Only John Denver's gentle soul could have a knock-down, drag-out fight with his wife that resulted in a song that's become so synonymous with love, that weddings are devoid without it. Where most of us would only find pain and vitriol, he found healing and compassion. What a human being.
Thanks, your really appreciated. Some of us older folks,dont have the technical knowledge or funds to be able to find or listen to these old songs that helped form our lifetimes😊
This and "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies are my favorite "love songs" of all time. Other people will disagree, but that doesn't make me want to change my mind
Denver wrote this for his then-wife Ann Martell after their first separation and near break up of their marriage in 1974. He said that it was one of the fastest songs he ever wrote, composing it in about 10 minutes while he was riding on a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado. Denver was reflecting on all the joy he found in his marriage and his relief that they were back together. Wrote Denver: "Suddenly, I'm hypersensitive to how beautiful everything is. All of these things filled up my senses, and when I said this to myself unbidden images came one after the other. All of the pictures merged and I was left with Annie. That song was the embodiment of the love I felt at that time."
I had no interest in John Denver, but I did have an interest in a girl who loved John Denver, so I went to one of his concerts with her. To this day, that is the best concert I ever attended. He did so much, so simply. I was blown away that after 30-45 minutes of performing the band left the stage to take a break, but He stayed on stage sitting on a wooden stool in the spotlight, telling stories, and singing songs. I can't say enough about how great he was after I saw him in person. His father Lt.Col. Henry J. Deutschendorf was a famous Air Force pilot too, breaking speed records in the supersonic B-58 Hustler bomber. He would fly His son's plane for him after his retirement from the Air Force.
That's awesome, dude. It's amazing how we lock into those songs that were percolating when we were going through our own lives. I was never a big Denver fan, but his music is etched positively in my memories. Simpler times for me. The world looked Big and Exciting.
I had read an interview with his wife. If I remember correctly, she explained he wrote this song after a big argument. He left the house and when he returned he sang this song to her. How can you stay angry with someone who writes such a beautiful song for you. Just love your reactions. Keep it up bro!
Jamel, I normally don’t comment. I just felt compelled to tell you, I really have grown to love you so much. I love how you open your mind and heart to so much more than just the music. Thank you for showing us all how to open up to each other by simply listening.
Pretty sure he was a twice divorced philanderer and heavy alcoholic and pill popper who routinely was in trouble for flying and driving under the influence, both crashing a plane and car. His marriage to Annie ended in divorce after he tried choking her and taking a chainsaw to the furniture.
@@chrissmith6814 most addicts have pure souls. The addiction makes them do things far out of their normal character. If you knew anything about John Denver's life, you would know he suffered from deep feelings of inadequacy and feeling unloved by his own, deeply religious father, who all but disowned him when he decided to go into music instead of becoming a preacher. His father never once told John he loved him, was proud of him, or made him ever feel good enough, despite all his success. The alcoholism and other addictions were attempts to fill the holes in his psyche, punched in their by his own parents. Still, at his core, John Denver was a good, pure soul. Not perfect, but good. Try beciming America's hometown boy, but feeling like a fraud, and see where that leaves you. Some of our greatest heroes, thinkers, poets, writers, and musicians were the most imperfect people, yet had pure hearts, and only wanted to do good. The bulk of our most creative people have some form of mental illness or addiction problems. It's almost as if those things go hand-in-hand. Like the problems feed the creativity. 🤔
@@babyrocasmama thank you for your insight, however, it does not make my statements any less true, it just shifts the blame and responsibility of his actions to those of substance abuse and his father. Ironically, Adolf Hitler had a substance abuse problem, nasty father, and was also an artist, does that make the Holocaust his fault or his substance abuse and father's fault? Regardless "America's hometown boy" still choked out his wife.
I was a 17 year old high school kid when this came out and John Denver was just a punch line to we rockers. Then I woke up and realized what a brilliant and talented song writer he really was. He was really unique. No one else even came close. RIP John..
I always admired John Denver's talent. He was real. I love rock, folk, metal, old school rap ( Run DMC, Digital Underground, Beastie Boys and the like. The new music is not of liking. I would listen to something from Motorhead and then listen to a John Denver tune Good music is good music.
He wrote that about Jacques Cousteau who was a famous underwater explorer and his ship was named “Calypso.” Great tribute to another extraordinary man.
I grew up in the 1970's and we had so much great music then that we probably took it for granted that it would always be that way. It's great to see the next generation discovering this great music.
TH-cam does not do John Denver's voice justice. His voice on a 12 vinyl record is breath taking. John had one of the purest and strongest voices. He had a set of pipes on him. I didn't take you Jamel for a John Denver fan, but it is refreshing to see your interest in music extends into all kinds of music. Right On Brother! Keep spinning those tunes!
He had a very interesting career, songwriter, singer, actor (check out his movies Oh God! a little old and dated but no less relevant today) He struck up a friendship with famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau , his song Calypso is named after Cousteau's ship. He had joyful and whimsical songs too- Thank God I'm a country boy & Grandma's Feather bed and so many more . When I was active duty, stationed near Washington DC, he and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snyder were called in front of Congress to testify in hearings instigated by Al Gore's wife Tipper, over songs she considered indecent and immoral. John's song Rocky Mountain High, she naturally declared it to be only about drugs. During his testimony he got so fed up with the DC BS, he finally asked her if she had ever STOOD on one of the mountains at daybreak, breathing in the clear cold mountain air? Seen an eagle flying even higher than the mountain? That's what the song was about and until she experienced that, maybe she should keep her mouth shut and her opinion to herself.
