He wrote this as an ode to Jacques Cousteau, who was well-known as an ocean explorer and conservationist. Calypso was the name of his boat. Great song!
Yeah, the Jacques Cousteau specials were always extremely entertaining as well as very educational. Being an oceanographer was one of my first "dream occupations" as a kid, all because of Jacques Cousteau.
Back in the day with only a few tv stations, no cable or internet, Jacque Cousteau's TV specials brought the world of the Oceans life into our living rooms. We learned to understand and love whales, seals, etc. So many of us back in the day held Jacque Cousteau in very high regard, just as Denver did
Ohhhhhh I'm in tears reading this. It's the nostalgia I feel that takes me back to sitting in front of the living room tv, watching The Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau! This song is so perfect as a tribute to this wonderful legend! I remember going on a grade school field trip to Long Beach to whale watch and getting seasick on the boat lol but the only thing that made it worthwhile was seeing the whales come up to breech and imagining being on a boat with Jacques Cousteau and his wonderful undersea adventures! John Denver is a legend in his own right, his voice is just so pure, and this song is just so airy and beautiful!!!! 🥰
Definitely got us in touch with parts of the natural world most of us will never see, but learned to treasure nonetheless. I imagine I'm not the only one who learned to dive in part to see the miracles he introduced us to.
JD was/is a National treasure. We lost an amazing talent but we have his whole song catalog to keep us happy. No auto tune. Just pure talent. And it just dawned on me that only people of a certain age will know what Calypso is. Jacque Cousteau was a researcher of all things ocean related. He used to have television specials, everyone loved them. His boat was called Calypso.
I saw him in 1970 when he was stilling doing free shows at colleges. The girl I was seeing at the time wanted to go, and to be perfectly honest, I had not even heard of him at the time, but I was very impressed..
I knew of Jacque long before Jack Hannah however, both did great jobs of teaching us about wildlife. As far as John Denver goes I think you covered it.
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a TV show starting in 1968 and lasted for 9 seasons. I watched it all the time. The Calypso was his vessel. It was a great program and very educational about all things oceans. John Denvers tribute to him. Beautiful song!
I never missed an episode, I remember going to my uncle's house and he had a colour TV and I was entranced and my parents then decided to get a colour TV so I didnt have to watch Jacques Cousteau in black and white.
There used to be such great TV in those days huh? Much better than trashy "reality" TV. But no sense in complaining too much, I'd sure like to see those old episodes again.
To those of us who grew up in the late 60s, early 70s; we spend each week watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. We got to see the amazing under sea Adventures with the man and his crew. So when Denver sang about the Calypso; you felt every line. It's more than just a song; it's an experience and memory of my youth. I feel sorry for anyone who can't relate as I do. Both these men are gone now, and the world is a bit sadder for the lost
Jacques Cousteau invented the modern scuba gear. Prior to that divers used bulky hard hat equipment that did not allow much mobility with air supplied from the surface to the diver below through an air hose. He was also a marine researcher who traveled the oceans on Calypso his ship. They invited John Denver to sail on it one time and he was so inspired by the adventure he wrote this song onboard. I remember seeing the TV special of his journey and he played this song for the crew at the end of the show with just his guitar. It was epic. I wish they still did TV like that these days!
There is an alternative version of underwater breathing that was used by maritime filmers ... hyperventilating and thus enriching your blood with oxygen. This is dangerous, because you can overdo it. Native divers in southeast asia use it to dive for pearls and other "bounty of the sea".
Calypso is such a beautiful song. John was a big admirer of the brilliant oceanographer, Jacque Cousteau and his work. This is his homage to him and his vessel, The Calypso and her crew. I sure do miss him. 🥰
I miss John so much, and also Jacques. His TV shows were magical. and I just found this: "John Denver was one of Jacques Cousteau's biggest fans. Not only did he write the fantastic song "Calypso" but he donated all the proceeds from the song to the Cousteau Society."
Thanks for choosing this one today. It left me in tears. I miss the days when music was about something, by people who cared about things in the wider world. RIP John Denver.
I am so glad to hear John Denver's "Calypso". It honors both the author and the subject. Jacque Cousteau was a marine biologist from a time when we still valued science and learning. I miss both of these gentlemen. The music that was made and the knowledge that was gained improved mankind.
Those were the days when talented and knowledgeable people would make interesting and entertaining family friendly content and the networks would willingly air it.
The contributions and invaluable knowledge that Cousteau gave us about our oceans and about the world we live in will never be forgotten and this beautiful song is a tribute to him, his ship. his crew and the work he did.
Such a beautiful song. Back in the day we didn't have everything at our fingertips electronically. As a land locked Okie, Jacque Cousteau's special would bring the ocean, whales, dolphins, and the deep blue sea in all her glory to my living room. I love this song!
