I was born in 1966 and grew up listening to my mother play John Denver and Glen Campbell records in the 1970s. She died young from cancer, and when I hear songs from these artists, they always remind me of her.
Lost my dad at 12 years old. I hear certain songs and it’s like he’s riding in the truck with me. Crazy how music can bring you right back in a place and time so long ago. My condolences- remember, when you’re listening, mom is too.
@@billyshakespeare17unfair statement ,Denver was piloting a prototype lightweight plane and something went wrong with the plane .Denver was a good pilot .
I am from Portugal. During my high school years, I had a dear friend named Clara, whose brother worked on a farm in the USA. He once sent her an old John Denver cassette tape. Both of us owned a Sony Walkman, and we would sit together on the bus ride home from school, singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and dreaming of America. And guess what? We made it. Clara now resides in New York, and I'm in California. John Denver never knew how much he inspired us. His beautiful songs truly made him a tremendous icon of American culture, embodying the spirit of this magnificent country's better days. May he rest in peace.
I sang Annie’s Song in the late 70s in my school glee club. That’s how I was introduced to John Denver. As a black kid from Detroit, I was the odd one out because I fell in love with his music….
❤ Awesome I remember too we had high-school gong show competition I did Weird AL Yoda and had several other acts. Score was close for Grand Finally we recruited a nerd 🤓 was unpopular kid. He played guitar 🎸 and Sang ANNIES SONG OMG we HE 🏆 WON HE SOUNDED JUST LIKE JOHN DENVER. Everyone was in shock mouths to floor. STUNNED. 😆 Acused. Him of doing a Lip Sinc. Was nice as this guy was no longer a lonely outcast kid in school and made many friends and brought him out of his shell
I felt so lucky to have sang with John Denver on stage the year before he died. We were a small local group of kids who did a couple of christmas songs with him during his concert. He was so nice to all of us.
Very cool! My maternal grandparents loved Denver's music. There wasn't a day where they didn't play at least one of his songs when listening through their cassette and vinyl collection.
Back around 1996 (I was 20 😳) I worked as an assistant manager at a pizza restaurant. The restaurant had a jukebox and the guy would come to empty the money and change on CDs once a month. I begged him for idk how many months to put John Denver in there and he would just laugh at me. Finally, he relented and put in JDs greatest hits. A few months later he came in the back and said “I owe you an apology. That John Denver CD has been the number 1 played CD on that jukebox every month since I put it in” I just smiled and said YEP! Everyone loves ole JD!!!!!! Thanks for the video Professor!!!!
I saw John Denver at Red Rocks in 81. I was 11 years old, taken there by my mother. That night, that place, and that voice together combined into the greatest gift my mother ever gave to me in her short life; the gift of music.
The first ever male singer to bring me tears. God the 70's was the best time to grow up. Early 80's Gets a close second. John made the difference for me.
Yes, he made a world of a difference to me too. The 70's was a fantastic time to be alive. I was so fortunate to see John in concert several times too. I will always cherish those times.
I saw him in 81 and he let his band take a break while he grabbed his chair and guitar and continued to entertain us. It was the best part of the show. He had his demons but it just makes him more relatable. I cried the day he died. He meant so much to the world. Whenever I’m in the mountains I still put his greatest hits on my radio. Love him and thanks for covering his story.
Thank you for this, Professor. I have been a John Denver fan since the Rocky Mountain High album release in 1973. When my husband and I married In 1986, our church had a rule that no secular music could be played during the wedding ceremony; however, they made an exception for an instrumental version of Annie’s Song which our organist played on the harp. The memory fills my heart to this day. ❤
When I arrived in the USA , I didn’t speak a single word of English. Since my arrival and the need to support my family, I wouldn't waste time going to school to learn English , working low paying jobs, I work factories, cafeteries and dinner trying to make ends meet. Knowing well that English will give me the opportunity to get a better job . I started learning . I have three English teachers. Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon and John Denver . Driven to and from jobs listen to them on cassettes , written words that were new to me ,memorize them and conjugate them up . Annie's song was one of my favorites . “ You fill up my senses , like night in the forest . Like mountains in springtime , like walk in the rain ‘ Beautiful , do I always would love to ask John of the following sentence ( like storm in the desert) always took me aback , because let me tell you a storm in the desert ain’t not pleasant , well not even the greatest poet get it right 100 % of the time. Missing you John .
@abouttime1967 First, I want to say I have great admiration for your dedicated hard work to make ends meet, supporting your family and learning English as an immigrant to the USA. Regarding Like A Storm In The Desert line, it's all a matter of perspective. My wife and I were moving from California to Texas in 1981 when we stopped in New Mexico at Carlsbad Caverns. Upon coming out of the Cavern in late afternoon and looking down on the plains we saw a storm crossing the desert that I will never forget. It was magnificent power and beauty at the same time. I don't recall how high up in the mountain we were above the plains of the desert, hundreds of feet, maybe close to a thousand feet up, it may have seemed like that high, but the thunderstorm was a good 8-10 miles away and we watched it drift across the plain watching the bolts of lightning with sheets of rain. Yet in front of the storm and off into the distance we can see it was clear. We had an incredible view of the thunderstorm. Like I mentioned earlier it was watching power and beauty at the same time. So when I hear Like A Storm In The Desert line, I think of this particular storm and it helps me understand what JD may have meant by this line. BTW, my wife and I have been blessed to still be happily married 44 years now.
John merely said she filled up his senses. I think he meant that she could be like a storm in the desert, at times and it wasn't necessarily meant to be positive, but definitely descriptive.
I understand the powerful imagen of a storm looking from afar and the metaphorics people try to insinuate , still for me crossing a desert in my youth, with my father on two mules . getting trapped for 16 hours of wind, dirt ,heat , your eyes getting shut ,skin burning and the incessant howling piercing the night… To my ,call me crazy…ain’t pleasant.
My granddaughter recently walked down the aisle to Annie’s Song at her wedding. It gave me goosebumps and it shows how much this song transcends generations.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard about John Denver’s death. I cried so hard. His emotion-filled songs about his own life will live on forever, just like he will in our hearts.
Never been in any closet, in regards to John Denver's music- in fact, I've been an out-spoken critic of certain people in the music industry that used to rip on him- and which hurt him, more than he ever let on. It was just the TIMING of when he became famous, and the messages that began to be developed, that were at the center of much of this. When I say something like, "Steve Perry is one of THE greatest vocalists of all time? It's because of John Denver- and I've always made that VERY clear. His clarity, strength, and range, are unmatched. As is his story-telling/songwriting/& over-all artistry. And that man could play his instruments. It was his love of 12 string guitars, that got me addicted, and I LOVE playing, "Rhymes & Reasons" on mine. Took me quite some time, to learn to play that song just like he does. John Denver, as with the majority of musicians, just wanted to be accepted as an artist- Sadly, many a-holes exist in this world, excuse my French- and certain people just wouldn't allow that to happen- What Rich did, was a disgrace- mainly to himself. John was an environmentalist, this is true- but NOT in the way that was beginning to take over at that time- Those were Eco-"warriors" they called them- I did not. I called them what they were- Eco-Terrorists. John Denver did it RIGHT, and did his best to show HOW you care for this planet we live on- as one would with anything you wish to see thrive and remain healthy. The very best Environmentalists in the world? OUTDOORSMEN. That's right- those that basically LIVE the outdoors- not idiot politicians, nor radical groups, with fluffy names. John Denver loved Annie deeply. It's the BS of being famous/on-the-road for VERY long stretches, etc., that, BACK THEN, would get to people over time- male & female alike. They didn't have the tools we do today, that could help ease a lot of the pressures that come with this kind of rigorous choice of making a living. There are NO excuses for anyone cheating. Ever. I'm just saying, it WAS harder back then, than today- And as far as that "Chainsaw" Incident? The entire story should be known as well- What happened was this: Annie wanted some trees, but one tree in particular, GONE. But this was John's favorite tree, and he put his foot down on this one, simple thing. Well, he came back from one of his trips, and Annie had cut them all down. THIS is what set him off- So.. he just used the same tool, to return the favor- not as, "INSANE" as some like to make it out as. - Can't just go put that tree back where it was now, right? Of course John knew it was wrong, and that he shouldn't have gone that far- But.. well, sometimes? We can all just lose a nut or two, ya know? And If I remember right? He actually took out the kitchen table, first. The bed was a "bonus", for the other trees... ..
