Late in the evening of Sunday, December 16, 2007, I was fortunate to have been visiting the central coast of California. I remember that night vividly. I was walking back to my room, the air crisp. In that region the climate is interesting, alive. The hills breathe in the moist sea air during the night, only to exhale the warmed air back to the sea during the ensuing day. Unlike the stale, salty air of the eastern coast with all its bays, this air is fresh, sweet. I especially enjoyed the aroma of eucalyptus, cedar and jasmine. The clouds, swirling above and riding the coastal breezes, muted the light from the moon, around which there was a ring. Immediately to my mind came the words to a Dan Fogelberg song, a song I have heard hundreds of times. (PLEASE CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE TO CONTINUE READING.)
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That night, walking alone, I began singing softly aloud as I walked along: There's a ring around the moon tonight and a chill in the air through the wild mountain holds Days later and near Christmas, my son who knows of my fondness for the genius and artistry of Fogelberg, offered to me his sympathy, having learned of Dan’s recent passing. I had no idea. And my son had no idea the day he passed belonged to the same night as I sung that song walking the coastal hills of California. I raced to the computer and read what I could find. I downloaded some photographs, including one of Dan sailing, a passion we share, and played that same song, now complete with full instrumentation and Dan’s own unmistakable vocals… And the steps taken yesterday will beckon again we are born, madly dancing My son walked into the room. I was lying on the floor, crying, listening more intently to the words written and sung by this man whom I’ve never met and now would not have the opportunity to, yet who has touched my life so profoundly at nearly every stage. He gently put his hand upon my knee and squeezed, enough to let me know he was there. Dan continued…
Recently I listened again to an interview with Dan hosted by Fred Migliore recorded in 1997. They got around to talking about Dan’s perspective of music: You can’t contain it. It’s so human and it’s so mystical. As you listen and undoubtedly sing along to the songs and carols of this glorious season, please take a moment to reflect on the magic and the special energy of the music that so unites us and to honor the incredible legacy of all those who create and perform it from their heart.
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