One of my favorite artists. Dan Fogelberg was such a great folk rock singer songwriter & storyteller. He also played multiple instruments such as guitar, bass, piano & mandolin. I had his double album "The Innocent Age" from 1981. He wrote so many great songs such as "Longer", "leader Of The Band", "Hard To Say", "Missing You", "Make Love Stay", "Run For The Roses", "The Language Of Love", "Believe In Me" etc. We lost him much too soon in 2007.

In the late ‘70s, I was at a table with friends in a loud, busy bar in Cincinnati. At one point, I glanced over to the table beside us where a man sat alone. I’m sure my face lit up brightly when I realized the lone patron was Dan Folgelberg. He noticed me as well, smiled and gave me the slightest of head shakes while mouthing, “please, no.” He was silently pleading with me to not draw attention to him. I nodded and gave him an understanding smile before turning back to my friends. He was such a gentle soul just wanting to have a couple of drinks in peace. I suddenly felt protective of him, and determined to honor his request. I didn’t mention it to my friends until much later, long after we had left the bar. I felt he and I shared a sweet, somewhat sacred moment between just two human beings. I miss him and I miss his music dearly. ❤

Hi Sarah. Thanks for this. I knew the story and visited the store and Dan's memorial in Peoria in 2018. I bought his albums before this song debuted but was completely sold after hearing it the first time on radio. He has many others that are beautiful if you want to listen to his catalog. Similar is The Last Nail. Dan played all the instruments on his songs except drums and the occasional brass. He wrote the songs, lyrics and even designed his own album covers. He sang most all the vocal parts. He was amazing and will always top the list of my favorite artists. Same Auld Lang Syne came out my freshman year in college right around Christmas. I once told the young lady I was seeing that winter that I hoped it would never happen to us. We ended up going our separate ways eventually. Still waiting for that chance meeting at the grocery store...

Just think, had they never went out that night and meet the world would not have this beautiful song. The simple things that we all take for granted. Thanks

Dan was a musical genius. He has so many great songs. A treasure we lost far too soon.

The singer songwriters of this era were the very best, This is one of my favorite songs.

I didn’t know it was based on a true story. It made me tear up. It is beautiful how many tributes were made in his honour in his home town.

I live about 3 blocks from the grocery store. An incredible song!

Always happy to see someone begin reacting to Dan Fogelberg. I hope you'll explore his catalogue of songs further. It's quite deep.

Because of my age ……. I go through this song and feel it every New Years. In fact one of many ceremonial songs marking the passage of time. Oh dear Godi loved her so….. and still slightly love her still even though she’s past beyond the view….

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard

Gill was divorced went the song came out, she knew Dan wrote the song about them. She didn't contact Dan because he was married that time , it must have been hard for her to kept it a secret all those years.

I never knew all the details of the song. Have always liked it. 😊

One of the best songs ever.

I had no idea it was based on a true event!!! Love it even more now ❤❤

This song is a killer. Just rips your heart out.

Cool to hear the story behind the song. Thanks Sarah.

Most of my life….. I’ve spent all holidays alone. My family that I left due to religious rejection on their abnormal exclusionary requirements… any ways, never forgot this song. Sing it Christmass every year even though I have grown children and a wife of 20+ still touches mt tender soul…….

This is by far, the best reaction I've seen to this song...the intro clip really explained this song beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing! Your friends from northeast Florida

So beautiful...

Some of the lyrics written in the stone in that park were from Dan Fogelberg's song, "Part Of The Plan" which would make a good reaction song. Happy holidays!

Out standing song. I have always loved it even being as sad as it is.

Haven't heard this song before, but Dan Fogelberg had a beautiful, plaintive voice and I had two of his albums. Best song of his I know was his plaintive elegy to his Dad: "The Leader of the Band". Of course, it made me think of my Dad.

You are amazing the way you reacted to this song. So touching. Thank you for giving it what it deserves.

Hello Sarah, welcome to the genius of Dan Fogelberg. This song is one of many wonderful ‘sound experiences’ to be enjoyed from this artist. I loved your ‘reaction to this song, as it was apparent your heart was touched by it. This is my first visit to your channel, it won’t be my last. 😎✌️❤️

Still makes me cry girl

It's a tearjerker for sure

The scenario of this song has been played out numerous times I am sure. It has happened to me though not exactly the same. RIP Dan. When I 1st heard this, I was driving and had to pull over. My reaction was almost the same as Dan's.

Has always been one of my favorite songs, I listen to it a few times every Christmas.

I’m sure she cried upon hearing it. Always watching from Panama City Florida, USA. 🇺🇸

Loved your reaction, Sarah. Next time we drive through Illinois, my wife and I will swing by Peoria to see the rocks in the park. We chose the Fogelberg song Longer as one of our wedding songs, 42 years ago. The album Innocent Age is loaded with good songs, as others have mentioned.

He was gorgeous in his prime.

You should react toe “Leader of the Band” which was in tribute to his father.

I have always loved this song.

i did some painting in jill andersons childhood home on tripp st in peoria and in the basement there were writings either on the walls or stairs from Dan to Jill that has been there for years

I love this song. So bitter sweet 😢

Dan is from my hometown, Peoria, Illinois. They guy who calls it a "small town" is being a bit disingenuous. At the time the song was written, Peoria still had about 150,000 people living in it. But we are justifiably proud of him. Like other great singer/songwriters, many of his songs were autobiographical. His song, "Leader of the Band", is a beautiful tribute to his father, who was the band director at several Peoria High Schools, including my parents' alma mater, Woodruff. Thanks for reacting to one of Peoria's favorite sons.

I would love to hear T-Pain saying that song.!!!

Fogelberg is my favorite musician. He's known for his ballads and love songs but there is so much more to him than that. Try listening to his "Greatest Hits" album and go from there --there is something for everybody. He was gone from us way too soon.

This is a true story.

Dan was happily married (not to the woman of this song) when he died of cancer in December of 2007,

I need to go there! He is so missed! Men.... For Dan...Get your prostate checked! He was taken too soon. He has so many incredible songs😊! R.I.P Daniel Grayling Fogelberg.😢

Sarah you need some NORA JONES on your channel. Check out DONT KNOW WHY live from the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallen. 🤞✌️

An artist has to change things a bit to get a rhyme, her eyes were green I believe, and as per she would like to say she loved them man but didn't like to lie, I image he aske her, well do you love him, and she just didn't say anything or hesitated, it means the same thing.

You hear it all the time I'm sure... you are stunning.

Sarah love your channel Please take a listen to an Australian group The Seekers The song is I am Australian Farewell tour You will love it You might even feel a little bit Australian. Haha

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What a let down! Would have been better if the true story would have been at the end. Instead of giving out pretty much the whole song before the song even started.