I was already in my 30s when one day - at the break of dawn - I saw two eagles drifting up, down and sideways in the thermals high in the Rocky Mountains. Some moments change your life forever. This was one of them. I am in my 77th year and yet the memory of that dawn watching those powerful yet graceful eagles soar within the canyon walls brings tears to my eyes even as I write this.
It's really impossible to emphasize how omnipresent John Denver was in pop culture in the '70s. Massive hit albums, TV specials, movies, even his own variety show for a while. He was also a huge voice for protection of the environment. He was a victim of overexposure and, unfortunately, became something of a punch line in the '80s. His songs are all beautiful and very "homey" for lack of a better word. If you haven't already, check out "Annie's Song," for his then-wife, and "Calypso," an ode to the great oceanographer Jacque Cousteau's ship.
What charleslewis997 said. Great summing him up. I was a huge fan but only this many years since his death have I realized how amazing he really was. Great reaction!
Please listen to John's song, "Country Roads Take Me Home." .....a beauty and West Virginia adopted it as their official anthem. PS: I love that you do your research before listening to a song. It makes it so much easier on us not to have to educate you.
My mom loved Take Me Hone Country Roads. She was born and raised in West Virginia. She had to move to Florida in her 20's and always yearned to go back. When she passed in 2005 we took her back and sprinkled her ashes in the mountains where she longed to be. She's home now. Love and miss you mama. 🕊
A few other great songs of his that are essential to hear are Country Roads Take Me Home, Annie’s Song, Sunshine on My Shoulders, and Leaving on a Jet Plane
One amazing talented person. His death was tragic. He was the 70's. Great songs, great TV shows too. Wrote Leaving on a Jet Plane, sung by Peter, Paul and Mary
Only some understand this and the others scratch their chins for decades. It is really pretty simple and really only requires stepping "out of self". What a beautiful moment that is. You're right ... "gorgeous poetry".
John Denver had the purist male voice ever!!!!!!!His songs are so beautiful......... This is a classic of his,...... You should check out more of his music He was Massive here in South Africa Regards Andrew
A trip to Colorado is not required. All mountain ranges, all wooded canyons impart the mystique and enchantment described in this song. JD is a national treasure. Share him as often as possible, with as many people as possible. Keep his flame alive.
Exactly. Im a native Northern Californian and spent every summer in Yosemite as a kid and talk about mystical with those granite walls. So yes once you love the high mountain ranges, they are majestic.
I'm an old "gamer girl" at 56 but I can tell you hands down if you play John Denver's Country Roads - everyone from 20 - 70 years old in Voice chat will be singing. US, UK, Eastern Block, Asia, Canada, Mexico - I swear there is not a country where Country Roads is not known. Give it a spin, I think you'll like it.
That was after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks the year before last, I think? That brought tears to my eyes as a former resident of WV and huge lover of JD...quite a moment.
With all due respect .... we need to remember that our young weren't around when we were being lifted off the ground with JD's music. There is so much out there and I stomp my feet as well and scream "...how have you never heard of ...". I love being older. If our minds are open enough to enjoy the good parts of today and not blocked off by putting ourselves in a box, joined with the wisdom of yesterday ... We're really good. Better than good. We're where we were meant to be.
The fact that you want to learn something about the artist prior to listening is, to me, a great thing! So many lose so much by not knowing why the artist is even there. Stepping into a garden thinking it is a field of weeds causes damage that lives on. Thank you for commenting on this. He's one of my favorites.
There are SO MANY songs for you to react to from John Denver. "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Calypso", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Annie's Song", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", "Poems, Prayers & Promises", "Matthew's Song". His voice is so pure.
Being a Colorado resident I am delighted you are discovering the artistry of John Denver. Although many will deny the obvious reference to 'high' in this song, it is no accident the state was one of the first to legalize pot. His amazing voice, lyrics, and guitar fit so well the Colorado folk song mystic. Such a tragedy his life was cut short so young. He really knew how to deeply stroke your soul. Come back to John Denver again, please.
Now you have to review calypso John used to travel with a man named Jacques Cousteau who was the world traveler and adventurer and he named his ship the calypso the song obviously is about the ship and John's time on board her
Amazing vocalist. John Denver, Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLaughlin, Barbara Streisand. Such pure voices that sound so effortless and natural.
"I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky" is describing the beauty of meteor showers as seen from the clear Rocky Mountain night skies. And it truly is a place where you can talk to God and hear the casual reply. You say you can't explain your emotional response? But the song does that for you. It makes you feel like you're coming home to a place you've never been before. That's how it makes you feel. BTW the Rocky Mountains is a HUGE range, stretches 3,000 miles north to south and (in places) 500 miles east to west. Denver is a stone's throw from its east slopes, Salt Lake City is nestled in the western foothills.
There was something simple and pure about pretty much everything John Denver did - it's who he was. Take Me Home, Country Roads was a big one, as was Annie's Song, but I have a soft spot for Leaving on a Jet Plane.
