Back in the 70's, I considered myself a "rocker" who looked down on John Denver as being a "corny folk singer." When a friend of mine said she had tickets to see him in a small venue (actually the cafeteria of a small university), I rolled my eyes and reluctantly agreed to go (mainly because I was hoping to "get lucky" with the girl later. We ended up sitting only 30 feet or so from him.... and my God! What a voice he had! I've never heard such a natural purity of tone since. I became an instant convert. Bless you John and thank you for the joy you continue to bring to the world. 🙏
1971, when John Denver released this song, “Prisoners” was a time when there were a lot of changes occurring in society. The anti-establishment revolt of the late 60’s carried into the early 70’s. The younger generation wanted to be free from the norms and constraints of their parent’s generation (a universal theme), and in the US the anti-Vietnam War feelings were reaching their heights. John Denver’s lyrics in this song gives voice to these feelings and especially in the last verse where he pleads that the boys be brought home, a nod to the POW/MIA’s in Vietnam and the military that was still embroiled in that prison of war. John’s sterling performance sometimes overshadows the poignancy of the lyrics.
That last verse, though....hits like a gut punch. His cheery, nerdy personality belied some deep waters. I'm so sorry that my generation didn't appreciate him at the level he deserved. What a gem.
Admittedly Im part of that generation that did not appreciate John. Nerdy and popular on tv with older generations may have been part of that. And of course, rock was enticing as F... lol
He was too WASP and is being allowed to vanish into obscurity in favour of those who aren't, if you get my drift. I wasn't and still am not a fan, but it's happened and is happening to so many others that it's pissing me off somewhat.
@@EliteRock In the context of my generation(Gen X), I don't think his being a so-called 'WASP' had anything to do with his estimation. In my case and for others, it was more the attraction of 70s classic rock that we heard on the radio which had such a magnetic pull- the loud guitars, the adrenalin, the edginess(Led Zep, etc.). John's music was considered mellow, old-fashioned, and square - like music our parents or grandparents would like...so we shunned it. What's interesting about that is that he was in reality more counter-culture, politically engaged, and activist than most of the edgy rock stars we admired (but we didn't know and wouldn't have cared- he would have been considered something of a 60's throwback hippie, which I think is more apt, but he arrived a bit too late to ride the wave of popular hippy-folk era singer-songwriters). He also wasn't a saint- he had troubles with drugs, alcohol, etc. as well as personal shortcomings. But these weren't well-known at the time - keeping in mind that this was prior to the Internet age. His image, like that of Karen Carpenter, was very much kept in the 'clean-cut' category - at least in our perception...however much that didn't quite square with reality. His perceived ethnicity or religion didn't factor into it at all.
@@EliteRock Pondering on this I can only think of one instance of what I think you might mean by this. Recently in a high profile Grammy Awards celebration it was obvious that when they excluded Celine Dion from any nomination it made a bold statement to me that those pesky bee like critters were discriminated against. Regarding Denver though I fail to see the connection. Am I even on a cold trail here?
Thanks for giving John Denver his "flowers," as the young folks say. He's been unfairly maligned, imo. He wrote some timeless songs that will never go away and his musicianship was always top-tier.
Dude, you are probably the best reviewer I've ever heard. You explain things so well, and you can nail all the notes yourself when you demonstrate technique. Love listening to your reviews.
John Denver was the ultimate singer , songwriter, and performer. I was an ex-pat living in South America when he passed. His songs are the greatest. Thank you Fil for featuring him.
I watched a video about his life recently and when he was too old fashioned for the changing era and the press mocked him, he rebuked them forthrightly and told them, "You are mocking my fans!". His voice is healing in these turbulent times.
It takes all kinds right ? I was a young waitress in Holyoke , Colorado when I met him while many were there hunting pheasant and such. He was a nice man to me but many hunters did not like him because he would hunt on land that he did not pay for. "or that is how it was explained to me". He was a nice man.@@steelmagnolia9906
John Denver was always spot on. His voice just flowed. Even in Calypso with his yodel he doesn't falter. He maintains those notes. A true professional.
The song that proves his vocal ability to me has always been "The Eagle and the Hawk". To sing that song properly you have to be able to make your voice sound as if it is soaring through the clouds along with the birds which does not mean just singing high. He's able to give his voice that soaring quality that I don't think most people can achieve.
John Denver and Karen Carpenter's duet of melodies during a Carpenters special (which is available on RUclips) is one of the most beautiful harmonies ever. Two angels 😇 😇
So many great pairings on RUclips. I saw the Beach Boys doing harmonies with Chicago on "Wishing you were Here" and Linda Ronstadt singing with the Eagles.
Always refreshing to see a singer/song writer from the 70s featured here to reconnect to natural voices, that express individual character and their message so well. Such a lovely appreciation of Denver's voice. Thank you, Fil.
I’ve tried to sing this song, and it’s so difficult. I can hit the notes, but staying up that high, that long, is an extremely impressive feat. RIP John, we miss you
I'm a soprano and his tenor is so high, it's actually difficult for me to sing with him. HIs voice was extraordinary. I tend to forget that until I hear him sing.
I am a tenor & I have trouble singing songs like this for the opposite reason - I can stay in the F4 to G4 range pretty easily… but when I have to go back down to the G3 or A3, it is a difficult & obvious transition. It’s hard to get it to sound correct
It's hard to emphasize how big a part of life John Denver was to anyone who didn't grow up in the 70's and 80's. Even if you're not into folk music it's hard not to find what he could do with just a guitar and lyrics amazing. I'm pretty confident 'Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy,' is the greatest opening line to a song I will ever hear. He's missed by many.
I love John Denver. Being a girl from Appalachia, every single time I cross the bridge into West Virginia from Ohio, I’m silently singing Take Me Home, Country Roads in my head. My Granny loved that song. Great memories. ❤🛻🏞️
John Denver was the real deal. I read an interview with session musician Jim Horn, who worked with JD & he said he had perfect pitch & a photographic memory. He also said that he (JD) was probably one of the best entertainers he'd ever worked with out there. I had never heard this song before so that was a treat. Thanks!🤓
One of the most talented human beings ever born. If you watch any of his tv specials from back in the day, you see him dancing, juggling, often genuinely funny. He danced really well, very good skier, actually good athletically all around. Played many instruments exceptionally, was a pilot, good actor. One of the best songwriters ever. Oh, and he sang ok too! That's just off the top of my head. There's just so many things I saw him do that impressed me over and over, unbelievable talent...fearless, so he got good at so many things.
