Dan Seals’ Legacy Resurges: “Steal A Little Thunder” Opens Door to New Discoveries
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The enduring legacy of Dan Seals, the Texas-born singer who effortlessly traversed the realms of pop and country music, is set to resonate once more. In a significant move, his estate has partnered with Nashville-based record label Melody Place, promising a series of releases that will bring fresh ears to the late artist’s remarkable talent. The first offering, “Steal A Little Thunder,” a previously unheard recording penned by his brother Jim Seals of Seals & Crofts and Brian Whitcomb, is slated for release on April 4th, igniting anticipation among longtime fans and new listeners alike.
“Steal A Little Thunder” arrives as a nostalgic echo of the smooth, sophisticated sounds of Yacht Rock, a genre Jim Seals played a pivotal role in shaping. Simultaneously, it carries the unmistakable DNA of the celebrated Seals family’s songwriting prowess. The song’s release serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnected musical journeys of the Seals brothers. Jim’s influence on the pop subgenre, later perfected by Dan during his England Dan & John Ford Coley era, is undeniable.
Dan Seals’ transition from pop sensation to country music icon is a testament to his versatility and unwavering artistic integrity. After the dissolution of his partnership with John Ford Coley, Seals faced significant challenges, but his determination to reinvent himself led him back to his country roots. This pivotal shift marked the beginning of a remarkable solo career, propelling him to the forefront of the country music boom of the ’80s and ’90s. With eleven number-one Billboard country hits, including classics like “Bop,” “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold),” and the unforgettable duet “Meet Me in Montana” with Marie Osmond, Seals solidified his position as a country music powerhouse.
His ability to seamlessly blend emotional depth with commercial appeal garnered him two CMA awards and a loyal fanbase. Seals’ unique approach to music, evident in his left-handed, eight-string guitar playing, extended to his song selection. He only recorded material that resonated with him deeply, a testament to his unwavering commitment to authenticity. His producer, Kyle Lehning, remembered his “light-hearted seriousness” in the studio, a reflection of his dedication to achieving musical excellence.
Even as radio hits slowed, Seals continued to captivate audiences with his live performances, later joining his brother Jim for a series of concerts under the name Seals & Seals. Their collaboration brought their respective catalogs to a global audience, showcasing the enduring power of their musical connection.
In 2007, Seals was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma. He faced his illness with the same grace and dignity that characterized his musical career. He passed away on March 25, 2009, at 8:30 p.m., a time his manager and he referred to as “Showtime,” a fitting farewell for a man who lived and breathed music.
The release of “Steal A Little Thunder” is more than just a posthumous single; it’s a celebration of Dan Seals’ enduring legacy. It signals the beginning of a new chapter, promising a treasure trove of previously unheard recordings and major announcements from the partnership between his estate and Melody Place. This resurgence ensures that Dan Seals’ unique voice and timeless music will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come, reminding us of his profound impact on both pop and country music.