In the early 70s we were visiting a friend who was stationed in Colorado Springs. He said we had to hear this new singer. He started the record, and opened his living room drapes. As Rocky Mountain High started, Pikes Peak filled his picture window.❤️
Well, he wasn't a new singer at that time, but new to you and your friend. I'm still discovering great music that I had somehow missed, which is awesome. Especially since there's not much good new music.
@@jackgilchrist he was a relative unknown as far as radio play & sales at the time. I later discovered his earlier albums, like Rhymes & Reason, Poems Prayers and Promises, and liked them even more.
Living in Colorado Springs, I never take the views for granted. It made me smile to see a fresh coat on Pikes Peak yesterday morning. John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High speaks to me and I get goosebumps every time I hear it.
He was special person with an exceptional talent. His music is appreciated across the generations. I and my husband were lucky enough to see him in concert. Granted it was towards the end of his life and his career was on the down low. But the voice had not chamged and was crystal clear. It was at our downtown Riverfront park in our outdoor stage. It was free and the only thing he asked for was donations that would go towards wilderness conservation. We spent the day listening to that beatiful voice and guitar playing flow over the crowd. It was wonderful! Everyone was singing along. Young, old, all ages. And they knew the words. What a loss... RIP John Denver.
It was sad how his career was caught up by the cynicism of that era. Although the cartoon Doonesbury was hilarious, the character based on Hunter S. Thompson must have been very hurtful to John Denver.
I was lucky enough as a young man to attend a concert that John Denver gave in the early 70's at Red Rock Amphitheater. When John Denver sang this song, he would sing "Rocky Mountain High", and the audience would sing respond back "Colorado". It was one of the best concerts I'd ever attended.
Grew up in Oklahoma (flat, hot and dry) and used to listen to this song in the 70's and dream of living in the mountains. Moved to Lake Tahoe, California in 1979. Moved away, moved back four different times, then finally realized this is where I wanted to plant roots in 1998. Not Colorado but one of the most beautiful mountain places on Earth. Enjoyed your reaction to this song, one of my absolute favorites....
1974 I was a college freshman, and had two roomates. I was playing my Moody Blues, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren, Grateful Dead, Yes, ELP, Allman Brothers, and my roommates played John Denver and Jim Croce and nothing else, so this song takes me right back there...
Hearing this always makes me miss Colorado! It really does look like you can touch the stars when you are up in the Rockies at night My favorite John Denver song is the beautiful Annie’s Song
He wrote and recorded a little song for his friends in 1966 called BABE I'VE GOT TO GO (they suggested he change it to LEAVING ON A JET PLANE) and gave records as Christmas gifts - one was delivered into the hands of Peter, Paul and Mary, who also recorded it and made the song and songwriter famous - their cover was a #1 single and their last top 40 hit in 1969, although first recorded in 1967 for their album "Album 1700".
I learned My Sweet Lady when it first came out just as close as I could to how he does it and it's one of the few songs that I NEVER tire of playing......
Always loved John. I remember his variety show in the '70s. Despite being Emmy nominated it didn't last long, but the airwaves were saturated with variety shows back then. Everyone and their uncle had one. I'm sure Colorado is gorgeous. Pretty much anywhere in the Rockies is stunning. Ever been to Alaska? Unbelievably beautiful, at least in South Central where I was. Even where I live in the Washington Cascades I have views of 4 mountains; Rainier, St. Helens (I was here when it erupted in 1980), Adams and Hood. Colorado may be the most beautiful of the places you've lived (if you like mountains, and who doesn't?), but the world is full of beautiful places of all kinds.
Love you guys as you well know. I so wish I could grab a time machiine and take you back 50 years, to show you the state he was writing about, before " they tore the mountains down to bring in a couple more, more people, more scars upon the land". It;s a wonderful gorgeous place to be now, but seemed a bit magical and blessed then.
Yes, didn’t talk about this line because I forgot during the reaction, but definitely had grown SO much since my dad and I moved here 25 years ago. Lots of growth has caused lots of scars 😢
Nick, don't worry about crying! I still get goosebumps every time I hear this song! "Though he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly - Rocky Mountain high" I was just in Colorado to see a concert at Red Rocks and we did everything we could do in a weekend. OMG is Colorado beautiful! As you said going to get gas or drive to Target, so much beauty! ❤❤❤
Since seeing your Country Roads reaction, I am surprised it has taken so long to get to this. John Denver spent the last half of his life in Colorado. He moved to Colorado when he was 27. This is practically the state song.
His voice is like ambrosia from Olympus. You two brought tears to my eyes. And I have two beautiful mountain peaks here in southern Colorado that are now snow capped from the recent rains. The huajollas (breasts of the earth) are a sight to take in.
People through time only knew what local to them.. We can now move around across continents. We can talk to anyone in the world. We can have memories from different world. But home is that it is. Great reaction.
I'm in Korea now but grew up in CO. Actually saw you guys at The Musical Box in Denver last year. ..but left well enough alone. Colorado is so very special. His line: more people, more scars upon the land...so real. What a treasure!
Oh what a great show, would have loved to say hi! Totally agree on that line, forgot to talk about it in the video but this many years later so much growth has caused so many scars 😢
I used to live in CO and as a non native I would drive down I-25 and couldn't take my eyes off the mountains... from the Flatirons to Longs Peak. But the natives in the cars next to me never seemed to be looking. When you're not born with mountains in your backyard you really appreciate them.