How could anyone ever think his music was indecent? I can't think of anyone who loved earth and nature as much and could make such beautiful music about it. I was lucky enough to go to one of his concerts. John Denver, you and your music are dearly missed.
Every time I hear "Sunshine On My Shoulders", it instantly reminds me of childhood memories. Good ones. Same with his song "Country Roads". Such innocent times. Can't tell you how much I wish I could go back to those days and relive it again.
'You fill up my senses like a night in the forest' and 'sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy' have to be two of the best opening lyrics of any song ever.
Jamal, please consider doing a artist of the week or month. I’m a Classic Rocker but John Denver is one of THE best singer songwriters of his time. Do a few more please. 😀
Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" was almost an anthem to us homesick soldiers in Korea. At that was the nineties. We'd be at some bar and 50 guys belting out this song. I digress. If you haven't reached to that yet, give it a consider.
Take Me Home Country Roads was written by Bill Danoff and his wife Taffy Nivert. They were inspired while they were driving along Clopper Rd. to visit family in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They'd been tweaking the lyrics and Melody for about a month when John Denver heard it while visiting their apartment on December 29, 1970. They were planning on selling recording rights to Johnny Cash until John Denver intervened. The three of them stayed up until 6:00 a.m. the next morning to finish writing it. The day after they finished writing the song was John Denver's 28th birthday.
@@Robconnors7253 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
@@mikesands4681 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
"Back Home Again," "Sweet Surrender," "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and so many more. He was one of the most amazing folk singer-songwriters who ever lived - and while he was always very popular in his glory days, like the Carpenters he's continued to pick up many more fans in the years since.
My mother saw him play in Gunnison, CO in like 71. He played for 3 hours to a high school gym full of people. I grew up on John. He's a unique and beautiful voice.
When I hear this song it reminds me of how I feel about my wife, the true love of my life. She is no longer the vision of youth anyone would see if they would look at her now but for me, I not only see her for who and what she is now but I also see that young girl she was back then and still is in her heart. Anyone who loves with their whole heart understands this... and this song reminds us all that those we love the most are the true meaning of life... not some childhood fantasy we chase after all our lives. Thanks Jamal for bringing this song back to life for a new generation.
He is my favorite artist ever! Very sadly at the age of 53 he died in a plane crash in 1997! I was never born to see him perform, but my family grew up with listening to John! Rest in peace John Denver!
If there is a God, John Denver had to be touched by him. He's just one of those singers who's music transcends time and space, and it reaches people's hearts and souls of even today's generation.
I comepletly agree with u. He had heart. And I. still believe in in a higher power. Whatwver ir may be.. I've been so fourunate. Have everrything I need. Don't need much. Just the necessary things. God has blessed me. And I'm gratwful. Sorry TMII.
There was a whole era of Singer - Song Writers, with John Denver, Carol King, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and many others. They released great music, but also wrote songs for many other musicians.
My parents met him at a hotel in Colorado a few years before his accident. He was alone and was just the nicest person who took the time to pose with them for pictures. They even had one of him taking off in his Porsche while he waved bye to them. Genuine nice guy.
"Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Country Roads", "Rocky Mountain High"...please do them! John Denver & his music are as emblematic of the 70's as the big rock bands of the time (which I also love). And I'd bet money you'd know the 2nd & 3rd songs I listed.💙
Jamal, you are such a warm and genuine person. Out of ALL the reaction videos, yours are by far THE BEST! Thanks for all the work you do bringing us comfort and joy during this trying time!
A friend played and sang this at our wedding. We were married up on a mountain in spring time, and it was perfect! This song grabs my ear for a few minutes every time I hear it. It has been this way for decades. Great reaction, and great message!
I grew up in tropical North Queensland Australia and loved him so much, then in my early teens, I bumped into him just cruising the streets of my home town. He was was so friendly and open, he fit right in to our relaxed atmosphere and loved our environment, although the humidity was a bit much for him. He was one of the worlds biggest environmental advocates of the time and worked tirelessly to save natural forests around the world, using the money he made from record sales and with the help of volunteers.
I also grew up in the Tropics during this era, Ayr at the time, my father was a fan. He asked his workmates, “What does John Denver have that I don’t have?”, they all said. “Bloody Good Looks!”. Ha ha ha!!!
I’m a metal head so people find it odd when I mist up a little on hearing his stuff. Legend that should still be here. But at least he went out via something he loved doing
Yea I'm also a metal head and my friends give me shit for listening to old folk rock like John Denver. I had older brother and sisters that grew up in the 60's and 70's so a lot of their influence that I'm grateful for .
John was a hell of a singer songwriter and musician. I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a couple of times. Excellent shows. My old band used to play his songs. We lost an american icon and natural treasure. RIP John.Wrote this one for his wife at the time Annie. 👍👍😇😇😇😇
Thank you for playing John Denver. Even now with people like you re-discovering 70's artists I don't see enough love for him. And he deserves lots of love. The purity of his singing, songwriting and his genuinely good spirit fell out of favor with the music industry by the late seventies. But great music lives on and it's gratifying to me to see his music living on with a new generation.
He wrote this for his wife Annie. They ended up divorced, but stayed friends. She spoke in a documentary about his life after he died. He is by far my favorite musician and I’m so glad you finally have listened to him. His music changes people. Truly.