Love your comment and so many truths in it, that others simply look past. I said earlier in my comment about 2 sides to every divorce. People know how to push buttons to get a wanted reaction...
John travelled to Australia were John met Olivia N John. They made shows together… but it grew to something more❤ the Press told about that and Anie got to know. That’s when she decided to chop down his three big trees that he loved so much…. Indeed he was a sensitive artist but a unreliable man…😮
@@lindacosta3265 As were all artists of that time period, male & female. As I said, they didn't have the ways to communicate back then, and months could go by, in-between home & the road. NOT any kind of excuse, but some people are slightly weaker than others. Couple this, with the, "beauty" & availability that comes with "celebrity", and you have a mixture for infidelity that is extremely volatile. In addition, when men do things of this nature? The mass majority of the time, it actually means nothing whatsoever to them- just a brief respite for the loneliness- Again NOT any kind of excuse- For women, however? They are literally born to care, and for coupling to MEAN something- it's called "Pair Bonding". Women can lie, and pretend they're the same as men, that it, "meant nothing"? But they're only lying to themselves. BOTH are wrong, regardless.
My first born grand daughters name is Sunshine. I would put John Denver on and sing along (I think my voice made her comatose 😁) while putting her to sleep....
John Denver is a national treasure, a poet, a singer, a humanitarian. The world lost much when he died, but thankfully his music, his message lives on. He was a fabulous performer and I privileged to attend his concerts.
I remember when John Denver spoke at the Senate hearing against the PMRC, when Tipper Gore & other senators wives were upset about music lyrics. Apparently the other musicians were worried he would be for being for musicians watering down their music since he was so squeaky clean. But nope, he was for the musicians rights to write what they want.
As a devoted hard rock-heavy metal fanatic, John Denver's awesome music can take me right to a happy place that I never want to leave. I absolutely LOVE John Denver, and America is a better nation because of him and his gift of music he has given us
From a young age of 7, I fell in love with John Denver's music. I still remember hearing for the first time "Country Roads" back in 1971. I was sitting between my grandparents in the truck driving through my grandpa's home state of West Virginia. When that song came on the radio I couldn't stop myself from singing along. I remember my first JD album on cassette tape. A birthday gift from Mom & Dad on my 9th birthday. I played it over & over & over. I loved every song! Fast forward to December 18, 1988. I got to see JD perform live at the Richfield Coliseum (now closed) in NE Ohio. I believe it was his "Higher Ground" tour. JD had the purest pitch perfect voice & so beautiful to hear in person! His voice was so strong that it drowned out all the instruments. Being the Christmas season, JD had a local high school choir on stage performing with him. It was a night I will forever remember with much love & appreciation for such a gifted singer & songwriter. I remember the day JD died when his plane crashed. I cried for days. Every time I hear or play his music I cry. I am now 60 and still cry when I hear his voice - I'd know it in a heartbeat! I am crying now as I write this. I'm not mental, I just love great music. I enjoy a very wide range. Music for every event, emotion, etc. I grew up with music always playing. I can't even imagine a world without it. JD may be gone from our presence, but his music will live on! Thank you POR for recognizing John Denver & his beautiful music. 💕💕🎶🎶🎶
You're not mental, I still can't even listen to his music after he died cuz it reminds me of a time when I hadn't a care in the world & lived every day in a constant state of happiness 💔
John thought he could just keep cheating on his wife, feeling bad about it, and writing a song to "apologise", instead of doing what would have actually made a difference: stop mistreating and cheating on his wife. She was smart to divorce him.
@@stephaniechaffin1154Love is an action, not simply a feeling. If you make a commitment to someone (i.e. marriage,) but choose again and again not to keep that commitment, then your actions show you don’t truly love the person, despite the feelings you espouse. People make mistakes. But, continuing to make the same hurtful choice again and again is not a sign of love.
@@tb7077 He had his struggles with alcohol for sure. Often those things go together. (At the time of his death as a pilot his pilot license had been revoked due to multiple DUI.)
@@purplelove392 The circumstances did not indicate self off. He was at an active airport practicing take off and landing (touch-and-go) in a new airplane - that is he was in a visible location. He lost control of that airplane because he was unfamiliar with a couple of differences between it and his past planes.
On a cruise last year, everyone in the piano bar was belting out “Take Me Home Country Road”, even my 23 year old son and his friends were singing along. I thought it was crazy how every generation knew the song. John Denver is timeless.
I had an American Eskimo dog named Rufus who absolutely LOVED John Denver. She would ride in my old truck with her head stuck out of the sliding back window, but she would always keep one ear inside to listen to her beloved John Denver CD. Her absolute favorite song was‘Sunshine’.
No matter how rambunctious she was, the instant she heard ‘Sunshine’, she would stop and listen to it. More often than not she’d be hanging out the back window, and fall sound asleep.
John Denver was already growing in popularity when I was in Jr. High, early seventies. I always remember 7th grade gym, learning basic gymnastics, and my friend Mary did her floor routine to The Eagle and the Hawk. I can't think of any favorite songs, because they were all favorites! I sang Annie's Song and For Baby (For Bobby) as lullabies for my children. My mom's C&W band played an excellent version of Country Roads back in the day, and now near the end of her life, she can't listen to it without crying. I could go on and on, John Denver's songs are interwoven into the tapestries of my family and friends' lives.
One of my earliest memories is watching 'John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together '. The Christmas album that came out of that has gotten constant play in our house ever since.
I love John and I was crushed when he died. I can never understand why people picked on him so much. He wrote great songs and was a nice person that cared for the world we live in. We lost at lot when he died. I hope he is resting in peace. I LOVE YOU JOHN.
@@christophereverett2112 I don’t know about making me cry but Calypso always touches my soul. Reminds me of my childhood watching Jacques Cousteau on the TV. Loved that show.
My dad played Country Roads endlessly, along with the songs of John Denver. At dad's memorial, family and friends belted Country Roads out with tears and smiles. Annie's Song is beautiful and every one of his songs is a timestamp on my life.
I grew up in the 1970s. Both John Denver and Barry Manilow were my musical heroes. I wanted to be like them. I went on to be a music teacher. I still love to sing and play the piano and the guitar - just for the fun of it! I am very grateful to both of these musicians for the joy and inspiration to express myself through music that they both gave to me because they shared their music with the world!
John Denver is a kind of one of a kind singer. I know of no one nowadays who can even come close to his sheer musical ability and his thirst for really fine poetry. To wrap all of that into a single package and then put the most beautiful harmonies to it is really astounding, It is really a God thing.
Such a great musician & song writer. The world lost a huge ray of sunshine when he passed. But we are left with his beautiful works that will remain relevant no matter the passing of time. 🤠
I was a huge John Denver fan back in the day. Cried buckets when he died. Even once dated a man who could have been his twin. I still love his music and the memories hearing it evokes.
My Choral Director in High School described John Denver as the "Best Friend a Song could ever have!" That Quote has always stuck out to me, because of how much of a perfectionist he was as a vocal coach. His respect led me to re-evaluate John Denver's music with a better ear. I then became a Fan. His passing was a tragic loss to music.
Don't forget Denver's touching performance as God's everyman in "Oh, God." (1977). There was talk of a movie star career for Denver, but it didn't come to pass. For whatever else the man was, he was never gonna be Harrison Ford. But I still love him and George Burns together in "Oh, God."