One of the coolest moment I’ve ever experienced at a concert was at one of John’s concerts 25 or so years ago. 5000 seat theater, John was by him self with 8 or 9 different string instruments in stands. No band or backing singers. He did his song “Fly Away” that featured Olivia Newton John with backing vocals. He said that since he didn’t have Olivia there, he would like all the ladies in the audience to sing her part. A couple of thousand female voices chimed in on time, on key, and beautifully!! Took my breath away!!
I just listened to his appearance on The Muppets and I had to listen to it over and over. He doesn’t sing that much, but his voice is just beautiful and pure, his pronunciation is stellar. (I found myself taking notes). I was born in 62 and grew up with him and so many other great folk singers! ( and rock singers!) what a great time to grow up. I knew/know every word of his songs! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have no idea what you are talking about- I am someone who couldn't hold a note even if my life depended on it, but I am very impressed with your knowledge and the way you are presenting your craft. As for John Denver, I have a very soft spot for him, I associate many happy moments in my life with his music.
John Denver faded into oblivion and I think most younger folks don’t realize how huge he was at his peak. Thanks again, Fil for highlighting a legend from a gone by era….
He didnt fade away. His music was always on the radio,and he was on tv shows as well. That he is only now being rediscovered by this generation is testimony to his longevity.
@@xScooterAZx he absolutely faded away. Of course he was played on the radio….you completely missed the point I made in my post because you are exactly the person I directed my original post towards! John Denver was a multimedia mega superstar at his peak! Movies, tv specials…lots of them! Muppets!!!
John Denver has to have one of the most beautiful voices ever. All of his songs are clear and mesmerizing! Thank you for doing this analysis! Spot on Fil!
His words were different than the other popular artists at the time. But if you're different, the critics will attack - unless you're on the cutting edge. They don't judge the music the way most people do. We don't need to be told we are fools.
I love John and his music. I hated how people used to pick on him. He was a great singer/songwriter. It hurt so much to hear of his passing. We lost such a great talent. I'm thankful there are videos and recordings of his music for us to enjoy. Rest in peace John, I miss you. Thank you, Fil, for doing this analysis on John. Take care.
I think I am a sophisticated music aficionado who has seen many great bands live. Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, ELO, Rush, and more including in the same genre--James Taylor. By far, the best concert of my life was John Denver in 1972. It was a light and drizzly rain at the Paolo Solari amphitheater in Santa Fe. He was so close and personal. We sang along! Poems, Prayers and Promises. Pass the Pipe around.
Also, check out the song, The Eagle and the Hawk, to hear his soprano soar and soar almost continuously thru this joyous song. He had such a rare ability to go from gentle to soaring vocals effortlessly.
@@mariestriegler1109 It truly does show off his voice, stamina and range. Another song, "Calypso", also shows off both the soft and soaring side in the guise of a beautiful sea shanty tribute to Jacque Yves Cousteau and his team aboard the Calypso.
Im a long time John Denver fan and this analysis doesn't surprise me at all. The guy is just so naturally gifted and is pretty much flawless on albums or live. He makes very difficult notes sound easy and can hold or change them at will.
I was lucky enough to see John Denver in 1995, I think. We were at Walmart and someone was giving out free tickets for that night's performance. The concert must not have been sold out. John was awesome. It's a night I won't forget.
Peer pressure at the time meant that I couldn't like John Denver, he was too damn good. This was the time when we were scared to be sent off to Vietnam and so the Woodstock attitude was the fashion. At first I didn't know if this was a song about a prisoner in jail, but his last line made me think he was a prisoner of the well-oiled global war machine. i'll listen to the whole performance and the interview. Johnny Carson was THE best interviewer. BTW thank you for another great analysis. Your knowledge of singing, guitar playing and overall musicianship is impressive. All the best for 2024. And also to your You Tube commenters. You have cultivated a great community.
In the concert I saw, John sang so beautifully, but his voice cracked on one high note. Just once. He instantly redoubled his efforts, like he owed us all an apology, and sent up every pure note spot on with even more power than before, for the rest of a mesmerizing performance. Loved that guy. One of a kind.
Fil, I was thinking of Karen Carpenter before you mentioned her. We saw the Carpenters on stage twice and were completely mesmerised. John Denver was amazing too.
Thank you, Fil. I would be happy if you did analysis on John Denver performances regularly. My dad was an amazing musician and music teacher. JD was the only person he really wanted to see live. I surprised him with a concert in Toronto. The concert and look of pure joy on my dad’s face the entire concert is one of my most treasured life moments. After JD’s untimely passing I remember one thing my dad said was we all not only lost such a talented, humanitarian and environmentalist, we lost so much music that would never be written. Loved your analysis, as always.
My husband and i saw him when we were in college in the early '80's. He was by far the most entertaining performer I've ever seen in concert. The band took a break and he kept right on singing, just him and his guitar...it was pure magic!❤
I always enjoy your reviews of the various preformers . Fil I have learned so much from you concerning voice, concerning instrumentation, just music information general. I was never privileged to learn music growing up so you have filled that void in my life. Thank you for reviewing one of my favorite singers, John Denver. I always appreciated his music but your review just emphasized how great he really was. Thank you Fill.
John Denver was my first concert. I love his voice and I love the way he plays his guitar. Even my grandmother appreciated that he sang about the mines and the green river in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky. He was a man so affected by his natural environment and it came out pure and true in his singing.
I know what you mean. Also adds extra power by contrast to when he gets back up there soaring to those inhuman higher ranges. If I were to be forced into just one thing that made him, I would say it was his songwriting though.
This live performance come from The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson on 9/19/1972 John Denver was another singer songwriter and musician that I followed from my teenage years up to his death Thanks John Denver for the great body of work you left behind to enjoy and remember you by December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997
One great thing about Johnny Carson was that singers never lip synched their performances on his show. Always live. There were some great performances on the Tonight Show over the years.
@@tatersprout Watched his show hundreds of times. Usually easy to tell when someone is lip synching. It sounds just like the recording because it is. Never saw that once on Carson.
I've never watched a John Denver live performance without finding myself lost in appreciating his voice - surely, on the scale of society as a whole, very much underappreciated. My personal favorite is his Wildlife Concert rendition of "Eagles and Horses" - the live version makes the song soar, far better than the album version. I think, more than any other artist, John Denver is an artist I often prefer to hear live in performance over their studio tracks. Just a gentle genius.
I loved John Denver & had almost every album he recorded early in his career. I was thrilled to get to see him in concert my freshman year in college. Everyone knew all the words to his songs & he jokingly said he wanted to ask people to please not sing along because these are “my songs”. It was a wonderful memory.
Oldie goodies. John Denver is always such a joy to listen to. I never tire listening to him . I am sorry he has passed. Thankyou for the excellent analysis of his voice.