Sunshine on My Shoulders another John Denver song has that pure innocence in it. He is singing sunbeams! Also Sweet Surrender is excellent! Great reaction, thanks
Back when performers like John Denver and Karen Carpenter were making records, it wasn't considered "cool" to like them. They were considered "corny" and too straight-laced, especially compared to some other artists who dressed outlandishly or played harder edge music. But here's the thing: their albums sold like hotcakes. Their tours always did gangbusters. I've known total metal heads that secretly knew all the words to all the songs. And here we are decades later, when so many other artists from their time have fallen away, still listening, still being moved, still loving the music. As John himself might have said, "Far out!"
This guy has so much talent as a singer and song writer, many many hits. He was taken prematurely but his music will live on so long ad there are any people left to listen.
I sat on a boulder beside a creek in Rocky Mountain National Park and sang this song 36 years ago. He gave a concert in my town a few years later and my husband wouldn’t go. I’m still mad about it and sad I never had another chance to see him. Still some of the best musical memories of my early years
Salvo, I know it must be a shock when you come across yet another HUGE name from the past like this…..and John Mayall in your last reaction as well. It just goes to show what so many of us have been saying to you over the past couple of years: the well of great bands and artists from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s is SO DEEP. And you have more to discover.
This song does touch something deep inside. I always loved the line about "coming home to a place he'd never been before". After wandering around in Minnesota, Finland, the Soviet Union, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas through my late teens and 20s in the 1970s and 1980s, I landed (by chance, of course) in Maryland and stumbled into a career in human services that's been enormously fulfilling for decades. I found my place. I found my people. I came home to a place I'd never been before. And I wish that for everyone. Love your reactions! Thank you ❤
Two official state songs were written by the great John Denver. Rocky Mountain High (CO), and (WV) Take Me Home Country Roads… That alone is an incredible achievement, but he has many other beautiful songs that touch your heart and soul. One of my favorites not mentioned as much is “For You”. I teared up with the first note. His voice is so beautiful….
One of our greatest story teller/song writers. Other classics include "Take Me Home", "Calypso"...and John starred in an underrated movie back in the day..."Oh God". Another great example of the BEST decade of music...1970s!!
He was sooo popular in the 70's. Tv show and movies. I enjoy so many songs but Sunshine on My Shoulders is just so pure and showcases his beautiful voice. Also For You I sang and played piano at my wedding. Not a dry eye in the church
Oh, boy, are you in for a treat with almost any song you react to by John Denver, my friend. His catalog of music is simply extraordinary, and his duets, filmed concerts and jam sessions with many of the greatest singers and artists of this past century is legend. Of course, his sheer love for the things around him (the ordinary and not-so-ordinary) are what made him so immensely popular with all age groups, cultures and his peers. A dive into John Denver is an immersion into an American troubadour. He is sorely missed.
This is one of my favorites of John Denver's. You got the feeling of the song right...loved his music since forever. So many songs you'll get hooked on because he always sang with emotion of his experiences that became songs. He was the real deal. Try out This Old Guitar, Fly Away, Calypso, Country Roads, I'm Sorry, You fill Up My Senses and eventually you will be wishing he had lived longer to write more...his songs are jewels.
This Colorado girl loves this reaction. There’s nothing that compares to the Colorado Rocky Mountain high. Raining fire in the sky? The orange and pinks and reds of the sunsets. Nature, peace, a different vibe. If you’ve never been to Colorado, you should come for a visit. Thanks Salvo!
Even those of us who don't consider ourselves fans are touched emotionally by John Denver's music, Salvo. We "get it," because he genuinely & sincerely means it. As others have suggested, check out Annie's Song, Sunshine On My Shoulders, Thank God I'm A Country Boy (more upbeat), or Take Me Home Country Roads.
There are certain singers that soothe your soul...John Denver,Karen Carpenter,James Taylor,Carole King....My two favorite songs are Leaving on a Jet Plane( love the duet version withCass Elliot ,gorgeous harmonies!),Lady,and Sunshine on My Shoulders...No bad John Denver songs,my friend! His music is always a YES!🎙🎶🤩
One of my favorites from that era. Living in the Rockies, in Colorado, it’s always been close to my heart. If you are so inclined you might consider Annie’s Song from John Denver.
I saw him perform on tour with a Symphony orchestra after he released "Calypso". As soon as he picked up his guitar you could hear a pin drop.the audience held him in such high regard they didn't want to miss a note.
I wish I'd seen him in concert. In those days we lived in Hawaii. But I should have figured a way. I'd like to go to one of the Aspen annual JD weeklong tributes sometime in the Fall.
oh wow it's incredible seeing someone have such a visceral, emotional reaction to music like this. It's so obvious in your expression and *that* is just as wonderful to see as the song itself. It makes me so happy to see that in another person. I almost want to congratulate you? Is that weird? It's like, welcome to this experience! (I was a child in the 70s and so John Denver and Jim Croce taught me a lot about life!)