In some interviews I remember, John Denver at times looked like he was holding some anger in. He was so great in the movie "Oh God" with George Burns. I remember him being a promoter of the Arbor Day Foundation too. What people will remember about him most is his music. And that's the way it should be
John Denver was a huge influence on my life from 1971 on through those turbulent years that followed. He influenced my music (playing and singing). He was a provider of a bit of peace and tranquility in those early years and someone that you just liked listening to. When i learned that he died in that plane crash I actually cried, just a little. I miss him and his music If he were to hear your tribute, today, he just might say "FAR OUT". his well known expression, repeated by many who loved and enjoyed him.
I grew up listening to John Denver, still listen to him…the day he died was a terrible day….it still makes me cry. His music brought my family together, all of us singing his music.
I was born in Greeley in 71. Lived in Longmont and Commerce City. There's NOTHING like waking up and looking at the Rockies all day! John Denver was a big part of my musical youth. Rocky Mountain High always makes me homesick. The Colorado of my youth is gone sadly, but I have find memories of my home state the way it was. There are few celebrities/artists that I feel anything for when they die, but John Denver was definitely one of them. Thank you Professor for bringing up good memories today. JJ -South Alabama
j.j. my younget sister goes to music with an altitude most every year photos pretty amazing shame about valley controversy saw on news divided community but she loves the town i hope to go one day as said my late mom went to school.in fairhope saw profile in southern living my sisters went nice pleasant town also
Yep, I knew it, he wrote and sang some beautiful words. You didn’t have to understand the words, just the music told you all you needed to know about these songs. I was shocked when he died the way he did, I was especially surprised that he didn’t have a pilot’s license, that he was so reckless and could have killed others in his haste to fly an experimental aircraft that he was unfamiliar with. I remember that my 14 year old son made me promise to not let his friends know that he liked John Denver, he is in his 40s now and still listens to John Denver. Great show as usual Adam, thank you so much.RIP John Denver
If your open to it his music will take on a journey like your living the song .Especially Rocky mountain high on a cool crisp fall day that song takes me to the rocky mountain.would anyone agree ??
Thank you, Professor of Rock, for having class. John Denver was in the stratosphere of the greatest singers and song writers ever. Recognizing this fact makes you legit, and me grateful, from one John Denver fan to another, for the acknowledgment.
One of my biggest regret’s was not going to a John Denver concert! The crazy part is that I live only a few miles away from Red Rocks Amphitheater here in Colorado where he would play almost every summer. Love you John Rest in Peace
I was blessed to see John Denver live in concert several times, including a concert at Red Rocks with the Denver Symphony. In 1997 I traveled to Aspen to attend his memorial service. John Denver's music was a huge part of my life in the 70s
Thank you for featuring him! His music touches my soul. I have a very eclectic taste in music and he is at the top of his genre for me. I have no problem telling anybody that he's one of my favorite singers. RIP John.
I really appreciate this video!🙏…I played ‘sunshine on my shoulders’ while in labor with my first born son in 1980☺️…I’ll love John Denver FOREVER!!!🙏😔😥
John Denver was my first concert when I was 9 months old. I’ve been hooked since birth. He was the biggest star in America when I was born. Thanks, POR! ❤️
I truly loved him. I was devastated when he died. I was in my mid twenties when Calypso came out, and that song was my go-to song for a road trip. I’ve just recently been able to listen to him…the images his music painted (for me) were so beautiful, intimate, private, joyous, and fun that I couldn’t listen to him without an overwhelming feeling of loss and sadness. I can listen to him now-just a little.
THIS is why I love Professor of Rock! He loves ALL music, just as I did growing up. POR gives us great stories from artists of all genres. John Denver is righteous...FAR OUT!
I am not a fan of country music but John Denver has a special place in my love for music. Unfortunately younger people don’t appreciate his music like they should. “Sunshine On My Shoulder” is one of my favorites.
My Mom died 5 years ago and John Denver was her absolutely favorite music artist. I have tons of memories as a child associated with his music because it was always playing in our house. Hearing the music today however brought up the painful reminder of my Mom's passing, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the best music in the world.
When I was a kid John Denver’s Greatest Hits seamed to be in everyone’s house. My friend once joked that there was an 8Track tape of that album that came with every car sold in the 70s
It would be hard to overstate how popular John Denver was in his time, with his "Aw-Shucks" boyish folksiness and songs that just SOARED. His performances with The Muppets were the best their TV series ever produced. His death in a plane crash was mourned by an entire planet. In 1981, during our first time making love - my girlfriend, Wendy and I had John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" album on the turntable. Some things you never forget. Though Wendy and I never married, we're good friends over 40 years later. Thanks, John!
Rest In Peace Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997), Professionally Known As John Denver . . . Thank You For All Of Your Beautiful, Wonderful, And Magical Songs, And Your Musical Appearances On The Muppets Show, Sesame Street, And Others, Which I Cannot Remember Right Now, And In Your Fantastic John Denver Concert Specials, And Your Wild Life Concert Specials, And Your Christmas Specials, And In Your Amazing, And Funny Oh' God Movies, Which Made My Growing Up Through The 1970's, And Into The 1980's A More Fun Time For Me To Grow Up, While Singing Along To Your Amazing Beautiful Music . . . 🙂 Rest In Peace Mr. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., aka The Fantastic, And Amazing Voiced Guitar Playing Hero Singer-Songwriter John Denver . . . :-)
"Annie's Song" is a great love song. I've always been a major John Denver fan and love his music. In fact, John Denver's Greatest Hits Album is one of the very first albums I got which started my record collection. The 1970's was the decade of the singer-songwriter and John was one of the very best.
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr I'm doing well. I hope everything is okay with you. Out of all of my greatest Hits albums collections, John Denver's has always been one of my favorites. John had one of the the great male singing voices. It was soaring, comforting, smooth, and angelic. I've always described him as the male equivalent to Karen Carpenter. That's the type of musical talent that we were so lucky to grow up with during the 1970's.
@@stephenhanft1226 Sorry the power went off but I agree 💯. John and Karen are my favorite singers. I'm excited to see the last concert my daughter and I have planned this year. I've seen Jeff Dunham and Rick Springfield and Richard Marx so far. All great shows.
JD was one of the musicians I listened to on my parents' 8-track player in the living room. And he was the first concert I went to see in '85 in Daytona, Florida. Love his music ❤️🎶
Alcohol is a beast..this truth about john is a sober reminder that a simle suggestion and willingness to get sober .would have extended annies song longevity
Thank you, Adam, for such a great program on John Denver. His music got me through the death of my older brother, (twenty at the time of his death, I was thirteen) and calmed my psyche when my Mother went spiraling down into alcohol abuse from the tragedy. His love, not just for Annie but for of all living things, including people, taught me that my inner sense of direction was correct: we are on this planet to love all things, rejoice in both their and our wonder and, above all, to live life the best way that you can. I celebrated his musical victories and wept when he was crushed by life, but I marveled that he still persevered and did well. He was one of the major reasons I took up the guitar and started to write my own music. I did not pursue a musical career myself but the musical inspiration he installed in me gave me a way to express myself that I never would have had. Denver, Dan Fogelberg and Kris Kristofferson are my trinity of music excellence. His music actually defies categorization and will always be buoyant and timeless! I still listen to his albums to this day! 😊
John Denver was an absolute legend at the tiny college I attended in St Peter, MN (Gustavus Adolphus) because it was there that he met Annie, then a student there, while he was doing the college circuit in MN. He and his friends are said to have serenaded Annie from the ground outside her dorm window (Uhler Hall). His MN years are barely a footnote in his life, kind of like Bob Dylan. At least Prince stayed:)
Couldn't stand John Denver as a teenager. Then I grew up. Now much of his music speaks to me and connects to me in a way I'd never have thought possible when I was 15.
