John Denver - Rocky Mountain High (1972)

[@werners5191]

They don't make singer-songwriters like John Denver anymore. Which is a shame. He was a pure soul whose presence and voice made the country a better place.

[@meigsman59]

On of the 10 greatest songs ever written. IMO!!!

[@gj3044]

Agreed!

[@bjusticeforever]

"....seeking grace with every step he takes...." Deep words sang by an unappreciated artist. RIP

[@mr.perfect8746]

What a blessing it was to have John Denver. RIP John.

[@andrerieumaastricht9811]

Thanks for your comment 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💯

[@frisco21]

In this appearance, John sang live before a real audience without lip-synching. His performance was nearly flawless. What a monumental talent he was. One could say: "He'd be a poorer man who never saw John Denver sing."

[@joevs21001]

One of the greatest folk singers of all time. John Denver was never given the credit he deserved. While very successful, John was truly a great person, composer, musician, and environmentalist. The world lost him far too soon.

[@robsgirl6465]

joevs21001 :: Yes indeed. Not a day passes that I don't think of him. I can't believe he's been gone over 20 years now.

[@DWMonty17]

He was such a sweet soul. His music was sooo mezmirizing (spelling). God bless John.

[@mholmes8519]

In my senior year in high school, I saw John Denver perform this song at a concert in Omaha in 1972. His music inspired me to pursue an education and career in the outdoor and natural resource field which I've continued to this day. Living your Rocky Mountain High in Colorado John!

[@dwmzmm]

Never seen any pop rock artist perform live and look/sound as great, even better than the studio version of his music. All I can say is John Denver was in a class all by himself. Miss you greatly John, RIP brother.

[@ElusvOptmst1]

I always loved John Denver's music. His voice was magnificent.

[@mgrealdeals]

One of the most Beautiful songs...brings tears to my eyes. We Miss You John!

[@davidlanham99]

There aren't very many people who can take a guitar and a microphone and do THAT.

[@josetrejo5144]

Truly an amazing song by john. No lip syncing . Pure talent. Thanks john for the music.

[@rekitnilc]

This is probably the first song I truly loved, as a kid in '73 or '74, on a school bus. Love him or hate him, this song is incredible. I probably identify on the opposite side of the political spectrum as Mr. Denver, but I do love the land and environment. He was truly a quiet revolutionary.

[@E3ECO]

Talk about the voice of a generation.

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

This was a few minutes in time that will live on forever. A perfect performance. R.I.P. John Denver.

[@StElmoQn]

FAR OUT!!!! It is so amazing to go back and see and hear this song in the beginning before everyone knew it (and JD) and to just hear it in its pure acousitcal form. What a treasure! That song is what drew me to Colorado and I'm proud to say that it is our second state song!

[@mr.perfect8746]

His guitar playing and sincerity made him one of my all time favorites.

[@INGRIDDAVISON]

I remember being in a hotel room watching Johnny Carson on my way home from Denver back to Canada. I was thinking to myself, how great this singer was. That was the first time I heard John Denver, and have loved his writing and singing ever since. RIP John Denver, and thanks for your music.

[@gj3044]

I first saw JD on Carson also, and bough his RMH album, then started collecting his albums. Just loved this guy!

[@lightning14100]

I love John Denver so much. It saddens me that I wasn't even alive on the earth at the same time he was. I would give anything to go back in time to live with the music of the 70's in person.

[@artmoss6889]

When this song came out in '74, I was sixteen and it made an immediate and powerful impression on me. Specifically, I wanted to go to Colorado and see the Rockies. I didn't get out there until five years later, but hiking and camping the Rockies was a momentous and life-changing event.

[@tedpeterson1156]

+Art Moss It sold a metric crapton of guitars, too!

[@noahsimmons4107]

lightning14100 I was 3 days old when John passed away...don't feel bad brother just take the music and strive with yourself and live happily

[@MrAflac9916]

Noah Simmons yeah man, I was 10 months old at the time. I would have loved to see John live.

[@soulbasedliving]

His music lives on!

[@tomoswald6990]

I grew up in Colorado and left when I was 11. This song does more for me in terms of taking me back to my happy days in Colorado. What a wonderful song.