This may sound silly, but one of my favorite things is curling up with a good book on a rainy day with John Denver playing in the background. Pure peace and tranquility.
not silly at all. John Denver makes me think of my pappa who tried to introduce us girls to country music in Michigan, where rock and motown was all the rage. I love putting on some John Denver and letting him take me back to those days...when nothing was more important to me than my pappa.
The lyrics can make you picture these scenes in your mind. Like a night in the forest, like the mountains in spring time, like a sleepy blue ocean. Beautiful.
I grew up listening to John Denver because he was my mom's favorite. I don't think he gets enough credit for how amazing he was as a singet and song writer. The emotion in his lyrics and vocals is amazing. Definitely listen to I'm Sorry!
There will never be another voice like John Denver! Can't count how many times I saw him in person and had the pleasure of meeting him. He is as sweet, easy going and totally wonderful human being as they come. Still miss him after all these years !!
I love your commentary,. This song is my very favorite love song of all time. And I'm almost 60. I keep an open mind and I love young people and hops they hear this. I am glad you are sharing it. Thank you.
Lemme introduce you to my man Denver, a.k.a “the planet’s poet”. Dude was a true nature lover., and his love of the great outdoors comes through strong, even in a love song like this. An amazing poet. Check out Rocky Mountain high, take me home country roads, and Calypso For calypso though you gotta know the backstory. “ Calypso “ was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s boat. Cousteau and is team were some of the first to extensively explore and film life under the ocean. Sailing on the Calypso, Costeau researched ocean life and produced documentaries and tv shows that brought the underwater world to the general public for the first time really. . John Denver admired Cousteaus work and conservation efforts, befriended Him, wrote the song as a tribute.. there’s even a cool video her on TH-cam with the song set To some of Cousteaus footage.
I've loved John Denver since I was very young (I'm 64 now). His voice is so clear and soothing. Another great song of his is Rocky Mountain High. You'll love it!!!!!! It broke my heart when he died. We lost a treasure that horrible day.
John Denver has been one of my absolute favorites since I was a little girl. I'm 53 now and still listen to his greatest hits collection at least every couple of weeks. I turn his music up and start doing my chores and before I know it I'm done. It just makes my day so calm and peaceful. Gone but not forgotten. I still love you John and I'm sure you're up there singing with God's angels.
For his then wife Annie. Such a poignant songwriter with his acoustic guitar, and purity in his soul while singing. Feel it? Always makes you feel so good singing along with him. Like Karen Carpenter singing ... He is kinda golden, Colorado. 🎵🎶💖💖🎶🎵
Grew up listening to him. Still get goosebumps listening to him. He is Golden and always will be in my eyes. Karen Carpenter was another wonderful singer that passed to soon.
Sadly I read he wrote this song after a terrible argument where she confronted him about his unfaithfulness. Just a heartbreakingly beautiful yet tragic song
I love my hard rock and heavy metal but there is nothing like John Denver to bring me back to Earth and remind me of when I was a kid on the farm. Love all his songs!
@@sailor213100 John Denver wrote "Leaving On A Jet Plane", tho he originally titled it "Babe, I Hate To Go". Just about all of Peter Paul and Marys hits were written by others. From Bob Dylan to Gordon Lightfoot to John Denver, they were a great cover band.
My Mom God Rest her soul 🙏🏻 loved John Denver and so do I. We played Sunshine On My Shoulders at her funeral 😢♥️He’s a beautiful songwriter & great musician. RIP JOHN ♥️🙏🏻🌈
John loved the wilderness!!! He was also a Damn good Flyfisherman ! He loved Alaskas Little Muchatna lodge. One of his places to go to get away ! He always said that he would come back as an Eagle someday ! I bet he is souring with the clouds over his beloved Colorado!!! ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!!!!!!!! RIP John.
He had such a crystal clear voice! I always loved him! He's just the type of artist that you find your self breaking out and singing with on every song he did!
The love of Annie consumed John Denver's smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing. Like a night in a forest: Safe, peaceful. The feeling of the earth cooling and moisture rising from the ground, pine trees wafting fragrance, crickets chirping, and a clear starry sky. And Annie also hit him powerfully like a storm in a desert, quite the opposite of a forest walk: Exposed, unexpected, loud, even dangerous and out of your control, but at the same time, beautiful. Not everyone wants to know someone this deeply, to allow our senses to be consumed a while, and be swept up into each other. Until heaven, some of us can only find this tender and fierce passion in music. Please, keep it coming.
Great song, great artist. Another legend lost far to soon in a plane crash. Rip John Denver. Another great song to react to by him, Calypso especially live from the wildlife concert 1995
He also sings the most beautiful Christmas song in history you've never heard. Noel, Christmas Eve 1913 from the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album. You won't regret that one. Such a beautiful, smooth voice.
Omg so glad you doing John Denver. Great great song writer singer. Huge catalog He has no bad songs. Rocky mountain high, is my request. Oh and Calypso, and this Old Guitar, sunshine on my shoulders
I remember seeing him in Montreal, he sent the musicians on a break and sat on the side of the stage surrounded by plants, just his guitar and sang a few songs. What a memory, his music is still fresh, such a loss.
At the time I'm writing this your comment was only 2 weeks old. You're the only one who's comment came closest to the truth. His girlfriend pissed hiM off. And He wrote the song to her, In 20 minutes while riding a ski lift to the top of aspine in Colorado, It's considered one of the greatest human endeavors in human history, yet no one knows about it. There's a rock on his property with the lyrics. Yet it all still ended in tragedy reguardless of how romantic the song was for the rest of the world. I fear few will read this and know the truth behind this song. Annie shame on you for not making an effort to let the world why John Denver wrote this song for you.