Another staple of mom’s vinyl collection. My folks would take my kids on summer vacations and played John Denver on the trips. It’s always the quiet ones…❤
I found John Denver’s music again last year. I’m not sure how I didn’t catch on years ago. I get excited whenever I hear his songs on whatever I’m listening to at the moment. Thank you for sharing this!
So glad you did this!!! John Denver's music will always be amazing!! Saw him in concert & loved it! His music is timeless & he is missed!!! Love songs, "Annie's Song", "Time In A Bottle"-Jim Croce, "Color My World"-Chicago, "Send Her My Love"-Journey, "I'll Never Let You Go"-Steelheart, "I Will Always Love You"-Dolly Parton, "I Still Love You"(?)-KISS.
This is an artist that, while I appreciate his talent in his music style, I wasn't a big fan of pop or sentimental songs. I was a devout "hard rock" fan. John Denver (RIP) was as good as there was in his genre. It seems that stardom and celebrity take a toll on celebrities, relationship issues, drug issues, even mental health issues seem to plague a lot of great talent.....The "27 club" is a prime example . Great upload, John deserves to be remembered.
John was one of the most prolific song writers ever! It's been proven over and over by the adoration from the fans and the number one songs stacked on top of each other.
I ❤ John Denver's music. Annie's Song is beautiful. I must mention Perhaps Love from Seasons of the Heart LP in 1982. Perhaps Love wasn't a single, but Annie Martel said in an interview, this is her favorite song John Denver wrote for her. When Annie and the Aspen community made the John Denver Sanctuary memorial (song garden) The evergreen tree in the center symbolizes John's spirit. On each side of the tree is Annie's Song and Perhaps Love. Perhaps Love is about forgiveness. I visited his memorial October 2023.
First time I heard this song it blew a fresh breeze of mountain air past my face and caress my hair. Tears would roll down my cheeks as I recall all the beautiful moments of the Colorado Rockies. I'll always remember this John. RIP😭
Count me with the millions who were too cool to like John Denver at the height of his success. I felt bad about it 20+ years later when he died under particularly disturbing circumstances. But I am so grateful for being able to outlive some of my adolescent hangups. I've watched many of your shows, but none is more meaningful than this one.
Saw him in concert in Louisville in early 70’s - Starland Vocal Band was on before him. Afternoon Delight was introduced. John 0:560:56 Denver was genuine and had a pure voice. Had great hits. Unfortunately fell into the trap of fame. God rest his soul!
Good morning. Because there was no vid yesterday this birthday wish is slightly belated. Happy Anniversary of your Arrival, Adam. Hope you had a wonderful day.
Listened to John Denver as a little girl and it was music my dad and I shared a love for. His music will always hold a very special place in my heart. He really should have received a lot more respect for his incredible talent.
❤🎉 Just wishing everyone a great day. And thankful John didn't hide in Denver. 😂😂 Have a great day classmates, and always be grateful with what you have and can do/be. ❤
What a beautiful tribute to an incredible song by an equally incredible artist that was taken from us far to soon!!! John Denver really was the real deal, and his music was just so amazing!!! Great episode Adam!!!
I know a story about JD calling a Girl Scout a "peasant" when she was trying to present a plaque to him from her troup backstage at a concert and it really turned me off to him. It was just cruel. So I believe he had a unpredictable temper. I love his music, but don't think much of him as a person.
I remember watching country singer Charlie Rich set the envelope on fire either at the Grammys or the AMC awards in protest of JD winning with Thank God I'm a Country Boy, and it really made me mad because I liked both artists. However, one has to remember there was a backlash within a small group of country artists in the early to mid-70s who didn't like the "hippie rockers" coming in and "ruining" country music; John Denver was one target. And like the Bee Gees and disco, oversaturation and changing music tastes caused the backlash against JD. Had he lived, he would have had a massive comeback like Johnny Cash had and would have finally gotten the recognition similar to what the Carpenters are now finally getting. He is long overdue for a second assessment of his music.
Poll; What is your pick for the GREATEST Love Song EVEr or Song about UNREQUITED LOVE?
Nazareth - Love Hurts
Rodney Crowell - What Kind Of Love
Scorpions - Still Loving You
You Are, Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey Richie.
Joe Cocker "You Are So Beautiful"
Elton John - Your Song.
runnerups: Bonnie Raitt, “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, Harry Nilsson- “Without You”.
Suddenly - Billy Ocean
I was born in 1966 and grew up listening to my mother play John Denver and Glen Campbell records in the 1970s. She died young from cancer, and when I hear songs from these artists, they always remind me of her.
Cancer sucks! So sorry.
My deepest condolences 😢❤
Lost my dad at 12 years old. I hear certain songs and it’s like he’s riding in the truck with me. Crazy how music can bring you right back in a place and time so long ago. My condolences- remember, when you’re listening, mom is too.
Born in 62. I grew up listening to him, too.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980-Yes it does.It took some people I loved.It has taken the loved ones from too many people.
John Denver had an angelic voice and doesn’t get the respect and accolades that he deserves. The world is a lesser place without him and his music
NO question.
Unfortunately his pilot skills are similar to Harrison Ford's.
@@billyshakespeare17unfair statement ,Denver was piloting a prototype lightweight plane and something went wrong with the plane .Denver was a good pilot .
@@AudiophileTommyi saw that in the doc. a few months ago on pbs was a proto
Listening to his voice is like heaven.
I am from Portugal. During my high school years, I had a dear friend named Clara, whose brother worked on a farm in the USA. He once sent her an old John Denver cassette tape. Both of us owned a Sony Walkman, and we would sit together on the bus ride home from school, singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and dreaming of America. And guess what? We made it. Clara now resides in New York, and I'm in California. John Denver never knew how much he inspired us. His beautiful songs truly made him a tremendous icon of American culture, embodying the spirit of this magnificent country's better days. May he rest in peace.
I sang Annie’s Song in the late 70s in my school glee club. That’s how I was introduced to John Denver. As a black kid from Detroit, I was the odd one out because I fell in love with his music….
❤ Awesome I remember too we had high-school gong show competition I did Weird AL Yoda and had several other acts. Score was close for Grand Finally we recruited a nerd 🤓 was unpopular kid. He played guitar 🎸 and Sang ANNIES SONG OMG we HE 🏆 WON HE SOUNDED JUST LIKE JOHN DENVER. Everyone was in shock mouths to floor. STUNNED. 😆 Acused. Him of doing a Lip Sinc.
Was nice as this guy was no longer a lonely outcast kid in school and made many friends and brought him out of his shell
I felt so lucky to have sang with John Denver on stage the year before he died. We were a small local group of kids who did a couple of christmas songs with him during his concert. He was so nice to all of us.
Awesome! Thank you for sharing your story with us! ✌🏼😊
Where at?
Very cool! My maternal grandparents loved Denver's music. There wasn't a day where they didn't play at least one of his songs when listening through their cassette and vinyl collection.
@@christomlinson3074 ON STAGE WITH THE MAN WUD HAVE BEEN MAGIC. I SING WITH HIM ON RUclips AND CDs. LUCKY BOY YOU ARE.
Back around 1996 (I was 20 😳) I worked as an assistant manager at a pizza restaurant. The restaurant had a jukebox and the guy would come to empty the money and change on CDs once a month. I begged him for idk how many months to put John Denver in there and he would just laugh at me. Finally, he relented and put in JDs greatest hits. A few months later he came in the back and said “I owe you an apology. That John Denver CD has been the number 1 played CD on that jukebox every month since I put it in” I just smiled and said YEP! Everyone loves ole JD!!!!!! Thanks for the video Professor!!!!
I saw John Denver at Red Rocks in 81. I was 11 years old, taken there by my mother. That night, that place, and that voice together combined into the greatest gift my mother ever gave to me in her short life; the gift of music.
The first ever male singer to bring me tears. God the 70's was the best time to grow up. Early 80's Gets a close second. John made the difference for me.
