First Time Hearing John Denver - Rocky Mountain High Reaction

[@danhnguyen-fn9eb]

I'd look at "Country Roads" and "Annie's Song" among many others. John was sort of an crossover artist. A little Folk, a little Country, some Bluegrass and some easy rock and roll. Plus on top of that he was a wonderful story teller.

[@DsChelI]

And I love the Beatles and Paul McCartney covers he did of, Mother Natures Son and Junk.

[@DsChelI]

Shit and Let it Be. His versions are SOOOO powerful to me

[@sonyaseewer8273]

Agreed! His songs usually tell a story and are very unique.

[@rebeccawyse5562]

Agreed

[@susan1870]

@@DsChelI also Calypso and Pegasus!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@briang6815]

I grew up with John Denver as a kid. He's one of my all-time favorites. My dad played a lot of records as well as playing his songs on guitar.

[@ivyvines6708]

John Denver was a talented, dear, sweet human being, and I sure do miss him (lots). R.I.P. Mr. Denver.

[@cimarronwm9329]

I would call him a folk singer, rather than country. He has many great songs, 'Calypso', 'Sweet Surrender' , 'Matthew', and 'Annie's Song' are but a small sample.

[@da_blade5040]

OMG I haven't heard Calypso in soooo many years!! Time to reunite myself with another Great Song from an Icon! Thx!! 😀❤️💯💯

[@pamscarr8696]

He did not like being called a Country singer.

[@peppersanches412]

THANK YOU

[@janetroberts4359]

Also “Perhaps Love”.

[@kyleb5169]

Definitely agree that he's a folk singer though I think he gave people the idea of country music with his song "Thank God I'm A Country Boy"

[@sorrystaunton]

John wrote this…he lived in Aspen…..this is the official state song of Colorado……I saw John in concert two months before he died in a plane crash….He is sorely missed.

[@kperry2504]

I watched him fly over my home to land in our small local airport that day, on his journey a bit more North.Not knowing it was him until the local news that evening, showing him with his aircraft at the airport. The sound of his aircraft attracted my attention because it was unusual to other aircraft. I remember thinking "what on Earth is that coming in to land?", & went outside to see. So,so sad he crashed later that day :(

[@gayleeidson6724]

One of the best Singer/Song Writers EVER !!! John Denver has never been put into a category ! I grew up on his amazing ❤️ Voice and wonderful descriptions of this Earth 🌎 ! My favorite line ....." I know he'd be a Poor Man if he never saw an EAGLE Fly !!!". Oh, and of course, ".. talk to God and listen to the casual Reply ! ".... Loved your reaction, aka facial expressions, to ALL of my favorite things about this amazing ❤️ song ! PEACE LOVE and MAGIC ❤️, from Gayle in East Tennessee USA.

[@Leadfoot-zv7gk]

John Denver is great!! You will enjoy many more of his songs.

[@patticriss2238]

What a virtue. To be able to share your soul without ego. That’s what made us love Mr. Denver.

[@lauraduffy9055]

I was 10 when my parents took me to his concert. I adored him. Wish we didn’t lose him so soon. ‘Annie’s Song’ is tender and ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ is just plain fun. ❤️

[@marketsquareus]

yeah, i grew up on him as well, he was a special person. I would have like to see the career he would have had. Jim Croce falls into that category as well.

[@meganmills6545]

@@marketsquareus Grandma's feather bed is a whole heap of fun too! :-) He was just a joy...

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

​@@marketsquareus He died less than a mile from where I sit right now. At least he died doing something he loved. not all of us are so lucky.

[@isg01010]

John Denver has one of the clearest voices. No matter how how how the volume is, his voice just sounds so pure.

[@virginialemm864]

There will never be another John Denver. Pure, natural voice and an incredible composer. I miss him to this day…

[@bubgum00]

His voice is crystal clear and amazing.

