Sunshine on My Shoulders, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Back Home Again, Rocky Mountain High, Thank God I'm a Country Boy, Grandma's Feather Bed. The 70's and early 80's were a great time for ballads and one-man shows. This music just puts you in a great place mentally.
I laugh every time I hear Grandma’s Feather Bed because if I remember correctly he was a guest on the Muppets once and did that song with all of the chicken muppets and others around him.
Leaving on a Jet Plane... the one recorded on the - Midnight Special with Mama Cass.... also the one that they do not cut out her remarks short remarks of going across college campuses and seeing too many who lost faith to vote in that volatile anti-Vietnam era that went on and on. She said to get out and vote.... does not matter whom you vote for.... Think that is the election that Nixon won his 2nd term that would then be cut short.
The absolutely love this song in pubs in Scotland and London. There are actually a bunch of RUclips videos showing people in pubs when this song comes on. It's hysterical.
I've been to bars in Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Argentina, France and New Zealand, and every country in the UK... and, without fail, people know the chorus of this song.
In 1972, my BFF and I went to our first concert --- John Denver. Because we were only 15, we had to have my parents drive us to the city to attend. They dropped us off and picked us up afterwards. On the way home, my dad (God rest his soul) complained about the various bands and their music. We sat silently as he went on. Suddenly, John Denver came on, singing this very song. Dad listened for a moment, then told us "This is the is what you should be listening to." That's when I said, "Dad, that's who we just saw." There was a brief silence, then he quietly said, "Oh." End of lecture. Lisa and I struggled not to laugh. The concert, by the way, was fabulous.
54yr old Aussie,grew up on heavy metal, heard that song as a teenager, all I could think of was, wow, what a beautiful song. The result, don’t judge a song by genre. If a song is good, it’s good.
@@TooOldToCare-kl3co first gig in 81, aged 15 - ac/dc, but my Da liked JD, Elkie Brookes and more that soaked in. When they were recording the population years ago, I called John, to fill up my census.
Nice reaction, look at the smile on your face...awesome... todays music sure could use someone like him to bring it back to reality were you feel the music...
When I was in the Navy, doing the one med cruise that I was deployed on, when the ship finally turned and headed home, The Captain had "Country Roads" played over the ships speaker system. The whole ship was singing after 6 months of being away for home.
20 years ago when I got married in a (very) traditional Thai wedding in Thailand, the DJ played not one but 2 John Denver songs and all 125+ Thai guests sang along in English. It's really amazing how GOOD music trancends not just cultures and distance, but brings a smile to the faces of very different people.
@@kimblemedley768 Beautiful composition. His rendition of Calypso at the Wildlife Concert was amazing. It showed his music, his guitar and his voice at their best.
Looking For Space. such a beautiful introspective song. I hope you react to that one day. It is less known than his other works, but is my all time favorite of his.
You had me crying! I remember hearing that song in Germany on AFN in Michigan and Texas and so many places just wanted to be back in Southwest Virginia. When my husband retired from the military and we left Colorado springs for our forever home literally in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, this will always be my theme song. Oh you got me in my feels son! Had to say thank you again.
Rural western Virginia with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River 5 minutes on either side of me. Truly God’s country! So blessed to live in this region!!!
John Denver (RIP) was my dad's music. But I got introduced to him as he was on a show called "The Muppets" back around the early 80s. Loved him after that. And BP is right - he hit it perfectly - Denver's got an inviting voice. He just sounds like a friend.
Boy! Does this song ever bring back a memory. In grade school, our French teacher was a young fellow from Sherbrooke, Quebec. He would sometimes bring out his guitar to entertain us and this song was one of his favourites. So you have to imagine this song sung in a very thick Quebecois accent: "Take me 'ome, country road, to da place, h'ai belong. Wes' Virginia, montaine momma, take me 'ome, country road." Fun guy.
As a military brat yourself, you can appreciate this. JD was an Air Force brat. This song in part is about finally finding a place that feels like home when you grow up without a real one.
He was such a genuine person, the concert that you're watching is his wildlife concert to raise awareness and money for wildlife conservation " HE NEVER TOOK ONE PENNY IN PAYMENT HE GAVE IT ALL TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ". HE WAS ALSO UNDOUBTEDLY A MAGNIFICENT SINGER AND PERFORMER, SUCH A SHAME HE WENT BEFORE HIS TIME.