I'm not at all surprised John Denver moved you to tears and touched your guarded emotions. For one thing that's John Denver's specialty and for another, you are brave and allow your soul to feel the Magic in his music. You are just at the beginning of many more powerful songs. I recommend Annie's Song, Sunshine on my Shoulder, and Take Me Home Country Road
As soon as you said "I'm unfamiliar with the name John Denver" I knew we were in for a treat. There are almost no bad JD songs, and quite a few that are awesome. Try "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Poems Prayers and Promises", "Annie's Song", "Calypso", ... And a timeless golden voice, from long before pitch correction and studio magic.
"Talk to God and listen to the casual reply" Brilliant! So many wonderful songs to check out by John. Check out "Take Me Home Country Roads" my all time fav.
I’ve heard this song SO many times, and it still hits me right in the feels every time I hear it again. Hiking Colorado was one of my favorite things when I was younger, and this song encapsulates it perfectly.
My favorite John Denver songs are "Poem, Prayers, and Promises," "Shanghai Breezes," and "Follow Me" but the popular ones are "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and "Sunshine on my Shoulders."
"Annies song" is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written... yet even as a love song, he paints pictures of nature and his love of nature comes through. He's an artist whose lyrics really are poetry. He was actually nicknamed "the Planet's Poet" 'Calypso", a tribute to the great Jaques Cousteau (a man who pioneered scuba and filming ocean life.) Cousteau brought the ocean to people through film pretty much for the first time through his documentaries. , and Denver 's "Calypso " (the name of Cousteau's research ship) is a wonderful tribute. Also "Flying for me." is an emotional tribute as well, especially being that Denver wanted to be the first Civilian in Space and worked closely with NASA on developing the "Citizen in space" program, but NASA ultimately chose to make a teacher the first... with tragedy ensuing, and Denver writing the tribute. So those are three other great songs to check out
When I think of John Denver, I think of this song and another one adopted as an official state song, "Take Me Home Country Roads" (West Virginia). Another is "Leaving on a Jet Plane." He has a version and the Peter, Paul, and Mary version became popular. He also sang it with Cass Elliott on TV in 1972.
I grew up listening to John Denver. The resonnance of his voice, his pure and masterful use of lyrics to paint his picture of nature, and his singular belief in protecting nature all wove together to become a beloved folk artist. My favorite song of his is Calypso, which is a true masterpiece describing the importance of protecting our oceans and their marine inhabitants. I also suggest reacting to Annie's Song, Country Roads, and Thank God I'm A Country Boy. If I had trouble sleeping, I put on his greatest hit album and drifted off to sleep while listening to his rich and expressive music.
This reminds me of my dad..😢…we would go camping and did much exploring going cross country listening to John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, the Eagles, Harry Nilsson, etc. but JD especially reminds me of him. The songs he sings epitomized my Dad, the love and respect of nature, of living purely and really loving the people around you. Driving along the winding roads in Colorado and California in our old red VW bus (“Big Red”) singing our hearts out to whatever was in the the tape deck ❤ thank you for the memories 🥰👍👍
How lovely that you reacted to this song! I'm headed for bed and this was like a lullaby! John did a little acting, as well. His first movie, I think, was "Oh, God"...with George Burns playing "God." It's a fun movie to watch, as long as you realize it's a 1977 movie!
This Old Guitar is my very favorite John Denver song. It is beautiful poetry about his life & you understand that every word comes directly from his heart
In the “summer of his 27th year” (1971) is when “Take Me Home Country Roads” shot John into superstardom. With that success he was able to build his dream home in Aspen, CO, the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 🎶
Such a smooth voice. In many ways the voice of my childhood. Check out his whimsical side: Thank God I'm a Country Boy, and Grandma's Feather Bed. Both guaranteed to make you smile.
I'm an old progressive rock/jazz fusion snob, but this is probably my favorite song. It still speaks to me after all these years. I'm glad you discovered it.
This is such a great song. Thank Bob, this is my favorite JD song. Sal, this artist is folk and has MANY great songs. My favorite verse is "Now he walks in quiet solitude, the forests and the streams, Seeking grace in every step he takes, His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand, The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake" and the line "Talk to God and listen to the casual reply". I live in the mountains and he describes this feeling so, so well.
John Denver's voice is pure as it gets along with Karen Carpenter's. Voices of angels. You need to do these at some point: "Annie’s Song", "Calypso", and "Take Me Home Country Roads". You should look up the story behind "Calypso" as well as "Annie's Song". I recommend the live version of "Calypso" from John's 1995 Wildlife Concert. You will get to hear him yodel. Brilliant!
I love how you read about the artists and make these connections. This Old Guitar live, Anne's Song, Country Roads, High Calypso are just some of John Denver's songs definitely worth checking out.