He was a supremely gifted artist. it's easy to forget how talented he was because many of us grew up seeing him interacting with The Muppets, doing variety show comedic sketches, or movies. His voice was so pure and clear, and his range was Impeccable. And, perhaps, most of all, he was capable of singing and emoting from the soul.
Its the full richness of his voice combined with his brilliant melodies and haunting lyrics which makes John Denver arguably the finest US artist ever.
Here in the USA, John was almost over exposed in the mid-1970s… but it’s easy to see why television networks wanted to give him his own specials regularly. He was gifted. For many of us rock ‘n’ roll kids in the 70s, it was hit and miss with some of the songs. With the clarity of hindsight… How AMAZING was this man? And a killer guitar player as well!!! Wouldn’t we all love to have some of this talent?
Such a great live performance. Not just the vocals but the song content as well, it really tells a story. In my mind I can see those people he is singing about, but that is what John does best, tell a story about everyday people through his music...Beautiful. Yes Rest in Peace John.
It’s hard to put into words just how much his voice and guitar can put me right back in my 20s-first car, great job, being single and free, finding love. Seeing John Denver 3 times in concert with my friends in Cincinnati. Thanks Fil! Such good, warm times in my life.💖
I was the ultimate John Denver fan. Saw him live in an intimate concert venue. Just him & his guitar. His voice was so piercing in a wonderful way. R.I.P. John. To bad that the music industry at that time never really gave you your due 😢.
Growing up during the Vietnam War and hearing songs like this now still makes me cry. Vietnam ruined so many lives, but oh the music that came from that era. John Denver was one of those singer songwriters that still get to me even after all these decades. The passion in his singing was as much a form of protest against the war as the lyrics. Thank you SO MUCH for picking this song to analyze, Fil. 💙
We were lucky to have grown up during that time! We experienced the very best music ever and lived through an Era that saw the best and worse of time's!
I grew up in the 70s and I used to sneak my sister’s records, and I always loved John Denver! There was something so soulful about his music. I really love his song Matthew also.
Thank you so much for showcasing this, Fil. I don't remember ever hearing this song, until now. I got chills watching how his voice was so consistently on pitch, despite the occasional variables of a little bit flat or a little bit sharp. (As it should be, JMHO.) For the song itself, I love the twist at the end where you realize the singer is not in prison for breaking the law, but is actually a prisoner of war, "Bring me and the other boys home." John Denver's craftsmanship in lyric writing was always absolutely superb.
The backing guitar player doing flagiolets in the quieter parts of the song was masterful, doing this live that is by the way. Great to hear John again Fil, thanks 👍🎵🏋♀️
I had completely forgotten about this song until this moment. I'm surprised the lyrics came back to me so easily. And that point where he drops into baritone range then pops right back up into the upper register is *chef's kiss*
My father brought JDs Rocky Mountain High album home for me when I was thirteen. The entire family ended up hearing that album countless times because I played it over and over and memorized all the lyrics. “Prisoners” is on that album. That song and every song is fantastic! A few years later, I saw him perform live, and not only was hearing his songs amazing, but the way he worked the crowd was incredibly entertaining. I’ve been a fan since the eighth grade. I was devastated when he was killed in the experimental plane crash. What a loss.
One of my all time favorite artists, John Denver was just the complete package. His voice was just beautiful and yet he had so much power and control over the notes he produced. Great analysis, as always Fil, thanks for this mate.
Thanks Fil for this incredible analysis on John Denver's performance. He was among the musicians of my childhood who is deeply missed yet fondly remembered. John captivated many with his talents. I couldn't help but notice this expression on your face after listening to his performance "before the days of pitch correction and auto tune." It would be sacrilege to manipulate his art. Thanks again, Fil for featuring a true legend of many talents.
Fil, this analysis is great ! John's voice is so very good and he was so accurate! This may be the best example of an unedited performance ever! How I wish today's music industry would just stop manipulating music. A God-given talent was what John had, and thank the Lord we can hear and appreciate his natural voice !
I haves listened to his music for well over 50 years. It stays fresh and full of clarity. His duet with Plácido Domingo is not only interesting, but phenomenal. Seeing him in concert around 1980 was something I have cherished all these years. This song came out while the US was involved in Vietnam, and I always heard it in that context.
The "off" notes are so often where the emotional impact rides. Thanks for featuring this performance. I was lucky to see JD live at several times across his career from coffee houses to Madison Square Garden. It's always a pleasure to revisit his music and your observations always add to my appreciation of what I'm hearing.
What an incredible singer/songwriter/guitarist he was! His vocals just float! I love some of his old stuff with Bill & Taffy Danoff singing incredible harmonies. Awesome! 👍
There has never been anyone like John (at least in my experience) and I doubt there ever will be, everything about him was so unique because you rarely get all the qualities he had wrapped up in one person. I met him several times over the years and he left a hole in my heart when he passed. My oldest daughter was listening to his music in the womb and she loves him as much as I do.☺️ No other singer touched my heart the way John did. RIP sweet angel.❤ Thank you for covering this song Fil, I love how spot on your analysis was.👍
Same. It was around the same time Diana died in Paris. And Mother Theresa if I remember correctly. It was a weepy week for me especially for John. I adored him. He was one in a bazillion.
Yeah, you're not going to see performances like this anymore (and this looks like the Johnny Carson show). Very likely he had to edit the song for time. Thanks for doing another one from the 70s!
I have always enjoyed listening to John Denver's songs of which I had many favorites like: Thank God I'm a Country Boy, Country Roads, Sunshine on my Shoulders, Rocky Mountain High, Fly Away (with Olivia Newton John), and lots more. Its sad that he passed away at such a young age, I know he is greatly missed. As always, it was a great analysis! Congrats on getting 336k subscribers! 🙂
Such a clear, piercing voice, visual storytelling and great guitar technique keeps John Denver one of my top favorite male performers 50 years on from this performance when I was 12 and totally in love with soaring along on the wings of his voice.
I heard him in a in a fairly small arena. He had his own sound equipment and a stage that slowly rotated so everyone would see him well, at least part of the time. Very clean voice. When the band took a break, he continued to play solo and sing. It was the best concert I have attended.
So happy that you choose to again visit John's incredible gifts and contribution to the American songbook. His music remains a large part of the the soundtrack of so many lives. Listening to him is now always bitter-sweet. His untimely loss can not be overstated.
Saw John many times live really underrated as a guitar player also. Became my favorite when I first heard him in the seventies.Was there when they did the live recording for An Evening With John Denver. Such a sad loss ,miss hearing him.
