"Mobituaries": John Denver - Death of the Sunshine Boy

In the new season of podcasts Mo Rocca looks back at one of the most beloved entertainers of his era: singer-songwriter John Denver (who died 25 years ago this week), whose utterly sincere songs about Colorado and nature made him one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. Rocca visits Aspen, Colorado to meet John's first wife Annie Denver, and close friend Tom Crum, to learn more about the man behind the music. [For more tune in to "Mobituaries" wherever you download podcasts.]
#mobituaries #morocca #johndenver
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[@donniemoder1466]

It takes someone like Annie to keep someone's legacy alive after they pass away. She is continuing John's work and that is admirable and not always an easy job.

[@maddyhayes617]

@@greenwich1754 how RUDE

[@synchronicityman9062]

@@greenwich1754 You do know that Annie and John had become good friends again in his later life?

[@greenwich1754]

@@synchronicityman9062 No, I did not. I apologize. Thank-you for that. I have taken my posts off. I guess I'm overly cynical with people who cash in upon the death of their spouses, such as Yoko.

[@vickimorrison2787]

Loved that man. He touched my soul with his music. I got married in Aspen and I’m from Ohio. Fly high John your missed so much ❤️

[@atticstattic]

She put up with a lot and also knows what an effect his music has on people.

[@dbdouglas]

If you don't love John Denver's music, we can't be friends. Ever.

[@kayingram29]

Boo hoo

[@shantafuller4861]

I may be a decently hardcore Goth but I adore John Denver. My mom passed away last year. She used to sing Sunshine On My Shoulders to me when I was little. I’ll never forget when he died.

[@marilynsnider8183]

@@shantafuller4861 I feel you. My mom passed away in 2002, and I still listen to John's music. So we're nerds, who cares?

[@heydeanie]

amen my friend

[@guystudios]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@dondon6655]

Denver defined the early 70s. in a good way. What an incredible talent.

[@erinjones8658]

My 23-year-old daughter and I attended that Colorado Symphony John Denver tribute concert a few weeks ago. It was breathtaking. My daughter loves his music as much as I do. He was one-of-a-kind. The world lost an incredible artist and human when he died.

[@joannereczka6826]

Is the tribute available online?

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Erin, that's good parenting!

[@erinjones8658]

@@joannereczka6826 not that I know of :(

[@garywatson3778]

A voice as clear and pure as Rocky Mountain spring water. What a treasure he was, and his music will continue to be.

[@jamesbrtalik9204]

Something I just gotta say: Rocky Moutain High. The guitar techniques he used. Alternate tuning (drop d). Capo on fret 2. Hammer ons, Hammer offs. And power chords all in one outstanding song. A very underrated guitar player in my humble opinion. Just sayin'

[@IntriguedLioness]

As someone who took lessons but could barely pluck away at the piano I still appreciate what musicians know, and now I'll listen for this next time I hear that song. Thanks for your comment, reminding us all that we can't necessarily do what John Denver did but we can definitely appreciate his talent!

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

He was a GREAT guitarist!

[@vincedangerio546]

Agree, underrated guitar player.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Well said, James. John was a great, great acoustic guitar player and that opening guitar riff of his on Rocky Mountain High cements his reputation forever. We were so lucky to have had some real giants in the acoustic guitar/singer songwriter genre in which they owned in the 1970's: John Denver........Gordon Lightfoot and the beloved twin acoustic guitar duo of Jim Croce and Maury Meuhleisen.

[@johnnyelizabethton]

@@michaelnotigan7796 And Michael Nesmith, John Stewart, Leo Kottke ...

[@cindyfrellick8887]

Back in the late eighties, he came to Mexico City to sing at a Rotary Club convention. My daughter was part of his “back-up” chorus as she attended a local bilingual school and her music teacher was asked to get some kids together for the opening ceremony. The theme was ecology, so he performed a song he wrote for the event, and then included Annie’s Song.We all got to meet him backstage where he was upbeat, kind and funny. His bags got lost in transit, so he made light of the situation and wore a beautiful, multi-colored jacket he had travelled in. It is a treasured memory. When he broke into Annie’s Song, my heart soared.

