John Denver is easily the greatest acoustic artist of all times. Apart from hugely popular solo career, he is one of the finest songwriters and poets in American Country music. As a political activist Denver formed the Windstar Foundation and has even played a concert for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine

John Denver – The Evergreen Legend

“I think the biggest problem in the world is that we have a generation of young people, and maybe two, who don't think it's going to get any better.” – John Denver

The Poet for the Planet

John Denver is easily the greatest acoustic artist of all times. Apart from hugely popular solo career, he is one of the finest songwriters and poets in American Country music. As a political activist Denver formed the Windstar Foundation and has even played a concert for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine and actively supported numerous causes like Aids in Africa.

John Denver’s music of acoustic pop with a heavy melodic country sound was inspirational and socially conscious. Denver has scored several major hits which have become classic signature tunes likes “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. John Denver has a unique position in American music as being a country star who took the music to the masses and mainstream pop charts.

His concerts were very intimate experiences and often had an element of him being a spiritual healer without being a preacher. The gentle delivery of his songs on records and live shows often created the perfect romantic and thought provoking mood at the same time. His music took its listeners on a spiritual and soul searching journey; John Denver is often called the “Mother Nature’s Son”

Country Roots

John Denver was born in New Mexico and it was his mother who got him into music at an early age. As his family would move around a lot due to his father being in the army it was this unstable up bringing which would make Denver a complete introvert. By his early teens he started learning and playing the guitar which his grandmother gave and started playing in local clubs. He changed his name to “Denver” and dropped out of college to pursue music as a career.

Breaking into Mainstream

By 1969 he released his first album for RCA records. The album contained one of his signature tunes “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, though it was not a hit as the label did not promote the album. John Denver took it upon himself to promote the album. He would play in schools, colleges, coffee shops, markets and small halls, just about anywhere he could. He built a large dedicated following and it extended his contract with MCA.  In 1970 he released two more critically acclaimed albums which have become hits years later.

But it would be his 1971 album that would be his big US breakthrough “Poems Prayers and Promises” which contained his greatest song “Take me Home, Country Roads”. The success continued with his next album Rocky Mountain High featuring some of his most successful tunes like “Annie Song”.

In 1974 and he released his biggest commercial hit – “Back Home Again” peaked at No.1 on the US album charts and sold 3 million copies. The album “Windsong” followed in 1975 which was another No.1 and sold 2 million copies.

The success led to TV specials and the legendary appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  He did his own TV specials and a recorded concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater was watched by 60 million people. His on screen TV charisma led to movie roles and further TV projects including hosting the Tonight Show and the Grammies in the 70s.

Later Years and Activism

Denver left his long time manager to pursue his own way of recording and touring which would reflect more on his values rather than commercial success or failure. John Denver was now taking more active interest in political and social events. Openly supporting the Democratic Party and campaigning for Jimmy Carter.  Denver publicly criticized the Republican Party and the Reagan Administration for its weapons development program.

As an artist he continued to record albums and toured extensively all around the world. He was playing concerts to audiences worldwide which even included a trip to China and Russia. His last few albums may not have been commercial hits but it kept his legacy alive.

John Denver was also a seasoned pilot with over 2,500 hours in different aircrafts. Unfortunately, the plane he was flying crashed and Denver was killed on October 12 1997. Though there has been great speculation on the reason of the crash, a recent report surfaced which claimed that he was arrested drinking and driving. This further fuelled the rumors that he was flying under the influence of alcohol.

John Denver has left behind a great legacy of his music and philanthropic work inspiring people and other artists alike.  

• John Denver was the host of the Grammy Awards in 1983 and 1984

• John Denver was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996

• John Denver toured Russia in 1985 as one of the few artists ever to perform in that country. In 1992 he also played concerts in China

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