[@classicrocklady6288]

A lot of people didn't like him in that era. He didn't fit the typical music of the time. They tried to pigeon hole him as country, but that genre did not accept him either. Although he won country music best artist one year, he was still not accepted. He himself described his music as just Western, he loved the west and, yes, environmental issues. Wish that you would delve deeper! The Eagle and the Hawk, Calypso, Annie's Song, Poems, Prayers and Promises...it's just endless. And his voice was exactly that clear and rich in person. An amazing artist. So glad that more people are appreciating him now. Loved your reaction!!! RIP John. You are missed 😢

[@agresticumbra]

Eagle and the Hawk is my fav of his. 🖤🤎🧡🤎🖤

[@jdm1105]

@@agresticumbra He was one of my favorites, I consider him to be a late blooming hippy. Songs of love, peace, and the simple life. He is a true friend of mother earth.

[@bubgum00]

I loved every song of his growing up.

[@anitaharris9095]

@Classic Rock Lady You are absolutely correct. What I've found is that you either love John Denver or you hate him, there's no middle ground. The only one I can think of is my husband. He isn't a fan of John Denver, but at our wedding he sang Denver's song Follow Me. He also sang Anne Murray's song Candle On The Water. He wasn't really a fan of hers either. But he like those songs and they had the content that showed how he really felt about me.

[@mattrogers8280]

More of Folk than Country. John was an amazing artist even on screen.

[@fantstic16]

Not that good of a pilot tho

[@DamnSkippyToo]

I agree. He is a folk singer with a few "country" sounding songs. I would never put Denver in the country genre.

[@Cdf-dz8er]

Definitely folk I remember when this album came out it was a great thing

[@trirycheman]

John Denver, one of those rare artists that their live performances are every bit as good as their studio work. He was truly amazing.

[@ROCCOA65]

This is quite possibly the best song to listen to while sitting by a warm 🔥…..enjoying a 🍷, an early-November night sky and glorious songs like this. They say this song is about what he wanted the world to look like as he died. After its release, he flew his little plane into the side of the Rocky Mountains on a spectacularly beautiful day. We’d all like to believe that he saw exactly that when he touched the ☀️.

[@ppresley9208]

Such a sweet, melodious voice .... a great story teller with his songs . Thanks for reacting to John Denver ... look forward to more !!

[@pamelastokes2964]

There will never be another like John Denver. He was so many good things. He loved nature, people, and life. Such a loss to music and the world when he died in that plane crash.😊

[@msj2677]

Country Roads is another great song by John Denver.

[@maryannweitzel5636]

Annie's Song was played at my wedding as I walked down the isle in 75. Grandma's Featherbed, Matthew, County Roads and all John Denver music filled our cars on all family vacations from coast to coast. Still listen to him today. And my middle aged children can still sing along 😆

[@ChrisLascari]

The smiles it put on your face put smiles on my face. Always great to watch someone enjoy good old songs

[@sharmullins3894]

John Denver is timeless and always will be. He left behind a great legacy of music.

[@mikeesain234]

Great song. The studio version is so captivating almost spiritual. Thanks for reacting to this song. R.I.P John Denver.

[@brettbigham8420]

You have to hear Sunshine on My Shoulders...his voice in that is so crystal clear. Top song of 1971 for a reason!

[@KandisSJGroup]

Had the honor of enjoying him at Red Rocks when I was very young. I still remember the amazing experience of hearing him on the rocks. Wow. Miss him so much.

[@greenehorn]

I grew up listening to him and can’t hear this song without crying. Just beautiful.

[@DsChelI]

Same here. Though I was born in 89’ I was brought up listening to him religiously as he was my dads favorite artist. My dad passed from dementia when he was 52, himbeing gone 12 years this Nov. is wild. And with John Denver’s death day just a few days ago... it reminded me of how much my dad loved John.... when the plane crash hit the news, my dad taped over home vhs footage to record the news and every special that was done on his life. The first songs he taught me on the guitar were also John Denver. Blah. I could sing every word to ever song, truly a unique artist. Sorry for rambling

[@bradleyhart2492]

Take me home country roads....One of his best.