[@philliptommy3639]

I love this song, it was one of my best. How is life treating you?

[@honeypie784]

Saw him in concert back in 1975. Didn't want to go, but my friends kept pestering me so I gave in to get them off my case. Surprising to me, a wonderful concert. Even went out and bought a couple albums afterwards! All these years later, when I listen to some of the music, I'm still impressed by how clear and pure his voice was. May he rest easy.

[@tubiephrank0707]

Before "Country Roads" and "Rocky Mountain High" would help his solo career take off, Denver had written a song originally titled "Babe, I Hate To Go". It was brought to the attention of the popular folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. They would take the song, retitled as "Leaving On A Jet Plane", all the way to No. One on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart.

[@tammylewis2408]

Peter, Paul, and Mary also recorded For Baby (For Bobbie) in 1966. I read the song was originally written about a former girlfriend named Bobbie. Mary Travers had just given birth to her daughter and suggested changing the meaning of the song to a mother who would do anything for her child, hence the revised song title For Baby (For Bobbie)

[@lukelee7501]

Best song he ever wrote ,my favorite anyway

[@atticstattic]

_Fat City_ had originally intended "Country Roads" for Johnny Cash...

[@lukelee7501]

My aunt worked in flight ops with John's father Dutch at Lear Jet in Wichita KS back in the 70s .Dutch was a test pilot there after he retired from the air force.John was such a good pilot just like his father was .l couldn't believe it when I heard the news .

[@sharonmarianelli6849]

Saw him 4 times in concert. Since his passing, I still cannot listen to his music without crying.

[@andreawagner7352]

This broke my heart Illl never forget him ❤🌻

[@joycenesselhauf1220]

I fell in love with his music when I was in high school - 1976. I still love his music. He got such a raw deal from the country music industry. His songs had such intricate lyrics to them. “He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he’d never been before.” I can relate.

[@cmac7384]

His music is timeless and beautiful. A truly great artist.

[@lindaclark-gy1pk]

I cry when JOHN DENVER opens his heart for the people of the. Such a tender heart he had for the world...

[@lindaclark-gy1pk]

for the people all over the world. .

[@markeschen]

John's music was an ever-present part of my childhood and something I shared with my mom. He wasn't perfect, but he tried his best to make the world a better place. 25 years later, his passing still brings a tear to my eye.

[@bird271828]

I discovered John Denver's songs long after he died. I listen to them during my work hours. He keeps me focused and calm.I miss him, even though I never knew him. RIP.

[@brendaplumley4491]

John Denver's music is a part of my soul. Always in my life, moving me in spiritual ways since I was a child.

[@ckp2ator389]

Glad to hear the reminisces of Denver's friend Tom and to know that the creativity that John showed in song writing came with the price of dark times for him. It makes me appreciate his gifts more. In performance he made it seem easy and natural, making his audience comfortable.

[@marybravado6787]

John Denver was the first entertainer I had the opportunity to Massge of many. He was really nice. Loved Polarity Therapy, (energy work) prior to his stage performance. His second wife received a pregnancy massage. I was invited to watch his show from back stage. Though he looked shorter on film he was actually over 6' foot. I could hear him practicing his notes before stage time. A real gentleman. RIP JOHN DENVER

[@judithscobee8102]

John Denver was 5’9” tall not over 6’ tall!

[@PaulHankinsonMusic]

so grateful for the songs and voice of John Denver across the years of my life ... such a huge part of my childhood ... but also the soundtrack to many beautiful moments in adulthood too. Today I made a piano cover of "Sunshine On My Shoulders" to honour 25 years since his passing.

[@jlvandat69]

John Denver's songs and influence are still a major part of me. To say his music and messages to the world was unique is criminally-understated. His premature departure created a sadness that doesn't lessen with time.

[@ckp2ator389]

Yes. I can't help but feel sad when I listen to his beautiful music knowing his tragic untimely end. So talented and such a good guy.