I was fortunate enough to see him in Boise in the early 80s. I was in high school and my best friend and I were probably some of the youngest people there. He was in town to visit some friends, and the concert was just him and a guitar - no backing band, nobody onstage at all except him. It was phenomenal. We snuck backstage afterwards and he and his friends were so gracious and kind. Grew up listening to him, and have always loved him.
He had perfect pitch...in various ways: the ability itself,but also artistically-in finding the right tone, expression, colour, placement etc for the expression....ultra musical
Oh my gosh, you actually just introduced me to a John Denver song I don't remember having heard before! It makes me what other gems I have managed to miss. Thank you for the analysis, he truly was a wonderful singer, songwriter, and performer. I have yet to understand why he was so disrespected and the brunt of so many jokes.
This man could sing, he had a ringing tenor which could hit both ends of the scale. Fabulous video, and Fil you have a fantastic voice as well. Quite brilliant.
Wow and wow and wow. I saw him once live, only briefly, in 1971, and he filled a hall of many thousands with a voice full of power, clarity, and beauty. Goosebumps. Miss him.
Fil, it is very heartening to me to see a musician such as yourself that plays rock have such a look of pure enjoyment on his face when listening to music like this of my "era". And although I know your job is to analyze the songs that you feature in your videos, but I can't help feel that there are songs and performers that just touch a chord in you. John Denver is and was a singular talent as a singer/songwriter right from "Leaving On A Jet Plane" all the way through his career. I've always thought of him as one of the voices of my generation. It is an abomination and capital crime he has not been enshrined in the Rockhall. The way I listen to music now is basically something I learned from you and Rick Beato. From you, the vocal touches and vibrato (ala Judith Durham) and technical aspects like little Guitar fills (ala Gordon Lightfoot) and other little touches. Taken from us far, far too soon.
So nice to see a new generation truly appreciate John's special abilities! Unfortunately, he was not by a lot of folks at the time. I always loved his music! Was privileged to see him twice, and, yes, live was just perfect. RIP John. You are missed...
You read my mind, Fil. I wanted to recommend John Denver. His clarity, in my opinion, only improved as he aged. Maybe due to his normal aging..? It was absolutely crushing when he died, which had much to do with awkward placement of instrumentation in that particular plane he was flying. Just a tragic combination of factors. Life was not simple for him, and he always had my respect. What an incredible voice, I'll never forget his environmental work. "Calypso", was also wonderful, Jacques Cousteau was also a favorite environmentalist of mine.
One of my favorite songs from the "Rocky Mountain High" album! I will always be grateful for John introducing me to the work of the great John Prine through his covers of "Paradise" and "Angel from Montgomery."
I was blessed to live in the era of John Denver, to see him live in concert. I make sure all of my music students experience performing his music. He is so deeply missed.
Imagine growing up in the late '60s/early '70s with Karen Carpenter and John Denver hitting their peaks. The Prisoner Song is from his Rocky Mountain High album, which was a huge success after Almost Heaven. When *that* song first came on the radio people were crying, it was so good. And then we got Rocky Mountain High... wow. I really learned guitar from his "A Night With John Denver" album, and accompanying book (I learned my chords from the diagrams in the book). That is also a fantastic performance straight through. My dad finally heard John on Carson, maybe even that performance, and said, "I never really noticed that his voice is sooo good."
I did in fact grow up in those years, and John was one of my absolute favorite performers. Karen Carpenter as well, though I didn’t have her albums. There were some amazing groups and performers at that time. :)
@miketalcott5180....His double album A Night With John Denver was/is amazing: great songs, fantastic musicians and singers. The great Wrecking Crew drummer, Hal Blaine, was the drummer. John Denver's music was a huge part of my life in the 70's-80's.
@@marbleman52 Not a bad song anywhere on that album and fantastic performances that are, imho, better than the originals. The apotheosis of JD. My only complaint, as a Coloradan, is that he exquisitely spilled the beans about living there. “More people, more scars upon the land.”
Back in the 70's, I considered myself a "rocker" who looked down on John Denver as being a "corny folk singer." When a friend of mine said she had tickets to see him in a small venue (actually the cafeteria of a small university), I rolled my eyes and reluctantly agreed to go (mainly because I was hoping to "get lucky" with the girl later. We ended up sitting only 30 feet or so from him.... and my God! What a voice he had! I've never heard such a natural purity of tone since. I became an instant convert. Bless you John and thank you for the joy you continue to bring to the world. 🙏
So did you get lucky? 😂
I never converted anyone but the “rocker’s” distain never influenced me.
John Denver's voice. One of the universe's most perfect creations.
1971, when John Denver released this song, “Prisoners” was a time when there were a lot of changes occurring in society. The anti-establishment revolt of the late 60’s carried into the early 70’s. The younger generation wanted to be free from the norms and constraints of their parent’s generation (a universal theme), and in the US the anti-Vietnam War feelings were reaching their heights. John Denver’s lyrics in this song gives voice to these feelings and especially in the last verse where he pleads that the boys be brought home, a nod to the POW/MIA’s in Vietnam and the military that was still embroiled in that prison of war. John’s sterling performance sometimes overshadows the poignancy of the lyrics.
Fil, You can NEVER feature John Denver too often. 🥰
That last verse, though....hits like a gut punch. His cheery, nerdy personality belied some deep waters. I'm so sorry that my generation didn't appreciate him at the level he deserved. What a gem.
Admittedly Im part of that generation that did not appreciate John. Nerdy and popular on tv with older generations may have been part of that. And of course, rock was enticing as F... lol
I was a major fan of JD back in the day.
He was too WASP and is being allowed to vanish into obscurity in favour of those who aren't, if you get my drift. I wasn't and still am not a fan, but it's happened and is happening to so many others that it's pissing me off somewhat.
@@EliteRock In the context of my generation(Gen X), I don't think his being a so-called 'WASP' had anything to do with his estimation. In my case and for others, it was more the attraction of 70s classic rock that we heard on the radio which had such a magnetic pull- the loud guitars, the adrenalin, the edginess(Led Zep, etc.). John's music was considered mellow, old-fashioned, and square - like music our parents or grandparents would like...so we shunned it. What's interesting about that is that he was in reality more counter-culture, politically engaged, and activist than most of the edgy rock stars we admired (but we didn't know and wouldn't have cared- he would have been considered something of a 60's throwback hippie, which I think is more apt, but he arrived a bit too late to ride the wave of popular hippy-folk era singer-songwriters). He also wasn't a saint- he had troubles with drugs, alcohol, etc. as well as personal shortcomings. But these weren't well-known at the time - keeping in mind that this was prior to the Internet age. His image, like that of Karen Carpenter, was very much kept in the 'clean-cut' category - at least in our perception...however much that didn't quite square with reality. His perceived ethnicity or religion didn't factor into it at all.