Hi Guys, this is a wonderful album. The title track gets me every time and it's John's voice that triggers the emotion the second he begins that 1st line. After all these decades the effect never diminishes. Another tear jerker is the song "Darcy Farrow", and there is a 5 part final section known as "Season Suite" and in it is the track "Season Suite Late Winter" It's an acoustic guitar instrumental ... it is soooo beautiful, I absolutely adore it and I know you will too. I hope you get to hear it soon. It's 4 minutes of utter bliss. ... Home is where the heart is ! ❤ Byee Jim X
@@raiderfan346 Hey Raider !!!!!! Great to see you too my friend. I am well thankyou. Hope you are good as well. It's good to see John Denver getting some more views. Love this song !! I remember as a kid here in England watching his show every week. He was so good on camera and had a great sense of humour. He was in the movie "Oh God" starring George Burns. Great family film. Take care Raider !! Jim
Growing up in Colorado this was a song that was very commonly sang in High School choirs and such, it was essential music. Thanks for the reaction as always.
"Saw an eagle fly" I was at Grant-Frontier Park on the Platte in Denver with the dog (and not high). Up the river flew an eagle. I have never been that close and it landed right across the river. Its wing span was immense. It was awesome. I watched as it ate its catch. It said nothing to me, but then I am not Peter Gabriel (Solsbury Hill reference). John Denver could sure play a sweet guitar. His writing and voice go so well with the guitar. Died to young. R.I.P.
Always enjoy listening to you guys analysis of the classics, you're always totally "dialed in"!!! It's a blessing to hear you share your inspiration for music with all of us!!!
When i was a kid, I received the John Denver songbook and learned to play his songs on the piano. I got so much more pleasure playing these than I did learning and playing European classical music.
Great reactions. Washington State has a couple mountain ranges that can rival the Rockies ; those being the Olympic and Cascade. The " Grandad " of the Cascase Range { Mnt. Rainer } is the talk of the range. Just be happy that Mnt. Rainer is a very " Deep Sleeper " and not too likely to erupt in any of our lifetimes. If Rainer does erupt it will be very disruptive and bad for so many. When I was in the Boy Scouts our troop camped on Mnt. Rainer for 4 days ; Thursday through Sunday ; that was a very unique experience. I have always been a HUGHE John Denver fan. My first live concert was a John Denver concert in 1985 - at the Seattle Peforming Art Center ; I think that's what it was called at the time. That concert was so good. unfortunately that was the only concert of his I was able to goto. His music was so beautifully crafted to nature and the natural wonders is a major reason I liked his music so much.
I'm not sure they rival the Rockies, but they are certainly beautiful in their own right. Rainier is overdue for an eruption. She could wake up at any moment... or sleep another few centuries. No one knows. Our area is overdue for a big earthquake, too.
John Denver was amazing! Such a pure soul. You guys should listen to "Sunshine on my Shoulders", "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Calypso" and definitely do "Leaving on a Jet Plane". I went to college in Denver and it has a special place in my heart. John does a great job of bringing that to life.
Glad to see someone give a shout out to "Eagles and the Hawk"! I have loved that song since I got his greatest hits album when I was kid back in the 70s. Just the way the music & his voice soars on that song, I always felt like I was flying.
Like so many others, I cry when O hear this song. After growing up in Minnesota but then living in Las Vegas and LA, I moved with my sister in my early 30s to western Maryland. The line in the song that immediately breaks me is, "coming home to a place he'd never been before." That's how the hills, dales and farmlands in rural Maryland felt to me.
I'm a retired stagehand and FOH sound guy and I have litterly seen or worked with everyone from Aerosmith to Zappa. The best concert that I have ever seen was John Denver in 1977 doing theater in the round. Absolute perfection! Give Poems Prayers and Promises a listen...
As soon as he started to sing my eyes filled with tears. Such a wonderful voice. I recommend that you buy a copy of the album “An Evening With John Denver “. Absolutely stunning album that will make you cry and laugh in almost equal measure. The song “Poems, Prayers and Promises” is a real tear jerker. 😥
I lived in Denver for 1.5 years, You're right. It is beautiful there, I liked the the scenery from Denver to Black Hawk, the 550 highway from Durango to Silverton. However, I also like Northwestern Montana, where I have property that showcases 11k ft. mountains.
Nice reaction guys. My favorite of his. No better song to honor a state or place or state of mind. I never get tired of hearing it. This song was actually banned initially for everyone being "high" :).
My first concert was in 1974 and was John Denver at Red Rocks. He had a partial orchestra with him in addition to his band. Great way to start my concert attending career. My friend and I actually moved our way down on the stairs to where we were in about the 4th row. I was 15. Never forget it! The cover of the album was shot in Glen Canyon.
This is one of the first John Denver's songs I've heard and I really liked it. I saw him in concert back in 1975 (Yes, I'm an old head). I have several of his albums and they are all great especially the more under the radar album "I Want To Live". Rocky Mountain High is one his biggest hits!
Great reaction!!, I have lived in Colorado my entire life, and John Denver is very special to Colorado Natives like myself , many more songs to cover , wildlife concert footage of all is songs is best !!
I visited my sister in 1975 who lived in Colorado, when she moved there to Colorado she loved the mountains, she passed away and every time I hear this song I always think about her, miss you beautiful sister.