[@GaiaCarney]

We’ll never forget you, John ✨your music is eternal, it brings the world joy 🕊

[@anngutgesell5135]

His voice was that of velvet, his lyrics w such deeply and meaning. Still so heartbreaking we lost him.

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

I always loved John Denver, growing up in Colorado. I remember at some point he fell out of vogue to like his music, but I always liked him and people made fun of me. I remember being mad after he died and all his "fans" came out of the closet and paid tribute to him. I'm sure he would have appreciated them more if they could have said those nice things while he was still alive.

[@ladydeerheart1]

I didn't care. I loved John when living John wasn't cool too.

[@msr1116]

Me too, always liked his music and especially the Oh God movie with George Burns.

[@disgruntledpelican5660]

As revered as he is in death, imagine how beloved he would be if he were still alive. Certainly up there with Joni, Carole, and Neil. What a fantastic artist.

[@StreetHierarchy]

Nobody cares about people who are still alive.

[@davanmani556]

All of them had that one huge album. They really couldn’t top it. In his case, it was Windsong.

[@calisongbird]

While Denver’s mellow music made many believe he was equally easygoing in real life, a story about their breakup shows how he could have a bad temper. While the pair split up their property in 1982, Denver became abusive, almost choking his wife, Annie Martell, and even using a chainsaw to cut their bed in half. It’s true, look it up.

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

Disgruntled Pelican Even if he lived, he would 100% NOT be "up there with Joni, Carole, and Neil."

[@msr1116]

@@calisongbird ......through books, interviews with associates, and sometimes very public arrests I've found that these entertainers have public and private personas like night and day. Elvis was one well known example of this. The pressures must be enormous and take their toll on people who might not be so extreme in a less stressful, non-public profession.

[@cherylj6499]

Loved John Denver..a great artist & a really nice man..God Bless him Rest In Peace John ✝️🙏🏾💔

[@steven.l.patterson]

25 years already!?! Such a great talent. My mom knew his older cousins around the Mennonite communities of Corn (Korn) & Colony Oklahoma. I still have Denver’s greatest hits I & II albums I bought as a kid in the 70s.

[@maryjoanhuhn203]

Omg! I love him so much ❤😢

[@jeromejacobson6567]

John Denver was a huge influence on my life. I loved his music, his principals and his dedication to make this a better world

[@LM-ux7yc]

I loved his music as a child and my son and his Grandmother recently danced to Rocky Mt high at his wedding. It was a moving scene. His music really wound its way through my life.

[@teslah2997]

I will ALWAYS love John Denver and the music he created so much!

[@justme6767]

John Denver touched my life .As a child who was adopted his music gave me room and space to be okay to think, to be alone, to discover, to be.When my Aunt Passed she took her John Denver tapes with her because she was sick and his music relaxed him.I wished I HAD WROTE HIM TO thank him for all and more.25years gone to soon.Annie is a sweet lady with a big heart and I always liked het

[@philliptommy3639]

I love this song, it was one of my best. How is life treating you?

[@stargazer1359]

Same for me....Thank you for putting it into words.

[@philliptommy3639]

You're welcome😊 Hope you’re safe including your families?

[@ladydeerheart1]

I wouldn't have survived my childhood without John's music. He did give us hope, comfort and space. I still love Sweet Surrender and Looking For Space. They helped calm an otherwise torturous childhood.

[@dragons8822]

Once John passed he knew what he did for your Aunt & everyone who loved his music, including myself. I only saw him in concert once in the 90's & cried thru most of it as i used his music in 1979 to survive my 4 yr old daughters death, he also helped me get sober & find a new place to live in Wyoming near Yellowstone. Met my husband hear & have been married going on 42 yrs, after having met on a blind date. John D. is enjoyed by both my husband John & myself.