[@donnakawana]

Oh boy the memories Riding thru Rocky Mountains with my Dad!! An John Denver was a musical activist or musical activism was what he did, but his voice and his music and just the.......love in his voice !! Great times great memories!! ✌🏻💗😊❣️

[@beegee1960]

I always thought of John Denver as a holdover of the strong folk singers of the 60’s like Joan Betz and Peter, Paul, and Mary. I just love his voice. One of the most unique voices in musical history. There is just no mistaking him.

[@LadyGator1983]

RIP John Denver….thanks for the music!!!!!

[@brysonmacdougal7898]

He was such a gift to this world...

[@burner-thehippo5945]

He was an environmentalist and a great storyteller

[@brendarohde8077]

John Denver on vinal got me through 12 years. I'm a Grandma now and still love his music.

[@dianesaienni5466]

This was from a time and place where things were very simple...I feel that's the reason why this song was popular then and now. great lyrics speaking on the simple yet deeper things in life.

[@brendacofer967]

I'm so thankful we still have John's music. When he went to Heaven we lost a beautiful artist. Thank you for listening.

[@tseckwr3783]

There were many unique music styles created in the 60's and 70's ... all telling stories. Fantastic music era.

[@arthurzander5500]

John Denver grew up in New York city, but always dreamed of the rocky mountains as a boy, so the second he was grown he moved to Colorado became a country singer and sang about his adopted home.

[@tchampagne1494]

Folk music was one of many genres popular in the seventies. That is what made the seventies music so fantastic, such a wide variety of sounds that we enjoyed during that era.

[@1satisfiedmind]

I was 12 when this song came out (1972), while growing up in NY. The song created a yearning to experience the Rocky Mountain High (Colorado). I moved to Colorado in '79.

[@TheWynch]

Wildly popular artist, wrote songs that others covered, began writing in the 60s. He isn't country, he is a folk artist, he and Gordon Lightfoot were popular in the same years. Take Me Home Country Roads was a huge hit and crossed to the country charts.

[@baskervillebee6097]

He was born in the summer of his 27th year comin' home to a place he'd never been before. Gone too soon.

[@Head-ck4hu]

Wore out his greatest hits 8 track. Met him at Peachtree Dekalb Airport while he was waiting for his jet to be fueled. Wrote a bunch of great songs. I always come back to "Back Home Again". He has and will be missed.

[@deanbrown4083]

Always found his voice very soothing. He was great in concert. Was blessed to see him twice in concert. RIP JOHN DENVER

[@JulieAiken]

He, in fact, was one of the most prominent sounds of 1972. Unique, but intimately woven into the music scene, one of the best sellers of the decade, and at the time a huge star of not only music but also television and film. Glad you've found him!

[@carolynnewcomb2153]

People often have an emotional response to his voice - just beautiful. He clearly loved the outdoors, especially the mountains and the glory of the land.

[@tye8876]

John was a great songwriter and a conservationist. He once accompanied French Explorer Jacques Cousteau on his ship Calypso do film a documentary about our oceans and sea life.

[@BartholomewSmutz]

And of course composed the song Calypso to honor the experience.

[@karenbriscoe6060]

@@BartholomewSmutz He definitely was

[@leed119]

Yes he was a conservationist not....not an environmentalist. BIG difference.

[@SheilaR.08]

@@leed119 Were he alive now, I suspect he'd consider himself to be an environmentalist, too. Not a pejorative term. Not everything needs to be construed in terms of its "use" to our own species. Humans aren't on this planet alone, regardless of our selfish behavior.

[@leed119]

@@SheilaR.08 Conservationist were for species living together and living together. Managing the forest. Environmentalist gave us plastic grocery bag/bottles and straws.