The John Denver song I always made sure to play on the first day of Spring for decades is The Eagle and the Hawk. It just gives me a feeling of rebirth and freedom. Calypso is very much like that one.
I got goosebumps just seeing the title of this. I used to watch Jaques Cousteau’s amazing series every weekend about his ocean exploration. And the Calypso, his ship. This song is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you so much for doing it.
John was a lover of nature and exploration,as well as an early conservationist.Of course John Denver could sing the phonebook and we would all happily listen...🎙🎶😊
I was listening to this the other day. John Denver was an American treasure and this is one of my favorites. He could so easily bring a tear to the eye.
For some reason I didn't think much of this song when it first came out and I was a John Denver fan. Then I saw him sing it live in concert and just said "Wow, I get it!". John Denver was so great!!
John Denver was about mother earth. Friends with Jacque Cousteau loving the oceans, and the sky. John Denver loved being a pilot, and wanted to experience space flight. He helped develop a program where citizens could go into space. He didn't get to go but wrote a song "They were flying for me" in honor of the Challenger crew.
"The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau". You kids cannot imagine watching this show in the 70s and marveling at the world he showed us. He and Sir David Attenborough are ICONS of preserving our beautiful natural world.
John Denver had a much bigger vocal range than most realize & he was always interested in a challenge. He had a huge unexpected hit in 1981 with one of the world’s greatest opera singer Placido Domingo (singing in English). The song, Perhaps Love, was written by John and his voice is full & powerful. There’s a RUclips video of them in the studio.
I was fortunate enough to see John Denver perform many songs, including this one, in Hawaii many years ago. He was so well liked, so warm to the audience. The girl I attended the concert with has been my close friend for 10 years and my wife for 34 more after that. And yes I watched the shows from Jacque Cousteau. During the song they had blue and green wavy lights play across the stage as if we were aboard the Calypso. She was not super interested in the song until he began to sing.
Jaques Cousteau was an absolute legend. Such an amazing man and so sad that after all the incredible work he did, the oceans and seas are still suffering because people refused to listen. John Denver was such an underrated talent. I always loved his music and am so happy that people now can appreciate him.
We watched the Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau when I was a child. It was regular viewing back then. Next John Denver song should be "Looking For Space" such a beautiful inspiring song.
Calypso was the ship of Jacques Cousteau. I remember watching Cousteau TV specials when I was young. We had never seen anything like it. Unless you were a diver, you didn't really have access to see the wonders of the oceans. John Denver was involved in the conservation movement and he did a special with Jacques, this song was from that TV special. If you can find any of Cousteau videos I highly recommend them!
Big John Denver fan, grew up on his music. Love that you've now discovered this song and the meaning behind it. I would love to see you listen to his song "Matthew." Great storytelling and music, of course, and some of my favorite JD lyrics.
Like many of my generation, I',m a ''58 model - but born on islands in the South Pacific - New Zealand - Jacques Cousteau was like Walt Disney - a part of our Sunday TV viewing and opened my eyes to the wealth of life surrounding our shores. Thanks for this great one by JD!
Thank you. I welled up the minute I heard the bell ring. Mr. Denver wrote this song very much in the "Sea Shanty" style, completely befitting the legacy and the gift to mankind that was The Calypso and her wonderful crews!
Jaques Cousteau, his crew and his ship the Calypso were on my family’s TV every week! Their adventures and exploration of the oceans was so cool to watch for a landlocked boy like me! Thanks for choosing this song!
Sigh. Almost in tears, thinking of two incredibly happy childhood memories: Listening to John Denver, and watching "The undersea world of Jacques Cousteau".
Calypso was a World War II era mine sweeper ship that was converted into a research vessel. Jacque Cousteau used it for marine research. I remember him appearing on National Geographic many times and a few times John Denver was on the show with him. As a child this was the first adult contemporary song I took notice of. My dad played John Denver Greatest Hits Vol 2 in the house many times. I became familiar with all the songs but this was my favorite. Being into ships, I also had a plastic model kit of the Calypso. It was very detailed and came with a couple sharks; diving cage; 2 or 3 submersibles; and a small helicopter to land on Calypso's helipad. If you pay attention to the slide show, you can see photos of Calypso and its submersibles.
As a HUGE John Denver fan I am so glad you reviewed this song. Over the years John improved as an artist. This song is a great example. His voice became a little more mature and he was hitting notes that weren't in the 1975 original. He re-recorded the song in 19 90 for the album Earth songs. That is a great version too. However the note he hits at the end are drowned out a little bit by the orchestration. I recommend to Jay and Amber to listen to that version and also to listen to the version here on RUclips from a solo concert he did in Russia in 1985. Just search Calypso live Russia. It's just John and his 12 string guitar and the notes he hits in this version will send chills down your spine!