Back in the day, there was a singer, actor, TV personality named Perry Como. He recorded for 44 years with RCA. 44 YEARS! He had a weekly television program for DECADES, as well as holiday specials and he sang in every one of them. You could say he was the Mr. Roberts of music. He received loads of Emmys and Grammys, loads of gold/platinum…whatever…records, and every award you could ever think of. When John Denver was beginning his career he had an opportunity to speak with Perry Como. John asked him what was the secret to his years of phenomenal success. Perry Como said, and you can see this at the end of this video, “I never record a song that people can’t sing to.” John Denver, who wrote most of his own music, followed Perry Como’s advice. And it worked…I bet we all were singing by the end of this video.
This is the official state song for West Virginia. At every WVU game whether it is football, basketball, baseball or any other sport this song is played at the end of every game. The crowd joins in and sings along. You gave a good description of living in the country. If you ever get the opportunity, visit West Virginia (it is the mountain mama). You can go whitewater rafting on the New River (the second oldest river in the world, the Amazon River is the first), take a walk on the trails, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and solitude. Love the reaction and analysis of this great singer and song by John Denver.
I enjoyed your reaction to 'Take Me Home' by JD. Your remarks on what home is, brought to mind a quote from my favorite poet and author, Robert Frost. “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
His song Poems, Prayers, Promises from this same concert would hit you hard given where you say you are in your life now. I know I can understand it better now that I am older. Enjoying your discovery of this wonderful storyteller.
My sister was a senior in high school when I was in kindergarten. She had an acoustic guitar and I remember her playing this song and Leaving on a Jet Plane. I would sing along with her. It’s one of my best childhood memories.
58 year old male with high blood pressure. i grew up in Denver Co. Living in Las Vegas Nv now. High pressure job. I hear John Denver my BP goes down. His music calms me.
At 70, I'm a huge John Denver fan. I still listen to him every day. I saw him in concert every time he came near my home. I've stood in line, in the drizzling rain for 14 hours to get tickets. I own every album.
I’m 52 and my mom is 82, she mentioned a bunch of artists she saw when she was young! Including seeing John Denver twice!! I would hope that when the day comes that when she passes away that at her funeral someone, or me and my siblings, would sing THIS song or Back Home Again for her! I’m getting teary thinking about it too! It’s a couple of powerful songs!! I will be crying singing it too!!!
@David_Theisen My daughter, who is a musician and singer, she a music teacher. She knows to play John Denver for me when I pass. I even want Grandma's Feather Bed, it's a part of my family history.
I saw John Denver at The Cellar Door in DC in 1971. His backup band was Fat City. They later became Starland Vocal Band best known for “Afternoon Delight”!
While I do live in the country, I think this song appeals to folks everywhere because it's a " going home " song, " Take me home to the place I belong..." Isn't there a part in all of us that wants to go to the place we belong? I have a sweet memory of being at my cousin's wedding in Ireland and my Irish relatives played and sang this song for us American relations. I am a woman in my 70's and I love your channel. I admire your ability to engage all kinds of music. I've been married for over 40 years to a musician, and he always says, " Good music is good music whatever the style." I trust you and yours will be blessed in the place you belong.
John was also a military brat. I think that’s why so many of his songs have home as a theme … coming home, missing home, who makes home. Thanks for this.
John Denver was one of the greatest songwriter/musicians of all time. There was never a lane for folk music after the early 70's, so he bounced between soft rock and country and was never accepted by either. He was mocked constantly for his kindness and demeanor, but will forever be remember for his timeless classics.
Marylander here! Western MD . WV has some beau areas ! But it is a very, very, poor RED state! I love my BLUE state of MD! We have the Appalachian mountains, Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern ShoreOcran City , and Assateague Island State seashore and National Park! Also Southern MD! 🤗🥰🤗⚓️⛵️⚓️🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Wow BP you’ve come a long way! Your reaction to his voice was impressive. You’re right…his voice is so welcoming. Perfect description. His voice has a feeling to it.
He tells your story in "Montana Skies". It's about a young man who goes to the city and can't breathe and has to get back to open spaces. Its my favorite of his!