Yes, he made a world of a difference to me too. The 70's was a fantastic time to be alive. I was so fortunate to see John in concert several times too. I will always cherish those times.
I saw him in 81 and he let his band take a break while he grabbed his chair and guitar and continued to entertain us. It was the best part of the show. He had his demons but it just makes him more relatable. I cried the day he died. He meant so much to the world. Whenever I’m in the mountains I still put his greatest hits on my radio. Love him and thanks for covering his story.
Wow I remember my mom telling me the same thing about a show in Philly. It was a union thing, and John jammed while they took a break.
Thank you for this, Professor. I have been a John Denver fan since the Rocky Mountain High album release in 1973. When my husband and I married In 1986, our church had a rule that no secular music could be played during the wedding ceremony; however, they made an exception for an instrumental version of Annie’s Song which our organist played on the harp. The memory fills my heart to this day. ❤
I went to a concert and it was just him in the round. Ed Sheeran does that currently.
I love that! Such a nice guy.
Annie’s Song on the harp! I get goosebumps just thinking about that. That would be awesome to hear.
When I arrived in the USA , I didn’t speak a single word of English.
Since my arrival and the need to support my family, I wouldn't waste time going to school to learn English , working low paying jobs, I work factories, cafeteries and dinner trying to make ends meet.
Knowing well that English will give me the opportunity to get a better job .
I started learning .
I have three English teachers.
Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon and John Denver .
Driven to and from jobs listen to them on cassettes , written words that were new to me ,memorize them and conjugate them up .
Annie's song was one of my favorites . “ You fill up my senses , like night in the forest . Like mountains in springtime , like walk in the rain ‘ Beautiful , do I always would love to ask John of the following sentence ( like storm in the desert) always took me aback , because let me tell you a storm in the desert ain’t not pleasant , well not even the greatest poet get it right 100 % of the time.
Missing you John .
Beautiful way to learn a new language. Yours is a very inspiring story.
@abouttime1967 First, I want to say I have great admiration for your dedicated hard work to make ends meet, supporting your family and learning English as an immigrant to the USA.
Regarding Like A Storm In The Desert line, it's all a matter of perspective. My wife and I were moving from California to Texas in 1981 when we stopped in New Mexico at Carlsbad Caverns. Upon coming out of the Cavern in late afternoon and looking down on the plains we saw a storm crossing the desert that I will never forget. It was magnificent power and beauty at the same time. I don't recall how high up in the mountain we were above the plains of the desert, hundreds of feet, maybe close to a thousand feet up, it may have seemed like that high, but the thunderstorm was a good 8-10 miles away and we watched it drift across the plain watching the bolts of lightning with sheets of rain. Yet in front of the storm and off into the distance we can see it was clear. We had an incredible view of the thunderstorm. Like I mentioned earlier it was watching power and beauty at the same time. So when I hear Like A Storm In The Desert line, I think of this particular storm and it helps me understand what JD may have meant by this line.
BTW, my wife and I have been blessed to still be happily married 44 years now.
John merely said she filled up his senses. I think he meant that she could be like a storm in the desert, at times and it wasn't necessarily meant to be positive, but definitely descriptive.
I understand the powerful imagen of a storm looking from afar and the metaphorics people try to insinuate , still for me crossing a desert in my youth, with my father on two mules . getting trapped for 16 hours of wind, dirt ,heat , your eyes getting shut ,skin burning and the incessant howling piercing the night…
To my ,call me crazy…ain’t pleasant.
You are what make’s America Great Thank you and enjoy life and the road ahead.
My granddaughter recently walked down the aisle to Annie’s Song at her wedding. It gave me goosebumps and it shows how much this song transcends generations.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard about John Denver’s death. I cried so hard. His emotion-filled songs about his own life will live on forever, just like he will in our hearts.
Never been in any closet, in regards to John Denver's music- in fact, I've been an out-spoken critic of certain people in the music industry that used to rip on him- and which hurt him, more than he ever let on. It was just the TIMING of when he became famous, and the messages that began to be developed, that were at the center of much of this.
When I say something like, "Steve Perry is one of THE greatest vocalists of all time? It's because of John Denver- and I've always made that VERY clear. His clarity, strength, and range, are unmatched. As is his story-telling/songwriting/& over-all artistry. And that man could play his instruments. It was his love of 12 string guitars, that got me addicted, and I LOVE playing, "Rhymes & Reasons" on mine. Took me quite some time, to learn to play that song just like he does.
John Denver, as with the majority of musicians, just wanted to be accepted as an artist- Sadly, many a-holes exist in this world, excuse my French- and certain people just wouldn't allow that to happen- What Rich did, was a disgrace- mainly to himself.
John was an environmentalist, this is true- but NOT in the way that was beginning to take over at that time- Those were Eco-"warriors" they called them- I did not. I called them what they were- Eco-Terrorists. John Denver did it RIGHT, and did his best to show HOW you care for this planet we live on- as one would with anything you wish to see thrive and remain healthy.
The very best Environmentalists in the world? OUTDOORSMEN. That's right- those that basically LIVE the outdoors- not idiot politicians, nor radical groups, with fluffy names.
John Denver loved Annie deeply. It's the BS of being famous/on-the-road for VERY long stretches, etc., that, BACK THEN, would get to people over time- male & female alike. They didn't have the tools we do today, that could help ease a lot of the pressures that come with this kind of rigorous choice of making a living. There are NO excuses for anyone cheating. Ever. I'm just saying, it WAS harder back then, than today-
And as far as that "Chainsaw" Incident? The entire story should be known as well- What happened was this: Annie wanted some trees, but one tree in particular, GONE. But this was John's favorite tree, and he put his foot down on this one, simple thing. Well, he came back from one of his trips, and Annie had cut them all down. THIS is what set him off- So.. he just used the same tool, to return the favor- not as, "INSANE" as some like to make it out as. - Can't just go put that tree back where it was now, right?
Of course John knew it was wrong, and that he shouldn't have gone that far- But.. well, sometimes? We can all just lose a nut or two, ya know? And If I remember right? He actually took out the kitchen table, first. The bed was a "bonus", for the other trees... ..
Thanks.
Love your comment and so many truths in it, that others simply look past. I said earlier in my comment about 2 sides to every divorce. People know how to push buttons to get a wanted reaction...
I've been looking for a new 12-string song to learn. I'm going to check out Rhymes and Reasons.
John travelled to Australia were John met Olivia N John. They made shows together… but it grew to something more❤ the Press told about that and Anie got to know. That’s when she decided to chop down his three big trees that he loved so much….
Indeed he was a sensitive artist but a unreliable man…😮
@@lindacosta3265 As were all artists of that time period, male & female. As I said, they didn't have the ways to communicate back then, and months could go by, in-between home & the road. NOT any kind of excuse, but some people are slightly weaker than others.
Couple this, with the, "beauty" & availability that comes with "celebrity", and you have a mixture for infidelity that is extremely volatile.
In addition, when men do things of this nature? The mass majority of the time, it actually means nothing whatsoever to them- just a brief respite for the loneliness- Again NOT any kind of excuse-
For women, however? They are literally born to care, and for coupling to MEAN something- it's called "Pair Bonding". Women can lie, and pretend they're the same as men, that it, "meant nothing"? But they're only lying to themselves.
BOTH are wrong, regardless.
I'm an old rocker, but I'll admit that John Denver was the first concert I went to in the 70's. I still like his music to this day.
I'm same -- I'll listen to Metallica, then John Denver. Might even throw some Glen Campbell in there.
I love music, good music, no matter the genre.
I sang this gorgeous song to my wife at our wedding luncheon. RIP John Denver, a musical genius.
Sunshine on my shoulders always brings tears to my eyes a masterpiece.
It’s a beautiful song!