John Denver is someone I have loved since I was a kid. I'm 61 now. I have never stopped loving his music. He was the first concert I ever went to when I was a young adult, it was outdoors and he sang and played just him and his guitar for over 2 hrs. And he sounded exactly as he does on his records. ❤
He was my first big concert, too -- at the Spectrum in Philadelphia when I was about 14, I think. I was a fanatic of John Denver! Later in life travelling to Aspen was a thrill (although it's now extremely more gentrified than when he first settled there). It's amazing to see how much high regard he is held in today. When I was a fan as a girl, it was absolutely not cool. Still, he was selling tons and tons of records, had many exceptional tv specials, an amazing Muppet Show guest star episode, and of course, the movie "Oh, God" which was so much better than anyone expected and which really holds up today. Thanks for your wonderful reaction!
I totally understand your remark about this making you emotional. For me, it's the line "he lost a friend but kept a memory" that I associate with a dear soul that left way too soon.
The line "I've seen it raining fire in the sky" is the reason he and his friends were camping in the Rockies. They came to see the Leonid Meteor shower that summer. So the meteors were the rain of fire in the sky. After this trip to Colorado, John Denver and his then wife Annie ended up buying property and living there.
John was born in Roswell, New Mexico. His dad was an Air Force test pilot and so John lived in quite a few states and saw this country 's variety and beauty. He passed when the plane he made crashed. Such a loss to the world. He was a world treasure!
Official state song of the State of Colorado, and one of his other tunes, Take Me Home Country Roads, official state song of West Virginia. Can't think of anybody else that can pull of writing such beautiful, universally loved, iconic anthems about the land.
I adored John's music for decades. Still love it . John was a military brat and the family moved often. His father was a pilot trainer and was the first person to break the sound barrier. I have never found another writer and vocalist who could bring such peace.
This one is worth watching to the end 🤘💙
my heart 💔
This is a deep hole of pure music joy. You're just getting started. Enjoy!
Another John Denver song to check out would be Matthew which is loosely based on his uncle.
@@californiahummus I love that song!
I always watch them till the end You're the best out there I wouldn't miss a minute of it
"I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly."
I'm right there with you John.
Saw one flying up the Platte River a few miles from downtown Denver. It was astounding. I never knew those birds were so large. Awesome.
I was already in my 30s when one day - at the break of dawn - I saw two eagles drifting up, down and sideways in the thermals high in the Rocky Mountains. Some moments change your life forever. This was one of them. I am in my 77th year and yet the memory of that dawn watching those powerful yet graceful eagles soar within the canyon walls brings tears to my eyes even as I write this.
@@lindamaclellan4899 I am 74 and that eagle sighting is indelible. Two at dawn....magical.
My favorite line. Very pure!
It's really impossible to emphasize how omnipresent John Denver was in pop culture in the '70s. Massive hit albums, TV specials, movies, even his own variety show for a while. He was also a huge voice for protection of the environment. He was a victim of overexposure and, unfortunately, became something of a punch line in the '80s. His songs are all beautiful and very "homey" for lack of a better word. If you haven't already, check out "Annie's Song," for his then-wife, and "Calypso," an ode to the great oceanographer Jacque Cousteau's ship.
Love love love “Calypso.”
Love both of these songs
Annie's Song is my very favorite!
But I love many of John's tunes. Beautiful voice.
Oooh, 'Country Roads', another that touches my heart to this day.
I echo your recommendation of "Calypso", and would add "Paradise".
What charleslewis997 said. Great summing him up. I was a huge fan but only this many years since his death have I realized how amazing he really was. Great reaction!
Please listen to John's song, "Country Roads Take Me Home." .....a beauty and West Virginia adopted it as their official anthem. PS: I love that you do your research before listening to a song. It makes it so much easier on us not to have to educate you.
Yes people sing it all over the world
My Mom's favorite song! She was born in Parkersburg but was from Ohio! 😊
My mom loved Take Me Hone Country Roads. She was born and raised in West Virginia. She had to move to Florida in her 20's and always yearned to go back. When she passed in 2005 we took her back and sprinkled her ashes in the mountains where she longed to be. She's home now. Love and miss you mama. 🕊
@@KimmiePatts That's a beautiful thing to do for your Mom! Bless you! 💗
You can find lots of videos of WV college football games where the spectators are singing this song. It's beautiful and moving.
John had such a pure, beautiful voice that never sounded forced. In some ways he was a bit like a male version of Karen Carpenter. Gentle beauty.
Yes!
Check the UA-cam video of John and Karen singing together.
One of the greatest American songs ever written. Pure heaven.
Pure is the best word to describe his voice and songs. Annie’s Song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
A few other great songs of his that are essential to hear are Country Roads Take Me Home, Annie’s Song, Sunshine on My Shoulders, and Leaving on a Jet Plane
All of them are great songs, Annie’s song (written for his wife) is my favorite
for a really upbeat, fun John Denver song, Thank God I'm a County Boy" is a must!
Thank God I'm a country Boy!!
@@reginacarter431 "Life ain't nothing but a funny funny riddle".
@@riverlove6820 😁😆 Yes!!!!
One amazing talented person. His death was tragic. He was the 70's. Great songs, great TV shows too. Wrote Leaving on a Jet Plane, sung by Peter, Paul and Mary
He does an amazing duet with Cass Elliot on jet plane. It's so frigging perfect
@@connieleighton4375 he does...love that version.