My favorite version of this song is the viral video a few years ago with a classroom listening to John Denver, but the broadcast cut off, but the entire class of kids sang the second half of the song. Beautiful stuff.
BP I grew up in WVa. Born and Raised in its University town. I spent the first 21 years of my life wandering its mountains and camping and exploring and learning how beautiful this land can be. I ran from that small little coal miner state and explored 70% of the country after that. Life of a gypsy. Not because of being an artist, but because I wanted to explore. And you know what happened? I had to go back home. NYC, Chicago, Austin, Tampa, LA, and bunch of towns in between.. and I longed for home. You walk into any event in WVa to this day and this song is sung and everyone in the audience knows every word. The young may not understand the yearning, but the older understand. The building you grew up in doesn't always turn out to be the home you expect. But sometimes, if you are lucky and you invite it. The land is. Wva is a special place and the people, when invited to do so are a special breed. Thank you for reacting to this video. Been a long time fan and this just boosted my fandom.
After having attended a wedding in WV, the feeling in this song from my childhood was rekindled after seeing the ferocity with which the fellow attendees joined in every word of this anthem. Not my thing, but I get it. And I feel it and live it when I visit.
Friendly and inviting... yep. Nailed it. Next up: Annie's Song and Calypso. For a deep cut, Poems Prayers and Promises or the Seasons Suite or I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado. As for genre... the folk crowd dissed it as too country, the country crowd dissed it as too pop, the pop crowd dissed it as too folky. And we just kept buying those albums and playing them until there was nothing left but hiss.
Was lucky enough to have seen him three times in concert. First concert I ever went to was him in Pittsburgh. First time I'd driven to a big city. There was some hootin & hollerin. It was so much fun. He was a great all around entertainer. Funny, talented, had his own quirky charm. He made you feel at ease and encouraged all to sing along. His Dad taught him how to fly. It was a passion of his. He died flying an experimental plane. The switch to change from one fuel tank to the other was in an awkward place to reach. His music lives on (in many countries) and is still popular today. To classify his music as folk/country is about right. Some songs a bit more one than the other. The song he wrote for his first wife, (Annie's Song) has some beautiful lyrics. Another huge hit is 'Sunshine On My Shoulders'. A perfect summertime song. 'Calypso' is a song about the ocean. Listening you get the feeling of being out sailing. My favorite of his is a short song that has a unque sound called 'The Eagle and the Hawk'. He has a long list of hits. Hope you take the time to check out some of them. John's music was different than everyone else's. There wasn't anyone who sounded like him before or since.
This song was released during the Vietnam war. It was a positive boost in the arm needed at the time about a guy's love for his home in the USA. There was a lot of protest at the time and many found John's music comforting.
You encapsulated John Denver’s voice perfectly when you described it as “friendly and welcoming.’ Perfect! This song always makes me smile and feel happy inside.
I never saw him in concert but my mom did and she said he put on THE BEST show. He has some awesome songs you should do: 'Sunshine On My Shoulders', 'Annie's Song', 'Thank God I'm a Country Boy', ' Leavin On A Jetplane'. He has so many great songs.
Yes to everything John Denver!! He was one of my mom's favorite artists! If u continue down this rabbithole, please do Poems prayers and promises, This old guitar and Annie's song! ❤🙏
John Denver was also a military child. I lived in the same house and community for my entire childhood. I can imagine that it would be difficult having to always go to new schools. As an adult, I have found that home is where I make it.
Yes, just gun advocates place him as being in the military himself as a sniper. That is untrue as he lost 2-toes in a lawn mowing accident and no record of him serving. His politics was not even close to what some promote and he served under the Carter admin and Clinton in anti-hunger activism and was against Reagan's stand on oil drilling in virgin wild areas etc. It reasons he might have moderated his views today... just was not what all them links trying to make him in part of them.... vs what he actually said and lived. I do not get it ... just type in John Denver and military service.... so many gun sights tout he was. His Father of course was and he did move all over when young.
Country Roads; I was born and raised in Detroit. I spent my first 49 years there. Shootings, car jackings, break ins. I moved to the country 23 years ago & never looked back. I love living in the country!!!