[@Admiral_Grufus]

This video made me cry. John Denver is sorely missed

[@soulshine8531]

😭😭😭. My husband who was from CO where we were often surprised me taking me to his last public concert in Dallas at the Majestic. We cried together when he died. Now he’s gone too soon as well. My brother, who i also attended an early concert with in FW, played and sang a medley of our favorites at his funeral. John’s compelling, brilliantly beautiful and evocative voice music poetry and spirit still move me so deeply -such intense memories i can hardly bear it. “ Yesterday i had a dream about dying, about laying to rest and then flying, how the moment at hand is the only thing we really own. And i lay in my bed and i wonder, after all has been said and is done for. Why is thus we are here and so soon we are gone” JD ❤️✌🏼🙏🏼🕉

[@mililaniman]

The music of John Denver will have always have a special place in my heart. I remember listening to his records in the late seventies when I was a little kid.

[@lindaclark-gy1pk]

JOHN DENVER, a beautiful man with an awesome musical talent. May he rest in peace...

[@rexcraigo]

He came to Morgantown, West Virginia to perform Country Roads for us at the opening of new Mountaineer Field on Sept. 6, 1980 when I was a freshman at West Virginia University. What joy if gave then, and even now still gives so many years later. John Denver will always be connected to all true West Virginia Mountaineers.

[@daren4809]

LOVE! 🤣😂

[@IntriguedLioness]

I've never been to West Virginia but I've always loved that song. If you've never seen it in the moving movie "Logan Lucky" a little girl sings "County Roads" and it had me in tears. Along with Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and The Blues Brother's "Sweet Home Chicago" it's one of my favourite songs linked to an area. What a wonderful anthem!

[@tammylewis2408]

WV adopted Country Roads as a state song.

[@patriciagray531]

Our family would always sing " Country Roads " when it came on the car radio ❤️ Great memories of my West Virginia family ✝️ ❤️ 🇺🇸

[@dvdknight1]

I grew up in the 70’s and John Denver’s music was a big part of my life. I remember listening to his songs on my little transistor radio. I later became a rock radio DJ for many years and I still love his music. Rest In Peace John and thank you.

[@romstar]

How flattered his former wife must be to know that she was the inspiration for ‘Annie’s Song’!! Such a timeless classic!😭😭🥰😘

[@ladydeerheart1]

Annie is much, much more than his former wife. She was his muse and he was lucky to have her. Don't disregard her role in his music.

[@atticstattic]

All too well - it was the aftermath of an argument they had.

[@jennieperez9402]

Can’t believe it was 2️⃣5️⃣ years ago… I had listened to some of his music then, can’t say I was a fan but did enjoy his music. And listening now gave me goosebumps. RIP gentle giant

[@robertoagsaulio5616]

One my favorite country music 🤠🎵🎸🌲🌲🌲

[@susanmurphy958]

I saw John Denver in concert when I was a little girl in Mpls MN. He was very entertaining. R.I.P. John Denver.

[@weebunny]

I can remember going to see him in Roanoke, VA in the summer of '76, even though I was only three years old. I absolutely loved watching him on TV and was always bugging my dad to play his records for me. My teenaged cousin won tickets way up close to the stage and invited me and my mom and dad because he knew how much I loved him. It was like a dream.

[@yeosoonheng9722]

His songs are timeless.His voice is amazing and powerful such as "Eagle and the Hawk" Regret that he has to leave unexpectedly.RIP John

[@steveconn]

You wouldn't put him on at a party, but he had a deep sense of ecology, worked with many environmental organizations and always had general goodwill. Country Roads and Annie's Song are simply beautiful. Plus he had a good sense of humor, parodying Imagine on Letterman. Saw him about a month before he died. RIP, John.

[@raymondparsley7442]

Pure inspiration, a gift from above... to us, a gift of love. Thank you John, thank you.

[@angelbettamadzingira8034]

I love Denver's music. We remember him through his music.He loved humanity...he.loved nature. He was one ofmy favourite musician. RIEP

[@IntriguedLioness]

On a road trip in college from Chicago to the West Coast with no MP3 players or streaming music my friends and I pulled in a Colorado station once we hit the state line and we heard a lot of John Denver. To this day if a song comes on I just have to pause and sing along. What a beautiful lyricist and musician!

[@whydidtheballooneatthefox282]

My favourite musician! By far!