I live on the east coast but just got back from a 6 week cross country trip. It was my 2nd time going through Colorado and although I went through countless epic places, it was the most picturesque of all of them. Always loved this song.
The last verse is the most powerful and most prophetic: Now his life is full of wonder, but his heart still knows some fear Of a simple thing, he cannot comprehend While they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more More people, more scars upon the land And that was more than 50 years ago.
My late mother loved John Denver, so I was exposed to him at a young age. I’m 59 now and still listen to John Denver. Check out Starwood in Aspen. One of my favorites. I did visit Colorado in 1993 and yes it is beautiful and yes the difficulty with breathing was a thing😅. But it’s quite memorable when you go from shirtsleeves, take a short drive up a mountain and it’s snowing.
I have heard this beautiful song countless times since it came out, but just now realized that it is probably somewhat autobiographical! "He was born in the summer of his 27th year" (he moved to CO when he was 27), "coming home to a place he'd never been before" (he felt such an affinity to the place that he changed his name to Denver!). I think this song is all about his newly adopted home and how he felt about living there. Duh! Only took me 52 years to figure that out!😂 It is such a beautiful state, I've been there three times, when I was 10, 43, and 50. I have sweet memories of all those trips. It seems you two appreciate your chosen home and make use of its beauty and cultural offerings. John Denver used his gifts to tell us about his love for the place, and you both do the same with your channel! Thanks for a beautiful reaction! 🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
You are correct. The song IS autobiographical. The lyrics "I've seen it raining fire in the sky" is his description of a meteor shower he and his friends saw while camping in the mountains.
The way we lost John was tragic. An experienced pilot, his newly acquired plane ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean in Monterey Bay. The fuel gauge and tank selector valve were not visible and inaccessible from the pilot’s seat.
I moved to Grand Jct. Colo. in '73 and first heard this. And I climbed Mt. Garfield one day and nearly froze to death that night. Next day I saw a bald eagles nest jutting out from the cliff, and I saw it take off and fly as it soared up higher circling. Was magical moment. John was great and big part of my youth.
I feel the same way about many parts of Northern California. Like Ukiah to (and through) the Oregon Border or San Francisco to San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1 or Lake Tahoe down to Yosemite. Just beautiful! You can beauty everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and look for it.
I lived in Greeley Colorado in 1976 to 1977 and I saw mountains every day.. my best friend from high school lives in Denver..I have 3 nieces and a sweet ex sis in law in Aurora...I met musicians and was a band manager and we toured the state playing bars and honky tonks...my close co worker who is a great man lives in Black Forest near Colorado Springs
You should go find 1977's OH GOD with a hapless grocery store manager, John Denver, who's prayer is answered in the aisles by God, played by George Burns.
Hi guy's, this is Grahame in Haarlem, The Netherlands, I truly love your "need" to travel. Everyone who has travelled always has a tale to tell. Back in the 1970's/80's I was driving long-haul trucks out from England into mainland Europe. I continually drove a 40ton truck into, and out of: Scotland, Wales, Northern and Southern Ireland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, (The then Yugoslavia), Greece, and Luxemburg, and I truly loved the job because it was taking me out of rural England to find 'what was over the next hill or around the next bend'. Love your musical postings, please keep them coming!!
You two are an awesome couple and it's always special seeing your reactions, but Alexia, my lord, either you've never looked directly in the camera before, or I just wasn't paying attention, but you have the most beautiful eyes. Nick is certainly a very lucky guy, not just for your eyes, of course, but it doesn't hurt that he gets to look into them every day. Bless you two ... I hope you have MANY happy years together !!!
Thank you for continuing your musical exploration of the generation I grew up in. These are all very good John Denver songs (also check out "Sunshine On My Shoulder"), however, there are a couple of John Denver songs from his later years that, for some odd reason, few people seem to know about. At least I stumbled across them by accident, and, they are great songs. "Heart to Heart" and "I Want To Live".
High may refer to Marijuana, but in high was also said to express things that made you feel good, nature, art, good times, ect in our common slang then. Or it marijuana which wasn't a rarity either. Beautiful song in any case
You should check out the video version some time with great footage of the Rockies. John Denver - Rocky Mountain High (1972) ruclips.net/video/TtFwqnaPqXY/видео.html
I feel the same in Washington. I have a view of Mt. Rainier out of my window, I also live 2 miles from Puget Sound. I can see the Olympics and the Cascade mts. from anywhere in my city. You would Love Washington or Oregon even Northern California. I feel this song to my core.
Wonderful guitar work by John and guy named Mike Taylor. "Season Suite: Late Winter Early Spring (When Everybody Goes To Mexico)" is a personal favorite from this album. Also highly recommend "Calypso". We live in the North Cascade Mountains, Mt Baker is literally our backyard. I understand how you feel about Colorado. We'll never leave here, but we're long retired now. You're young, go ahead and discover the world whilst you can. As you say, Colorado will still be there when you get back. Hopefully the United States of America will be someplace you will want to live when you get back, but that's a discussion for a different day and a different channel.
When I was in the Airforce in the early 80's I went to Colorado Springs. I never left the base and I forgot the name but I never saw bluer skies and I could see shin mountain. It was so amazing.