If I had to describe how I feel when listening to John Denver it would be "HOME"!! He had a way of making you feel warm and wrapped in emotion. These songs I listen to and remember my Mother and my dear sweet Brother who have been called home, Continue on your journey of discovering his music please
You're spot on when you say his voice is "friendly". He exuded friendliness from every pore. I always loved his music, even when it wasn't considered "cool". I grew up in the country when it wasn't "cool". The country is the only place to be, and I wish I was back in it.
I grew up in England, in the 1970s, listening to The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver. My mum’s favourite ever song is JD’s ‘Sunshine on my Shoulders’. It’s absolutely beautiful…
West Virginia is the most beautiful state I’ve ever seen. Green filled mountains and valleys in summer, colorful in the fall, white in winter, spring surrounds you with fragrance. A must visit through the center of the state anytime.
Sunshine on My Shoulders, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Back Home Again, Rocky Mountain High, Thank God I'm a Country Boy, Grandma's Feather Bed. The 70's and early 80's were a great time for ballads and one-man shows. This music just puts you in a great place mentally.
All great! "The Garden Song"
Ahhhh.....Sunshine...😊
Take Me When I’m Gone to Forest Lawn-one of his funny ones and so true! Adore John Denver
I laugh every time I hear Grandma’s Feather Bed because if I remember correctly he was a guest on the Muppets once and did that song with all of the chicken muppets and others around him.
Leaving on a Jet Plane... the one recorded on the - Midnight Special with Mama Cass.... also the one that they do not cut out her remarks short remarks of going across college campuses and seeing too many who lost faith to vote in that volatile anti-Vietnam era that went on and on. She said to get out and vote.... does not matter whom you vote for.... Think that is the election that Nixon won his 2nd term that would then be cut short.
You could sing or put this tune on a juke box in any bar around the world and people would be singing it.
The absolutely love this song in pubs in Scotland and London. There are actually a bunch of RUclips videos showing people in pubs when this song comes on. It's hysterical.
@@decolonizeEverywhere Germany and Japan too.
Locals sing it just about every pub in Ireland!
I've been to bars in Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Argentina, France and New Zealand, and every country in the UK... and, without fail, people know the chorus of this song.
John Denver was so authentic in the way he approached and delivered a song.
I lived in the country. Loved his music. Living in the country is very special when growing up.
In 1972, my BFF and I went to our first concert --- John Denver. Because we were only 15, we had to have my parents drive us to the city to attend. They dropped us off and picked us up afterwards. On the way home, my dad (God rest his soul) complained about the various bands and their music. We sat silently as he went on. Suddenly, John Denver came on, singing this very song. Dad listened for a moment, then told us "This is the is what you should be listening to." That's when I said, "Dad, that's who we just saw." There was a brief silence, then he quietly said, "Oh." End of lecture. Lisa and I struggled not to laugh. The concert, by the way, was fabulous.
This is a great story. Classic 'gotcha' moment with good humor.
😂😂
@@mialiahh9228 Thank you. Anytime I think of it, I can't help chuckling. 😊
What a beautiful memory! BTW I was 15 in 1972! Peace and Blessings to you and yours!
@@wendyryder2708 Thank you. And to you and yours!
There is a great video of this song being played during an NFL game in Germany. Watching 70,000 Germans singing Country Roads is pretty lit.
Annie's Song is one of the most beautiful heartfelt love songs ever written.
Annie's song was our wedding song ❤️
54yr old Aussie,grew up on heavy metal, heard that song as a teenager, all I could think of was, wow, what a beautiful song. The result, don’t judge a song by genre. If a song is good, it’s good.
@@TooOldToCare-kl3co first gig in 81, aged 15 - ac/dc, but my Da liked JD, Elkie Brookes and more that soaked in.
When they were recording the population years ago, I called John, to fill up my census.
I was very nearly named Annie because of my mum’s love for this song…
Being a rapper yourself, you might appreciate that John Denver testified before Congress against censorship in music.
Right alongside Dee Snider and Frank Zappa, but Zappa wasn’t nearly as impactful as Snider and Denver
John Denver has the distinction of having two official state songs; Country Roads (West Virginia), and Rocky Mountain High (Colorado).