Cass Elliot wrote the song though.
John Denver wrote this song and initially recorded it himself. Check the credits on the song.
@lastpenny849 No, in the video of them together singing jet plane, she jokes about writing it, but she didn't he did
"He was born in the summer of his 27th year,
coming home to a place he'd never been before."
Just gorgeous poetry!
Only some understand this and the others scratch their chins for decades. It is really pretty simple and really only requires stepping "out of self". What a beautiful moment that is. You're right ... "gorgeous poetry".
He was 27 when he first came to CO and felt like this was when his life began.
One of the best opening lines …….ever.
Before auto-tune, when Talent was required.
RIP John. Your unforgettable voice is echoing through the heavens.
I'm a million years old, and it still makes me tear.....don't know why! I think you may be right, it's just pure.
Came to Co. in 1980 just to ski. Still here 45 yrs later. Yep listening to rky mtn high bring tears to this 67 yr old Marine. The purity and inasence.
John Denver had the purist male voice ever!!!!!!!His songs are so beautiful......... This is a classic of his,...... You should check out more of his music
He was Massive here in South Africa
Regards
Andrew
A trip to Colorado is not required. All mountain ranges, all wooded canyons impart the mystique and enchantment described in this song. JD is a national treasure. Share him as often as possible, with as many people as possible. Keep his flame alive.
Exactly. Im a native Northern Californian and spent every summer in Yosemite as a kid and talk about mystical with those granite walls. So yes once you love the high mountain ranges, they are majestic.
I'm an old "gamer girl" at 56 but I can tell you hands down if you play John Denver's Country Roads - everyone from 20 - 70 years old in Voice chat will be singing. US, UK, Eastern Block, Asia, Canada, Mexico - I swear there is not a country where Country Roads is not known. Give it a spin, I think you'll like it.
I heard a street musician playing it in Munich!
I saw a video of an entire stadium singing it, in Germany.
That was after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks the year before last, I think? That brought tears to my eyes as a former resident of WV and huge lover of JD...quite a moment.
Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole (Somewhere Over the Rainbow) does an amazing cover of Take Me Home Country Roads! Check it out - it's on youtube!
Musicians play it live in bars in Ireland. Very popular there.
Never heard of John Denver!! How is that possible. His remarkable ability to translate "presence" into his music makes John an American Legend.
With all due respect .... we need to remember that our young weren't around when we were being lifted off the ground with JD's music. There is so much out there and I stomp my feet as well and scream "...how have you never heard of ...". I love being older. If our minds are open enough to enjoy the good parts of today and not blocked off by putting ourselves in a box, joined with the wisdom of yesterday ...
We're really good. Better than good. We're where we were meant to be.
The fact that you want to learn something about the artist prior to listening is, to me, a great thing! So many lose so much by not knowing why the artist is even there. Stepping into a garden thinking it is a field of weeds causes damage that lives on.
Thank you for commenting on this. He's one of my favorites.
There are SO MANY songs for you to react to from John Denver. "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Calypso", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", "Annie's Song", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", "Poems, Prayers & Promises", "Matthew's Song". His voice is so pure.
Bet you've heard him but you just don't know it. His most iconic song is 'Take Me Home Country Roads".
Being a Colorado resident I am delighted you are discovering the artistry of John Denver. Although many will deny the obvious reference to 'high' in this song, it is no accident the state was one of the first to legalize pot. His amazing voice, lyrics, and guitar fit so well the Colorado folk song mystic. Such a tragedy his life was cut short so young. He really knew how to deeply stroke your soul. Come back to John Denver again, please.
@devildog5354 Drugs not required, true. But having been here 42 yrs, I'd say all three can work together to great advantage.
Now you have to review calypso John used to travel with a man named Jacques Cousteau who was the world traveler and adventurer and he named his ship the calypso the song obviously is about the ship and John's time on board her
One of my favorites!
Amazing vocalist. John Denver, Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLaughlin, Barbara Streisand. Such pure voices that sound so effortless and natural.
I encourage you to listen to "Annie's Song". A beautiful tribute to his wife. It was a big hit.
"I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky" is describing the beauty of meteor showers as seen from the clear Rocky Mountain night skies. And it truly is a place where you can talk to God and hear the casual reply.
You say you can't explain your emotional response? But the song does that for you. It makes you feel like you're coming home to a place you've never been before. That's how it makes you feel.
BTW the Rocky Mountains is a HUGE range, stretches 3,000 miles north to south and (in places) 500 miles east to west. Denver is a stone's throw from its east slopes, Salt Lake City is nestled in the western foothills.
Really?
No, the fire in the sky is the red sunsets…
ua-cam.com/users/shortsO1o3AbS3oVo?si=S-FmptjxcVqZViId
There was something simple and pure about pretty much everything John Denver did - it's who he was. Take Me Home, Country Roads was a big one, as was Annie's Song, but I have a soft spot for Leaving on a Jet Plane.
