It surprises me that I'm only now writing about John Denver. He is much loved in Germany if only for his song, "Take Me Home Country Roads". You can't go to a fest in these parts and not hear drunken renditions of that song. Having come from the mountains of Virginia myself, I kind of relate to it. Sure, Virginia and West Virginia are different states, but they share some of the same scenery-- the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River in particular. The imagery works.
In October 1997, John Denver died too young in a plane crash, which adds him to a list of musical legends who have died while flying. While the idea of crashing is scary, I don't know that it's scarier than dying slowly of a progressive illness that causes a gradual loss of function. Still, I was sad when he passed away.
John Denver sings "Country Roads" live...
Not for nothing, but John Denver had a really beautiful, clear voice. He wasn't the most gorgeous guy around, but he had some serious musical chops.
John Denver sings "Annie's Song", a perennial favorite at 70s era weddings.
I think my favorite song by John Denver is "Rocky Mountain High". There's something very stately and beautiful about that song. It reminds me a little of Jim Croce's "I Got A Name", which is another favorite of mine.
"Rocky Mountain High"
John didn't mind cutting loose sometimes, though... Like on "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".
John Denver lets his hair down with "Country Boy"...
In October 1997, John Denver died too young in a plane crash, which adds him to a list of musical legends who have died while flying. While the idea of crashing is scary, I don't know that it's scarier than dying slowly of a progressive illness that causes a gradual loss of function. Still, I was sad when he passed away.
"Sunshine On My Shoulders"... I wonder if he felt it as he took his last breaths.
Maybe today I'll record a couple of John Denver's songs.
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