He was also in the movie Oh God, with George Burns ,and did some TV also
Gifted voice
Nice reaction, look at the smile on your face...awesome... todays music sure could use someone like him to bring it back to reality were you feel the music...
Couple of songs that you will appreciate (great lyrics-heartfelt) "Poems, Prayers and Promises" and "This Old Guitar."
Yes---PLEASE, 'Poems, Prayers, and Promises' (..and things we believe in...) @Black_Pegasus Thank you @mentalwedgee 🙂
When I was in the Navy, doing the one med cruise that I was deployed on, when the ship finally turned and headed home, The Captain had "Country Roads" played over the ships speaker system. The whole ship was singing after 6 months of being away for home.
20 years ago when I got married in a (very) traditional Thai wedding in Thailand, the DJ played not one but 2 John Denver songs and all 125+ Thai guests sang along in English. It's really amazing how GOOD music trancends not just cultures and distance, but brings a smile to the faces of very different people.
Now that you're going down the John Denver country road "Calypso" and "Paradise" are well worth a listen.
Love Calypso tribute to Jacques Cousteau
@@kimblemedley768 Beautiful composition. His rendition of Calypso at the Wildlife Concert was amazing. It showed his music, his guitar and his voice at their best.
I loved that Cousteau gave access to their footage for John's video to Calypso
@@aaroncoffman88 I think that they were friends, they definitely appear together in at least one still photo in the video.
Looking For Space. such a beautiful introspective song. I hope you react to that one day. It is less known than his other works, but is my all time favorite of his.
You had me crying! I remember hearing that song in Germany on AFN in Michigan and Texas and so many places just wanted to be back in Southwest Virginia. When my husband retired from the military and we left Colorado springs for our forever home literally in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, this will always be my theme song. Oh you got me in my feels son! Had to say thank you again.
My fam is from Galax, Va Kitty. New River peeps. I feel you on this ☘️🇺🇲
John DENVER WAS SUPER HUGE IN THEM 1970s I MEAN HUGE1970s all the way baby
@@brandonjones1349beautiful beautiful country around Galax❤
Rural western Virginia with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River 5 minutes on either side of me. Truly God’s country! So blessed to live in this region!!!
One of the greatest sing along songs of all time :)
John Denver. Fly away
He has one of the most comforting singing voices of all time!
Home is where your heart is. I have never been to West Virginia but still feel it.
John Denver (RIP) was my dad's music. But I got introduced to him as he was on a show called "The Muppets" back around the early 80s. Loved him after that. And BP is right - he hit it perfectly - Denver's got an inviting voice. He just sounds like a friend.
John Denver was genuine and he was an American treasure
Boy! Does this song ever bring back a memory. In grade school, our French teacher was a young fellow from Sherbrooke, Quebec. He would sometimes bring out his guitar to entertain us and this song was one of his favourites. So you have to imagine this song sung in a very thick Quebecois accent: "Take me 'ome, country road, to da place, h'ai belong. Wes' Virginia, montaine momma, take me 'ome, country road." Fun guy.
As a military brat yourself, you can appreciate this. JD was an Air Force brat. This song in part is about finally finding a place that feels like home when you grow up without a real one.
He was such a genuine person, the concert that you're watching is his wildlife concert to raise awareness and money for wildlife conservation " HE NEVER TOOK ONE PENNY IN PAYMENT HE GAVE IT ALL TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ". HE WAS ALSO UNDOUBTEDLY A MAGNIFICENT SINGER AND PERFORMER, SUCH A SHAME HE WENT BEFORE HIS TIME.
Back in the day, there was a singer, actor, TV personality named Perry Como. He recorded for 44 years with RCA. 44 YEARS!
He had a weekly television program for DECADES, as well as holiday specials and he sang in every one of them. You could say he was the Mr. Roberts of music. He received loads of Emmys and Grammys, loads of gold/platinum…whatever…records, and every award you could ever think of.
When John Denver was beginning his career he had an opportunity to speak with Perry Como. John asked him what was the secret to his years of phenomenal success. Perry Como said, and you can see this at the end of this video, “I never record a song that people can’t sing to.” John Denver, who wrote most of his own music, followed Perry Como’s advice.
And it worked…I bet we all were singing by the end of this video.