John's voice was so pure and beautiful. He was even as spot-on during his live performances. This song has always caused me to choke right on up.
I get tears every time with this song. It’s so pure and if you’ve hiked the Rockies, you get it
Me too 😢❤❤❤❤
His was the best concert I’ve seen. Just him and his guitar. The audience sang backup 😊
Sunshine on My Shoulders another John Denver song has that pure innocence in it. He is singing sunbeams! Also Sweet Surrender is excellent! Great reaction, thanks
Back when performers like John Denver and Karen Carpenter were making records, it wasn't considered "cool" to like them. They were considered "corny" and too straight-laced, especially compared to some other artists who dressed outlandishly or played harder edge music. But here's the thing: their albums sold like hotcakes. Their tours always did gangbusters. I've known total metal heads that secretly knew all the words to all the songs. And here we are decades later, when so many other artists from their time have fallen away, still listening, still being moved, still loving the music. As John himself might have said, "Far out!"
"Take Me Home Country Roads" probably considered his signature song.
When asked if he was a folk singer he replied: I'm an American singer.
Take Me Home Country Roads will break your heart it's so beautiful.
This guy has so much talent as a singer and song writer, many many hits. He was taken prematurely but his music will live on so long ad there are any people left to listen.
I sat on a boulder beside a creek in Rocky Mountain National Park and sang this song 36 years ago. He gave a concert in my town a few years later and my husband wouldn’t go. I’m still mad about it and sad I never had another chance to see him. Still some of the best musical memories of my early years
John Denver always moves me to tears.. This music is God sent.
This is the quietest I've ever seen you during a reaction. It got you, didn't it? You were lost in the soul of John Denver's voice and lyrics. Magic.
I wish we still had him.
Salvo, I know it must be a shock when you come across yet another HUGE name from the past like this…..and John Mayall in your last reaction as well. It just goes to show what so many of us have been saying to you over the past couple of years: the well of great bands and artists from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s is SO DEEP. And you have more to discover.
I was blessed to see him on April 9 1985 in Brisbane here in Australia- he was amazing live.
This song does touch something deep inside. I always loved the line about "coming home to a place he'd never been before".
After wandering around in Minnesota, Finland, the Soviet Union, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas through my late teens and 20s in the 1970s and 1980s, I landed (by chance, of course) in Maryland and stumbled into a career in human services that's been enormously fulfilling for decades. I found my place. I found my people. I came home to a place I'd never been before. And I wish that for everyone.
Love your reactions! Thank you ❤
No kidding. Still waiting for that ultimate home.
Two official state songs were written by the great John Denver. Rocky Mountain High (CO), and (WV) Take Me Home Country Roads… That alone is an incredible achievement, but he has many other beautiful songs that touch your heart and soul. One of my favorites not mentioned as much is “For You”. I teared up with the first note. His voice is so beautiful….
How he died broke my heart. He had built a small airplane and died when he crashed in it. I remember his music so clearly. Try You Fill Up My Senses
One of our greatest story teller/song writers. Other classics include "Take Me Home", "Calypso"...and John starred in an underrated movie back in the day..."Oh God". Another great example of the BEST decade of music...1970s!!
One of John Denver's many gifts was to write and sing songs that make everyone feel they can sing along. Pure happiness.
One of the most beautiful love songs ever written was done by John Denver for his wife “Annie’s Song”. Just amazing. 🥰
An under rated favorite from him is The Eagle And The Hawk...
For sure! You can feel them soar in this tune!
I get a chill just thinking about the song.
My absolute favorite JD song, though I'm obsessed with birds of prey.... Even if you're not, the song is just spectacular.
Favorite
He was sooo popular in the 70's. Tv show and movies. I enjoy so many songs but Sunshine on My Shoulders is just so pure and showcases his beautiful voice. Also For You I sang and played piano at my wedding. Not a dry eye in the church
And his live performances are great. Thank God I’m a Country Boy, Calypso, Annie’s Song, Take Me Home, Country Road and on and on.
Oh, boy, are you in for a treat with almost any song you react to by John Denver, my friend. His catalog of music is simply extraordinary, and his duets, filmed concerts and jam sessions with many of the greatest singers and artists of this past century is legend. Of course, his sheer love for the things around him (the ordinary and not-so-ordinary) are what made him so immensely popular with all age groups, cultures and his peers. A dive into John Denver is an immersion into an American troubadour. He is sorely missed.
You're in for a treat...
His voice is smooth as butter and represents a much simpler America ❤
This is one of my favorites of John Denver's. You got the feeling of the song right...loved his music since forever. So many songs you'll get hooked on because he always sang with emotion of his experiences that became songs. He was the real deal. Try out This Old Guitar, Fly Away, Calypso, Country Roads, I'm Sorry, You fill Up My Senses and eventually you will be wishing he had lived longer to write more...his songs are jewels.