That’s my favorite John Denver song
Mine too
My first born grand daughters name is Sunshine. I would put John Denver on and sing along (I think my voice made her comatose 😁) while putting her to sleep....
It was one of my brothers favourite songs. We played it at his funeral.
John Denver is a national treasure, a poet, a singer, a humanitarian. The world lost much when he died, but thankfully his music, his message lives on. He was a fabulous performer and I privileged to attend his concerts.
I remember when John Denver spoke at the Senate hearing against the PMRC, when Tipper Gore & other senators wives were upset about music lyrics. Apparently the other musicians were worried he would be for being for musicians watering down their music since he was so squeaky clean. But nope, he was for the musicians rights to write what they want.
Total respect.
I will never forget him or Dee Snider testifying
Yes, Jello Biafra was surprised about that and mentioned it on one of his spoken word records.
And he did not hold back!
Tipper Gore eh; the original Karen...
Annie's Song is an otherworldly, sublime, almost supernatural masterpiece!
So true.
John was passionate. The excitement and enthusiasm he projected performing and on television was genuine.
As a devoted hard rock-heavy metal fanatic, John Denver's awesome music can take me right to a happy place that I never want to leave. I absolutely LOVE John Denver, and America is a better nation because of him and his gift of music he has given us
From a young age of 7, I fell in love with John Denver's music. I still remember hearing for the first time "Country Roads" back in 1971. I was sitting between my grandparents in the truck driving through my grandpa's home state of West Virginia. When that song came on the radio I couldn't stop myself from singing along. I remember my first JD album on cassette tape. A birthday gift from Mom & Dad on my 9th birthday. I played it over & over & over. I loved every song! Fast forward to December 18, 1988. I got to see JD perform live at the Richfield Coliseum (now closed) in NE Ohio. I believe it was his "Higher Ground" tour. JD had the purest pitch perfect voice & so beautiful to hear in person! His voice was so strong that it drowned out all the instruments. Being the Christmas season, JD had a local high school choir on stage performing with him. It was a night I will forever remember with much love & appreciation for such a gifted singer & songwriter. I remember the day JD died when his plane crashed. I cried for days. Every time I hear or play his music I cry. I am now 60 and still cry when I hear his voice - I'd know it in a heartbeat! I am crying now as I write this. I'm not mental, I just love great music. I enjoy a very wide range. Music for every event, emotion, etc. I grew up with music always playing. I can't even imagine a world without it. JD may be gone from our presence, but his music will live on! Thank you POR for recognizing John Denver & his beautiful music. 💕💕🎶🎶🎶
❤. Beautiful music has such a profound effect to our emotions.
You're not mental, I still can't even listen to his music after he died cuz it reminds me of a time when I hadn't a care in the world & lived every day in a constant state of happiness 💔
Annie’s song is amazing but Poems, Prayers and Promises really gets to me now that I’m older. Several lines in that song really speak to me.
Rocky Mountain High is still one of greatest pieces of guitar work ever!
John thought he could just keep cheating on his wife, feeling bad about it, and writing a song to "apologise", instead of doing what would have actually made a difference: stop mistreating and cheating on his wife. She was smart to divorce him.
Exactly. He wasn't a great guy to his wife. This is making it seem like he loved her. He didn't.
He loved her but he wasn't committed to her and her alone. There can be both love for her yet not being faithful.
@@stephaniechaffin1154Love is an action, not simply a feeling. If you make a commitment to someone (i.e. marriage,) but choose again and again not to keep that commitment, then your actions show you don’t truly love the person, despite the feelings you espouse. People make mistakes. But, continuing to make the same hurtful choice again and again is not a sign of love.
@@stephaniechaffin1154Maybe he was a sex addict.
@@juliagriego7693 He probably was a sex addict.
John Denver is such a great singer. It was a bad day the day he died.
Amen.
I love some of his songs. Sadly, it sounds like he might have had bipolar or depressive issues. But he gave the world great music.
@@tb7077 He had his struggles with alcohol for sure. Often those things go together. (At the time of his death as a pilot his pilot license had been revoked due to multiple DUI.)
@eggsngritstn I thought I remembered that. I just speculated about his 'accident'. BiPD has the highest self inflicted 💀 rate.
@@purplelove392 The circumstances did not indicate self off. He was at an active airport practicing take off and landing (touch-and-go) in a new airplane - that is he was in a visible location. He lost control of that airplane because he was unfamiliar with a couple of differences between it and his past planes.
On a cruise last year, everyone in the piano bar was belting out “Take Me Home Country Road”, even my 23 year old son and his friends were singing along. I thought it was crazy how every generation knew the song. John Denver is timeless.
I had an American Eskimo dog named Rufus who absolutely LOVED John Denver. She would ride in my old truck with her head stuck out of the sliding back window, but she would always keep one ear inside to listen to her beloved John Denver CD. Her absolute favorite song was‘Sunshine’.
How could you tell?
@@raycin313 She told him! Duh! : )
Omg I love that image ❤
No matter how rambunctious she was, the instant she heard ‘Sunshine’, she would stop and listen to it. More often than not she’d be hanging out the back window, and fall sound asleep.
@@Tracy81258 That's sweet.
I'll Admit I like John Denver's Music Because His Voice Represents A Pure Sound Like No Other.
John Denver was already growing in popularity when I was in Jr. High, early seventies. I always remember 7th grade gym, learning basic gymnastics, and my friend Mary did her floor routine to The Eagle and the Hawk. I can't think of any favorite songs, because they were all favorites! I sang Annie's Song and For Baby (For Bobby) as lullabies for my children. My mom's C&W band played an excellent version of Country Roads back in the day, and now near the end of her life, she can't listen to it without crying. I could go on and on, John Denver's songs are interwoven into the tapestries of my family and friends' lives.
One of my earliest memories is watching 'John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together '. The Christmas album that came out of that has gotten constant play in our house ever since.
I love John and I was crushed when he died. I can never understand why people picked on him so much. He wrote great songs and was a nice person that cared for the world we live in. We lost at lot when he died. I hope he is resting in peace. I LOVE YOU JOHN.
There is a Denver song for everyone. Everyone has that one John Denver song that touches your soul and can bring you to tears.
It's very true.
@@christophereverett2112 I don’t know about making me cry but Calypso always touches my soul. Reminds me of my childhood watching Jacques Cousteau on the TV. Loved that show.
For me that’s Rocky Mountain High.
My favorite is Poems, Prayers and Promises. Love the lyrics and melody, and brings tears to my eyes.
all of us of a certain age, we appreciate his song's...day's gone by...😢
I have never been in the closet about John Denver. I have always loved all of his songs. Rocky Mountain High is one of the best songs of all time.
I recall hearing Rocky Mountain High for the 1st time . Great Song
My dad played Country Roads endlessly, along with the songs of John Denver. At dad's memorial, family and friends belted Country Roads out with tears and smiles. Annie's Song is beautiful and every one of his songs is a timestamp on my life.
Thank you for giving John Denver the respect and recognition that his songwriting and singing deserves.
I grew up in the 1970s. Both John Denver and Barry Manilow were my musical heroes. I wanted to be like them. I went on to be a music teacher. I still love to sing and play the piano and the guitar - just for the fun of it! I am very grateful to both of these musicians for the joy and inspiration to express myself through music that they both gave to me because they shared their music with the world!
John Denver is a kind of one of a kind singer. I know of no one nowadays who can even come close to his sheer musical ability and his thirst for really fine poetry. To wrap all of that into a single package and then put the most beautiful harmonies to it is really astounding, It is really a God thing.
Such a great musician & song writer. The world lost a huge ray of sunshine when he passed. But we are left with his beautiful works that will remain relevant no matter the passing of time. 🤠
Indeed.
I was a huge John Denver fan back in the day. Cried buckets when he died. Even once dated a man who could have been his twin. I still love his music and the memories hearing it evokes.