It’s ok, we feel the same way about Southern Oregon. We are an hour away from Crater Lake National Park and the Oregon coast. Snow capped mountains surround our Rogue Valley. I TOTALLY GET IT
What a voice and what a soul! I was born in Wisconsin, but I lived in Hawaii (Paradise) for three years. In the end, I had to choose and I chose Wisconsin because I love it. For me this is home. Whether you stay or leave Colorado, you may always feel that pull. Some places just call to us. Many of my family have moved to Florida and the constant fear of Hurricanes. They love to send pictures and text about how warm it is in winter. I just laugh and enjoy my seasons. I love your reactions. Good Luck with your decision. Try Calypso!
John Denver played guitar wrote a lot of songs. The real guitar playing is Steve Weisberg. We lost him 8-10 years ago. That is now our official State song.
You guys would probably like “I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado” on the Poems, Prayers and Promises album (1971). It was quite popular but does not get much attention now, based on my very unofficial sampling of music reactions. For many years my grandfather lived just east of the front range in his humble homestead-hay farm which was bounded by three gravel roads and a railroad track. An irrigation ditch ran through the middle of it. He kept a cow, a handful of goats, some chickens, a dog and too many cats. When I was a kid our family spent summers there. We would wake every morning with a million dollar view of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker straight west of us. Pops retired from the CCC and knew the mountains like the back of his hand. He loved taking us on drives through the mountains and was the most well informed guide one could want. And he had stories to tell. A kid could not have had it any better.
You listen to John Denver and it's mostly just him and his guitar. This song has a backing slide guitar, but the song would sound almost the same without it. Amazing what he could do all by himself. It's so sad that he died the way he did. I read the accident report. He had a recently purchased, non mass produced plane on one of his first trips with it. The fuel tank selector switch was above and behind his shoulder and since he was short, he had a hard time reaching it. He was trying to reach it when he lost control and crashed into the Pacific ocean.
Great song by a legendary man. You should listen to a gripping song by him called ‘I’m Sorry’. Devastating and beautiful. He has quite a few great ones.
I was recently in Arizona. I went to see the Grand Canyon, a wonder of the world. If I'd a had a bit more time, I would have gone into Colorado. I really did want to see what you guys describe. Alas, I was disappointed and left with the hope that I do get there someday. And yes, there are songs with such profound lyrics that one really has a sense of being what the artist sings and writes about. These days I travel into Mexico almost on a daily basis. I have family right over the border and in Monterrey Mexico, so yes, when I do go, I've got my eyes peeled and my senses on point. I will say it has gotten so much better but there are days the US issues travel warnings.
I lived near Denver for about 6 months. I would fly home every other weekend but in between on the weekends I would often travel to Estes Park and walk around the Rocky Mountain National Park. As you say - it was always remarkably gorgeous and even exhilarating walking in the park and or driving around the Denver area.
Was lucky to see John twice in Los Angeles: Forum and Universal Amphitheater (still open to Sky) where he ended w these words: peace my friends! Special person .. fabulous singer .. suggest: Poems Prayers and Promises
Are you familiar with Denver-based rock band Sugarloaf? If not, their biggest hit, "Green-Eyed Lady" (long album version, 6:50) is a great place to start. Other stand-out cuts are "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" and "Bach Doors Man/Chest Fever". Lead singer & keyboard player Jerry Corbetta should be a better-known name.
the way Nick is affected emotionally by beautiful music and how you are so tuned into him for it is amazing!
I haven't heard anyone that can write songs about the beauty and majesty of nature the way John Denver. He is a treasure.
In the early 70s we were visiting a friend who was stationed in Colorado Springs. He said we had to hear this new singer. He started the record, and opened his living room drapes. As Rocky Mountain High started, Pikes Peak filled his picture window.❤️
Well, he wasn't a new singer at that time, but new to you and your friend. I'm still discovering great music that I had somehow missed, which is awesome. Especially since there's not much good new music.
@@jackgilchrist he was a relative unknown as far as radio play & sales at the time. I later discovered his earlier albums, like Rhymes & Reason, Poems Prayers and Promises, and liked them even more.
Wow, what a sight to see and a song to hear with it!!
Living in Colorado Springs, I never take the views for granted. It made me smile to see a fresh coat on Pikes Peak yesterday morning. John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High speaks to me and I get goosebumps every time I hear it.
He was special person with an exceptional talent. His music is appreciated across the generations. I and my husband were lucky enough to see him in concert. Granted it was towards the end of his life and his career was on the down low. But the voice had not chamged and was crystal clear. It was at our downtown Riverfront park in our outdoor stage. It was free and the only thing he asked for was donations that would go towards wilderness conservation. We spent the day listening to that beatiful voice and guitar playing flow over the crowd. It was wonderful! Everyone was singing along. Young, old, all ages. And they knew the words. What a loss... RIP John Denver.
It was sad how his career was caught up by the cynicism of that era. Although the cartoon Doonesbury was hilarious, the character based on Hunter S. Thompson must have been very hurtful to John Denver.
John Denver is brilliant
I was lucky enough as a young man to attend a concert that John Denver gave in the early 70's at Red Rock Amphitheater. When John Denver sang this song, he would sing "Rocky Mountain High", and the audience would sing respond back "Colorado". It was one of the best concerts I'd ever attended.
He paints a picture with his words and music. He makes you feel like you are there with him.
Go ahead and cry!! I get choked up every time I hear this song!
John Denver is beauty in simplicity. He is the perfect example of less is more.