![[TH] VCT Pacific Stage 2 - Week 3 Day 3 // DFM vs PRX | DRX vs TLN](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/il3Twexat3A/mqdefault.jpg)
If nature had a singing career, it would be John Denver.
Well said.
Any John Denver song will touch you.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Yes!!!
I love that!
Arguably the most beautiful love song ever written.
@tubetardism 20/20 Mathematics is Music and Music is Mathematics.
@tubetardism 20/20 I can definitely understand where Jimi is coming from and why he would have that opinion. It is an amazingly beautiful song.
@tubetardism 20/20: So u'r arguing with me bcoz I used the word "arguably"? Thanks for proving my point.
I would say this and Simon and Garfunkle's "For Emily" are breathtakingly beautiful
listen to "If I Had The World To Give" by the Grateful Dead.
lyrically, it's my top choice.
Only John Denver's gentle soul could have a knock-down, drag-out fight with his wife that resulted in a song that's become so synonymous with love, that weddings are devoid without it. Where most of us would only find pain and vitriol, he found healing and compassion. What a human being.
Thanks, your really appreciated. Some of us older folks,dont have the technical knowledge or funds to be able to find or listen to these old songs that helped form our lifetimes😊
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
This and "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies are my favorite "love songs" of all time. Other people will disagree, but that doesn't make me want to change my mind
Denver wrote this for his then-wife Ann Martell after their first separation and near break up of their marriage in 1974. He said that it was one of the fastest songs he ever wrote, composing it in about 10 minutes while he was riding on a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado. Denver was reflecting on all the joy he found in his marriage and his relief that they were back together.
Wrote Denver: "Suddenly, I'm hypersensitive to how beautiful everything is. All of these things filled up my senses, and when I said this to myself unbidden images came one after the other. All of the pictures merged and I was left with Annie. That song was the embodiment of the love I felt at that time."
I read his autobiography too. It was excellent. Miss him.
@@scm021374 I will have to check that out.
@Cindy Robison I didn’t know the backstory to this song, thanks 👍
True!
His music was SO beautiful and romantic. I'm not sure the same was true of him...Annie was only his first love, not his only one.
I had no interest in John Denver, but I did have an interest in a girl who loved John Denver, so I went to one of his concerts with her. To this day, that is the best concert I ever attended. He did so much, so simply. I was blown away that after 30-45 minutes of performing the band left the stage to take a break, but He stayed on stage sitting on a wooden stool in the spotlight, telling stories, and singing songs. I can't say enough about how great he was after I saw him in person. His father Lt.Col. Henry J. Deutschendorf was a famous Air Force pilot too, breaking speed records in the supersonic B-58 Hustler bomber. He would fly His son's plane for him after his retirement from the Air Force.
Dead Truck Ressurection Yes! He did that at a small concert he gave at our local college. It was amazing❤️❤️❤️
That's awesome, dude. It's amazing how we lock into those songs that were percolating when we were going through our own lives. I was never a big Denver fan, but his music is etched positively in my memories. Simpler times for me. The world looked Big and Exciting.
Great comment
I also saw him in concert at the Capitol Centre.
Great story
I had read an interview with his wife. If I remember correctly, she explained he wrote this song after a big argument. He left the house and when he returned he sang this song to her. How can you stay angry with someone who writes such a beautiful song for you.
Just love your reactions. Keep it up bro!
He wrote this song on a ski lift in ten minutes after he and Annie had a fight.
That's exactly what I read and heard John Denver describe the genesis of the song.
I agree.
Yes it was written after argument about his infidelities during their relationship ...this song was one way he apologized
@@grouchyoleguy A beautiful way to apologize.
Listening to John Denver is like being hugged by a lifelong friend you haven't seen in forever....you never want the hug and the feeling to stop.
Here goes,john had fight with wife at ski resort.went for walk and wrote song,brought it back to wife and rest 😊is history.
Jamel, I normally don’t comment. I just felt compelled to tell you, I really have grown to love you so much. I love how you open your mind and heart to so much more than just the music. Thank you for showing us all how to open up to each other by simply listening.
Yes!! Jamel is a sweet soul, isn’t he?? I think he’s wonderful!!
Jennifer, I was going to comment but you said everything perfectly💜
Jennifer thank you for speaking what I also feel about Jamal. Its hard to find today's artists that appreciate the past music.
Here, here! 👏👏👏👏
Me too! I love to watch your videos! Your reaction to all these old songs from amazingly talented artists is priceless!
John Denver was one of the purest souls you'll ever know. He wrote this song for his wife. The studio version is better. More clearer.
Amen ✌️
Pretty sure he was a twice divorced philanderer and heavy alcoholic and pill popper who routinely was in trouble for flying and driving under the influence, both crashing a plane and car. His marriage to Annie ended in divorce after he tried choking her and taking a chainsaw to the furniture.
@@chrissmith6814 most addicts have pure souls. The addiction makes them do things far out of their normal character. If you knew anything about John Denver's life, you would know he suffered from deep feelings of inadequacy and feeling unloved by his own, deeply religious father, who all but disowned him when he decided to go into music instead of becoming a preacher. His father never once told John he loved him, was proud of him, or made him ever feel good enough, despite all his success. The alcoholism and other addictions were attempts to fill the holes in his psyche, punched in their by his own parents.
Still, at his core, John Denver was a good, pure soul. Not perfect, but good.
Try beciming America's hometown boy, but feeling like a fraud, and see where that leaves you.