Still remember how I had a crush on him😊
@@JoyceHirano Me, too! ☺️
This is the official state song for West Virginia. At every WVU game whether it is football, basketball, baseball or any other sport this song is played at the end of every game. The crowd joins in and sings along. You gave a good description of living in the country. If you ever get the opportunity, visit West Virginia (it is the mountain mama). You can go whitewater rafting on the New River (the second oldest river in the world, the Amazon River is the first), take a walk on the trails, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and solitude. Love the reaction and analysis of this great singer and song by John Denver.
This song is timeless and sung worldwide. My teenage was on school bus sang almost heaven and the whole bus joined in a sang this 😂
This song and many others by John are just feel good lyrics and music. Like something pure, beautiful and safe. 🇺🇸
This is a universal song, we can all relate to going home, to recharge and get back to our people. (I am Canadian 🇨🇦)
WV born and raised ❤
RIP John Denver. ❤️✌🏻🎶
Almost Heaven, West Virginia is a real place...I've been there while trucking the country and was so surprised it really existed. Beautiful country!!!
It’s a universal song. Listen to the record. It’s real good no matter your preferred genre.
I enjoyed your reaction to 'Take Me Home' by JD. Your remarks on what home is, brought to mind a quote from my favorite poet and author, Robert Frost. “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
His song Poems, Prayers, Promises from this same concert would hit you hard given where you say you are in your life now. I know I can understand it better now that I am older. Enjoying your discovery of this wonderful storyteller.
Home is where the heart is. We lost a great artist to soon.
Those first six words says it all, and is the truth.
My sister was a senior in high school when I was in kindergarten. She had an acoustic guitar and I remember her playing this song and Leaving on a Jet Plane. I would sing along with her. It’s one of my best childhood memories.
West VA adopted this song as their official state song.
That giant smile on your face is why everyone loves John Denver.
So many good songs from him! Thank God I’m a country Boy and Annie’s song are two of my very favorites!! This man could sing!!
58 year old male with high blood pressure. i grew up in Denver Co. Living in Las Vegas Nv now. High pressure job. I hear John Denver my BP goes down. His music calms me.
YOUR SMILE BP!! That is what John Does.. Make us smile
John Denver was not only a prolific singer/songwriter/performer but one heck of a good human being. He had tons of hits through decades.
I always said his voice was like a warm hug
Born in West Virginia and still here 52yrs later.
I'm a transplant, but I've been here for almost 35 years. Happy and proud to call WV my adopted home state!
Less than a mile from where I started.
@@ejtappan1802 what part I'm from Mingo county
50 yrs ago for me and went Air Force then traveled. WV will always be home. I’ll be back to retire for sure.
I live in NC now. Born in Clarksburg. There for 45 years.
At 70, I'm a huge John Denver fan. I still listen to him every day. I saw him in concert every time he came near my home. I've stood in line, in the drizzling rain for 14 hours to get tickets. I own every album.
Tom Jones does that to me! lol
I’m 52 and my mom is 82, she mentioned a bunch of artists she saw when she was young! Including seeing John Denver twice!! I would hope that when the day comes that when she passes away that at her funeral someone, or me and my siblings, would sing THIS song or Back Home Again for her! I’m getting teary thinking about it too! It’s a couple of powerful songs!! I will be crying singing it too!!!
@David_Theisen My daughter, who is a musician and singer, she a music teacher. She knows to play John Denver for me when I pass. I even want Grandma's Feather Bed, it's a part of my family history.
Yes you do, you know where your home is, it's in your heart.
I saw John Denver at The Cellar Door in DC in 1971. His backup band was Fat City. They later became Starland Vocal Band best known for “Afternoon Delight”!
🇬🇧
I absolutely love his "Leaving On A Jet Plane" ❤🎼🎶🎵
While I do live in the country, I think this song appeals to folks everywhere because it's a " going home " song, " Take me home to the place I belong..." Isn't there a part in all of us that wants to go to the place we belong? I have a sweet memory of being at my cousin's wedding in Ireland and my Irish relatives played and sang this song for us American relations. I am a woman in my 70's and I love your channel. I admire your ability to engage all kinds of music. I've been married for over 40 years to a musician, and he always says, " Good music is good music whatever the style." I trust you and yours will be blessed in the place you belong.
