heartfelt and poetic style.
Fogelberg was also a skilled guitarist and pianist, and he played many of the instruments on his recordings. Though his popularity declined with the rise of new musical styles in the late 1980s, he retained a devoted fan base.
He died on December 16, 2007, from prostate cancer at age 56.