I love all of his songs but this one gives me chills and also (John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads)
Also a state song wv
This Colorado girl loves this reaction. There’s nothing that compares to the Colorado Rocky Mountain high. Raining fire in the sky? The orange and pinks and reds of the sunsets. Nature, peace, a different vibe. If you’ve never been to Colorado, you should come for a visit. Thanks Salvo!
The fire in the sky refered to is the Perseid meteor showers witnessed by him and friends while camping in the mountains.
@@carollandrum9223 that so cool! To me, some day at sunset, it looks like the sky is on fire. Either way is beautiful.
Even those of us who don't consider ourselves fans are touched emotionally by John Denver's music, Salvo. We "get it," because he genuinely & sincerely means it.
As others have suggested, check out Annie's Song, Sunshine On My Shoulders, Thank God I'm A Country Boy (more upbeat), or Take Me Home Country Roads.
There are certain singers that soothe your soul...John Denver,Karen Carpenter,James Taylor,Carole King....My two favorite songs are Leaving on a Jet Plane( love the duet version withCass Elliot ,gorgeous harmonies!),Lady,and Sunshine on My Shoulders...No bad John Denver songs,my friend! His music is always a YES!🎙🎶🤩
One of my favorites from that era. Living in the Rockies, in Colorado, it’s always been close to my heart. If you are so inclined you might consider Annie’s Song from John Denver.
You totally need to react to “Fly Away” by him and Olivia Newton-John.
just gonna let you know, his version of Let it Be is maybe one of the most beautiful things i've ever heard
Sunshine on my shoulders ☀️ by John Denver is a must.
I saw him perform on tour with a Symphony orchestra after he released "Calypso". As soon as he picked up his guitar you could hear a pin drop.the audience held him in such high regard they didn't want to miss a note.
I wish I'd seen him in concert. In those days we lived in Hawaii. But I should have figured a way. I'd like to go to one of the Aspen annual JD weeklong tributes sometime in the Fall.
oh wow it's incredible seeing someone have such a visceral, emotional reaction to music like this. It's so obvious in your expression and *that* is just as wonderful to see as the song itself. It makes me so happy to see that in another person. I almost want to congratulate you? Is that weird? It's like, welcome to this experience! (I was a child in the 70s and so John Denver and Jim Croce taught me a lot about life!)
I'm not at all surprised John Denver moved you to tears and touched your guarded emotions. For one thing that's John Denver's specialty and for another, you are brave and allow your soul to feel the Magic in his music. You are just at the beginning of many more powerful songs. I recommend Annie's Song, Sunshine on my Shoulder, and Take Me Home Country Road
Back in 1973 We had The John Denver TV Show Series, With comedy skits and singing he was a big star in the early 1970s.
Love this man with all my heart. Have watched him in person back in the late sixties in Canada. Lovely person.
One of the greatest songwriters of the rock/pop era. Magnificent musician.
My favorite John Denver song is poems and prayers and promises. It’s beautiful. He was also in some movies. They were pretty good as well.
It’s really hard to hear,that anyone hasn’t heard of John Denver.I’m glad you’ve found hm,though.He was a superstar.
As soon as you said "I'm unfamiliar with the name John Denver" I knew we were in for a treat. There are almost no bad JD songs, and quite a few that are awesome. Try "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Poems Prayers and Promises", "Annie's Song", "Calypso", ... And a timeless golden voice, from long before pitch correction and studio magic.
"Talk to God and listen to the casual reply"
Brilliant! So many wonderful songs to check out by John. Check out "Take Me Home Country Roads" my all time fav.
I’ve heard this song SO many times, and it still hits me right in the feels every time I hear it again. Hiking Colorado was one of my favorite things when I was younger, and this song encapsulates it perfectly.
Endless catalog, to know John Denver do This Old Guitar
My favorite John Denver songs are "Poem, Prayers, and Promises," "Shanghai Breezes," and "Follow Me" but the popular ones are "Annie's Song," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and "Sunshine on my Shoulders."
He also has the official state song of West Virginia. So, that’s TWO. Incredible achievement.
"Annies song" is one of the most beautiful love songs ever written... yet even as a love song, he paints pictures of nature and his love of nature comes through.
He's an artist whose lyrics really are poetry. He was actually nicknamed "the Planet's Poet"
'Calypso", a tribute to the great Jaques Cousteau (a man who pioneered scuba and filming ocean life.) Cousteau brought the ocean to people through film pretty much for the first time through his documentaries. , and Denver 's "Calypso " (the name of Cousteau's research ship) is a wonderful tribute.
Also "Flying for me." is an emotional tribute as well, especially being that Denver wanted to be the first Civilian in Space and worked closely with NASA on developing the "Citizen in space" program, but NASA ultimately chose to make a teacher the first... with tragedy ensuing, and Denver writing the tribute.
So those are three other great songs to check out
When I think of John Denver, I think of this song and another one adopted as an official state song, "Take Me Home Country Roads" (West Virginia). Another is "Leaving on a Jet Plane." He has a version and the Peter, Paul, and Mary version became popular. He also sang it with Cass Elliott on TV in 1972.