Saw John Denver around 1980 at LSU in the round. You haven't lived until you've have experienced Calypso in person ! I just remember the power of the instruments along with John's yodeling voice. You felt you were actually on the Calypso for a journey.
This song is majestic! I'm glad you have now experienced it. Such a beautiful tribute to Calypso and Cousteau's adventures "Fly Away" is another wonderful song by John. It features Olivia Newton-John singing backup and it's fantastic.
John Denver was one of the earliest celebrity conservationist. His gentle manner helped bring people along. The Cousteau family continues the works related to the oceans today through charitable organizations like The Oceans Future Society. Jacques died in 1997 and the world lost an amazing man.
Probably my favorite of his although his catalog of music is quite impressive. I was totally gobsmacked when he passed way too soon. Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for sharing this.
John Denver and Jacques Cousteau were kindred spirits. One loved the high mountains and the other loved the oceans but both had a special connection to nature.
I saw him in a small venue here in boise idaho. Every song he spent a few minutes explaining why it was written. This one was from time spent on the calypso.
You've done so many of John Denver's song, but I just realized you haven't covered my favorite, "Take Me Home, Country Roads". He was a new version of folk country. Such an iconic voice and sound.
It’s been a minute since you guys had John Denver on the channel, I’m glad you reacted to Calypso. One of my personal faves is “Looking for Space”. If you’re looking for another song from JD, this would be a good one 😁
I'm not part of your paying fans, but I have watched you guys for years now. I love the reactions along the journey you have taken. I believe you've seen enough to appreciate a song we boomers and some gen'x-ers can appreciate and connect to. "Life is a rock, but the radio rolled me."
I personally remember the day I heard John Denver passed. I felt profoundly sad. It often makes me think of all the miraculous songs we missed out on from a death that came way too soon.
John like so many of the great singer/songwriters of his day , their music reflects, the things they believed in passionately. And a way of life they experienced. They not only sang/talked the talk:but walked the walk. More than the superficial vanity, of so many artists today, in their look how wonderful I am, publicity humanitarianism.....John was the real deal...😊😊!
In the 1980's John Denver headed a conservationist charity called Windstar, partly inspired by his time and work on Calypso and with Jack Cousteau, I saw him during this time while he was part of the team raising awareness and aid. He came on stage and spoke about ocean conservation and then brought out his acoustic guitar and sang the shizz out of this song. It was a moment in my life I will never forget. So so powerful. John Denver was so much more than a singer/songwriter.
John is one of my three biggest influences because of his activism. His song Rocky Mountain High was censored on the airwaves because it was misinterpreted as a drug reference. In 1985 he testified along with Frank Zappa and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider in Senate committee hearings in opposition to the Parents Music Resource Center's campaign for parental advisory labels on records containing violence, drug references or sexually explicit lyrics. He regularly testified in House and Senate budget hearings urging Congress to give more money to NASA.
I saw John Denver perform sometime around 1985. This is the song that I remember most as he had the audience come in to join on the chorus. It was absolutely beautiful, I'll never forget it. Probably my most favorite concert and I've seen a lot of shows!
Back in the day with only 4 channels, Jacques Cousteau & Marlin Perkins showed us the world. ❤ John Denver was such an incredible songwriter. The fact that he was able to put so much into this song lyrically, but it has a sea shanty vibe to it. You can see the guys when they come ashore, sitting at the bar holding mugs of beer, swinging them as they join in the chorus. "Aye Calypso..." (As a side note, if you appreciate dry humor, Bill Murray made a film that was sort of a parody of Cousteau & his work. It's called The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The cast is incredible, and there was a lot of deeper messages to the movie, but tldr for here. And if you watch it, pay attention to what the guy with the guitar is playing.)
Brings back memories just after high school, 1st year in college, younger brother, and mom and dad....Denver was on the radio and Tv all the time. Brilliant man. Brought us real stories and music instead of all the noise about about trivial subjects in music shoved down our throats day after day.
This beautiful song is a tribute to French naval officer, famous oceanographer, filmmaker author and co-inventor of the aqualung, Jacques Cousteau and a tribute to his vessel, Calypso. Sadly, Calypso was rammed by a barge in 1996 and sank.
Jacques Cousteau and his ship, the Calypso, were very well-known and popular when this song came out. They were frequently on TV regarding their explorations and John was certainly all about appreciating the environment as his hits about W. Va. and the Rocky Mountains show.
Jacques Cousteau was my hero growing up, and I got to go on the Calypso and meet him when I was in college when it docked in St. Augustine, FL, and Cousteau spoke at my school. Amazing song.