[@karenwebb3194]

He's timeless. Thank you for covering him. 💗

[@KevinRCarr]

I wouldn't consider him a country artist, I'd consider him to be a crossover artist, someone who has roots in several genre. He was a little bit pop, a little bit folk, and little bit country, combined under the overall heading of Singer/Songwriter. He truly was of that time, though, and was part of a group of singer/songwriters that included James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Jim Croce, Jackson Browne, John Prine, and a few others whose names elude me at the moment...all from that late 60s into the mid 70s era.

[@draco4540]

all were good songwriters.

[@jillhumphrys8073]

Wow...what a gopd group that would be...

[@carmellayates2503]

The first time I heard him sing was when George Burns brought him to the Johnny Carson show and George told Johnny that he wanted to hear this new kid he discovered . I was blown away by his voice and so was everyone there on the show. I'm glad we had to get up to change the channels then because my late husband was a channel surfer .

[@mandamorris7934]

'Sunshine'makes me weep every time I hear it. We lost a great one, way to soon. Rest well John.

[@bananabradysmom]

I was privileged to see him in concert in 1992, so amazing!

[@teresanewman4656]

John Denver- simply the best. John was not a country artist in fact he was shunned by most country artists. Why they tried to tear the mountains down was in reference to the 72 Olympics. They wanted to rearrange the mountains for their purposes. It never happened. Thank you ,John.

[@lindadenton7407]

I’ve been hearing this song for 50 years and it still gives me chills. Every time.

[@duckysplace1]

You picked the right version. Seeing him live many times brings out the richness of his voice over time. Such a great loss when he died but so characteristic of the eclectic style of the late 60s and early 70s. If you're interested in seeing what he did before this he was part of the Mitchell Trio.

[@tammyford2357]

His song “Annie’s Song” was my wedding song. It’s just a beautiful, simple love song.

[@Pr34ch]

same here such a beautifull song that one wil never age

[@ojstinson]

I agree, and his song "For You" is just as beautiful if not more so, very few have ever even heard of that song, you should at least give it a listen.

[@pattycake9183]

It was one of mine as well. Married in 1981.

[@Uller1967]

My wife and I went with 'My Sweet Lady", but it was a toss-up between the two. Both great songs, and probably at more than a few weddings over the years. 😃

[@adrianahadley884]

It was mine too

[@jackmandu]

Leaving on a Jet Plane was the first hit song he wrote. It was first recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary. John sang it himself later when he went solo. Please continue down this rabbit hole. One of my biggest regrets was not getting to see him in concert before he died.

[@edjasper92]

I agree, John Denver has his own unique genre.

[@pauldutcher9105]

John Denver is a treasure. You're right he was really not defined by any one genre he was just a great story teller that loved the country and all the natural wonders within it. He was beloved like few artists ever are.

[@jimnicosia5934]

I saw him live at Saratoga. I've been to 23 concerts in my time and his is one that stands out. He also had a live tv show. He was a advocate for cleaning up the earth. Why ahead of his time. You will probably enjoy some of his other songs.

[@robertdocholliday66sadler]

John Denver was a rare writing talent , just amazing lyrically , grew up with him and just Love his songs , we lost him way too soon

[@jackiekjono]

About ten years ago his band did a tour without him using old video taped Recordings of his voice but live musicians It was very powerful

[@ramonashearer7241]

He was more folk than anything. I love all of his songs. He was also in the movie Oh God. I like his song Thank God I'm a Country Boy, it will get me in a good mood at the worst of times.

[@kathyastrom1315]

I have a terrific live album from 1975 called An Evening with John Denver that is a great example of him at his early peak. It’s where the single for “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” came from, as well as wonderful examples of his humor and ease with an audience.

[@scot60]

One of my all time favorite songs. RIP John.

[@barbarabisson2551]

I think John was referring to the Rocky Mountain strip mining communities = tearing down mountains bringing scars upon the land. John definitely has a unique melodic voice. "Calypso" is really nice, and' Annie's song' shows the depth of his love for his wife.