[@tommy92tulipano]

I live in a valley in the Italian Alps. I really love mountains and I can imagine what John must have felt before writing this song. The stars in the sky, standing on a mountain top, the blue water of a lake, see an eagle fly, walking through nature and the friends who share this experiences with you. RIP John. We all miss you

[@KomradeKatt]

Showing my age; I remember this appearance on the Tonight Show.

[@PotterMarauder]

The most beautiful male voice ever. Followed closely by James Taylor.

[@michaeltowle2607]

Kim, In terms of the popular musical genre you are so correct. Love them both.

[@mikelord9860]

KimPossible And may I add JD's former bandmate, Michael Johnson (Chad Mitchell Trio, I.e., after Chad left). This was a special musical era, with Denver and Jim Croce and Harry Chapin, et al.

[@hellovanite]

KimPossible Glen Campbell had a great voice too

[@johnhill7058]

Perhaps you have not thought this through, Elton John may have something to say.

[@robsgirl6465]

KimPossible :: John's voice was crystal clear and as brilliant as the guitars he played!!!

[@ZeeboLaywicker]

there is a special place in heaven for john..ill sing with you someday..god bless the 1970's!!! they will live forever!!

[@jamoore0312]

I was thinking of this song driving to work this morning in the 21st century any saying to myself I would give up all the electronic gadgets we have now to be in 1972 one more time ! Could you imagine living then and being able to see 2014 and complaining about anything in1972 ? No either could I . RIP John you were one of the best !

[@davidlanham99]

Same here, I really hate the 21st century.

[@tedpeterson1156]

Well maybe the orange shag carpeting and bell bottoms.

[@dharrell2000]

"...no special effects, no Auto Tune, raw, unedited and from the heart. He was clearly 20 years ahead of his time and this song, Rocky Mountain High, created a vision that encompassed an environmental movement hat began in the late 60's and continues to this day..."

[@70goldtop]

D Harrell Sick of everyone saying "no auto tune".. A lot of people who listen to good music including myself don't even know what auto tune is. Fuck auto tune and everyone shut up about it.

[@sarahhzee]

james madison It's rare to find popular music today that doesn't use auto tune. It ruins the natural frequency of the human voice and the way it affects us when we hear it. So...people won't ever shut up about it because it deserves to be criticized, as well as most of the "artists" who use it. Personally it gives me more appreciation for the "good" artists you speak of who still use their voices as a natural and spiritual instrument.

[@70goldtop]

***** Very nice rebuttle. Thank you much. Have a good one.

[@atticstattic]

+D Harrell "No special effects" isn't completely true - as there existed studio audio enhancements that were in common use then. Denver's use of the echo chamber to fill out his voice was well known.

[@tedpeterson1156]

+atticstattic Sounds like a little reverb here. Clearly he is playing live however and not lip-syncing. Playing and singing is difficult.

[@paulbaker9944]

Amazing live vocal performance. Absolutely. Freaking. Amazing. RIP, John. Thanks for the great music.

[@RFD510]

Absolutely fantastic performance. I'll visit Colorado one day, because of this song.

[@andrerieumaastricht9811]

Thanks for your comment 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💞

[@AndrewLawsonjughead67]

That was so pure a voice and needed no pyrotechnics or ten piece accompaniment Just a voice and an acoustic guitar wonderful

[@brokenhearted316]

Now that's the truth no one can come close to him HIS candle burned out long before HIS legend ever did

[@guidingmike2823]

what an exquisitely beautiful song. You know that John Denver felt what he was singing. You can't think too hard when you write something so beautiful. It has to flow from within.

[@jsjj]

I grew up in Colorado and this song encapsulates all that is grand about the Rockies.. He sang about what he saw and felt and never got the accolades he deserved.

[@lindaclark7032]

I grew up in Colorado, still here. So beautiful

[@TristanandIsolt]

Freaking Amazing. What an Artist. The studio version adds a lot but for just him and a stand up bass amazing performance.

[@tedpeterson1156]

He makes it sound like a 12 string

[@tombreen932]

John was a one of a kind artist he gave you that down home feeling

[@oldmachead]

The standup bass was likely played by the late Dick Kniss - a genius on this instrument. Dick played for Peter, Paul and Mary and for John Denver.

