Tuesday, September 9, 2014

"Run For the Roses" by Dan Fogelberg

Song#:  0983
Date:  04/03/1982
Debut:  65
Peak:  18
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Adult Contemporary, Pop



Pop Bits:  Fogelberg's double-LP "The Innocent Age" had already spawned three Top 10 singles including his tribute song to his father, "Leader of the Band" (#9). This fourth single was issued just in time to receive extra promotion for that May's Kentucky Derby. It helped the song reach the Top 20 at pop and #3 at AC.

ReduxReview:  I don't think Fogelberg could have written a more appropriate song for the Derby (see below). It's a beautiful folk-country tune with spot-on lyrics that fit the event perfectly. This could have easily been churned out into something sickly saccharine, but Fogelberg nailed it and for me it easily ranks among his best song.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  "Run For the Roses" is not only a song, but a term used to describe the Kentucky Derby. Held the first Saturday in May, it serves as the first race in the Triple Crown. ABC television commissioned Fogelberg to write a song for the 1980 Derby. It was used in a TV special the night before the race. Fogelberg included it on his "Innocent Age" album and when it came time to release another single from that album, the timing was perfect to release this song as the Derby was just a month away. The tune has kind of been the unofficial anthem of the Derby since then.

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