Every time I hear a John Denver song it reminds me all over again how much I miss this amazing artist and humanitarian. I've always loved this song, always watched the Jacques Costeau specials on tv. What treasures to the world they both were.
As a child ,I looked forward to the Jacque Cousteau television specials. They were amazing! When John Denver sang this song I could feel that childhood joy returning. The adventures were amazing.
The Jacques Cousteau show was a staple on TV back in the day! We learned so much....and didnt realise we were learning. Beautiful show!!! RIP John Denver, Jacques Cousteau and Calypso and crew!❤
We never missed "The Undersea World of Jacques Couteau"! WONDERFUL STUFF! This song is such an appropriate homage to him, his ship, his crew, his life's work and passion. Thank you. I know I suggested this at least once. Love you guys! ❤
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a staple on TV in my living room growing up. Back in the days of 1 TV set, 4 VHF, and 2 fuzzy UHF channels. Great documentaries with no agenda, just teaching and learning. Cousteau was also co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung, SCUBA tank.. great tune, great memories
I'm visiting my mother in Dallas right now and the public television station here played a 1974 John Denver concert a couple of days ago. As y'all know, he is as good live as in the studio, and it was also great seeing the laidback, friendly, cool-dressed seventies audiences and the film clips interspersed of Denver and friends hiking through beautiful natural landscapes. It really made me miss that time period.
Watching this channel makes me realize how easy it is to listen to songs hundreds of times and not really know what they're about, lol. I never made the connection with Jacque Cousteau, without having seen the video footage. Great that John Denver was engaged in so many fascinating fields in addition to his unforgettable music.
Gorgeous! I miss the musicianship of those days. The integrity, artistry and talent of John Denver is hard to match. Thank you for your appreciation and respect when you showcase his talent. I love what your doing. You two are a joy to watch! :) How about GALVESTON by Glen Campbell!
Such an incredibly beautiful & poignant song, it moves me to tears. If John & Jacques were alive today, they would be absolutely devastated at the state our beautiful planet is in ❤️🌏
This is one of my all-time favorite John Denver songs. I haven't heard it in such a long time but it still sounds just as good as it did back when I heard it for the very first time.
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He wrote this as an ode to Jacques Cousteau, who was well-known as an ocean explorer and conservationist. Calypso was the name of his boat. Great song!
I loved their documentaries!!
Yeah, the Jacques Cousteau specials were always extremely entertaining as well as very educational.
Being an oceanographer was one of my first "dream occupations" as a kid, all because of Jacques Cousteau.
I got to see Calypso in person in Clearwater FL oh so many years ago. Still fascinated.
Cousteau was ahead of his time.
Exactly Correct!
Back in the day with only a few tv stations, no cable or internet, Jacque Cousteau's TV specials brought the world of the Oceans life into our living rooms. We learned to understand and love whales, seals, etc. So many of us back in the day held Jacque Cousteau in very high regard, just as Denver did
Amen
Ohhhhhh I'm in tears reading this. It's the nostalgia I feel that takes me back to sitting in front of the living room tv, watching The Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau! This song is so perfect as a tribute to this wonderful legend! I remember going on a grade school field trip to Long Beach to whale watch and getting seasick on the boat lol but the only thing that made it worthwhile was seeing the whales come up to breech and imagining being on a boat with Jacques Cousteau and his wonderful undersea adventures! John Denver is a legend in his own right, his voice is just so pure, and this song is just so airy and beautiful!!!! 🥰
Yessssss! Was gonna say the same thing. Good TV. Enjoyable AND educational! ❤❤
Definitely got us in touch with parts of the natural world most of us will never see, but learned to treasure nonetheless. I imagine I'm not the only one who learned to dive in part to see the miracles he introduced us to.
That was part of my childhood. I looked forward to every one.
JD was/is a National treasure. We lost an amazing talent but we have his whole song catalog to keep us happy. No auto tune.
Just pure talent.
And it just dawned on me that only people of a certain age will know what Calypso is. Jacque Cousteau was a researcher of all things ocean related. He used to have television specials, everyone loved them. His boat was called Calypso.
I saw him in 1970 when he was stilling doing free shows at colleges. The girl I was seeing at the time wanted to go, and to be perfectly honest, I had not even heard of him at the time, but I was very impressed..
His specials (like the National Geographic Specials) were assigned in school. We watched them at home on TV and discussed them in class the next day.
@@hectorsmommy1717 Interesting, I also thought he was very good In the movie, "Oh, God."
I knew of Jacque long before Jack Hannah however, both did great jobs of teaching us about wildlife. As far as John Denver goes I think you covered it.