Grew up in Oklahoma (flat, hot and dry) and used to listen to this song in the 70's and dream of living in the mountains. Moved to Lake Tahoe, California in 1979. Moved away, moved back four different times, then finally realized this is where I wanted to plant roots in 1998. Not Colorado but one of the most beautiful mountain places on Earth. Enjoyed your reaction to this song, one of my absolute favorites....
1974 I was a college freshman, and had two roomates. I was playing my Moody Blues, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren, Grateful Dead, Yes, ELP, Allman Brothers, and my roommates played John Denver and Jim Croce and nothing else, so this song takes me right back there...
His voice is so relaxing but nothing can match that look Lex gave you when she was rubbing your shoulder. You two are a perfect match. ❤
Absolutely
Hearing this always makes me miss Colorado! It really does look like you can touch the stars when you are up in the Rockies at night My favorite John Denver song is the beautiful Annie’s Song
John makes you cry if you have a soul.
This is John's greatest song, IMO, edging out his other great songs.
I agree (and that's saying a lot). His magnum opus.
Even in low resolution, this girl has such beautiful eyes. They flash like a bright light.
He wrote and recorded a little song for his friends in 1966 called BABE I'VE GOT TO GO (they suggested he change it to LEAVING ON A JET PLANE) and gave records as Christmas gifts - one was delivered into the hands of Peter, Paul and Mary, who also recorded it and made the song and songwriter famous - their cover was a #1 single and their last top 40 hit in 1969, although first recorded in 1967 for their album "Album 1700".
I love PP&M's cover of LOAJP!
I once heard John Denver say that "My Sweet Lady" was his favorite love song, of all he'd ever written. I can't even express how beautiful it is.
I learned My Sweet Lady when it first came out just as close as I could to how he does it and it's one of the few songs that I NEVER tire of playing......
Always loved John. I remember his variety show in the '70s. Despite being Emmy nominated it didn't last long, but the airwaves were saturated with variety shows back then. Everyone and their uncle had one.
I'm sure Colorado is gorgeous. Pretty much anywhere in the Rockies is stunning. Ever been to Alaska? Unbelievably beautiful, at least in South Central where I was. Even where I live in the Washington Cascades I have views of 4 mountains; Rainier, St. Helens (I was here when it erupted in 1980), Adams and Hood.
Colorado may be the most beautiful of the places you've lived (if you like mountains, and who doesn't?), but the world is full of beautiful places of all kinds.
Very true!! Lived in Washington a while too, and also very beautiful. But realized how much I loved the sun I had been running away from 😆
I saw John Denver Dec. 2,1996 First half of show was from his Muppets Christmas Special. 2nd half was all music from his hits.
Love you guys as you well know. I so wish I could grab a time machiine and take you back 50 years, to show you the state he was writing about, before " they tore the mountains down to bring in a couple more, more people, more scars upon the land". It;s a wonderful gorgeous place to be now, but seemed a bit magical and blessed then.
Yes, didn’t talk about this line because I forgot during the reaction, but definitely had grown SO much since my dad and I moved here 25 years ago. Lots of growth has caused lots of scars 😢
Nick, don't worry about crying! I still get goosebumps every time I hear this song! "Though he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly - Rocky Mountain high"
I was just in Colorado to see a concert at Red Rocks and we did everything we could do in a weekend. OMG is Colorado beautiful! As you said going to get gas or drive to Target, so much beauty! ❤❤❤
Since seeing your Country Roads reaction, I am surprised it has taken so long to get to this. John Denver spent the last half of his life in Colorado. He moved to Colorado when he was 27. This is practically the state song.
John Denver did live in Colorado for many years...near Aspen. He wrote a song about it - 'Starwood in Aspen'
His voice is like ambrosia from Olympus.
You two brought tears to my eyes. And I have two beautiful mountain peaks here in southern Colorado that are now snow capped from the recent rains. The huajollas (breasts of the earth) are a sight to take in.
People through time only knew what local to them.. We can now move around across continents. We can talk to anyone in the world. We can have memories from different world. But home is that it is. Great reaction.
I found your reaction this morning and listen as i gazed out the window at the new snow along the front range. Thanks from Castle Rock, Co
Yesss I noticed it too!!! ❤️ 🏔️ Thanks for sharing with us!!
yeah john was a talent, vocaly, musicality, lyricly, n a gd human
I'm in Korea now but grew up in CO. Actually saw you guys at The Musical Box in Denver last year. ..but left well enough alone. Colorado is so very special. His line: more people, more scars upon the land...so real. What a treasure!
Oh what a great show, would have loved to say hi! Totally agree on that line, forgot to talk about it in the video but this many years later so much growth has caused so many scars 😢
I used to live in CO and as a non native I would drive down I-25 and couldn't take my eyes off the mountains... from the Flatirons to Longs Peak. But the natives in the cars next to me never seemed to be looking. When you're not born with mountains in your backyard you really appreciate them.
Yes, this happens to me everyday!!! And when I find myself not doing it I feel guilty for having missed out 🤣
Hi Guys, this is a wonderful album. The title track gets me every time and it's John's voice that triggers the emotion the second he begins that 1st line. After all these decades the effect never diminishes. Another tear jerker is the song "Darcy Farrow", and there is a 5 part final section known as "Season Suite" and in it is the track "Season Suite Late Winter" It's an acoustic guitar instrumental ... it is soooo beautiful, I absolutely adore it and I know you will too. I hope you get to hear it soon. It's 4 minutes of utter bliss. ... Home is where the heart is ! ❤ Byee Jim X
Hi buddy! Good to see you again. Hope all is well with you.