Some of our greatest heroes, thinkers, poets, writers, and musicians were the most imperfect people, yet had pure hearts, and only wanted to do good. The bulk of our most creative people have some form of mental illness or addiction problems. It's almost as if those things go hand-in-hand. Like the problems feed the creativity. 🤔
@@babyrocasmama thank you for your insight, however, it does not make my statements any less true, it just shifts the blame and responsibility of his actions to those of substance abuse and his father. Ironically, Adolf Hitler had a substance abuse problem, nasty father, and was also an artist, does that make the Holocaust his fault or his substance abuse and father's fault? Regardless "America's hometown boy" still choked out his wife.
@@chrissmith6814 I thought that he was a Texan army brat who was horribly beaten by his alcoholic father most of his youth...
The man was truly a poet. Check out more of his music. He was phenomenal.
Poems, Prayers & Promises ❤❤❤
Like Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Croce, in leagues of their own.
@@sprint6000 Yes and Calypso.
My favorite lyrics of all time "Dark and dusty painted on the sky misty taste of moonshine teardrop in my eye"
This song was played at my mothers funeral he sung her to sleep beautifully
He looks gold because... he was gold, pure gold ;)
A voice of a generation, his loss still hurts today.
Thnx for the react Jamel :)
His voice was clear like water.
I thought that too..❤
His voice certainly was.
He was/is an Angel.
He will be treasured for generations not yet born
Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, John Denver, Billy Joel and Bob Seger! The 70s produced some of the all time great storytellers .
Jim Frederick now THATS A TRUE FACT!
...and John Prine!
So true!!
Yep! And Dan Fogelberg! Nether Lands. Oh so beautiful Nether Lands! I cry every time...
C Liles , I get teary eyed at his Run For The Roses.
I still miss John Denver, his music, his voice, and his words. Annie's Song always gives me goose bumps.
Melody is the thing most missing from today's music. Plenty of beat and rythym out there, very little Melody.
I was a 17 year old high school kid when this came out and John Denver was just a punch line to we rockers. Then I woke up and realized what a brilliant and talented song writer he really was. He was really unique. No one else even came close. RIP John..
I always admired John Denver's talent. He was real. I love rock, folk, metal, old school rap ( Run DMC, Digital Underground, Beastie Boys and the like. The new music is not of liking. I would listen to something from Motorhead and then listen to a John Denver tune
Good music is good music.
I was 17 also
I was a rocker to, but I always loved John Denver's pure sound.
He was his own “genre”.
My favorite song from him is "Calypso". His vocal range in that song is amazing.
YES... His yodeling is off the charts!
@@bearballin This is my favorite live version th-cam.com/video/0KzktQh6wvo/w-d-xo.html
I also love his vocals on The Eagle and the Hawk.
He wrote that about Jacques Cousteau who was a famous underwater explorer and his ship was named “Calypso.” Great tribute to another extraordinary man.
The Eagle and the Hawk is my all time fav JD song, but I love so many of his others.
Those lyrics, that vibrato, that twinkling guitar; I miss John and the era of musical story telling.
I grew up in the 1970's and we had so much great music then that we probably took it for granted that it would always be that way.
It's great to see the next generation discovering this great music.
You can feel the purity of his love for his wife.
In Colorado up in the mountains, the lyrics to Annies Song are engraved in granite boulders as a testament to John Denver's songwriting ability.
TH-cam does not do John Denver's voice justice. His voice on a 12 vinyl record is breath taking. John had one of the purest and strongest voices. He had a set of pipes on him. I didn't take you Jamel for a John Denver fan, but it is refreshing to see your interest in music extends into all kinds of music. Right On Brother! Keep spinning those tunes!
He carried the voice of angels. He is the soul of a generation.
He had a very interesting career, songwriter, singer, actor (check out his movies Oh God! a little old and dated but no less relevant today) He struck up a friendship with famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau , his song Calypso is named after Cousteau's ship. He had joyful and whimsical songs too- Thank God I'm a country boy & Grandma's Feather bed and so many more . When I was active duty, stationed near Washington DC, he and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snyder were called in front of Congress to testify in hearings instigated by Al Gore's wife Tipper, over songs she considered indecent and immoral. John's song Rocky Mountain High, she naturally declared it to be only about drugs. During his testimony he got so fed up with the DC BS, he finally asked her if she had ever STOOD on one of the mountains at daybreak, breathing in the clear cold mountain air? Seen an eagle flying even higher than the mountain? That's what the song was about and until she experienced that, maybe she should keep her mouth shut and her opinion to herself.
Zappa was there, too.
Steve G I loved John Denver
How could anyone ever think his music was indecent? I can't think of anyone who loved earth and nature as much and could make such beautiful music about it. I was lucky enough to go to one of his concerts. John Denver, you and your music are dearly missed.
Steve G Add Politician to the list.
Tipper and Al Gore: ALWAYS wet blankets, trying to ruin everyone's joy.
Every time I hear "Sunshine On My Shoulders", it instantly reminds me of childhood memories. Good ones. Same with his song "Country Roads". Such innocent times. Can't tell you how much I wish I could go back to those days and relive it again.
I feel the same way when I hear 'Sunshine on my shoulder' I heard it as a young child
Those are my 2 most favorite songs of his btw
Perfect comment. When ever I listen to John Denver it makes me remember how much my mother loved his music and gives me a warm feeling.
Same❤️❤️
Any Orioles fan has a soft spot for Thank God I'm a Country Boy
His pure crystalline voice was so lovely. He was a treasure.
