John Denver - Prisoners (1972)

[@charleswiethop7188]

All these years and how the hell did I miss that? Outstanding John! You are a truly missed man!

[@Doodlecroc]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. It's beautiful.

[@doofus0123]

I first heard it on the Rocky Mountains High album back on the late 1970s. I was very fortunate. There's plenty of other great songs on there too! Like John Prine's "Paradise" (which I didn't know was Prine's until much much later).

[@doofus0123]

*Mountain* not *Mountains* ugh.

[@70Kenny]

One of John Denver's most under-appriciated songs.

[@scotch4890]

He is the most modest genius ever, the world is truly less amazing without him

[@danny4081]

People really don’t understand how genius he was. That guitar part right there is insane. Literally fucking crazy. I can’t do that with a looper pedal or with another guitarist. That guitar line is insane but it’s so beautiful, and to sing on top of it is nothing short of brilliant

[@txbadgirl1]

His singing live was every bit as great as his singing on a record....I so miss him...

[@ConceptJunkie]

And he kept getting better as time went on... by the 90s, his voice was even stronger.

[@robbjj1]

saw him live 8 times. Almost always came though Milwaukee at Christmas time. Sometimes i still get chocked up listening to him.

[@cedartree696]

I don't think people realize how damned hard that song is vocally. It would likely require a female vocalist to do it justice if there was ever a professional remake of this as there are exceedingly few male vocalists capable of those sustained high notes in pop music. (And live while playing guitar)

[@jlake91]

I take a stab at it with a capo on four, the chorus is difficult for sure! Love the lyric "Josie spends the evenings with people on the pages of a paperback she picked up at the store"

[@Dannycovich3401]

Such a good song he performed beautifully. Love watching him, young or older,still in 2023.

[@picardkid]

Greta Van Fleet ought to give it a shot

[@cedartree696]

Stunning performance. I honestly can't think of a popular artist today who could pull this one off with 2 guitars, an upright bass, no effects, no vocal correctors....

[@doofus0123]

My friend who I used to play and sing with at open mics (and we did a wedding reception together too), I was born in 1962, he, 1978. When we were just starting out together, we'd find some songs we could both do (there weren't too many at first). Then, one day, he busted into this one, and I already knew it too! Great times.

[@anthonydanna3437]

Wow. This beats the heck out today's late night tv shows! I miss John Denver and Johnny Carson.

[@briangard951]

When I was 17 years old John Denver was my hero, he was an incredible musician, song writer, performer, poet, human being, troubled and imperfect as he was. I have not hear this song in 30 years, last time I heard it was on an 8 track tape in my 1962 Chevy Nova. Thanks for posting in on youtube.

[@briangard951]

@ThunderInTheSun I had a Chevy Nova with the 8 track - my greatest joy was taking rides and listening to "JD" at night.

[@JohnTaylor-it3kp]

I'd forgotten about this tune. Yet another brilliant song by John Denver.

[@TimSmoker-il6tq]

Saw him do this at Red rock. You couuld hear a pin drop, then a standing ovation

[@joedowling5192]

That Crystal clear tenor. He could sing the phone book. Mike Taylor is inspired on lead guitar with his harmonics, Dick Kniss establishing Bass camp high in the Rockies!

[@PamelaMcklveen]

i had the great good fortune to have watched the tonight show back in 1972 when this appeared. it gave me chills and left me breathless. i bought the album for this song and it turned out that the whole darn album is exceptional. this will forever and always be my favorite john denver song.

[@thomassutherland6826]

John's father was an Air Force fighter pilot and later a test pilot. Most of the Nam POWs were either AF or Navy pilots or air crew. I guess he could identify with them. The final acts and negotiations of the peace negotiations dealt with bring them home. This song is a wonderful memorial to those men.

[@robinsonelec]

I don't ever think there will be another singer like John Denver.

[@TimSmoker-il6tq]

What a vocal range. Awesome job

[@mattb90210]

In the 1970s, I could not stand Denver's insipid pop. Now, several decades later, I realize he practically invented American folk music, talking it from the English ballads to American topics and the top of the charts. I was so wrong about him, I now freely admit. An incredible artist.

[@jennywren7822]

Matt Bruner me too, I thought what a nerd, no thank you. Couldn't stand 'country roads'. Now like you I've discovered what an entertainer he was. I love 'country roads' always singing it, I love and listen too all his music now. Thank god for utube... If you listen you'll hear a lot of his own songs mentioning loneliness. He was a lonely man, always felt alone. I think that might have been part of his death.....

[@futureshock7425]

He’s enjoying a huge renaissance

[@greggroberts6631]

The very best there has ever been. A purely unique voice that could never be mistaken for another. The voice phrasing and timing is impeccable and filled with passion. He was a tormented man with a beautiful soul. I discovered his music and it penetrated my soul from sometime in the mid 70s and it still moves me... I was blessed to see him in concert 4 times....a remarkable gift to all

[@greggroberts6631]

Matt, I understand how he could have been misjudged at first...but, I bought his albums (cassettes😂) and listened to the songs that weren't on the radio ...I felt and saw the passion of the man...and became an addict....such a wonderful addiction!