@@raiderfan346 Hey Raider !!!!!! Great to see you too my friend. I am well thankyou. Hope you are good as well. It's good to see John Denver getting some more views. Love this song !! I remember as a kid here in England watching his show every week. He was so good on camera and had a great sense of humour. He was in the movie "Oh God" starring George Burns. Great family film. Take care Raider !! Jim
Growing up in Colorado this was a song that was very commonly sang in High School choirs and such, it was essential music. Thanks for the reaction as always.
“Looking For Space” is a JD song that hits me emotionally. Every time I hear it.
"Saw an eagle fly" I was at Grant-Frontier Park on the Platte in Denver with the dog (and not high). Up the river flew an eagle. I have never been that close and it landed right across the river. Its wing span was immense. It was awesome. I watched as it ate its catch. It said nothing to me, but then I am not Peter Gabriel (Solsbury Hill reference).
John Denver could sure play a sweet guitar. His writing and voice go so well with the guitar. Died to young. R.I.P.
I love I'm Sorry, Its About Time and This Old Guitar are my favourites of John's
Always enjoy listening to you guys analysis of the classics, you're always totally "dialed in"!!! It's a blessing to hear you share your inspiration for music with all of us!!!
You would enjoy much of John's anthology, including "Thank God I'm a Country Boy"
When i was a kid, I received the John Denver songbook and learned to play his songs on the piano. I got so much more pleasure playing these than I did learning and playing European classical music.
Spot on. Never been to Colorado, except when I'm listening to this song. Special
Great reactions. Washington State has a couple mountain ranges that can rival the Rockies ; those being the Olympic and Cascade. The " Grandad " of the Cascase Range { Mnt. Rainer } is the talk of the range. Just be happy that Mnt. Rainer is a very " Deep Sleeper " and not too likely to erupt in any of our lifetimes. If Rainer does erupt it will be very disruptive and bad for so many. When I was in the Boy Scouts our troop camped on Mnt. Rainer for 4 days ; Thursday through Sunday ; that was a very unique experience. I have always been a HUGHE John Denver fan. My first live concert was a John Denver concert in 1985 - at the Seattle Peforming Art Center ; I think that's what it was called at the time. That concert was so good. unfortunately that was the only concert of his I was able to goto. His music was so beautifully crafted to nature and the natural wonders is a major reason I liked his music so much.
I'm not sure they rival the Rockies, but they are certainly beautiful in their own right.
Rainier is overdue for an eruption. She could wake up at any moment... or sleep another few centuries. No one knows.
Our area is overdue for a big earthquake, too.
Agree, Washington is beautiful. Lived there for a while too, but realized how much I missed the sun that I had so been running away from 😆
This is the official state song of Colorado. John Denver was the best ambassador the city of Aspen and the state could ever hope for.
John Denver was amazing! Such a pure soul. You guys should listen to "Sunshine on my Shoulders", "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Calypso" and definitely do "Leaving on a Jet Plane". I went to college in Denver and it has a special place in my heart. John does a great job of bringing that to life.
Yes Eagle and the Hawk
Glad to see someone give a shout out to "Eagles and the Hawk"! I have loved that song since I got his greatest hits album when I was kid back in the 70s. Just the way the music & his voice soars on that song, I always felt like I was flying.
Like so many others, I cry when O hear this song. After growing up in Minnesota but then living in Las Vegas and LA, I moved with my sister in my early 30s to western Maryland. The line in the song that immediately breaks me is, "coming home to a place he'd never been before." That's how the hills, dales and farmlands in rural Maryland felt to me.
I'm a retired stagehand and FOH sound guy and I have litterly seen or worked with everyone from Aerosmith to Zappa. The best concert that I have ever seen was John Denver in 1977 doing theater in the round. Absolute perfection! Give Poems Prayers and Promises a listen...
Off-topic a bit, but did you ever work with Genesis? Just curious.
How wonderful! Let us know if you’d ever like to be on the show, would love to pick your ear on your experiences!
@@NicknLexNever heard the phrase "pick your ear" before! "Pick your brain" maybe...😊
🤣
As soon as he started to sing my eyes filled with tears. Such a wonderful voice. I recommend that you buy a copy of the album “An Evening With John Denver “. Absolutely stunning album that will make you cry and laugh in almost equal measure. The song “Poems, Prayers and Promises” is a real tear jerker. 😥
I lived in Denver for 1.5 years, You're right. It is beautiful there, I liked the the scenery from Denver to Black Hawk, the 550 highway from Durango to Silverton. However, I also like Northwestern Montana, where I have property that showcases 11k ft. mountains.
Nice reaction guys. My favorite of his. No better song to honor a state or place or state of mind. I never get tired of hearing it. This song was actually banned initially for everyone being "high" :).
In my top 10 best songs ever written and yes, I've been there many times, once for a lengthy stay in the Rockies.
"Though he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly...." Beautiful lyrics!
My first concert was in 1974 and was John Denver at Red Rocks. He had a partial orchestra with him in addition to his band. Great way to start my concert attending career. My friend and I actually moved our way down on the stairs to where we were in about the 4th row. I was 15. Never forget it! The cover of the album was shot in Glen Canyon.
Makes me cry. The memories. And I had never been to Colorado.
"Talk to God and listen to the casual reply" has always been one of my favorite lines. John was in touch with divinity via his commune with nature.