I'm so glad someone brought this up :)
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a TV show starting in 1968 and lasted for 9 seasons. I watched it all the time. The Calypso was his vessel. It was a great program and very educational about all things oceans. John Denvers tribute to him. Beautiful song!
That was my educational TV of the 70's. Never missed an episode!
I never missed an episode, I remember going to my uncle's house and he had a colour TV and I was entranced and my parents then decided to get a colour TV so I didnt have to watch Jacques Cousteau in black and white.
amazing !
There used to be such great TV in those days huh? Much better than trashy "reality" TV. But no sense in complaining too much, I'd sure like to see those old episodes again.
It was such a beautiful time, really miss those days.
To those of us who grew up in the late 60s, early 70s; we spend each week watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. We got to see the amazing under sea
Adventures with the man and his crew. So when Denver sang about the Calypso; you felt every line. It's more than just a song; it's an experience and memory of my youth.
I feel sorry for anyone who can't relate as I do. Both these men are gone now, and the world is a bit sadder for the lost
Jacques Cousteau invented the modern scuba gear. Prior to that divers used bulky hard hat equipment that did not allow much mobility with air supplied from the surface to the diver below through an air hose. He was also a marine researcher who traveled the oceans on Calypso his ship. They invited John Denver to sail on it one time and he was so inspired by the adventure he wrote this song onboard. I remember seeing the TV special of his journey and he played this song for the crew at the end of the show with just his guitar. It was epic. I wish they still did TV like that these days!
There is an alternative version of underwater breathing that was used by maritime filmers ... hyperventilating and thus enriching your blood with oxygen. This is dangerous, because you can overdo it.
Native divers in southeast asia use it to dive for pearls and other "bounty of the sea".
Calypso is such a beautiful song. John was a big admirer of the brilliant oceanographer, Jacque Cousteau and his work. This is his homage to him and his vessel, The Calypso and her crew.
I sure do miss him. 🥰
I miss John so much, and also Jacques. His TV shows were magical. and I just found this:
"John Denver was one of Jacques Cousteau's biggest fans. Not only did he write the fantastic song "Calypso" but he donated all the proceeds from the song to the Cousteau Society."
Cousteau was also one of the main innovators in making Scuba equipment practical and safe, back to the 1940s.
This was a TV special
To hold those notes as long as he did; phenomenal.
Thanks for choosing this one today. It left me in tears. I miss the days when music was about something, by people who cared about things in the wider world. RIP John Denver.
I am so glad to hear John Denver's "Calypso". It honors both the author and the subject. Jacque Cousteau was a marine biologist from a time when we still valued science and learning. I miss both of these gentlemen. The music that was made and the knowledge that was gained improved mankind.
Those were the days when talented and knowledgeable people would make interesting and entertaining family friendly content and the networks would willingly air it.
Exactly!
@@gregorymoore2877 WELL SAID
The contributions and invaluable knowledge that Cousteau gave us about our oceans and about the world we live in will never be forgotten and this beautiful song is a tribute to him, his ship. his crew and the work he did.
Such a beautiful song. Back in the day we didn't have everything at our fingertips electronically. As a land locked Okie, Jacque Cousteau's special would bring the ocean, whales, dolphins, and the deep blue sea in all her glory to my living room. I love this song!
Jacques Cousteau was a legend back then and John Denver wrote the perfect song to celebrate him.
John’s falsetto reaches the heavens on this one. What a rousing ending.
Thank you so much. I am in tears. I haven't heard this in decades. John Denver and Jacque Cousteau made the world a better place.
Almost 50 years old ( the song )and it still makes tear up. This one has always touched me.
Almost 60 and searching for some kleenex...
@@alleykeosheyan4779 I'm 63 now and have loved this since I first heard it.
John Denver was a special spirit we were blessed with to have him share his gifts with the world.
That last minute or so of yodeling is one of, if not the, most majestic passages in pop music ever.
The bell that is heard throughout the song is the actual ships bell from Calypso. Jacque Costeau pioneered the way for modern oceanographers.
Jacques Cousteau was a PHENOM in the 70's. I recall watching literally hundreds of shows featuring him and the Calypso.
Full body goosebumps as soon as the bell first rang !!!
Im a hard rocker but John Denver songs always get me right in the feels
Same 🤟
The John Denver song I always made sure to play on the first day of Spring for decades is The Eagle and the Hawk. It just gives me a feeling of rebirth and freedom. Calypso is very much like that one.
I got goosebumps just seeing the title of this. I used to watch Jaques Cousteau’s amazing series every weekend about his ocean exploration. And the Calypso, his ship. This song is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you so much for doing it.
Agree with your every word!
John was a lover of nature and exploration,as well as an early conservationist.Of course John Denver could sing the phonebook and we would all happily listen...🎙🎶😊
One of John's Best. Massive tribute to Mr. Jacques Cousteau. An amazing man.