John was also a military brat. I think that’s why so many of his songs have home as a theme … coming home, missing home, who makes home. Thanks for this.
John Denver was one of the greatest songwriter/musicians of all time. There was never a lane for folk music after the early 70's, so he bounced between soft rock and country and was never accepted by either. He was mocked constantly for his kindness and demeanor, but will forever be remember for his timeless classics.
West Virginia's Anthem! Being from the great state of West Virginia, we LOVE this song.
Marylander here! Western MD . WV has some beau areas ! But it is a very, very, poor RED state! I love my BLUE state of MD! We have the Appalachian mountains, Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern ShoreOcran City , and Assateague Island State seashore and National Park! Also Southern MD! 🤗🥰🤗⚓️⛵️⚓️🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
This song makes everyone homesick. It's known all over the world
Alleghany county Virginia here love thee neighbors
It's played after every West Virginia University sports' victory......Love this song - Love my home State!
I've read that Denver is the only musician to pen two different state's anthems; West Virginia, and Colorado.
What an excellent point, he does have a friendly voice. ❤
Wow BP you’ve come a long way! Your reaction to his voice was impressive. You’re right…his voice is so welcoming. Perfect description. His voice has a feeling to it.
He tells your story in "Montana Skies". It's about a young man who goes to the city and can't breathe and has to get back to open spaces. Its my favorite of his!
LOVE! THAT! SONG!!
My favorite version of this song is the viral video a few years ago with a classroom listening to John Denver, but the broadcast cut off, but the entire class of kids sang the second half of the song. Beautiful stuff.
BP I grew up in WVa. Born and Raised in its University town. I spent the first 21 years of my life wandering its mountains and camping and exploring and learning how beautiful this land can be.
I ran from that small little coal miner state and explored 70% of the country after that. Life of a gypsy. Not because of being an artist, but because I wanted to explore.
And you know what happened? I had to go back home. NYC, Chicago, Austin, Tampa, LA, and bunch of towns in between.. and I longed for home.
You walk into any event in WVa to this day and this song is sung and everyone in the audience knows every word. The young may not understand the yearning, but the older understand. The building you grew up in doesn't always turn out to be the home you expect. But sometimes, if you are lucky and you invite it. The land is. Wva is a special place and the people, when invited to do so are a special breed.
Thank you for reacting to this video. Been a long time fan and this just boosted my fandom.
I met him at 16!! In Aspen,, He was So kind!! What a guy!!❤
Wow would of loved to have met him 😢
Hello, Thank you for being you. John Denver was staple listening to the radio in the 70's, perfect sing-a-longs for family road trips.
After having attended a wedding in WV, the feeling in this song from my childhood was rekindled after seeing the ferocity with which the fellow attendees joined in every word of this anthem. Not my thing, but I get it. And I feel it and live it when I visit.
Friendly and inviting... yep. Nailed it. Next up: Annie's Song and Calypso. For a deep cut, Poems Prayers and Promises or the Seasons Suite or I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado. As for genre... the folk crowd dissed it as too country, the country crowd dissed it as too pop, the pop crowd dissed it as too folky. And we just kept buying those albums and playing them until there was nothing left but hiss.
Was lucky enough to have seen him three times in concert. First concert I ever went to was him in Pittsburgh. First time I'd driven to a big city. There was some hootin & hollerin. It was so much fun. He was a great all around entertainer. Funny, talented, had his own quirky charm. He made you feel at ease and encouraged all to sing along.
His Dad taught him how to fly. It was a passion of his. He died flying an experimental plane. The switch to change from one fuel tank to the other was in an awkward place to reach.
His music lives on (in many countries) and is still popular today. To classify his music as folk/country is about right. Some songs a bit more one than the other. The song he wrote for his first wife, (Annie's Song) has some beautiful lyrics. Another huge hit is 'Sunshine On My Shoulders'. A perfect summertime song. 'Calypso' is a song about the ocean. Listening you get the feeling of being out sailing. My favorite of his is a short song that has a unque sound called 'The Eagle and the Hawk'. He has a long list of hits. Hope you take the time to check out some of them. John's music was different than everyone else's. There wasn't anyone who sounded like him before or since.