This is one of the first John Denver's songs I've heard and I really liked it. I saw him in concert back in 1975 (Yes, I'm an old head). I have several of his albums and they are all great especially the more under the radar album "I Want To Live". Rocky Mountain High is one his biggest hits!
Great reaction!!, I have lived in Colorado my entire life, and John Denver is very special to Colorado Natives like myself , many more songs to cover , wildlife concert footage of all is songs is best !!
I agree with you about Colorado. We spent our honeymoon there September 1978. Thanks for your earnest feelings!
I visited my sister in 1975 who lived in Colorado, when she moved there to Colorado she loved the mountains, she passed away and every time I hear this song I always think about her, miss you beautiful sister.
I live on the east coast but just got back from a 6 week cross country trip. It was my 2nd time going through Colorado and although I went through countless epic places, it was the most picturesque of all of them. Always loved this song.
The last verse is the most powerful and most prophetic: Now his life is full of wonder, but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing, he cannot comprehend
While they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land
And that was more than 50 years ago.
Yes!! Totally forgot to talk about that. If he could see if this many years later, the growth has caused many scars….
My late mother loved John Denver, so I was exposed to him at a young age. I’m 59 now and still listen to John Denver. Check out Starwood in Aspen. One of my favorites. I did visit Colorado in 1993 and yes it is beautiful and yes the difficulty with breathing was a thing😅. But it’s quite memorable when you go from shirtsleeves, take a short drive up a mountain and it’s snowing.
I have heard this beautiful song countless times since it came out, but just now realized that it is probably somewhat autobiographical! "He was born in the summer of his 27th year" (he moved to CO when he was 27), "coming home to a place he'd never been before" (he felt such an affinity to the place that he changed his name to Denver!). I think this song is all about his newly adopted home and how he felt about living there. Duh! Only took me 52 years to figure that out!😂
It is such a beautiful state, I've been there three times, when I was 10, 43, and 50. I have sweet memories of all those trips. It seems you two appreciate your chosen home and make use of its beauty and cultural offerings. John Denver used his gifts to tell us about his love for the place, and you both do the same with your channel! Thanks for a beautiful reaction!
🎵❤️🎵 Debbie
You are correct. The song IS autobiographical. The lyrics "I've seen it raining fire in the sky" is his description of a meteor shower he and his friends saw while camping in the mountains.
The way we lost John was tragic. An experienced pilot, his newly acquired plane ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean in Monterey Bay. The fuel gauge and tank selector valve were not visible and inaccessible from the pilot’s seat.
Johns music hugs my soul❤❤❤
I moved to Grand Jct. Colo. in '73 and first heard this. And I climbed Mt. Garfield one day and nearly froze to death that night. Next day I saw a bald eagles nest jutting out from the cliff, and I saw it take off and fly as it soared up higher circling. Was magical moment. John was great and big part of my youth.
I love the emotion you guys put into your reactions! Thank you for your efforts and company!
I feel the same way about many parts of Northern California. Like Ukiah to (and through) the Oregon Border or San Francisco to San Luis Obispo on Hwy 1 or Lake Tahoe down to Yosemite. Just beautiful! You can beauty everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and look for it.
I lived in Greeley Colorado in 1976 to 1977 and I saw mountains every day.. my best friend from high school lives in Denver..I have 3 nieces and a sweet ex sis in law in Aurora...I met musicians and was a band manager and we toured the state playing bars and honky tonks...my close co worker who is a great man lives in Black Forest near Colorado Springs
I’m really wanting to visit the beautiful state. Can you please give me 5 places I need to visit there?
I love the fact that Enigmatic Ocean is in the backdrop. An Evening With Jon Denver is of the greatest live recordings. Debatable. Worth a listen
You should go find 1977's OH GOD with a hapless grocery store manager, John Denver, who's prayer is answered in the aisles by God, played by George Burns.
And maybe you'll enjoy one of his non-hit jewels on an album, LATE NIGHT RADIO. ruclips.net/video/kL7lePlfrxI/видео.html
Hi guy's, this is Grahame in Haarlem, The Netherlands,
I truly love your "need" to travel. Everyone who has travelled always has a tale to tell. Back in the 1970's/80's I was driving long-haul trucks out from England into mainland Europe. I continually drove a 40ton truck into, and out of: Scotland, Wales, Northern and Southern Ireland, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, (The then Yugoslavia), Greece, and Luxemburg, and I truly loved the job because it was taking me out of rural England to find 'what was over the next hill or around the next bend'. Love your musical postings, please keep them coming!!
Beautiful reaction. Some reactors come off as phony. If you guys weren't being real, you both deserve an Oscar.
Thank you!! ☺️
Fabulous
You two are an awesome couple and it's always special seeing your reactions, but Alexia, my lord, either you've never looked directly in the camera before, or I just wasn't paying attention, but you have the most beautiful eyes. Nick is certainly a very lucky guy, not just for your eyes, of course, but it doesn't hurt that he gets to look into them every day. Bless you two ... I hope you have MANY happy years together !!!
You guys are awesome ❤️
Thank you!! So are you 🙂🙂
They sure are!
I love the true story of his uncle, a song called Matthew. Would be a great one to react to.
Thank you for continuing your musical exploration of the generation I grew up in. These are all very good John Denver songs (also check out "Sunshine On My Shoulder"), however, there are a couple of John Denver songs from his later years that, for some odd reason, few people seem to know about. At least I stumbled across them by accident, and, they are great songs. "Heart to Heart" and "I Want To Live".
