So…..my series of Todd Rundgren posts last week got me thinking about other favorites of mine that are still not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  That train of thought led me straight to Dan Fogelberg and this special edition twofer (two for one) long song Tuesday post.

I have been a Dan Fogelberg fan since the release of his first album, Home Free, in 1972.  I had the good fortune to see him in concert multiple times during the 70s and 80s including acoustic solo shows and full band rock and roll shows.  He never disappointed me!  Dan is one of my favorite artists of all time and I think it is a sin that he is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Let’s listen to some music and see if you agree with me.

Today’s post spans a good portion of  Dan’s career.  We start with To The Morning, the first song on his first album.  Here is what Dan had to say about the song in the liner notes for his career spanning box set named Portrait.

I wrote this (in the summer of 1970) when I was 18 years old. This was the first song that made me think I might actually make a living as a songwriter. I still find it a special piece to perform.

This is a live version of the song from a 1973 concert in Denver.  As you listen to Dan in the introduction to the song you can tell that this is a young artist but one that is on his way up.  He is particularly excited about a pending purchase of a home in Colorado.  This house would serve as the inspiration for much of his future songwriting. Let’s listen…..

Good stuff….it reminds of seeing Dan in a solo performance immediately following the release of Nether Lands in 1977.  Dan had nearly lost his voice  but was determined to put on a great show and that he did.  Seeing him at the piano singing singing Nether Lands may be my favorite concert memory of all time.

Next up is a song called Tucson, Az (Gazette) from his Windows and Walls album.  Much to my surprise, Dan indicated that this was his favorite song in the liner notes for Portrait.

My all-time favorite track. The critics dismissed it because of its length but I am still fiercely proud of it. It was an immense undertaking and took months to complete. I consider this probably my best journalistic lyric writing. A movie for the ears, all it lacks is the popcorn.

Although it is not one of my favorite songs from Dan, I can appreciate the songwriting and the musicianship that it represents.  Let’s listen……

So….do you agree with me that Dan belongs in the Hall of Fame.  If so, sign the petition at the following link.

Petition To Get Dan Into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

If you still haven’t made up your mind, stay tuned.  You will have a couple of more opportunities this week to change your mind.