@@EliteRock Pondering on this I can only think of one instance of what I think you might mean by this. Recently in a high profile Grammy Awards celebration it was obvious that when they excluded Celine Dion from any nomination it made a bold statement to me that those pesky bee like critters were discriminated against. Regarding Denver though I fail to see the connection. Am I even on a cold trail here?
Thanks for giving John Denver his "flowers," as the young folks say. He's been unfairly maligned, imo. He wrote some timeless songs that will never go away and his musicianship was always top-tier.
Dude, you are probably the best reviewer I've ever heard. You explain things so well, and you can nail all the notes yourself when you demonstrate technique. Love listening to your reviews.
Don’t be so modest, Fil…hit the like button for Charles Carter’s comment!!
@@QBAN2010 😁
John Denver was the ultimate singer , songwriter, and performer. I was an ex-pat living in South America when he passed. His songs are the greatest. Thank you Fil for featuring him.
John Denver passed?
@@TranslateToEnglishOct 12, 1997
Only one John Denver.....
I watched a video about his life recently and when he was too old fashioned for the changing era and the press mocked him, he rebuked them forthrightly and told them, "You are mocking my fans!".
His voice is healing in these turbulent times.
It takes all kinds right ? I was a young waitress in Holyoke , Colorado when I met him while many were there hunting pheasant and such. He was a nice man to me but many hunters did not like him because he would hunt on land that he did not pay for. "or that is how it was explained to me". He was a nice man.@@steelmagnolia9906
John Denver was always spot on. His voice just flowed. Even in Calypso with his yodel he doesn't falter. He maintains those notes. A true professional.
Loved his yodel
The song that proves his vocal ability to me has always been "The Eagle and the Hawk". To sing that song properly you have to be able to make your voice sound as if it is soaring through the clouds along with the birds which does not mean just singing high. He's able to give his voice that soaring quality that I don't think most people can achieve.
What I love about John Denver is how he effortlessly plays his acoustic guitar while singing in perfect pitch. Beautiful voice.
Great to see John Denver receiving such accolades posthumously. Anyone who has every played acoustic guitar realizes his extraordinary talent.
@@MelodyMaker And Karen Carpenter, too!!!!
John Denver and Karen Carpenter's duet of melodies during a Carpenters special (which is available on RUclips) is one of the most beautiful harmonies ever. Two angels 😇 😇
John and Cass Elliot doing Leaving on a Jet Plane is very good too.
@Ozziecatsmom Cass Elliot and John Sebastian of The Lovin' Spoonful did a good duet called Darlin' Companion. Also, on RUclips.
So many great pairings on RUclips. I saw the Beach Boys doing harmonies with Chicago on "Wishing you were Here" and Linda Ronstadt singing with the Eagles.
@@funny3272 I’ll check it out, thanks.
Ditto.♥️♥️♥️🫶🏻
Always refreshing to see a singer/song writer from the 70s featured here to reconnect to natural voices, that express individual character and their message so well. Such a lovely appreciation of Denver's voice. Thank you, Fil.
I’ve tried to sing this song, and it’s so difficult. I can hit the notes, but staying up that high, that long, is an extremely impressive feat. RIP John, we miss you
I'm a soprano and his tenor is so high, it's actually difficult for me to sing with him. HIs voice was extraordinary. I tend to forget that until I hear him sing.
I'm a mezzo soprano and I enjoy singing his songs a lot. He was gone far too soon for sure. Brilliant singer and songwriter.
I am a tenor & I have trouble singing songs like this for the opposite reason - I can stay in the F4 to G4 range pretty easily… but when I have to go back down to the G3 or A3, it is a difficult & obvious transition. It’s hard to get it to sound correct
I am just guessing all the people reacting under this comment spent a lot of time on vocal technique sites😂
@@reddragonreadythey might have if they are enthusiastic about singing and trying to better themselves vocaly.
JohnDenver was the ultimate performer. Often, unfortunately, overlooked. Listening to him sing is an utter joy.
It's hard to emphasize how big a part of life John Denver was to anyone who didn't grow up in the 70's and 80's. Even if you're not into folk music it's hard not to find what he could do with just a guitar and lyrics amazing. I'm pretty confident 'Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy,' is the greatest opening line to a song I will ever hear. He's missed by many.
Amen to this!
Beautifully explained
My mother loved him and he and his music has been one of the last things (besides family) she had forgotten with her Alzheimer’s.
I love John Denver. Being a girl from Appalachia, every single time I cross the bridge into West Virginia from Ohio, I’m silently singing Take Me Home, Country Roads in my head. My Granny loved that song. Great memories. ❤🛻🏞️
John Denver was the real deal. I read an interview with session musician Jim Horn, who worked with JD & he said he had perfect pitch & a photographic memory. He also said that he (JD) was probably one of the best entertainers he'd ever worked with out there. I had never heard this song before so that was a treat. Thanks!🤓
It's hard to not be impressed with John Denver's talent.
One of the most talented human beings ever born. If you watch any of his tv specials from back in the day, you see him dancing, juggling, often genuinely funny. He danced really well, very good skier, actually good athletically all around. Played many instruments exceptionally, was a pilot, good actor. One of the best songwriters ever. Oh, and he sang ok too! That's just off the top of my head. There's just so many things I saw him do that impressed me over and over, unbelievable talent...fearless, so he got good at so many things.
His voice makes my heart soar. I adore him and miss him like an old friend.
Beautifully said. 💗
what Suzanne said.
One of the coolest moment I’ve ever experienced at a concert was at one of John’s concerts 25 or so years ago. 5000 seat theater, John was by him self with 8 or 9 different string instruments in stands. No band or backing singers. He did his song “Fly Away” that featured Olivia Newton John with backing vocals. He said that since he didn’t have Olivia there, he would like all the ladies in the audience to sing her part. A couple of thousand female voices chimed in on time, on key, and beautifully!! Took my breath away!!
A voice as pure and clean as the Rocky Mountain air (well, it was still clean air when John sang this song). John Denver was an American troubadour.
I just listened to his appearance on The Muppets and I had to listen to it over and over. He doesn’t sing that much, but his voice is just beautiful and pure, his pronunciation is stellar. (I found myself taking notes). I was born in 62 and grew up with him and so many other great folk singers! ( and rock singers!) what a great time to grow up. I knew/know every word of his songs!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have no idea what you are talking about- I am someone who couldn't hold a note even if my life depended on it, but I am very impressed with your knowledge and the way you are presenting your craft. As for John Denver, I have a very soft spot for him, I associate many happy moments in my life with his music.
John Denver faded into oblivion and I think most younger folks don’t realize how huge he was at his peak. Thanks again, Fil for highlighting a legend from a gone by era….
