“I was never trying to write a hit. I was just trying to write good songs and get
a message out, and it was my great good fortune to be popular.” – John Denver
Born on
this date in 1943, Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., best known by his
recording name John Denver, wrote more than 200 songs and recorded more than
300 in his relatively short lifetime, becoming one of the world’s most popular
folk/country/soft rock singers and performers.
Among his hits were the song known as Colorado’s “unofficial” anthem, Rocky Mountain High, and West Virginia's
"unofficial" anthem Country
Roads.
A great storyteller, both with his
songs and while writing about his love for and activism on behalf of nature, he
also wrote beautiful tales about people and relationships. Among them are the very moving Poems, Prayers and Promises, often sung
at funerals, and the beautiful Annie’s
Song, sung at countless weddings.
And who couldn’t love his raucous Thank God I’m A Country Boy – which I
always thought spoke to any kid who was raised on a farm or ranch. In his
lifetime, which ended in a tragic plane crash in 1997, Denver’s songs sold a
remarkable 33 million copies and they continue to be re-recorded and listened
to by new generations.
To put a little cheer into the end of
the year, here is Denver’s happy-go-lucky Grandma’s
Feather Bed. Enjoy …. and Happy New
Year!
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