I was listening to this the other day. John Denver was an American treasure and this is one of my favorites. He could so easily bring a tear to the eye.
For some reason I didn't think much of this song when it first came out and I was a John Denver fan. Then I saw him sing it live in concert and just said "Wow, I get it!". John Denver was so great!!
John Denver was about mother earth. Friends with Jacque Cousteau loving the oceans, and the sky. John Denver loved being a pilot, and wanted to experience space flight. He helped develop a program where citizens could go into space. He didn't get to go but wrote a song "They were flying for me" in honor of the Challenger crew.
Eagle and the hawk is short wonderful song. Again John paints the sound and feeling of the story. Acoustic guitars and orchestra
"The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau". You kids cannot imagine watching this show in the 70s and marveling at the world he showed us. He and Sir David Attenborough are ICONS of preserving our beautiful natural world.
John Denver had a much bigger vocal range than most realize & he was always interested in a challenge. He had a huge unexpected hit in 1981 with one of the world’s greatest opera singer Placido Domingo (singing in English). The song, Perhaps Love, was written by John and his voice is full & powerful. There’s a RUclips video of them in the studio.
I was fortunate enough to see John Denver perform many songs, including this one, in Hawaii many years ago. He was so well liked, so warm to the audience. The girl I attended the concert with has been my close friend for 10 years and my wife for 34 more after that. And yes I watched the shows from Jacque Cousteau. During the song they had blue and green wavy lights play across the stage as if we were aboard the Calypso. She was not super interested in the song until he began to sing.
Jaques Cousteau was an absolute legend. Such an amazing man and so sad that after all the incredible work he did, the oceans and seas are still suffering because people refused to listen. John Denver was such an underrated talent. I always loved his music and am so happy that people now can appreciate him.
SO BEAUTIFUL!!! LOVE John Denver!! SO MISSED! RIP, John Denver - you were ONE OF A KIND!! ...and, MAGICAL!!
He did this song in Seattle years ago and he did it without any backing... Just John and his 12 string guitar! Just as majestic if not more!!!
He did this song like a sea chantey. I love this song and John Denver too.
We watched the Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau when I was a child. It was regular viewing back then. Next John Denver song should be "Looking For Space" such a beautiful inspiring song.
Calypso was the ship of Jacques Cousteau. I remember watching Cousteau TV specials when I was young. We had never seen anything like it. Unless you were a diver, you didn't really have access to see the wonders of the oceans. John Denver was involved in the conservation movement and he did a special with Jacques, this song was from that TV special. If you can find any of Cousteau videos I highly recommend them!
I watched this special and was deeply moved by the song. Thank you.
Jay &Amber, you'll love his "Take Me Home, Country Roads" !!!
Big John Denver fan, grew up on his music. Love that you've now discovered this song and the meaning behind it. I would love to see you listen to his song "Matthew." Great storytelling and music, of course, and some of my favorite JD lyrics.
I still get chills when I hear it. Yes, he could do this live back in the day.
Like many of my generation, I',m a ''58 model - but born on islands in the South Pacific - New Zealand - Jacques Cousteau was like Walt Disney - a part of our Sunday TV viewing and opened my eyes to the wealth of life surrounding our shores. Thanks for this great one by JD!
Thank you. I welled up the minute I heard the bell ring. Mr. Denver wrote this song very much in the "Sea Shanty" style, completely befitting the legacy and the gift to mankind that was The Calypso and her wonderful crews!
Your love of nautical songs plus your love for Billy Joel equals a reaction video to Billy Joel's "Downeaster Alexa"!!
Jaques Cousteau, his crew and his ship the Calypso were on my family’s TV every week! Their adventures and exploration of the oceans was so cool to watch for a landlocked boy like me! Thanks for choosing this song!
I loved that show!
Sigh. Almost in tears, thinking of two incredibly happy childhood memories: Listening to John Denver, and watching "The undersea world of Jacques Cousteau".
Calypso was a World War II era mine sweeper ship that was converted into a research vessel. Jacque Cousteau used it for marine research. I remember him appearing on National Geographic many times and a few times John Denver was on the show with him. As a child this was the first adult contemporary song I took notice of. My dad played John Denver Greatest Hits Vol 2 in the house many times. I became familiar with all the songs but this was my favorite. Being into ships, I also had a plastic model kit of the Calypso. It was very detailed and came with a couple sharks; diving cage; 2 or 3 submersibles; and a small helicopter to land on Calypso's helipad. If you pay attention to the slide show, you can see photos of Calypso and its submersibles.