Sunshine on my Shoulders for the warm feelings!!
This song is known all over the worlld. I've seen crowds in Europe sing every word when American sports teams play there.
Here we go! Love it!
This song was released during the Vietnam war. It was a positive boost in the arm needed at the time about a guy's love for his home in the USA. There was a lot of protest at the time and many found John's music comforting.
You encapsulated John Denver’s voice perfectly when you described it as “friendly and welcoming.’ Perfect! This song always makes me smile and feel happy inside.
I never saw him in concert but my mom did and she said he put on THE BEST show. He has some awesome songs you should do: 'Sunshine On My Shoulders', 'Annie's Song', 'Thank God I'm a Country Boy', ' Leavin On A Jetplane'. He has so many great songs.
West Virginia is my home state. This song is the unofficial anthem for the state. Absolutely, it’s a beautiful state.
I love to VISIT Colorado. I live just down I-25, in Albuquerque, we have our own issues! John Denver's music can keep us grounded.
John Denver was an authentic man. He was a natural, whether singing or acting. Pure free spirit
Sing it BP! 😊 Wonderful, uplifting… made me happy. 😃👍
Yes to everything John Denver!! He was one of my mom's favorite artists! If u continue down this rabbithole, please do Poems prayers and promises, This old guitar and Annie's song! ❤🙏
His concerts were like that, welcoming, like 1000s of friends all sitting around having a good time.
Thanks!
thank you so much for your extra support
I heard this song played in many pubs in Ireland by the local artists. Crazy!
John Denver was also a military child. I lived in the same house and community for my entire childhood. I can imagine that it would be difficult having to always go to new schools. As an adult, I have found that home is where I make it.
Yes, just gun advocates place him as being in the military himself as a sniper. That is untrue as he lost 2-toes in a lawn mowing accident and no record of him serving. His politics was not even close to what some promote and he served under the Carter admin and Clinton in anti-hunger activism and was against Reagan's stand on oil drilling in virgin wild areas etc.
It reasons he might have moderated his views today... just was not what all them links trying to make him in part of them.... vs what he actually said and lived. I do not get it ... just type in John Denver and military service.... so many gun sights tout he was. His Father of course was and he did move all over when young.
This song speaks to my soul. It makes me homesick for a place I've never even been
Country Roads; I was born and raised in Detroit. I spent my first 49 years there. Shootings, car jackings, break ins. I moved to the country 23 years ago & never looked back. I love living in the country!!!
Love John Denver❤❤❤
He wrote and recorded one of the best love songs. It's called "For You".
Been trying to get someone to react to Amazon from this same concert. It is SO special.
I'm asking you. Please. You will be glad you did.
If I had to describe how I feel when listening to John Denver it would be "HOME"!! He had a way of making you feel warm and wrapped in emotion. These songs I listen to and remember my Mother and my dear sweet Brother who have been called home, Continue on your journey of discovering his music please
Home is wherever your family lives. ❤
I live in the country. I highly recommend it. Great place to raise kids. Lets pray it in.
You're spot on when you say his voice is "friendly". He exuded friendliness from every pore. I always loved his music, even when it wasn't considered "cool". I grew up in the country when it wasn't "cool". The country is the only place to be, and I wish I was back in it.
Me too! ❤️ React to Calypso
I grew up in England, in the 1970s, listening to The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver.
My mum’s favourite ever song is JD’s ‘Sunshine on my Shoulders’. It’s absolutely beautiful…
We are not really into country music in Britain, but we love John Denver. We always did, the Uk were his biggest fans.
I listened to this in Jr. hi School. It's my anthem! All of us Mountaineers!💙💛
Great reaction! Home is where your heart is!!
John Denver is extremely popular in Japan!
I know the feeling about home ( Navy brat here). Totally relate to ya.
John Denver never had a bad song, and you're right, his voice was and still is welcoming. I miss his brilliance!
West Virginia is the most beautiful state I’ve ever seen. Green filled mountains and valleys in summer, colorful in the fall, white in winter, spring surrounds you with fragrance. A must visit through the center of the state anytime.
For a fun side of John Denver try "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" .
The live version from his show, w/Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Roger Miller!
I heard a wonderful quote the other day. "Home is where your passion takes you"