Leader Of The Band

1981

Dan Fogelberg

When most people who were both around in the early 80s and young enough (Either in years or in soul) to enjoy the popular music of the era think,' Dan Fogelberg Song', 'Leader Of The Band' is one of the two songs that come instantly to mind. 'Leader Of The Band was also, by far, Dan Fogelberg's most personal song. The tune was a love song to his dad, and a beautiful one...both in melody, and in thought...at that. He wrote it as a tribute to Fogelberg family patriarch Lawrence Fogelberg, who was a long time high school band leader and teacher in their home town of Peoria Ill, and who Dan credited him with molding him into the person he was.

The other song that everyone thinks of as a Dan Fogelberg hit is 'Same Old Lang Syne', and interestingly enough, the songs tied for chart position among his four biggest hits...both peaked at #9. 'Leader Of The Band' was released the day after Thanksgiving of 1981, on November 28^th, and peaked at #9 just more that three months later on March 6^th 1982

Everyone who was around back then recognizes that mellow, soothing. guitar intro, and I have a feeling most everyone can swing into '...An Only Child Alone And Wild, A Cabinet Makers Son...' right on cue. It's a beautiful song, and anyone who loved their dad can not tell me that they don't get a little misty-eyed when they hear it.

This is actually my favorite Dan Fogelberg tune, and it's way up on my list of favorite songs. I have a feeling I'm not alone in feeling that way, either. I've always though 'Leader Of The Band' should be required listening on Fathers Day...it perfectly illustrates what the relationship between a father and a son should be.

Lawrence Fogelberg got to hear his son's musical tribute to him...the song was released on November 26th, 1981, Lawrence passed away in August of '82. And Dan Fogelberg got to tell his dad how uin felt about him with a classic..

So Enjoy! Leader Of The Band, by Dan Fogelberg.