I grew up listening to John Denver. The resonnance of his voice, his pure and masterful use of lyrics to paint his picture of nature, and his singular belief in protecting nature all wove together to become a beloved folk artist. My favorite song of his is Calypso, which is a true masterpiece describing the importance of protecting our oceans and their marine inhabitants. I also suggest reacting to Annie's Song, Country Roads, and Thank God I'm A Country Boy. If I had trouble sleeping, I put on his greatest hit album and drifted off to sleep while listening to his rich and expressive music.
This reminds me of my dad..😢…we would go camping and did much exploring going cross country listening to John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, the Eagles, Harry Nilsson, etc. but JD especially reminds me of him. The songs he sings epitomized my Dad, the love and respect of nature, of living purely and really loving the people around you. Driving along the winding roads in Colorado and California in our old red VW bus (“Big Red”) singing our hearts out to whatever was in the the tape deck ❤ thank you for the memories 🥰👍👍
Denver & Lightfoot will always be at the top of my list
How lovely that you reacted to this song! I'm headed for bed and this was like a lullaby! John did a little acting, as well. His first movie, I think, was "Oh, God"...with George Burns playing "God." It's a fun movie to watch, as long as you realize it's a 1977 movie!
Poems, Prayers, and Promises was always one of my favorite songs by him
Its a great song
This Old Guitar is my very favorite John Denver song. It is beautiful poetry about his life & you understand that every word comes directly from his heart
In the “summer of his 27th year” (1971) is when “Take Me Home Country Roads” shot John into superstardom. With that success he was able to build his dream home in Aspen, CO, the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 🎶
I got chills. That opening line...wow
His song "Calypso" written for Jacques Cousteau...an amazing song of sea exploration. ❤️
He was also great as an actor in "Oh, God".
But this song..... perfection.
.
One of my favorite albums. Listened to it again just a few hours ago.
Dude. John Denver is flipping amazing!!!
A artist you need to get to know.
Such a smooth voice. In many ways the voice of my childhood.
Check out his whimsical side: Thank God I'm a Country Boy, and Grandma's Feather Bed. Both guaranteed to make you smile.
I'm an old progressive rock/jazz fusion snob, but this is probably my favorite song. It still speaks to me after all these years. I'm glad you discovered it.
This is such a great song. Thank Bob, this is my favorite JD song. Sal, this artist is folk and has MANY great songs. My favorite verse is "Now he walks in quiet solitude, the forests and the streams, Seeking grace in every step he takes, His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand, The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake" and the line "Talk to God and listen to the casual reply". I live in the mountains and he describes this feeling so, so well.
John Denver's voice is pure as it gets along with Karen Carpenter's. Voices of angels. You need to do these at some point: "Annie’s Song", "Calypso", and "Take Me Home Country Roads". You should look up the story behind "Calypso" as well as "Annie's Song". I recommend the live version of "Calypso" from John's 1995 Wildlife Concert. You will get to hear him yodel. Brilliant!
I love how you read about the artists and make these connections. This Old Guitar live, Anne's Song, Country Roads, High Calypso are just some of John Denver's songs definitely worth checking out.
We were quite blessed with so many poet lyricists during the 70s.
John Denver is someone I have loved since I was a kid. I'm 61 now. I have never stopped loving his music. He was the first concert I ever went to when I was a young adult, it was outdoors and he sang and played just him and his guitar for over 2 hrs. And he sounded exactly as he does on his records. ❤
He was my first big concert, too -- at the Spectrum in Philadelphia when I was about 14, I think. I was a fanatic of John Denver! Later in life travelling to Aspen was a thrill (although it's now extremely more gentrified than when he first settled there). It's amazing to see how much high regard he is held in today. When I was a fan as a girl, it was absolutely not cool. Still, he was selling tons and tons of records, had many exceptional tv specials, an amazing Muppet Show guest star episode, and of course, the movie "Oh, God" which was so much better than anyone expected and which really holds up today. Thanks for your wonderful reaction!
I totally understand your remark about this making you emotional.
For me, it's the line "he lost a friend but kept a memory" that I associate with a dear soul that left way too soon.
The line "I've seen it raining fire in the sky" is the reason he and his friends were camping in the Rockies. They came to see the Leonid Meteor shower that summer. So the meteors were the rain of fire in the sky. After this trip to Colorado, John Denver and his then wife Annie ended up buying property and living there.
John was born in Roswell, New Mexico. His dad was an Air Force test pilot and so John lived in quite a few states and saw this country 's variety and beauty. He passed when the plane he made crashed. Such a loss to the world. He was a world treasure!
Official state song of the State of Colorado, and one of his other tunes, Take Me Home Country Roads, official state song of West Virginia. Can't think of anybody else that can pull of writing such beautiful, universally loved, iconic anthems about the land.
I adored John's music for decades.
Still love it .
John was a military brat and the family moved often.
His father was a pilot trainer and was the first person to break the sound barrier.
I have never found another writer and vocalist who could bring such peace.
This Song brought my family from New York and moved us to Colorado ❤