2/20/1982 Dan Fogelberg, Compton Terrace, Phoenix, AZ


 39 years ago today...

February 20, 1982 - Phoenix, AZ

Singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg performed an afternoon concert with a full band at the original Compton Terrace.

Born in Peoria, IL, Dan was popular in coffee houses and small venues during his early career while a student at University of Illinois.  Since he was from central Illinois, we followed his career rise closely.  His dad was a band director at high schools in Peoria and Pekin and the subject of his hit song "Leader of the Band."

Dan's first two records, "Home Free" and "Souvenirs," provided a mellow soundtrack for Illinois high school romance in the 70s.

Even with his Illinois roots, this show was the first time I saw him perform live.  He had a full band playing a more rocking set behind the album "The Innocent Age."  He returned to Phoenix just 10 months later for a solo acoustic show that was a fund-raiser for Bruce Babbitt's Arizona gubernatorial campaign.  I saw him two more times in 1988 and 1992, also solo shows.

The original Compton Terrace was located within the Legend City amusement park near Papago Park.  It was named for Bill Compton, a legendary local DJ, and owned by Jess Nicks, father to singer/daughter Stevie.  

In the name of progress, the intimate amphitheater and Legend City were demolished the next year.  Compton Terrace relocated to Chandler near Firebird Raceway with an expanded capacity of 20,000.  Phoenix' original concert shed, it lasted until 2010 when it was vacated and outdoor shows moved to the newer and amenity-rich by comparison Desert Sky Pavilion.

Fogelberg died of cancer in 2007 at age 56.  In 2017, the excellent album "A Tribute To Dan Fogelberg" was released with artists like Garth Brooks, Eagles, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Donna Summer and Vince Gill among others covering some of Dan's songs.  It's worth a listen along with Fogelberg's complete catalog.

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