As a HUGE John Denver fan I am so glad you reviewed this song. Over the years John improved as an artist. This song is a great example. His voice became a little more mature and he was hitting notes that weren't in the 1975 original. He re-recorded the song in 19 90 for the album Earth songs. That is a great version too. However the note he hits at the end are drowned out a little bit by the orchestration. I recommend to Jay and Amber to listen to that version and also to listen to the version here on RUclips from a solo concert he did in Russia in 1985. Just search Calypso live Russia. It's just John and his 12 string guitar and the notes he hits in this version will send chills down your spine!
This song feels like an a great adventure! It's written and arranged to sound a bit like a sea shanty.
One of John's most gorgeous, lush songs. Great pick
Saw John Denver around 1980 at LSU in the round. You haven't lived until you've have experienced Calypso in person ! I just remember the power of the instruments along with John's yodeling voice. You felt you were actually on the Calypso for a journey.
This song is majestic! I'm glad you have now experienced it. Such a beautiful tribute to Calypso and Cousteau's adventures "Fly Away" is another wonderful song by John. It features Olivia Newton-John singing backup and it's fantastic.
John Denver was one of the earliest celebrity conservationist. His gentle manner helped bring people along. The Cousteau family continues the works related to the oceans today through charitable organizations like The Oceans Future Society. Jacques died in 1997 and the world lost an amazing man.
This song is beautiful,John Denver’s voice and music always makes me feel I’m somewhere safe and loved🩷
Probably my favorite of his although his catalog of music is quite impressive. I was totally gobsmacked when he passed way too soon. Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for sharing this.
John Denver and Jacques Cousteau were kindred spirits. One loved the high mountains and the other loved the oceans but both had a special connection to nature.
I saw him in a small venue here in boise idaho. Every song he spent a few minutes explaining why it was written. This one was from time spent on the calypso.
You've done so many of John Denver's song, but I just realized you haven't covered my favorite, "Take Me Home, Country Roads". He was a new version of folk country. Such an iconic voice and sound.
This song is...was...and will always be my favorite JD song! 💙
It’s been a minute since you guys had John Denver on the channel, I’m glad you reacted to Calypso. One of my personal faves is “Looking for Space”. If you’re looking for another song from JD, this would be a good one 😁
A beautiful song with an evocative sound that makes even this Missouri boy feel like he's sailing on the mighty ocean.
I'm not part of your paying fans, but I have watched you guys for years now. I love the reactions along the journey you have taken. I believe you've seen enough to appreciate a song we boomers and some gen'x-ers can appreciate and connect to.
"Life is a rock, but the radio rolled me."
One of the most beautiful songs ever, with very meaningful lyrics.
I personally remember the day I heard John Denver passed. I felt profoundly sad. It often makes me think of all the miraculous songs we missed out on from a death that came way too soon.
John like so many of the great singer/songwriters of his day , their music reflects, the things they believed in passionately. And a way of life they experienced. They not only sang/talked the talk:but walked the walk. More than the superficial vanity, of so many artists today, in their look how wonderful I am, publicity humanitarianism.....John was the real deal...😊😊!
Both men were so very special in their time and what they gave us!
In the 1980's John Denver headed a conservationist charity called Windstar, partly inspired by his time and work on Calypso and with Jack Cousteau, I saw him during this time while he was part of the team raising awareness and aid. He came on stage and spoke about ocean conservation and then brought out his acoustic guitar and sang the shizz out of this song. It was a moment in my life I will never forget. So so powerful. John Denver was so much more than a singer/songwriter.
John's music got me through some rough times in the 70s. ♥♥
John is one of my three biggest influences because of his activism. His song Rocky Mountain High was censored on the airwaves because it was misinterpreted as a drug reference. In 1985 he testified along with Frank Zappa and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider in Senate committee hearings in opposition to the Parents Music Resource Center's campaign for parental advisory labels on records containing violence, drug references or sexually explicit lyrics. He regularly testified in House and Senate budget hearings urging Congress to give more money to NASA.
I saw John Denver perform sometime around 1985. This is the song that I remember most as he had the audience come in to join on the chorus. It was absolutely beautiful, I'll never forget it. Probably my most favorite concert and I've seen a lot of shows!
I can listen to John's voice anytime. It's like hearing an old friend.
It's one of my favorite John Denver songs. In fact, it's my favorite song of his.
Back in the day with only 4 channels, Jacques Cousteau & Marlin Perkins showed us the world. ❤ John Denver was such an incredible songwriter. The fact that he was able to put so much into this song lyrically, but it has a sea shanty vibe to it. You can see the guys when they come ashore, sitting at the bar holding mugs of beer, swinging them as they join in the chorus. "Aye Calypso..."
