Dan Seals, who enjoyed successful careers in both pop and country music for more than three decades, died Wednesday. He was 61 years old.Seals battled mantle cell lymphoma, and according to sources had recently undergone an experimental stem cell transplant at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. He died at his home in Nashville, while under hospice care.
Born in McCamey, Texas, Dan Seals was the brother of Jim Seals, of the hit pop duo Seals and Crofts. The younger Seals soon followed in his brother's footsteps, forming a singing partnership with John Ford Coley. The duo scored a number of hit singles on the pop chart throughout the '70s as England Dan and John Ford Coley, including the No. 2 hit, 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight,' and a Top 10 cover of Todd Rundgren's 'Love Is the Answer.'
In 1980, Seals signed as a solo country-pop artist with Atlantic Records, and in 1983, turned his attention solely to country music, signing with Nashville's Liberty/Capitol label. In 1984, he began an impressive streak of 16 Top 10 country hits, starting with 'God Must Be a Cowboy.' In 1985, he scored the first of 11 No. 1 country songs, with 'Meet Me in Montana,' a duet with Marie Osmond. Other chart-topping hits included 'Addicted,' 'You Still Move Me' and the pop crossover hit, 'Bop,' which was the CMA's Single of the Year in 1986.
Like his brother, Seals was a member of the Bahá'í faith. He was a cousin of the late country singer Johnny Duncan, and also a cousin of songwriter Troy Seals and former Little Texas singer Brady Seals. He is also survived by wife Andrea, three sons and a daughter, as well as his mother, two brothers and sister.









Reader Comments(1 of 7)
hunt895wrat 3-26-2009
Dan was a great guy! I almost killed him when we were fishing the McKenzie river back in 82. Took him over a small rapid and we both had a tough time of it for about 30 seconds as I was thrown from the boat and his waders filled. Didn't catch many fish that day, but had a great time and repeated the event the next day without the near drowning and without waders. His concert at the Hult that evening was great. A loss of a really good person that touched our lives.
Patriciaat 3-26-2009
Gone but not forgotten. You were amazing musician. Peace be with you for time and all eternity.
Billat 3-26-2009
I grew up with Dan Seals' music. He was a beautiful man with an incredible talent. "Love Is The Answer" is one of my favorite songs, and is as timely today as it was back in the 70's.
Godspeed, Dan, and prayers for your family.
pattieat 3-26-2009
My husband & I Loved Dan Seals and his music. We are Horse People & Dan's music was perfect for our lifestyle. Yes, God must be a cowboy, cause he made wide open spaces & trails you lead you home. God Bless you Dan, and your family.
brianricci1at 3-26-2009
I just listened to ''Really want to see you tonite" yesterday on the radio, and thought "what am amazing song''...I too am a songwriter, and have admired his music since i was a kid...he will be missed, but never forgotten!!
Susan Utterat 3-26-2009
Dan Seals was on of the greats. He will be missed. I fell in love with his music with his first song God must be a Cowboy. I still love that song. It touches my heart each time I hear it. I have all his albums and listen to them. I bought them on tapes as well so that I could listen to his music im my car also. He was such a good singer and instrumentalist. God will take special care of him now. My heart goes out to his family at this time. Bless you all.
mbandit67at 3-26-2009
Dan will be sadly missed by many. Growing up in the 1970's and 80's, I listened to his music frequently. The new generation of music does not carry the same haunting melodies and beautiful voices as many muscians had years ago. May his family find solace in the fact that he blessed so many with his talent. Heaven accepted another great voice.
Trishat 3-26-2009
When my son was born almost 17 years ago, I was working at a Country radio station in Maryland. Dan Seals and I had known each other, and he found out about our little boy, Tiernan. He called to say how happy he was for us, then he wanted T's Dad to get on the phone so that he could give him pointers on how to get me used to breast-feeding! This sounds unusual, but it made perfect sense to us, and helped a LOT.
This is how Dan Seals was...he was warm and giving and thought outside of the box. His love for people is evident in his music. Or in the music he chose to sing by others. I know that Todd Rundgren wrote "Love is the Answer" but there will never be a finer version than that recorded by England Dan and John Ford Coley.
"Light of the world - shine on me - love is the answer..." Dan Seals LIVED that song. He touched me in ways that most people, let along music artists, rarely will.
He cared. He believed. He loved. And now, he will be among God's most favored Angels.
Tim, T and I will never forget you, Dan. On our son's 17th birthday on April 4th, he will blow out his candles - and we will light one for you.
IHATEaolat 3-26-2009
A real talent that will be missed.
Ronat 3-26-2009
I met Dan at the Osmonds Children's Telethon back in 1985. After he did Meet Me in Montana with Marie at the telethon, I told him he had a hit on his hands if he could work out something with Marie (since it was he song) which he did. At first, he didn't think it would be a big hit but later changed his mind. The rest of that is history. This was a great guy and a loss to all of us. A very good and nice man.
imrustysmomat 3-26-2009
Oh my gosh - I am so sad.
mikewheels312at 3-26-2009
Mr. Seals was a wonderful performer. I've never had teh opportunity to see him perform live, but I have heard his music numerous times, and it is so beautiful. Rest in Peace Mr. Seals.
dodgechargerlee1at 3-26-2009
God bless his family all prayers with him, best wishex from the Chattanooga Musians union
Delat 3-26-2009
I had just finished singing "Really Love to See you Tonight" in the car and was back in my office for a bit when a co-worker mentioned Dan Seals had passed. It was like a punch to stomach. I am such an admirer of his voice and music. I cut my teeth learning to play his music. Always got raves whenever I'd do his stuff. Love you Dan. You were awesome!
lcwriteat 3-26-2009
Man, I miss his music. I liked the stuff he did as a solo artist but those first England Dan and John Ford Coley albums had some amazing songs that were not commercially viable. The Pilot, New Jersey, Glass and Steel, just great stuff.
May his family have peace.