In memory of Daniel Grayling “Dan” Fogelberg on this, the eleventh anniversary of his passing at age 56 — a dark day indeed for Planet Earth and all who grow, walk, or fly in, on or above it.

A master musician and songwriter, Fogelberg is one of the few who could always “reach” me, whatever my circumstances might be. There’s not a point in my life that I can’t tag a Fogelberg tune to. His deep, philosophical and introspective songs remain some of my personal favorites — and the reason he never joined a band, despite living with future Eagles Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey when he first ventured west in the early 70’s, hoping to make his mark in the music industry.

And his skill at word-crafting and composing continue to amaze — validating his decision to remain a solo act, even up until the very end when — as he knew he was dying from prostate cancer — he took the opening notes of the very first song off of his first LP, and made them the very last notes on the last song on his final album.

A career gone full circle.

What an inspiring man and amazing artist. Thank you, Dan.