[@StormyPeak]

When I heard of John Denver's death -- he was one of the few entertainers that I actually cried over. I grew up in the 1960's and 1970's and fell in love with John Denver's voice from the beginning. Sunshine On My Shoulders, Rocky Mountain High, Annie's Song, Country Boy, Take Me Home Country Roads, Calypso...omgosh...he had so many wonderful song...the ones I listed were just the first to come to mind, but I know if I thought about other songs I love that he sang...the list would be like 5 times longer.

[@coletedeux]

Sunshine on my shoulders, Calypso, (Take me Home) Country Roads

[@drewfife5169]

Hard to find a more clear and well modulated voice in popular music than his.

[@capstan50g]

I love his voice and songwriting. I feel his style owes more to folk music than to country, from the lack of swing to the social commentary of the lyrics. RIP John Denver; you gave me so many moments of longing for that clear mountain air and a simpler life.

[@rogerkelly7988]

I got to see him live in 1980 and was just him and his acoustic guitars of which he four one of them being a 12 string it was one of the best concerts that I've ever seen and I've been to a lot of them starting in the late 60s

[@ericnorthman9410]

John actually played his guitar while singing. Great talent.

[@lilolmecj]

He still makes me cry, so many, many years later. He was special and unique, and truly does not fit easily into any category. Whether playing with a full symphony ( THAT FLUTE,) or a session band, he just got it done. There we’ll never be another like him, we lost so much with his untimely death.

[@sharonbuffett]

My absolute favorite singer all through my teens and twenties - I learned to play guitar because of him - his songs touch me deeply

[@sherrettemccarthy5703]

I saw John in concert at the London Palladium. I lined up for seven hours to get a ticket and went on my own. It was a wonderful experience, one that I have never forgot. I sent him a fan letter address to the Palladium. The first and only fan letter I have ever sent. A few weeks later I received a signed photograph with a postmark Aspen Colorado. I couldn’t believe that my letter had been taken back home with him and that he had replied. I have never forgotten him and still listen to him sing. I’m now a great fan of Home Free, and I love the covers they have done of John’s songs. I can’t wait till they can come back to England. Please react to their music.

[@sandrasofiahsexton3917]

Excellent review. Yes, his vibrato is one of the loveliest I've ever heard. His voice is one of the sweetest ever. His lyrics are always uplifting.

[@jennywren7822]

He was an environmentalist and humanitarian, a lovely soft man who died tragically by going into the sea in his experimental kit plane when he was 56 years old. John wrote beautiful songs, Country Roads is a state song for West Virginia, sung after every college football game and civic reception. This song is also a state song for Colorado..... He was huge in the 1970s.....

[@MatthewC137]

He had a superb voice. One of his best that doesn't seem to get mentioned much is "For You" (search: John Denver For You from the Wildlife Concert).

[@paulshepherd9528]

He WAS unique, and anachronistic to some extent... and he was an extraordinary talent. I remember the 'cool' folks weren't so excited about him, but if you have an ounce of music in you, you cannot ignore his talent, and if you have a heart you cannot ignore his soul. rest in peace.

[@dannydoc1969]

John Denver was definitely the sound of the 60’s and 70’s. His songs are deep, poetic, beautiful and were covered by everyone, especially Leaving On A Jet Plane. His haunting voice, his vibrato and his incredible guitar skills were unique.

[@bemused9522]

Leaving on a Jet Plane and Annie's Song will always be my faves of John Denver. He reminds me of the sweetest times of my childhood. RIP John.

[@leighcarpenter1712]

My heart broke when he died.. he had a voice like no other.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

John Denver was a huge environmentalist and incorporated many advanced natural systems in his home like solar, Trombe walls, thermal collectors. A lot of people made fun of him, but he had a huge heart and gave much to charity. He died flying an experimental plane. I cried. I loved his voice, and the vibrato that was almost a tremolo. So polished, he must have had classical training.