[@byroncreek]

This takes me back to my childhood living in England in the early to mid 70s. This was one of many songs I remember playing in the car when we went on various road trips around the country. Such good memories and what a great talent he had!

[@bobriddle1965]

Amazing singer with songs that tell a story you can see in your mind’s eye.

[@petelinster7093]

Loved him and the song. I miss him.

[@Hirthirthirt]

He was the ideal of a country singer. Love it

[@nolanzoe96]

What a loss of our National Treasure........R.I.P.

[@bzuesprucex]

I was a teenager when this song came out. I was into hard rock at the time. When I saw this on Johhy Carson, I gave away my electric guitar, and purchased a Guild D-25 6 string acoustic. This was a monster hit and it affected so many people at the time. John Denver seemed like the type of person that one wished was a close friend. My mother cried when he died in the plane crash.......for a moment so did I. What a great great singer songwriter performer!

[@gj3044]

Love your story!

[@57psj]

That was great. I miss John Denver.

[@quad1000]

Totally underrated as a guitar player...he was actually very good. And he unofficially probably sold tons of guitars for Guild.

[@ravenXmetal]

I'm here because of JOHN DENVER!

[@thecolonel8110]

Duh

[@hickshaus]

I was so in love with John Denver when I was a kid... this video brings back sweet memories!

[@jaivinallman2137]

Love this song to bad he is gone

[@Duder1969]

What a beautiful song..........

[@jimsteele2072]

Excellent song to have stuck in my head today.

[@giovanideparma3500]

I never get tired of listening to John Denver and that song

[@pugnacious1]

"He was born in the summer of his 27th yr...I've seen it rain &fire in the sky..shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby..his sight is turned inside himself to try and understand the serenity of a clear blue mtn. lake..you can talk to God & listen to the casual reply.. more people, more scars upon the land..you know he'd be a poor man if he never saw an eagle fly".. Wow, I still cry every time. Fly Calypso & fly John-- a beautiful star in your Colorado sky! I don't think anyone has the courage to be that decent anymore, or would anyone in this time even want someone like him?:.-( Thank you so, so much for posting this!!

[@berrypossum]

Good ole John. Real nice performance. I needed that.

[@RichardMilton-cp4hv]

Though I'm a brother who grew up in motown, I've always dug this jam!

[@ANUNAKIJ]

I saw this show the day it was first broadcast and I was amazed at the pure talent of John Denver. After the song Johnny was visibly stunned by the performance. A rare reaction considering his many guests. Digital sound and pixelation do not provide the full experience of how powerfully it was delivered. To sing and play with such command is a true measure of a musician. John earned much greater respect from me that night.

[@CreamyBone]

...and some pretty awesome guitar playing to boot!

[@dr.hookyeah2883]

Everything about this vid is awesome. I was about two years-old when this aired, no doubt sleeping-through the live broadcast!

[@orangeclad3241]

Such an amazing song!

[@debbiemcdonnell8232]

A time I'd love to go back to! A genuine person who shared so much of what many could never express. What a rare and special gift! We miss you John more then you could ever imagine!

[@msimacountrygirl]

There will never be another like him. My heart yearns to hear him each day.

[@giorio286]

LOVE John's music, best i've heard. wish I could have met him..

[@randykent9594]

John Denver is one of the best songwriters of his generation. It's easy to get caught up singing these wonderful songs without ever really listening to what he is saying.

[@brianclare9884]

One of the very few songs that goes right to your soul.

[@tonymccready4944]

GREAT VOICE - GREAT SINGER

[@DWMonty17]

God never blessed a voice more than that of John Denver!

[@nottavictim5]

An absolutely perfect, powerful vocal performance and how bout that guitar playing at 4:00?! Just incredible.

[@jeffh643]

Beautiful song, almost brings a tear to my eye. We miss you John.

[@golyg]

no one like him before or since. i miss him so much

[@LeadVocal2010]

Legend!!!!!