My Choral Director in High School described John Denver as the "Best Friend a Song could ever have!" That Quote has always stuck out to me, because of how much of a perfectionist he was as a vocal coach. His respect led me to re-evaluate John Denver's music with a better ear. I then became a Fan. His passing was a tragic loss to music.
Don't forget Denver's touching performance as God's everyman in "Oh, God." (1977). There was talk of a movie star career for Denver, but it didn't come to pass. For whatever else the man was, he was never gonna be Harrison Ford. But I still love him and George Burns together in "Oh, God."
In some interviews I remember, John Denver at times looked like he was holding some anger in. He was so great in the movie "Oh God" with George Burns. I remember him being a promoter of the Arbor Day Foundation too. What people will remember about him most is his music. And that's the way it should be
Great pov!
@@ProfessorofRock Appreciate it very much! 😀
Yes Professor, did you mention that he was in the movie and that he wrote "Leavin on a jet plane" for Peter Paul and Mary?
John Denver was a huge influence on my life from 1971 on through those turbulent years that followed. He influenced my music (playing and singing). He was a provider of a bit of peace and tranquility in those early years and someone that you just liked listening to.
When i learned that he died in that plane crash I actually cried, just a little. I miss him and his music
If he were to hear your tribute, today, he just might say "FAR OUT". his well known expression, repeated by many who loved and enjoyed him.
His voice is that one pat on your shoulder that is always reassuring.
John Denver is very underrated. Lots of memories of his music growing up. Great content, and episode. Thank you.
I grew up listening to John Denver, still listen to him…the day he died was a terrible day….it still makes me cry. His music brought my family together, all of us singing his music.
Can't argue with the romantic greatness of Annie's Song.
I was born in Greeley in 71. Lived in Longmont and Commerce City.
There's NOTHING like waking up and looking at the Rockies all day!
John Denver was a big part of my musical youth. Rocky Mountain High always makes me homesick. The Colorado of my youth is gone sadly, but I have find memories of my home state the way it was.
There are few celebrities/artists that I feel anything for when they die, but John Denver was definitely one of them.
Thank you Professor for bringing up good memories today.
JJ -South Alabama
j.j. my younget sister goes to music with an altitude most every year photos pretty amazing shame about valley controversy saw on news divided community but she loves the town i hope to go one day as said my late mom went to school.in fairhope saw profile in southern living my sisters went nice pleasant town also
Yep, I knew it, he wrote and sang some beautiful words. You didn’t have to understand the words, just the music told you all you needed to know about these songs. I was shocked when he died the way he did, I was especially surprised that he didn’t have a pilot’s license, that he was so reckless and could have killed others in his haste to fly an experimental aircraft that he was unfamiliar with. I remember that my 14 year old son made me promise to not let his friends know that he liked John Denver, he is in his 40s now and still listens to John Denver. Great show as usual Adam, thank you so much.RIP John Denver
You can feel the raw emotion in John’s music, especially the songs that were mentioned here. Especially in “I’m Sorry”
No question.
If your open to it his music will take on a journey like your living the song .Especially Rocky mountain high on a cool crisp fall day that song takes me to the rocky mountain.would anyone agree ??
I agree. I’m actually heading to Colorado in a few days. I will probably listen to JD a lot on this trip. I love RMH.
Calypso is his best song
he’ll forever be a king for standing up to congress and the PMRC
So true!
I think John was far more persuasive than Frank Zappa during those talks.
No that honor goes to Dee Snider
@@borisblvd5354 Snider was most eloquent.
@@ProfessorofRock Did you miss my birthday wish comment this morning? It was like the 8th comment made.
Thank you, Professor of Rock, for having class. John Denver was in the stratosphere of the greatest singers and song writers ever. Recognizing this fact makes you legit, and me grateful, from one John Denver fan to another, for the acknowledgment.
One of my biggest regret’s was not going to a John Denver concert! The crazy part is that I live only a few miles away from Red Rocks Amphitheater here in Colorado where he would play almost every summer. Love you John Rest in Peace
Same!
I was blessed to see John Denver live in concert several times, including a concert at Red Rocks with the Denver Symphony.
In 1997 I traveled to Aspen to attend his memorial service.
John Denver's music was a huge part of my life in the 70s
Thank you for featuring him! His music touches my soul. I have a very eclectic taste in music and he is at the top of his genre for me. I have no problem telling anybody that he's one of my favorite singers. RIP John.
I really appreciate this video!🙏…I played ‘sunshine on my shoulders’ while in labor with my first born son in 1980☺️…I’ll love John Denver FOREVER!!!🙏😔😥
John Denver was my first concert when I was 9 months old. I’ve been hooked since birth. He was the biggest star in America when I was born. Thanks, POR! ❤️
I truly loved him. I was devastated when he died. I was in my mid twenties when Calypso came out, and that song was my go-to song for a road trip. I’ve just recently been able to listen to him…the images his music painted (for me) were so beautiful, intimate, private, joyous, and fun that I couldn’t listen to him without an overwhelming feeling of loss and sadness. I can listen to him now-just a little.
*Dude!! Your timing is unearthly. I fell completely in love with this PERFECT love song just a few days ago!!*
THIS is why I love Professor of Rock! He loves ALL music, just as I did growing up. POR gives us great stories from artists of all genres. John Denver is righteous...FAR OUT!
Far out!!!!!
I am not a fan of country music but John Denver has a special place in my love for music. Unfortunately younger people don’t appreciate his music like they should. “Sunshine On My Shoulder” is one of my favorites.
My Mom died 5 years ago and John Denver was her absolutely favorite music artist. I have tons of memories as a child associated with his music because it was always playing in our house. Hearing the music today however brought up the painful reminder of my Mom's passing, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the best music in the world.
Hugs. 🫂
Sorry for your loss; losing your mother at any age hurts.
Far out! Been waiting for a John Denver episode. I don’t consider him a guilty pleasure. His music still moves me.
2 other episodes if you want!
Awesome. I’ll look them up.
There are more! Search Professor Rock Denver
Thanks, Jack!
Good morning Professor and fellow music junkies! This will fill up our senses.
No sensory deprivation on this channel!
Yes it will ha ha
John Denver's voice...as pure as the driven snow.
The song "If" by Bread (my cousin Jimmy Griffin's group) and "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg are two powerful love songs from roughly the same era, too.
2024.....l still listen to John Denver's music almost everyday. My favorite, listening to Country Road while commuting to and from work everyday.
We grew up with John Denver’s music. That is one thing us kids treasure from our childhood. He was his own genre!
When I was a kid John Denver’s Greatest Hits seamed to be in everyone’s house. My friend once joked that there was an 8Track tape of that album that came with every car sold in the 70s
It would be hard to overstate how popular John Denver was in his time, with his "Aw-Shucks" boyish folksiness and songs that just SOARED. His performances with The Muppets were the best their TV series ever produced. His death in a plane crash was mourned by an entire planet. In 1981, during our first time making love - my girlfriend, Wendy and I had John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" album on the turntable. Some things you never forget. Though Wendy and I never married, we're good friends over 40 years later. Thanks, John!
Rest In Peace Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997), Professionally Known As John Denver . . .
Thank You For All Of Your Beautiful, Wonderful, And Magical Songs, And Your Musical Appearances On The Muppets Show, Sesame Street, And Others, Which I Cannot Remember Right Now, And In Your Fantastic John Denver Concert Specials, And Your Wild Life Concert Specials, And Your Christmas Specials, And In Your Amazing, And Funny Oh' God Movies, Which Made My Growing Up Through The 1970's, And Into The 1980's A More Fun Time For Me To Grow Up, While Singing Along To Your Amazing Beautiful Music . . . 🙂
Rest In Peace Mr. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., aka The Fantastic, And Amazing Voiced Guitar Playing Hero Singer-Songwriter John Denver . . . :-)
"Annie's Song" is a great love song. I've always been a major John Denver fan and love his music. In fact, John Denver's Greatest Hits Album is one of the very first albums I got which started my record collection. The 1970's was the decade of the singer-songwriter and John was one of the very best.