[@sunshinegirl2208]

Me and my Dad used to always listen to John Denver together when I was a kid. It brings back good memories with my Daddy. My Dad's two favorite songs were Country Roads and Rocky Mountain High. I have always loved John Denver's music !!! It is eeriely haunting, beautiful music that grips the Soul !!!

[@barryjohnson409]

He touched the entire world.b🌅

[@grammysue2410]

He was a great artist and humanitarian. A man with just a guitar created some of the best music of that era. I was so lucky to have been able to attend 3 of his concerts during that time!! Have a collection of his albums and CD’s to this day…. He left this world too early… doesn’t seem like 25 years ago..

[@UKindness4]

I still love him! I saw him and Annie in Aspen in 76 going in a restaurant! They were part of my profound feelings for the love of my life!

[@sunshine3914]

Honestly, it seems more like 55 years ago. Someone played a soundbite of Amy Winehouse describing how she longed for the old music that celebrated love, as opposed to the “F U” music we now have. Today it’s hard to believe that there was once an era that was filled with hit love songs.

[@nanlev613]

His voice is haunting at times, I get goose bumps sometimes listening to it!!!

[@tasnimtabassum27]

My favourite singer. We lost him too early. Respect from Bangladesh 🇧🇩.

[@carolbenson6524]

I still miss John Denver to this day!!!

[@jefffarmer5785]

Boy, did I just LOVE John Denver... I sure miss that guy-!!! 🤔🙂✌

[@saralynfosnight5139]

I saw him at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in the 1960s playing with the Chad Mitchell Trio He was replacing a member who had died. He had that amazing 12-string guitar and was just breathtaking. Rousing round of applause.

[@connieleveque341]

John was actually a member of The Mitchell Trio. He replaced Chad Mitchell when he left the group.

[@atticstattic]

@@connieleveque341 Beat out over 200 people who auditioned

[@mjrcox76]

RIP John! You were such a talented singer/songwriter. Love your music!!

[@mikekelly7710]

John’s greatest hits was the first record I bought ❤

[@salesguy0826]

played John Denver songs in the middle of the night while I fed my newborn daughter 2 decades ago. Sat in that glider with her and rocked back and forth to the gentle driving vibe of "Back Home Again" and it calmed her....and ME!

[@jamessanto9745]

Love John Denver, wonderful music ❤️.. Miss him

[@reginasemenenko148]

So sad that they divorced. Annie really loved him and it really shows that even after his death she has been involved in creating a nature preserve in his memory.

[@bartleydalfonso2853]

After I bought "Rocky Mtn. High" on a 45 rpm vinyl record, I played it over and over for 23 straight times, and then went to a camping store and bought my first camping gear. Thank you John Denver!!☺

[@kateskeys]

You never know what you’ve got till it’s gone

[@garymeise673]

As a kid I knew every single song of John's by heart and sang them everyday. I had all of His albums and an autographed picture. Born in 1965, my guess is almost everyone born in the mid to late 60s especially in the South new John intimately

[@sunnybrookfamily6711]

I was a preteen when Rocky Mountain High came out. I was in love with John Denver! Watching this video, I knew every single song!

[@lunagurl697]

Loved that song AND John Denver!

[@DeliaLee8]

LOVE that man's music!

[@EndaMRacing]

When he was in Ireland in the 80s he sung Annie's song in Irish, truly perfect

[@vsanchez7158]

I love John Denver. Annie’s Song is one of the greatest love songs of our time.

[@kjmav10135]

25 years? How can that be? I feel like it was just yesterday that I first heard “Poems, Prayers and Promises” and fell in love with John Denver. “…and what about our dreams and all the memories we share?”

[@zhinan888]

Love John Denver, from a Chinese fan.

[@diannegazzola1957]

John Denver I believe was one of the very first conservationist his love of nature and the land was unmistakable in his way of life and his writings . I think if anyone should be awarded for conserving the environment it should be John Denver. RIP ❤

[@bobquartlemigula2351]

My very first favorite song was country roads take me home and that was in roughly 1974-1975ish. If you don’t get a good feeling while listening to John Denvers music then you aren’t alive!