[@yellowpink9962]

Fell in love with his music when it first came out. People always laughed when I told them he was, one of my most favorite Artists, It's good to hear that people have changed their minds and admitting it. Thanks

[@RonLittle57]

I took up the guitar because of this song and other on his Rocky Mountain High album, and still play his songs today. I think people are now just realizing how talented John Denver was.

[@Dannycovich3401]

In 2023 ,I Am!

[@YoungsVlog]

fucking amazing

[@TomandBoo]

Brilliant! But that is what John Denver was. RIP John, miss you and your music!

[@ginny05ad]

WHAT a GREAT lover of ALL people! what a GREAT! song! God keep you,John Denver! all YOUR FANS MISS YOU!

[@russellbrookes7238]

This is a truly great song......amazing record....

[@PamelaMcklveen]

this will always be my favorite. i was lucky enough to have been watching that night. i wasn't real familiar with john denver, but this gave me chills.

[@LukeRandallMusic]

What a voice! This man is amazing.

[@timsmoker6697]

We need info for POWs to be remembered. J D for gets no one.This song is a tribute to his heart and soul. TY for your words🙏what energy from this legend,what a master guitarist.

[@rosaaraujo2623]

I Miss you John Denver 💞

[@Pila426]

Love the way he ended the song in this performance.

[@lianecornils905]

It's time. Bring him and the others home.

[@SLS6202]

I love him so much.

[@gigimohammed7457]

This is soooo touching

[@gloriaertel2463]

Such a handsome man...…...Love..Love..Love …….11/19/19

[@msimacountrygirl]

What a great show! Wish they were all on DVD

[@harleydavidson6851]

GREAT SONG! sad though. I Remember that Decade verrry well. Best times of My life! Fond memories always. God Bless.

[@colonelkurtz2269]

Perfect. RIP ❤️

[@Jameswilliam1982]

Hes so great! :)

[@ConceptJunkie]

One of my favorite JD songs, and he nails it as always, but my favorite part is the guitar jam at the end of the album version.

[@thomassutherland6826]

His best ever, in my humble opinion.

[@LrDuke76]

very great song! What a pity John use no to to play it live....

[@terrysmith8758]

People are starting to take notice of John.

[@yoti1968]

yes too true, fab voice

[@chrishorr5221]

He was a great musician and man!

[@jeffschram64]

Thanks for posting this video. I had not realized that this song was about bringing the Vietnam POW's home. It reminds me of his other song Readjustment Blues.

[@Wildberryjamband]

the chorus is similar to the Summer part of the Suite.

[@joegiersher507]

I see that 'Paradise' (third song on the original album) was blocked, but 'Darcy Farrow' is missing too. This should be the fifth song.

[@Pila426]

Less production in the live performances, I reckon. I love the album version of this song, but this performance is amazing. I like how it builds to a powerful finish. The album version continues with guitars for a bit after John stops singing, which lessens the impact, perhaps.

[@melaniemckown]

All my Love Always!!

[@jordifalco5609]

The best

[@psjlund]

The one, the only.

[@brightfuture556]

A quintessential folk tune, in the American Appalachian Tradition.

[@MattJordanAnimation]

I'm almost certain that it is Mike Taylor.

[@davealexander8621]

Yes, very high octave. 🎸

[@GarnerKnutson]

Wow...just wow..... fucking amazing...

[@ehol773]

Thanks for this great clip. Is that Mike Taylor on guitar?

[@NaniTreas1]

There is one thing that really baffles me here: Why do all of his live recordings sound better than the album versions?

[@scattysafari7742]

Old analog recordings tended in the pre-digital age tended to be slightly higher pitched the the original. Billy Joel suffered the same thing. It was often also a commercial choice. David Cassidy HATED how his record company made him sound higher & younger.John also had a major vocal improvement after collaborating with Placido Domingo, who gave him vocal tips. So much so fans commented on it at the time..His vocal improvement from 1983 is hugely noticeable.

[@ConceptJunkie]

@@scattysafari7742: Thanks for the info. I always knew that he got better as time went on, now I know why. :-)

[@skyking61]

Nani Treas In addition to the two things mentioned here already, JD considered himself a performer more than anything; he fed off a live audience, and his performances there reflected that.

[@kathyw.1835]

Because he had talent...a God Given perfect pitch voice and a fine guitar player to boot!p

[@melaniemckown]

♥️ Always

[@flowerwild8704]

Is he Mike Tailor playing guitar behind John Denver ？

[@ParkerLanierMusic]

Very true!!

[@like2view]

Like Jeff wrote.. I too didn't make that connection. And Gilmour said it well! The studio background vocals aren't there..but hey it's live and don't get no better

[@futureshock7425]

Too bad this kind of artist and song is not mainstream today, they would never allow it on networks today

[@colemanadamson5943]

Great stuff. Today's "music" sucks.

[@DARWINZOO]

J mascis cover