John Denver will never fade into oblivion. ❤
Very true. He struggled with alcohol at times, likke so many, but it never negated his musical brilliance.
He didnt fade away.
His music was always on the radio,and he was on tv shows as well. That he is only now being rediscovered by this generation is testimony to his longevity.
Did he though? "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is one of the most requested songs at karaoke bars, at least where I live (Norway).
@@xScooterAZx he absolutely faded away. Of course he was played on the radio….you completely missed the point I made in my post because you are exactly the person I directed my original post towards! John Denver was a multimedia mega superstar at his peak! Movies, tv specials…lots of them! Muppets!!!
John Denver has to have one of the most beautiful voices ever. All of his songs are clear and mesmerizing! Thank you for doing this analysis! Spot on Fil!
His words were different than the other popular artists at the time. But if you're different, the critics will attack - unless you're on the cutting edge. They don't judge the music the way most people do. We don't need to be told we are fools.
I love John and his music. I hated how people used to pick on him. He was a great singer/songwriter. It hurt so much to hear of his passing. We lost such a great talent. I'm thankful there are videos and recordings of his music for us to enjoy. Rest in peace John, I miss you. Thank you, Fil, for doing this analysis on John. Take care.
I think I am a sophisticated music aficionado who has seen many great bands live. Rolling Stones, Moody Blues, ELO, Rush, and more including in the same genre--James Taylor. By far, the best concert of my life was John Denver in 1972. It was a light and drizzly rain at the Paolo Solari amphitheater in Santa Fe. He was so close and personal. We sang along! Poems, Prayers and Promises. Pass the Pipe around.
Wow, and that was before a ton of his best songs that were still to come!
Also, check out the song, The Eagle and the Hawk, to hear his soprano soar and soar almost continuously thru this joyous song. He had such a rare ability to go from gentle to soaring vocals effortlessly.
That is my favorite song of his! That would be awesome, thank you for mentioning it.
@@mariestriegler1109 It truly does show off his voice, stamina and range. Another song, "Calypso", also shows off both the soft and soaring side in the guise of a beautiful sea shanty tribute to Jacque Yves Cousteau and his team aboard the Calypso.
@@ChuckHackney yes! Thought of Calypso too. Great song.
I agree, one of the best songs!!❤️❤️ & Boy From the Country
Tenor, not soprano.
Im a long time John Denver fan and this analysis doesn't surprise me at all. The guy is just so naturally gifted and is pretty much flawless on albums or live. He makes very difficult notes sound easy and can hold or change them at will.
I was lucky enough to see John Denver in 1995, I think. We were at Walmart and someone was giving out free tickets for that night's performance. The concert must not have been sold out. John was awesome. It's a night I won't forget.
Peer pressure at the time meant that I couldn't like John Denver, he was too damn good. This was the time when we were scared to be sent off to Vietnam and so the Woodstock attitude was the fashion. At first I didn't know if this was a song about a prisoner in jail, but his last line made me think he was a prisoner of the well-oiled global war machine. i'll listen to the whole performance and the interview. Johnny Carson was THE best interviewer.
BTW thank you for another great analysis. Your knowledge of singing, guitar playing and overall musicianship is impressive. All the best for 2024.
And also to your You Tube commenters. You have cultivated a great community.
How did he even do that....Most accurate artist you've featured Fil
In the concert I saw, John sang so beautifully, but his voice cracked on one high note. Just once. He instantly redoubled his efforts, like he owed us all an apology, and sent up every pure note spot on with even more power than before, for the rest of a mesmerizing performance. Loved that guy. One of a kind.
Listening to him 🙂 always helps be calm when I'm stressed. His voice is magic.
Fil, I was thinking of Karen Carpenter before you mentioned her. We saw the Carpenters on stage twice and were completely mesmerised. John Denver was amazing too.
John was filled with poems, prayers and promises which he delivered to us all so perfectly. Thanks Fil! ❤
"Poems, Prayers and Promises" is my favourite song by John...
John Denver was a gift to us all. So many songs that touched the heart and soul. Truely missed.
Thank you, Fil. I would be happy if you did analysis on John Denver performances regularly.
My dad was an amazing musician and music teacher. JD was the only person he really wanted to see live. I surprised him with a concert in Toronto. The concert and look of pure joy on my dad’s face the entire concert is one of my most treasured life moments.
After JD’s untimely passing I remember one thing my dad said was we all not only lost such a talented, humanitarian and environmentalist, we lost so much music that would never be written.
Loved your analysis, as always.
@NanaRae5683...what a lovely comment Nana! 😊
My husband and i saw him when we were in college in the early '80's. He was by far the most entertaining performer I've ever seen in concert. The band took a break and he kept right on singing, just him and his guitar...it was pure magic!❤
I always enjoy your reviews of the various preformers . Fil I have learned so much from you concerning voice, concerning instrumentation, just music information general. I was never privileged to learn music growing up so you have filled that void in my life.
Thank you for reviewing one of my favorite singers, John Denver. I always appreciated his music but your review just emphasized how great he really was.
Thank you Fill.
John Denver was my first concert. I love his voice and I love the way he plays his guitar. Even my grandmother appreciated that he sang about the mines and the green river in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky. He was a man so affected by his natural environment and it came out pure and true in his singing.
The earliest music that I heard as a child was John Denver. My father loved him and played his music....even long after he was famous.
Good gosh, John Denver really was given the priceless heavenly gifts that only the gods could give to a mortal. He was amazing.
John's low range is what made him imo. Strangely warm and right to your soul.
I know what you mean. Also adds extra power by contrast to when he gets back up there soaring to those inhuman higher ranges. If I were to be forced into just one thing that made him, I would say it was his songwriting though.
I love that you are bringing this music to younger generations. John Denver, magical always. Thank you.
This live performance come from The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson on 9/19/1972 John Denver was another singer songwriter and musician that I followed from my teenage years up to his death Thanks John Denver for the great body of work you left behind to enjoy and remember you by December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997
supposedly, he was furious during one tonight show appearance when they had him play in the wrong key and straining his vocals.
One great thing about Johnny Carson was that singers never lip synched their performances on his show. Always live. There were some great performances on the Tonight Show over the years.
@@robl5455and you know that how?
@@tatersprout Watched his show hundreds of times. Usually easy to tell when someone is lip synching. It sounds just like the recording because it is. Never saw that once on Carson.
I've never watched a John Denver live performance without finding myself lost in appreciating his voice - surely, on the scale of society as a whole, very much underappreciated.
My personal favorite is his Wildlife Concert rendition of "Eagles and Horses" - the live version makes the song soar, far better than the album version. I think, more than any other artist, John Denver is an artist I often prefer to hear live in performance over their studio tracks.