'You fill up my senses like a night in the forest' and 'sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy' have to be two of the best opening lyrics of any song ever.
If this song doesn’t get to you, nothing will! It’s truly beautiful.
Jamal, please consider doing a artist of the week or month. I’m a Classic Rocker but John Denver is one of THE best singer songwriters of his time. Do a few more please. 😀
Kevin Minne thats a great idea
Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" was almost an anthem to us homesick soldiers in Korea. At that was the nineties. We'd be at some bar and 50 guys belting out this song.
I digress. If you haven't reached to that yet, give it a consider.
YES. Listened when I was an ex pat too.
I think you mean Vietnam in the 70s.
Take Me Home Country Roads was written by Bill Danoff and his wife Taffy Nivert. They were inspired while they were driving along Clopper Rd. to visit family in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They'd been tweaking the lyrics and Melody for about a month when John Denver heard it while visiting their apartment on December 29, 1970. They were planning on selling recording rights to Johnny Cash until John Denver intervened. The three of them stayed up until 6:00 a.m. the next morning to finish writing it. The day after they finished writing the song was John Denver's 28th birthday.
@@Robconnors7253 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
@@mikesands4681 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
I cried the day he died. I still have my ticket stub from a concert in Houston. 💔
"Back Home Again," "Sweet Surrender," "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and so many more. He was one of the most amazing folk singer-songwriters who ever lived - and while he was always very popular in his glory days, like the Carpenters he's continued to pick up many more fans in the years since.
My mother saw him play in Gunnison, CO in like 71. He played for 3 hours to a high school gym full of people. I grew up on John. He's a unique and beautiful voice.
"He was born in the summer of his twenty second year, coming home to a place he'd never been before...."
That one brings tears to my eyes....
His pure love for nature was contagious.
"Rocky Mountain High". BEAUTIFUL song!!!
It does the same to me...
That’s his 27th year , not 22nd.
@@FolkFaninMA Dang, I should know that. Thanks!
When I hear this song it reminds me of how I feel about my wife, the true love of my life. She is no longer the vision of youth anyone would see if they would look at her now but for me, I not only see her for who and what she is now but I also see that young girl she was back then and still is in her heart. Anyone who loves with their whole heart understands this... and this song reminds us all that those we love the most are the true meaning of life... not some childhood fantasy we chase after all our lives. Thanks Jamal for bringing this song back to life for a new generation.
❤😢
He is my favorite artist ever! Very sadly at the age of 53 he died in a plane crash in 1997! I was never born to see him perform, but my family grew up with listening to John! Rest in peace John Denver!
If there is a God, John Denver had to be touched by him. He's just one of those singers who's music transcends time and space, and it reaches people's hearts and souls of even today's generation.
Yes there is a God and he blessed John Denver.
Odd you say "Touched by God"...reminds me he was in the movie Oh God with George Burns.
He played in a movie called Oh God. Can't rwmember who the orher actor was. Id lime too say Geeorge Burns IDK. ALL I KNOW IS I LOVED THIS VIDEO.
@@gracechapman3412 Yes George Burns played God. Great movie.
I comepletly agree with u. He had heart. And I. still believe in in a higher power. Whatwver ir may be.. I've been so fourunate. Have everrything I need. Don't need much. Just the necessary things. God has blessed me. And I'm gratwful. Sorry TMII.
There was a whole era of Singer - Song Writers, with John Denver, Carol King, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and many others. They released great music, but also wrote songs for many other musicians.
Seals and Crofts
Carole King, please!!*
Your choice- anything (or the whole gorgeous album)
Thankyou for making our days BETTER!!*
...and Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot also.
Don’t forget the Carpenters (Karen Carpenter)😊
I have to say this song- if a guy sang this to me I would be his forever. Just so beautiful.
Growing up with John Denver was such a blessing. His voice and simple messages were just wonderful.
My parents met him at a hotel in Colorado a few years before his accident. He was alone and was just the nicest person who took the time to pose with them for pictures. They even had one of him taking off in his Porsche while he waved bye to them. Genuine nice guy.
How cool! What a great memory that is for them :)
"Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Country Roads", "Rocky Mountain High"...please do them! John Denver & his music are as emblematic of the 70's as the big rock bands of the time (which I also love). And I'd bet money you'd know the 2nd & 3rd songs I listed.💙
Gee It's Good to be Back Home Again.
Oh yes...Sunshine, and Rocky Mountain High.
John Denver had one of the purest singing voices I have ever heard. And this song is absolutely beautiful.
One of the last REAL singers/songwriters.
No auto tune. No assists from 10 other writers. Just raw talent.
RIP John.
Jamal, you are such a warm and genuine person. Out of ALL the reaction videos, yours are by far THE BEST! Thanks for all the work you do bringing us comfort and joy during this trying time!
John's music was genuinely wholesome, but not it a corny way, but for real..
A friend played and sang this at our wedding. We were married up on a mountain in spring time, and it was perfect! This song grabs my ear for a few minutes every time I hear it. It has been this way for decades.
Great reaction, and great message!
I grew up in tropical North Queensland Australia and loved him so much, then in my early teens, I bumped into him just cruising the streets of my home town. He was was so friendly and open, he fit right in to our relaxed atmosphere and loved our environment, although the humidity was a bit much for him. He was one of the worlds biggest environmental advocates of the time and worked tirelessly to save natural forests around the world, using the money he made from record sales and with the help of volunteers.
Was this in Brisbane? I saw him walking around Brisbane in about 1988. I wanted to say hello but didn't feel right intruding on his privacy.
