Listen to this when
Leader of the Band
Tell your dad what he gave you while he can still hear it. 🎸
Who it's for
The song turns a vague feeling of debt to a parent into specific, spoken gratitude, which gives listeners a template for saying what they have never said out loud.
Sad→Forgiving / At Peace
Feelings it meets
What it is
"Leader of the Band" is a song written by Dan Fogelberg, released in December 1981 on his album The Innocent Age and co-produced with Marty Lewis. It is a tribute to his father, Lawrence Fogelberg, a musician and bandleader, written while his father was still alive. Lawrence died in August 1982, after giving many interviews about the song.
Where to find it
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music (widely available).
Before you start
Heads up: May stir grief over a father's death.
Age: All ages
The roots below the earth claim no rewards for making the branches fruitful.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 134