[@dawg897]

John was a Naturlist in a broad since, not a hippy or an "Activist" just someone that showed us at the time that we could work with nature, with his love of the outdoors nature was. to be part of nature not just in nature. and not just to pave eveything over with concreate. like I said he was not an "Activist" just show everyone with understanding how much nature meant. it was not in your face like it is now. nor was it my way or else. but simple understanding of the connection we all have to nature. he gave respect without question to everyone. his personality on the subject of working with nature was captivating . he got you to understand with out yelling or protesting just watching what he enjoyed doing, being out with nature.

[@caroline-s]

As others have mentioned, he was a conservationist. Still more folk than country in my mind. Great reaction ❤

[@jeanettesmith765]

"Back Home Again" is my favorite. Thanks for reacting to the fabulous John Denver.

[@badplay156]

I was fortunate to see him perform live. There was a point in the concert when the backup band left tge stage. John Denver explained it was union rules that they must be allowed a break. He then proceeded to sing a capella while they were gone. It was one of best concerts I ever attended.

[@marilynyoung8477]

I loved his voice and his songs. Still have some of his albums in my home.

[@johnseverance1947]

Another person who could play anything with strings. Underrated guitar player also real good at banjo and fiddle.

[@robynbayliss8719]

I would call him a "story teller", a communicator. A great loss. Was lucky enough to see him twice in Australia, a huge fan. His songs are the backing track of my life growing up. "what are we making weapons for-let it begin" has so much relevance today as it did back then as we watch Russia invade the Ukraine. RIP master story teller.

[@theccpisaparasite8813]

He's a very typical easy listening performer of the 1970's. It's just a very evocative song. And his voice, crystalline

[@dermaglowpro1720]

I was born in '64. This song is the sound of my young, young childhood. Soft, hazy, free and gentle. Brings me to tears today. JD is LEGEND !! Thank you for your reaction. . . It too was soft and tender. Peace xoxo

[@MrStrollerisme]

I met John once and he was a very private man, but cool. It took decades and fights to make Rocky Mtn High Colorado's state song over "Where the columbines grow" which absolutely no one knew. John was a singer of folks songs and he was talented.

[@leannemayor5755]

I got to see him in concert here in Sydney and he is a show man and has great presence on stage. He died in a plane crash . The was the pilot . I never did hear all the details but there was a clot of confusion over his death. I know my brother worked at the theatre that he played at and most of the stars after the show will have a drink and be nice . He wasn’t like that . Saying that he was an amazing musician xox

[@chrisconner5943]

Great song. John Denver was pretty much a crossover artist. Played on pop and country stations back then.

[@Teresia12]

We all just loved his voice and his dedication to important causes we all were just opening our eyes to like the environment. He had no label other than a great amazing human and talent. In the 70s if we labeled him at all it was folk.

[@catherinenelson4162]

Another John Denver song was "Leaving on a jet plane." One version was when he sang it with Mama Cass Elliott. Their voices blended beautifully.

[@ThothWhoWrites]

He did see it rain fire in the sky. He was camping with friends in the mountains and saw the Perseid meteor shower which shows up in August which is brilliant in a night sky free of light pollution. That inspired him to write the song.

[@paulwalters7268]

I remember him in concert playing and singing solo all during intermission while the band was on break.

[@kathleensmith3555]

I always thought of John Denver as a Folk singer --- His song Leaving on a Jet Plane was famously sung by The Mommas and The Poppas --- Cant get anymore Folk than them -- I love both him singing it and them

[@scotttedford7748]

Actually, Leaving on a Jet Plane (written by John Denver), was first a hit by Peter, Paul and Mary who released it as a single in 1969. (Mama) Cass Eliot joined John Denver to sing it on the Midnight Special in 1972.

[@kathleensmith3555]

@@scotttedford7748 OMG you are correct! -I got it wrong for sure! - I think I watched a video recently where JD was singing it with Momma Cass and I just went there LOL - TY for getting me back on the path

[@scotttedford7748]

@@kathleensmith3555 lol - my pleasure!

[@gildahattabaugh4342]

My favorite artist! I went to every concert he had in Louisville. He was a folk singer, he loved nature, shows in his music. John, his wife & friends went up the mountain to watch a meteor shower resulting in this song.