High may refer to Marijuana, but in high was also said to express things that made you feel good, nature, art, good times, ect in our common slang then. Or it marijuana which wasn't a rarity either.
Beautiful song in any case
Sunshine on My Shoulder is another of his you will love.
You should check out the video version some time with great footage of the Rockies.
John Denver - Rocky Mountain High (1972)
ruclips.net/video/TtFwqnaPqXY/видео.html
I feel the same in Washington. I have a view of Mt. Rainier out of my window, I also live 2 miles from Puget Sound. I can see the Olympics and the Cascade mts. from anywhere in my city. You would Love Washington or Oregon even Northern California. I feel this song to my core.
Wonderful guitar work by John and guy named Mike Taylor. "Season Suite: Late Winter Early Spring (When Everybody Goes To Mexico)" is a personal favorite from this album. Also highly recommend "Calypso".
We live in the North Cascade Mountains, Mt Baker is literally our backyard. I understand how you feel about Colorado. We'll never leave here, but we're long retired now. You're young, go ahead and discover the world whilst you can. As you say, Colorado will still be there when you get back. Hopefully the United States of America will be someplace you will want to live when you get back, but that's a discussion for a different day and a different channel.
Come to North Carolina. You have it all. Mountains, foothills, and the coast. And a lot of history. Wonderful music.
Live over here in Golden. Everything you said about this place is so true.
When I was in the Airforce in the early 80's I went to Colorado Springs. I never left the base and I forgot the name but I never saw bluer skies and I could see shin mountain. It was so amazing.
Shian mountain
Shian mountain
It’s ok, we feel the same way about Southern Oregon. We are an hour away from Crater Lake National Park and the Oregon coast. Snow capped mountains surround our Rogue Valley. I TOTALLY GET IT
What a voice and what a soul! I was born in Wisconsin, but I lived in Hawaii (Paradise) for three years. In the end, I had to choose and I chose Wisconsin because I love it. For me this is home. Whether you stay or leave Colorado, you may always feel that pull. Some places just call to us. Many of my family have moved to Florida and the constant fear of Hurricanes. They love to send pictures and text about how warm it is in winter. I just laugh and enjoy my seasons. I love your reactions. Good Luck with your decision. Try Calypso!
“You know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly.” That one resonates!
Triple whammy... It's our State Song!
John Denver played guitar wrote a lot of songs. The real guitar playing is Steve Weisberg. We lost him 8-10 years ago. That is now our official State song.
Nick your reaction while you were listening made me tear up
I’ve been waiting since your first John Denver song for you to react to this one.
You guys would probably like “I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado” on the Poems, Prayers and Promises album (1971). It was quite popular but does not get much attention now, based on my very unofficial sampling of music reactions.
For many years my grandfather lived just east of the front range in his humble homestead-hay farm which was bounded by three gravel roads and a railroad track. An irrigation ditch ran through the middle of it. He kept a cow, a handful of goats, some chickens, a dog and too many cats. When I was a kid our family spent summers there. We would wake every morning with a million dollar view of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker straight west of us. Pops retired from the CCC and knew the mountains like the back of his hand. He loved taking us on drives through the mountains and was the most well informed guide one could want. And he had stories to tell. A kid could not have had it any better.
You listen to John Denver and it's mostly just him and his guitar. This song has a backing slide guitar, but the song would sound almost the same without it. Amazing what he could do all by himself. It's so sad that he died the way he did. I read the accident report. He had a recently purchased, non mass produced plane on one of his first trips with it. The fuel tank selector switch was above and behind his shoulder and since he was short, he had a hard time reaching it. He was trying to reach it when he lost control and crashed into the Pacific ocean.
Great song by a legendary man. You should listen to a gripping song by him called ‘I’m Sorry’. Devastating and beautiful. He has quite a few great ones.
I was recently in Arizona. I went to see the Grand Canyon, a wonder of the world. If I'd a had a bit more time, I would have gone into Colorado. I really did want to see what you guys describe. Alas, I was disappointed and left with the hope that I do get there someday. And yes, there are songs with such profound lyrics that one really has a sense of being what the artist sings and writes about. These days I travel into Mexico almost on a daily basis. I have family right over the border and in Monterrey Mexico, so yes, when I do go, I've got my eyes peeled and my senses on point. I will say it has gotten so much better but there are days the US issues travel warnings.
I lived near Denver for about 6 months. I would fly home every other weekend but in between on the weekends I would often travel to Estes Park and walk around the Rocky Mountain National Park. As you say - it was always remarkably gorgeous and even exhilarating walking in the park and or driving around the Denver area.
Was lucky to see John twice in Los Angeles: Forum and Universal Amphitheater (still open to Sky) where he ended w these words: peace my friends! Special person .. fabulous singer .. suggest: Poems Prayers and Promises
The 1st album I owned was JD. Lovely great arrangements, beautiful voice.
I get you about the mountains greetings from WV
Are you familiar with Denver-based rock band Sugarloaf? If not, their biggest hit, "Green-Eyed Lady" (long album version, 6:50) is a great place to start. Other stand-out cuts are "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" and "Bach Doors Man/Chest Fever". Lead singer & keyboard player Jerry Corbetta should be a better-known name.
Cool contacts, Lex!!!!