Amen!
Great choice to start a collection. Hope all good with you? Love John and his voice is my favorite.
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr I'm doing well. I hope everything is okay with you. Out of all of my greatest Hits albums collections, John Denver's has always been one of my favorites. John had one of the the great male singing voices. It was soaring, comforting, smooth, and angelic. I've always described him as the male equivalent to Karen Carpenter. That's the type of musical talent that we were so lucky to grow up with during the 1970's.
@@stephenhanft1226 Sorry the power went off but I agree 💯. John and Karen are my favorite singers. I'm excited to see the last concert my daughter and I have planned this year. I've seen Jeff Dunham and Rick Springfield and Richard Marx so far. All great shows.
He was one of the best in his field!
JD was one of the musicians I listened to on my parents' 8-track player in the living room. And he was the first concert I went to see in '85 in Daytona, Florida. Love his music ❤️🎶
Alcohol is a beast..this truth about john is a sober reminder that a simle suggestion and willingness to get sober .would have extended annies song longevity
Thank you, Adam, for such a great program on John Denver. His music got me through the death of my older brother, (twenty at the time of his death, I was thirteen) and calmed my psyche when my Mother went spiraling down into alcohol abuse from the tragedy. His love, not just for Annie but for of all living things, including people, taught me that my inner sense of direction was correct: we are on this planet to love all things, rejoice in both their and our wonder and, above all, to live life the best way that you can. I celebrated his musical victories and wept when he was crushed by life, but I marveled that he still persevered and did well. He was one of the major reasons I took up the guitar and started to write my own music. I did not pursue a musical career myself but the musical inspiration he installed in me gave me a way to express myself that I never would have had. Denver, Dan Fogelberg and Kris Kristofferson are my trinity of music excellence. His music actually defies categorization and will always be buoyant and timeless! I still listen to his albums to this day! 😊
John Denver was an absolute legend at the tiny college I attended in St Peter, MN (Gustavus Adolphus) because it was there that he met Annie, then a student there, while he was doing the college circuit in MN. He and his friends are said to have serenaded Annie from the ground outside her dorm window (Uhler Hall). His MN years are barely a footnote in his life, kind of like Bob Dylan. At least Prince stayed:)
John was a lovely person. I'm honored to have met him numerous times.
Thanks for bringing the song alive again with your wonderful exposition!
Couldn't stand John Denver as a teenager. Then I grew up. Now much of his music speaks to me and connects to me in a way I'd never have thought possible when I was 15.
Another staple of mom’s vinyl collection. My folks would take my kids on summer vacations and played John Denver on the trips. It’s always the quiet ones…❤
Very cool!
His voice is very soothing on road trips.
For me, no other singer/songwriters music can invoke such human emotions as John Denver’s. No guilty pleasure about it, he was a gifted gift.
Yep, I was a JD fan in the 70s. "Calypso" was probably my favorite.
@@lewiscrow Have always loved that song!
I agree.
I found John Denver’s music again last year. I’m not sure how I didn’t catch on years ago. I get excited whenever I hear his songs on whatever I’m listening to at the moment. Thank you for sharing this!
John Denver, so incredibly talented.
Some very catchy tunes.
But this story tells you looks can be deceiving lol.
So glad you did this!!! John Denver's music will always be amazing!! Saw him in concert & loved it! His music is timeless & he is missed!!! Love songs, "Annie's Song", "Time In A Bottle"-Jim Croce, "Color My World"-Chicago, "Send Her My Love"-Journey, "I'll Never Let You Go"-Steelheart, "I Will Always Love You"-Dolly Parton, "I Still Love You"(?)-KISS.
This is an artist that, while I appreciate his talent in his music style, I wasn't a big fan of pop or sentimental songs. I was a devout "hard rock" fan.
John Denver (RIP) was as good as there was in his genre. It seems that stardom and celebrity take a toll on celebrities, relationship issues, drug issues, even mental health issues seem to plague a lot of great talent.....The "27 club" is a prime example .
Great upload, John deserves to be remembered.
Thanks.
John was one of the most prolific song writers ever! It's been proven over and over by the adoration from the fans and the number one songs stacked on top of each other.
I ❤ John Denver's music. Annie's Song is beautiful. I must mention Perhaps Love from Seasons of the Heart LP in 1982. Perhaps Love wasn't a single, but Annie Martel said in an interview, this is her favorite song John Denver wrote for her. When Annie and the Aspen community made the John Denver Sanctuary memorial (song garden) The evergreen tree in the center symbolizes John's spirit. On each side of the tree is Annie's Song and Perhaps Love. Perhaps Love is about forgiveness. I visited his memorial October 2023.
That's awesome. Thanks for sharing Catherine!
Thanks for telling your nice story, Catherine! "Perhaps Love" (with Placido Domingo) was indeed a single. it reached #59 in 1982.
@shiroibasketshoes Your welcome. It wasn't a single for John. Placido Domingo cover on his album.
John Denver 👍
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr Yes! It's a far out Monday!
First time I heard this song it blew a fresh breeze of mountain air past my face and caress my hair. Tears would roll down my cheeks as I recall all the beautiful moments of the Colorado Rockies. I'll always remember this John. RIP😭
He wrote it because she was trying to understand his grief at losing his father, with whom he had just reconnected, and the loss of his trees.
Count me with the millions who were too cool to like John Denver at the height of his success. I felt bad about it 20+ years later when he died under particularly disturbing circumstances. But I am so grateful for being able to outlive some of my adolescent hangups. I've watched many of your shows, but none is more meaningful than this one.
" i cant live" (without you) Harry Nilsson. Greatest Love song of all time .
Without You was written by two members of Badfinger
I thought he was going to talk about John Denver's song 'For You'
@@craigaust3306 Both ended up killing themselves.
Saw him in concert in Louisville in early 70’s - Starland Vocal Band was on before him. Afternoon Delight was introduced. John 0:56 0:56 Denver was genuine and had a pure voice. Had great hits. Unfortunately fell into the trap of fame. God rest his soul!
Good morning. Because there was no vid yesterday this birthday wish is slightly belated. Happy Anniversary of your Arrival, Adam.
Hope you had a wonderful day.
I second this.
Listened to John Denver as a little girl and it was music my dad and I shared a love for. His music will always hold a very special place in my heart. He really should have received a lot more respect for his incredible talent.
❤🎉
Just wishing everyone a great day.
And thankful John didn't hide in Denver. 😂😂
Have a great day classmates, and always be grateful with what you have and can do/be. ❤
Perfect, Roger thx
Thanks Roger!
The real Deahl
I'm blessed every day and wishing you a wonderful day
I thought he was born there!
What a beautiful tribute to an incredible song by an equally incredible artist that was taken from us far to soon!!! John Denver really was the real deal, and his music was just so amazing!!! Great episode Adam!!!
I know a story about JD calling a Girl Scout a "peasant" when she was trying to present a plaque to him from her troup backstage at a concert and it really turned me off to him. It was just cruel. So I believe he had a unpredictable temper. I love his music, but don't think much of him as a person.
I remember watching country singer Charlie Rich set the envelope on fire either at the Grammys or the AMC awards in protest of JD winning with Thank God I'm a Country Boy, and it really made me mad because I liked both artists. However, one has to remember there was a backlash within a small group of country artists in the early to mid-70s who didn't like the "hippie rockers" coming in and "ruining" country music; John Denver was one target. And like the Bee Gees and disco, oversaturation and changing music tastes caused the backlash against JD. Had he lived, he would have had a massive comeback like Johnny Cash had and would have finally gotten the recognition similar to what the Carpenters are now finally getting. He is long overdue for a second assessment of his music.
John Denver was always on the radio when I was in elementary school during the 1970s. Another great episode...thanks for the trip down memory lane.