Just a gentle genius.
I loved John Denver & had almost every album he recorded early in his career. I was thrilled to get to see him in concert my freshman year in college.
Everyone knew all the words to his songs & he jokingly said he wanted to ask people to please not sing along because these are “my songs”. It was a wonderful memory.
Oldie goodies. John Denver is always such a joy to listen to. I never tire listening to him . I am sorry he has passed. Thankyou for the excellent analysis of his voice.
Always. ❤
He was a supremely gifted artist. it's easy to forget how talented he was because many of us grew up seeing him interacting with The Muppets, doing variety show comedic sketches, or movies. His voice was so pure and clear, and his range was Impeccable. And, perhaps, most of all, he was capable of singing and emoting from the soul.
Its the full richness of his voice combined with his brilliant melodies and haunting lyrics which makes John Denver arguably the finest US artist ever.
Here in the USA, John was almost over exposed in the mid-1970s… but it’s easy to see why television networks wanted to give him his own specials regularly. He was gifted.
For many of us rock ‘n’ roll kids in the 70s, it was hit and miss with some of the songs.
With the clarity of hindsight…
How AMAZING was this man?
And a killer guitar player as well!!! Wouldn’t we all love to have some of this talent?
Spot on, Fil!
There are no singers now that can match John Denver.
Thank you!
Such a great live performance. Not just the vocals but the song content as well, it really tells a story. In my mind I can see those people he is singing about, but that is what John does best, tell a story about everyday people through his music...Beautiful. Yes Rest in Peace John.
Right! His storytelling was incredible. He pulls you into the time and place and his vocals kick it all up a notch.❤
It’s hard to put into words just how much his voice and guitar can put me right back in my 20s-first car, great job, being single and free, finding love. Seeing John Denver 3 times in concert with my friends in Cincinnati. Thanks Fil! Such good, warm times in my life.💖
I agree. I was in college and his songs bring back great memories of that time.
I was the ultimate John Denver fan. Saw him live in an intimate concert venue. Just him & his guitar. His voice was so piercing in a wonderful way. R.I.P. John. To bad that the music industry at that time never really gave you your due 😢.
Growing up during the Vietnam War and hearing songs like this now still makes me cry. Vietnam ruined so many lives, but oh the music that came from that era. John Denver was one of those singer songwriters that still get to me even after all these decades. The passion in his singing was as much a form of protest against the war as the lyrics. Thank you SO MUCH for picking this song to analyze, Fil. 💙
We were lucky to have grown up during that time! We experienced the very best music ever and lived through an Era that saw the best and worse of time's!
I grew up in the 70s and I used to sneak my sister’s records, and I always loved John Denver! There was something so soulful about his music. I really love his song Matthew also.
Yes, he always gets to me still. For 50 years. ❤
Thank you so much for showcasing this, Fil. I don't remember ever hearing this song, until now. I got chills watching how his voice was so consistently on pitch, despite the occasional variables of a little bit flat or a little bit sharp. (As it should be, JMHO.)
For the song itself, I love the twist at the end where you realize the singer is not in prison for breaking the law, but is actually a prisoner of war, "Bring me and the other boys home." John Denver's craftsmanship in lyric writing was always absolutely superb.
The backing guitar player doing flagiolets in the quieter parts of the song was masterful, doing this live that is by the way. Great to hear John again Fil, thanks 👍🎵🏋♀️
I had completely forgotten about this song until this moment. I'm surprised the lyrics came back to me so easily. And that point where he drops into baritone range then pops right back up into the upper register is *chef's kiss*
My father brought JDs Rocky Mountain High album home for me when I was thirteen. The entire family ended up hearing that album countless times because I played it over and over and memorized all the lyrics. “Prisoners” is on that album. That song and every song is fantastic! A few years later, I saw him perform live, and not only was hearing his songs amazing, but the way he worked the crowd was incredibly entertaining. I’ve been a fan since the eighth grade. I was devastated when he was killed in the experimental plane crash. What a loss.
One of my all time favorite artists, John Denver was just the complete package. His voice was just beautiful and yet he had so much power and control over the notes he produced. Great analysis, as always Fil, thanks for this mate.
Thanks Fil for this incredible analysis on John Denver's performance. He was among the musicians of my childhood who is deeply missed yet fondly remembered. John captivated many with his talents. I couldn't help but notice this expression on your face after listening to his performance "before the days of pitch correction and auto tune." It would be sacrilege to manipulate his art. Thanks again, Fil for featuring a true legend of many talents.
As I've grown older,I've come to appreciate the pure talent of the late John Denver. Thanks for this great reaction!
John Denver had one of those voices that I've always described as, PURE, for some reason. It was just magnificent.
His pitch excellence is because of his diaphragmatic breath support. Phenomenal!!🎵
Fil, this analysis is great ! John's voice is so very good and he was so accurate! This may be the best example of an unedited performance ever! How I wish today's music industry would just stop manipulating music. A God-given talent was what John had, and thank the Lord we can hear and appreciate his natural voice !
I haves listened to his music for well over 50 years. It stays fresh and full of clarity. His duet with Plácido Domingo is not only interesting, but phenomenal. Seeing him in concert around 1980 was something I have cherished all these years. This song came out while the US was involved in Vietnam, and I always heard it in that context.
Saw him in concert when I was a kid. Best live singer I’ve ever heard to this day.
I ❤️ John Denver. I saw him in concert 3X, and he always did a great show. I loved him best, when he still wore glasses. So much talent. RIP.
The "off" notes are so often where the emotional impact rides.
Thanks for featuring this performance. I was lucky to see JD live at several times across his career from coffee houses to Madison Square Garden. It's always a pleasure to revisit his music and your observations always add to my appreciation of what I'm hearing.
What an incredible singer/songwriter/guitarist he was! His vocals just float! I love some of his old stuff with Bill & Taffy Danoff singing incredible harmonies. Awesome! 👍
John Denver sadly missed the duo he did with mama cass leaving on a jet plane was surreall.
This boy still steals my heart! Thank God for recordings!!
There has never been anyone like John (at least in my experience) and I doubt there ever will be, everything about him was so unique because you rarely get all the qualities he had wrapped up in one person. I met him several times over the years and he left a hole in my heart when he passed. My oldest daughter was listening to his music in the womb and she loves him as much as I do.☺️ No other singer touched my heart the way John did. RIP sweet angel.❤
Thank you for covering this song Fil, I love how spot on your analysis was.👍
Same. It was around the same time Diana died in Paris. And Mother Theresa if I remember correctly. It was a weepy week for me especially for John. I adored him. He was one in a bazillion.