@@scattysafari7742 Nah, keep going further up North and it was way back in 79' or 80.
I also grew up in the Tropics during this era, Ayr at the time, my father was a fan. He asked his workmates, “What does John Denver have that I don’t have?”, they all said. “Bloody Good Looks!”. Ha ha ha!!!
This was me and my wifes wedding song,still together after 30 years and we still dance to it!
That's awesome, congrats!
I am jealous. After these hard times - which shut my partner down - I hope to get to this
Michael OShea What you wrote is the most beautiful thing...and that you still dance to it...made me cry
That is so precious!
Very popular at weddings in the 70s, along with We've Only Just Begun and Close to You.
I’m a metal head so people find it odd when I mist up a little on hearing his stuff. Legend that should still be here. But at least he went out via something he loved doing
I mist up too. We hear the beauty in this and it touches us.
Such a beautiful song and voice . and you can't even hear his Texas accent .
I hear you, Aliensin.
I feel that way too. Went down in a plane he made himself. RIP John. And glad we are still enjoying his music.
Yea I'm also a metal head and my friends give me shit for listening to old folk rock like John Denver. I had older brother and sisters that grew up in the 60's and 70's so a lot of their influence that I'm grateful for .
John was a hell of a singer songwriter and musician. I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a couple of times. Excellent shows. My old band used to play his songs. We lost an american icon and natural treasure. RIP John.Wrote this one for his wife at the time Annie. 👍👍😇😇😇😇
Thank you for playing John Denver. Even now with people like you re-discovering 70's artists I don't see enough love for him. And he deserves lots of love. The purity of his singing, songwriting and his genuinely good spirit fell out of favor with the music industry by the late seventies. But great music lives on and it's gratifying to me to see his music living on with a new generation.
He wrote this for his wife Annie. They ended up divorced, but stayed friends. She spoke in a documentary about his life after he died. He is by far my favorite musician and I’m so glad you finally have listened to him. His music changes people. Truly.
This may sound silly, but one of my favorite things is curling up with a good book on a rainy day with John Denver playing in the background. Pure peace and tranquility.
not silly at all. John Denver makes me think of my pappa who tried to introduce us girls to country music in Michigan, where rock and motown was all the rage. I love putting on some John Denver and letting him take me back to those days...when nothing was more important to me than my pappa.
Not silly at all.
The lyrics can make you picture these scenes in your mind. Like a night in the forest, like the mountains in spring time, like a sleepy blue ocean. Beautiful.
I grew up listening to John Denver because he was my mom's favorite. I don't think he gets enough credit for how amazing he was as a singet and song writer. The emotion in his lyrics and vocals is amazing. Definitely listen to I'm Sorry!
I was able to call John a friend of mine when I lived in Colorado back in the late 60' and early 70's. Still miss him to this day. Thanks for sharing.
Wow...that is a really special thing to be able to say...
Respect from Ireland.
John Denver was an amazingly talented man, in more than just music. Such an incredible person. So sad that we lost him so early in his life.
There will never be another voice like John Denver! Can't count how many times I saw him in person and had the pleasure of meeting him. He is as sweet, easy going and totally wonderful human being as they come. Still miss him after all these years !!
His voice, James Taylor's voice, and Dolly's voice are all pure tones... like a bell ringing.
I love your commentary,. This song is my very favorite love song of all time. And I'm almost 60. I keep an open mind and I love young people and hops they hear this. I am glad you are sharing it. Thank you.
Lemme introduce you to my man Denver, a.k.a “the planet’s poet”. Dude was a true nature lover., and his love of the great outdoors comes through strong, even in a love song like this. An amazing poet. Check out Rocky Mountain high, take me home country roads, and Calypso
For calypso though you gotta know the backstory. “ Calypso “ was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s boat. Cousteau and is team were some of the first to extensively explore and film life under the ocean. Sailing on the Calypso, Costeau researched ocean life and produced documentaries and tv shows that brought the underwater world to the general public for the first time really.
. John Denver admired Cousteaus work and conservation efforts, befriended Him, wrote the song as a tribute.. there’s even a cool video her on TH-cam with the song set To some of Cousteaus footage.
I've loved John Denver since I was very young (I'm 64 now). His voice is so clear and soothing. Another great song of his is Rocky Mountain High. You'll love it!!!!!! It broke my heart when he died. We lost a treasure that horrible day.
John Denver has been one of my absolute favorites since I was a little girl. I'm 53 now and still listen to his greatest hits collection at least every couple of weeks. I turn his music up and start doing my chores and before I know it I'm done. It just makes my day so calm and peaceful. Gone but not forgotten. I still love you John and I'm sure you're up there singing with God's angels.
For his then wife Annie.
Such a poignant songwriter with his acoustic guitar, and purity in his soul while singing. Feel it? Always makes you feel so good singing along with him. Like Karen Carpenter singing ...
He is kinda golden, Colorado.
🎵🎶💖💖🎶🎵
Grew up listening to him. Still get goosebumps listening to him. He is Golden and always will be in my eyes. Karen Carpenter was another wonderful singer that passed to soon.
DebAP - I had the SAME thoughts!!
Love Karen Carpenter. What a unique voice.
He's gold because he's a star, he's shining! 😅. John Denver is all love ❤.
We love you, John!! 26 years later and I still miss you every day ☮️
“Why he look gold?” - love it man, straight up angel right here
He WAS gold, pure gold
That's what I thought too! Yes, he was golden.