[@richstex4736]

One of the best college football traditions is the West Virginia fans singing "Country Roads".

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

Was lucky enough to see him in concert once. Can’t believe it’s 25 years since he passed. Boy 1997 was a crummy year like that. Princess Diana, Mother Theresa and John Denver. I loved his music.

[@philliptommy3639]

I love this song, it was one of my best. How is life treating you?

[@suzanneadamson1306]

Loved John.

[@ekamsat429]

Growing up as an urban kid in South Asia in the late 70s and 80s, John Denver's beautiful message of love for nature and wilderness had a profound impact on my imagination of the land that America was. Thank you, John.

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

John Denver is one of a few classic singer-songwriters who I've never really taken a deep dive into. I can't wait until I take that ride one day, I know the itch will come.

[@Claudia8474]

I always love John Denvers music and I miss his Christmas in Colorado movie I wish we can get that back as I miss a little a lot

[@Jimirulz1]

My siblings and I would always get a healthy dose of John Denver music after church on Sundays. We came to love and respect his music and still do to this day. The world certainly lost a wonderful soul the day he passed away.

[@Sindimindi]

John was one of the greatest singers of all time! I'am listening John Denver almost every day!

[@Celluloidkid]

my mother saw him in concert int he late 70's in West Germany!.

[@jeanfarrell8017]

Love him always

[@KW-hk2jd]

My mom loved John Denver when I was growing up, his records played in the background often which was just lovely.

[@84saints]

I love John Denver. I told my mom he made very calm music at a very not calm time in history. She agreed.

[@freeanimals594]

Miss this man so much. 😢 My fav song of his is The Eagle and The Hawk.

[@trevorbradford3916]

I miss John!

[@ramonahays2710]

I miss him to this day. I could sit with a cup of coffee and blanket and listen for hours. His music brings back great memories for me.

[@brucegelman5582]

It was his love and sadness and heartbreak for the way we treat the Earth that I loved the most.Rocky Mountain High is still unique among songs for the awakened soul in natures redemptive glory.

[@smileybubbles9894]

Sincerely miss having somebody like this in the world

[@peggygibbons479]

I loved John Denver so much and if you think I never said, "Far OUT!" to anything & everything, back in the day, you'd be wrong. I never liked Annie much because she wasn't me. I was so jealous. Love you both so much John and Annie!!

[@guitarhero7518]

No one can match John, he is second to none, I miss him

[@dawnajamison430]

I adore this video. Thank You

[@jean6061]

I grew up with John Denver's music. Now, at 64, I hear sadness, longing, and depression echoing in those lovely songs. I wonder if he ever found what he was looking for.

[@jennysparks7232]

I saw him in the early '70s when I was in college. He gave a great concert. A true talent and genuine person.

[@calisongbird]

While Denver’s mellow music made many believe he was equally easygoing in real life, a story about their breakup shows how he could have a bad temper. While the pair split up their property in 1982, Denver became abusive, almost choking his wife, Annie Martell, and even using a chainsaw to cut their bed in half. It’s true, look it up.

[@robertkaplan3324]

Calypso is one of the most Beautiful songs of all time

[@pbrn1729]

John Denver was and still to this day one of my all time favorite singers! 💔😍

[@boysrus61]

I was the Sr Class Vice President, and my job was to figure out what we were going to do for graduation. I looked thru every song lyric of every John Denver song that my brother had. I picked "Looking for Space" and my graduating class sang it for the audience graduation night. The music teacher changed the chorus into 4 part harmony and it was beautiful. So meaningful and hopeful. I love those lyrics as a 17 year old and I love them today.

[@cariegooley2660]

His Songs were for his Love Annie 🙏🙏🥰🥰 he did everything to protect her through his words in his songs 💕💕 'They" took him from her and his fans who will always love him 🙏🙏

[@ralcst-1977]

John was one of a kind,...unique...beloved by many....and He is still missed, today!! RIP, John!!😢😢🙏🙏🎵🎶🎵🎶