Yeah, you're not going to see performances like this anymore (and this looks like the Johnny Carson show). Very likely he had to edit the song for time. Thanks for doing another one from the 70s!
I have always enjoyed listening to John Denver's songs of which I had many favorites like: Thank God I'm a Country Boy, Country Roads, Sunshine on my Shoulders, Rocky Mountain High, Fly Away (with Olivia Newton John), and lots more. Its sad that he passed away at such a young age, I know he is greatly missed. As always, it was a great analysis! Congrats on getting 336k subscribers! 🙂
Oooo, Sunshine. . . Brings back great memories!
yeh thr ghits record has many memorable songs
I had all his records when I was a kid. He was so talented. I am glad younger people enjoy his music. He would have been amazed and delighted.
Such a clear, piercing voice, visual storytelling and great guitar technique keeps John Denver one of my top favorite male performers 50 years on from this performance when I was 12 and totally in love with soaring along on the wings of his voice.
he is that close its boggling. Such a great artist.
I heard him in a in a fairly small arena. He had his own sound equipment and a stage that slowly rotated so everyone would see him well, at least part of the time. Very clean voice. When the band took a break, he continued to play solo and sing. It was the best concert I have attended.
I always loved John Denver's music ❤❤
He wrote some beautiful songs.
He died way too early.
Will miss him and his music 😢😢
I could listen to him all day. I love his tone, his passion, and that vibrato!
Thank you for acknowledging the talents of this great singer. I grew up listening to John Denver. There will never be another like him.
So happy that you choose to again visit John's incredible gifts and contribution to the American songbook. His music remains a large part of the the soundtrack of so many lives. Listening to him is now always bitter-sweet. His untimely loss can not be overstated.
Saw John many times live really underrated as a guitar player also. Became my favorite when I first heard him in the seventies.Was there when they did the live recording for An Evening With John Denver. Such a sad loss ,miss hearing him.
I was fortunate enough to see him in Boise in the early 80s. I was in high school and my best friend and I were probably some of the youngest people there. He was in town to visit some friends, and the concert was just him and a guitar - no backing band, nobody onstage at all except him. It was phenomenal. We snuck backstage afterwards and he and his friends were so gracious and kind. Grew up listening to him, and have always loved him.
He had perfect pitch...in various ways: the ability itself,but also artistically-in finding the right tone, expression, colour, placement etc for the expression....ultra musical
Oh my gosh, you actually just introduced me to a John Denver song I don't remember having heard before! It makes me what other gems I have managed to miss. Thank you for the analysis, he truly was a wonderful singer, songwriter, and performer. I have yet to understand why he was so disrespected and the brunt of so many jokes.
He was incredibly successful, but kept his sincere, boyish image to the end. That ran counter to the Sid Vicious attitudes of the later ‘70s.
❤welcome to the amazing rabbit hole of JD's music and legacy!
This man could sing, he had a ringing tenor which could hit both ends of the scale. Fabulous video, and Fil you have a fantastic voice as well. Quite brilliant.
Wow and wow and wow. I saw him once live, only briefly, in 1971, and he filled a hall of many thousands with a voice full of power, clarity, and beauty. Goosebumps. Miss him.
Fil, it is very heartening to me to see a musician such as yourself that plays rock have such a look of pure enjoyment on his face when listening to music like this of my "era". And although I know your job is to analyze the songs that you feature in your videos, but I can't help feel that there are songs and performers that just touch a chord in you. John Denver is and was a singular talent as a singer/songwriter right from "Leaving On A Jet Plane" all the way through his career. I've always thought of him as one of the voices of my generation. It is an abomination and capital crime he has not been enshrined in the Rockhall. The way I listen to music now is basically something I learned from you and Rick Beato. From you, the vocal touches and vibrato (ala Judith Durham) and technical aspects like little Guitar fills (ala Gordon Lightfoot) and other little touches. Taken from us far, far too soon.
Thank You, Fil, I have just come back from work, and I am having nice stress relief video with You, thank you!
So nice to see a new generation truly appreciate John's special abilities! Unfortunately, he was not by a lot of folks at the time. I always loved his music! Was privileged to see him twice, and, yes, live was just perfect.
RIP John. You are missed...
You read my mind, Fil. I wanted to recommend John Denver. His clarity, in my opinion, only improved as he aged. Maybe due to his normal aging..? It was absolutely crushing when he died, which had much to do with awkward placement of instrumentation in that particular plane he was flying. Just a tragic combination of factors. Life was not simple for him, and he always had my respect.
What an incredible voice, I'll never forget his environmental work. "Calypso", was also wonderful, Jacques Cousteau was also a favorite environmentalist of mine.
One of my favorite songs from the "Rocky Mountain High" album! I will always be grateful for John introducing me to the work of the great John Prine through his covers of "Paradise" and "Angel from Montgomery."
I was blessed to live in the era of John Denver, to see him live in concert. I make sure all of my music students experience performing his music. He is so deeply missed.
❤ amazing! And amen!
Hi, Fil, like many famous singers, John Denver had perfect pitch, a super wide tenor range and was an amazing guitarist, too!
Imagine growing up in the late '60s/early '70s with Karen Carpenter and John Denver hitting their peaks. The Prisoner Song is from his Rocky Mountain High album, which was a huge success after Almost Heaven. When *that* song first came on the radio people were crying, it was so good. And then we got Rocky Mountain High... wow.
I really learned guitar from his "A Night With John Denver" album, and accompanying book (I learned my chords from the diagrams in the book). That is also a fantastic performance straight through.
My dad finally heard John on Carson, maybe even that performance, and said, "I never really noticed that his voice is sooo good."
I did in fact grow up in those years, and John was one of my absolute favorite performers. Karen Carpenter as well, though I didn’t have her albums. There were some amazing groups and performers at that time. :)
@miketalcott5180....His double album A Night With John Denver was/is amazing: great songs, fantastic musicians and singers. The great Wrecking Crew drummer, Hal Blaine, was the drummer.
John Denver's music was a huge part of my life in the 70's-80's.
@@marbleman52 Not a bad song anywhere on that album and fantastic performances that are, imho, better than the originals. The apotheosis of JD.
My only complaint, as a Coloradan, is that he exquisitely spilled the beans about living there. “More people, more scars upon the land.”
@@DawnDavidson Yes. Add in Lightfoot, Croce, James Taylor, CS&N… pure ear candy. We were spoiled by the best.
Vocal that accurate, while playing a guitar… in front of live audience…. = TALENT !
This might be my favorite John Denver song, but never heard a live version. So impressive.
Great analysis Fil 👏 No doubt about it John Denver could sing & play. RIP