(As a side note, if you appreciate dry humor, Bill Murray made a film that was sort of a parody of Cousteau & his work. It's called The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The cast is incredible, and there was a lot of deeper messages to the movie, but tldr for here. And if you watch it, pay attention to what the guy with the guitar is playing.)
Mutual of Omaha 🎵🎵
I had the privilege to see him perform in 1973 at Ohio University, he was a fantastic singer, songwriter and person.
Brings back memories just after high school, 1st year in college, younger brother, and mom and dad....Denver was on the radio and Tv all the time. Brilliant man. Brought us real stories and music instead of all the noise about about trivial subjects in music shoved down our throats day after day.
Thanks for choosing this tune. John's songs always had a way of transcending the aches, pains, and worries of life.
This beautiful song is a tribute to French naval officer, famous oceanographer, filmmaker author and co-inventor of the aqualung, Jacques Cousteau and a tribute to his vessel, Calypso. Sadly, Calypso was rammed by a barge in 1996 and sank.
But was recovered and refitted.
Last I heard there were efforts being made to raise funds to raise and restore Calypso, has that not happened by now?
@@NotKev2017 glad to know this! Thanks!
Jacques Cousteau and his ship, the Calypso, were very well-known and popular when this song came out. They were frequently on TV regarding their explorations and John was certainly all about appreciating the environment as his hits about W. Va. and the Rocky Mountains show.
Jacques Cousteau was my hero growing up, and I got to go on the Calypso and meet him when I was in college when it docked in St. Augustine, FL, and Cousteau spoke at my school. Amazing song.
Every time I hear a John Denver song it reminds me all over again how much I miss this amazing artist and humanitarian. I've always loved this song, always watched the Jacques Costeau specials on tv. What treasures to the world they both were.
My favorite John Denver song! Denver spent time sailing on the Calypso and was inspired to write this song. Denver was quite the environmentalist.
I love this song of John Denver, he had so many great songs in the 70’s. 💜💜
As a child ,I looked forward to the Jacque Cousteau television specials. They were amazing! When John Denver sang this song I could feel that childhood joy returning. The adventures were amazing.
Me too!! Jacque Cousteau and the Calypso/crew were amazing!.
I grew up listening to John Denver. He has such a great voice.
Loved John Denver and adored Jacques Cousteau and the specials we watched as kids. My favorite Denver song.
The Jacques Cousteau show was a staple on TV back in the day! We learned so much....and didnt realise we were learning. Beautiful show!!! RIP John Denver, Jacques Cousteau and Calypso and crew!❤
We never missed "The Undersea World of Jacques Couteau"! WONDERFUL STUFF! This song is such an appropriate homage to him, his ship, his crew, his life's work and passion. Thank you. I know I suggested this at least once. Love you guys! ❤
The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a staple on TV in my living room growing up. Back in the days of 1 TV set, 4 VHF, and 2 fuzzy UHF channels. Great documentaries with no agenda, just teaching and learning. Cousteau was also co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung, SCUBA tank.. great tune, great memories
I'm visiting my mother in Dallas right now and the public television station here played a 1974 John Denver concert a couple of days ago. As y'all know, he is as good live as in the studio, and it was also great seeing the laidback, friendly, cool-dressed seventies audiences and the film clips interspersed of Denver and friends hiking through beautiful natural landscapes. It really made me miss that time period.
John felt that his might be the best song he ever wrote. Its definitely a contender.
Not only my favorite John Denver song, but one of my favorites ever. Always brings a tear.
Watching this channel makes me realize how easy it is to listen to songs hundreds of times and not really know what they're about, lol. I never made the connection with Jacque Cousteau, without having seen the video footage. Great that John Denver was engaged in so many fascinating fields in addition to his unforgettable music.
An incredible voice, an incredible talent. R.I.P. John and Jaque ❤🙏
Cousteau was a co inventor of the aqua lung/SCUBA n brought us brilliant underwater documentaries!
I think the first one has been restored recently
Gorgeous! I miss the musicianship of those days. The integrity, artistry and talent of John Denver is hard to match. Thank you for your appreciation and respect when you showcase his talent. I love what your doing. You two are a joy to watch! :) How about GALVESTON by Glen Campbell!
Such an incredibly beautiful & poignant song, it moves me to tears. If John & Jacques were alive today, they would be absolutely devastated at the state our beautiful planet is in ❤️🌏
I feel this is an overlook song from John Denver. It's an amazing tribute to a great Man and his ship and crew.
One of my favorite songs and the oceanographer was famous for showing us so many firsts.
John Denver was an exceptional lyricist as he made his songs "come to life!" Thanks for posting this one, Jay and Amber!👍
Beautiful vibe everytime he sings
This is one of my all-time favorite John Denver songs. I haven't heard it in such a long time but it still sounds just as good as it did back when I heard it for the very first time.