He wrote this 4 Annie
His Wife
When they were going through
Problems!
Most beautiful Feeling
He later divorced his wife. He wrote another song entitled 'Annie's other song".
Sadly I read he wrote this song after a terrible argument where she confronted him about his unfaithfulness. Just a heartbreakingly beautiful yet tragic song
I love my hard rock and heavy metal but there is nothing like John Denver to bring me back to Earth and remind me of when I was a kid on the farm. Love all his songs!
I was born January 1970 so I’ve listen to John Denver for a very long time and he’s just amazing!
His songs are so mellow and when you sing along they flow into and out of you so smoothly that makes you calm and happy. Thanks for this sweetness. ❤️
Check out John Denver doing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” as a duet with a Mama Cass.
So good
Didnt Peter, Paul and Mary write that?
@@sailor213100 John Denver wrote "Leaving On A Jet Plane", tho he originally titled it "Babe, I Hate To Go". Just about all of Peter Paul and Marys hits were written by others. From Bob Dylan to Gordon Lightfoot to John Denver, they were a great cover band.
Epic
@@Punnybone55 , But Peter Yarrow did write Puff the Magic Dragon. Well sort of.
John shouldn't be shown in gold, his records went platinum
My Mom God Rest her soul 🙏🏻 loved John Denver and so do I. We played Sunshine On My Shoulders at her funeral 😢♥️He’s a beautiful songwriter & great musician. RIP JOHN ♥️🙏🏻🌈
John loved the wilderness!!!
He was also a Damn good Flyfisherman !
He loved Alaskas
Little Muchatna lodge.
One of his places to go to get away !
He always said that he would come back as an Eagle someday !
I bet he is souring with the clouds over his beloved Colorado!!!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH!!!!!!!!
RIP John.
Please check out his song "Rocky Mountain High". Actually, you can't go wrong with anything he did. Such a great talent.
He had such a crystal clear voice! I always loved him! He's just the type of artist that you find your self breaking out and singing with on every song he did!
The love of Annie consumed John Denver's smell, taste, touch, sight, and hearing.
Like a night in a forest: Safe, peaceful. The feeling of the earth cooling and moisture rising from the ground, pine trees wafting fragrance, crickets chirping, and a clear starry sky.
And Annie also hit him powerfully like a storm in a desert, quite the opposite of a forest walk: Exposed, unexpected, loud, even dangerous and out of your control, but at the same time, beautiful.
Not everyone wants to know someone this deeply, to allow our senses to be consumed a while, and be swept up into each other.
Until heaven, some of us can only find this tender and fierce passion in music.
Please, keep it coming.
John Denver had a voice and a way with words that just tapped into your soul every single time.
True singer. Sounds the same in person as he did on his records which I had.
RIP John. One of his best. Love his music. John was golden. His voice sure was. Thanks.
One of the best storytellers ever. He married his sweetheart, Annie, at my college. RIP.
John Denver was better than gold. He wrote beautiful songs & sang like an angel
Great song, great artist. Another legend lost far to soon in a plane crash. Rip John Denver. Another great song to react to by him, Calypso especially live from the wildlife concert 1995
Calypso is a great song.
Omg, I love John Denver! I hear any of his songs and I'm instantly 6 yrs old again. ✌💞🖖
I grew up on John Denver (thanks to my mom). They are both currently up in heaven watching me bawl like a little baby.
John Denver was a story teller. I saw him 3 times in concert over the years and each was a fun and relaxing night that soothed the soul
He also sings the most beautiful Christmas song in history you've never heard. Noel, Christmas Eve 1913 from the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album. You won't regret that one. Such a beautiful, smooth voice.
Omg so glad you doing John Denver. Great great song writer singer. Huge catalog
He has no bad songs. Rocky mountain high, is my request.
Oh and Calypso, and this Old Guitar, sunshine on my shoulders
Quite frankly, the greatest love song ever written. Saw the smile on your face toward the end, you got it .
John Danvers is from my era. Annie was his wife until she died. He wrote this song as a tribute and healing method.
The "little guitar" is called a mandolin. It such a pretty sound with acoustic guitars.
One of the most effortless singers I've seen. Just opens his mouth and that wonderful tenor voice spills forth.
Too bad we lost him at the prime of his career.
I remember seeing him in Montreal, he sent the musicians on a break and sat on the side of the stage surrounded by plants, just his guitar and sang a few songs. What a memory, his music is still fresh, such a loss.
When most mens Old Lady is Pissed at them they buy Flowers Etc!! Etc!! John here just writes a Million dollar++ song to his.
At the time I'm writing this your comment was only 2 weeks old. You're the only one who's comment came closest to the truth. His girlfriend pissed hiM off. And He wrote the song to her, In 20 minutes while riding a ski lift to the top of aspine in Colorado, It's considered one of the greatest human endeavors in human history, yet no one knows about it. There's a rock on his property with the lyrics. Yet it all still ended in tragedy reguardless of how romantic the song was for the rest of the world. I fear few will read this and know the truth behind this song. Annie shame on you for not making an effort to let the world why John Denver wrote this song for you.
His favorite saying was FAR OUT. The joke was to count how many times he would say it during a show. lol
SeaHag~Loved his Colorado Ski Lodge specials 📺 They were FAR OUT ☮️ 😃👍🏻
Like Owen Wilson saying wooow...lol
Or Mathew McConaughey.. Alright, alright, alright.
Never before have I heard such beautiful lyrics
His songs helped me be the person I am, I'm a peace loving nature person. Saw him in the early 70's.