[@wtgmd1]

It was the lyrics, music and fine guitar playing that pulled me into taking guitar lessons and sticking with them. Almost 40 years later I am in his debt for this and his life's work continues to bring me joy and compels me to continue to practice and play to try to sound like he does (minus the singing :)) So sad his loss is; his untreated bipolar depression, alcohol dependence, and poor life choices were the seedy side of him that tore up parts of his life. There remains, lastly, the mystery of how such an experienced pilot would run out of fuel within sight of the California coast. He is a compelling, complex, and ultimately tragic figure that remains sorely missed still 20 years after his untimely and tragic demise. Thank you, John Deutchendorf (Jr), for your presence amongst us and your life's work and gifts to us; may you now be resting in peace in your own private Rocky Mountain HIgh.

[@michaeldean8208]

incredible talent....I'm truly in awe

[@goldsmithstudent]

I miss him

[@michaelb8809]

I really miss this guy

[@outbacker1]

Carson really loved this performance, I wish I could have met John Denver, this is a gorgeous song

[@ethelwright7128]

I listen, and it makes me happy.

[@vic5828]

I remember when this song became a hit. They sure don't make them like this any longer!

[@BonnieKateFyffe]

Love. Miss his presence today.

[@nicolavivarelli4127]

Great voice great artist great performance:timeless John

[@marozz25]

Great songs ever.... love it.

[@christinecollins3157]

The great ones make it look easy.

[@barryminnick3036]

Great, classic song!!

[@CameronEly]

Amazing talent!

[@airkooled74]

What an incredible performance..

[@JohnStopman]

Now I love this video too! Thanks for uploading! :-)

[@directapprec]

Freak'n Far Out Man!

[@brendelsparks715]

truly missed fantastic voice.

[@TiffanyGatt]

I love John Denver

[@HalfGreyhound]

John's music and his down to earthness kept a lot of us sane in the 1970s. You can deride it as puerile, but in order to be real and positive, he took the risk of seeming childlike or childish in his values. It's called innocence. Being human. He did it, and I respect him for it, the same way I respect Joe Strummer for his honesty.

[@GarySchiltz]

Wow, just wow.

[@QuickHillFilms]

God what a song and performance.

[@ZiachRoby86]

R.I.P From Germany (Bavaria) Miss you John Denver....

[@nottavictim5]

This really soars

[@estebanlopez4369]

Me encanta. sólo su voz, su guitarra y esas toneladas de talento que pocos tienen.. hermosa canción.

[@jeffkahl]

Love it! Listen to that Guild acoustic sing!

[@davidgrosberg4527]

I surly miss John Denver's music growing up in Brooklyn, New York back in the 70's. It was a time of innocence, not chaotic at all. Those were the good old days. They don't make music like that anymore. I would say when I go on and meet the almighty and the son of the living G_d ( Jesus Christ ) maybe I'll find everlasting peace.

[@luvsmercury]

Thanks G

[@robertdouglas6979]

love this song

[@davidlanham99]

Only 35,000 hits. That tells me young people don't even realize what was happening 40 years ago, or there'd be 20 million hits.

[@josephinerizal1312]

So very true.....my sympathy to today's kids.

[@lsachs07]

Try 187,200 hits..

[@nortykid3017]

The studio version has 30 million hits

[@Mr.Kittychickenwing]

Don't assume that we're all like that. I'm 25 and was raised on all the classics. Hell, I can name more tunes than most older people.

[@gj3044]

@@Mr.Kittychickenwing that's great, you give me hope!

[@marymcmillen1735]

Anyone who thinks this song is about drugs needs to take a trip to the Rockies.

[@tombreen932]

agree 1000%

[@Dixielinemuzik]

Mary McMillen The smokey mountains can be that way too. The mountains of America are beautiful period.

[@robsgirl6465]

Mary McMillen :: You can say that again!!! On July 15, 2016, I rode to the 14,130 foot summit of Mt Evans in Colorado on my bicycle to celebrate my 51st birthday. It was amazing!!! One of these days I'm going back with my 12-string and sing rocky mountain high!!!

[@dabrooms1455]

@@robsgirl6465 Hey thats my birthday :)

[@gj3044]

@@robsgirl6465 awesome!

[@randyosman8948]

A song before its time

[@MrRon1507]

Great song !!!

[@dwdeclare1965]

standing ovation!

[@andrerieumaastricht9811]

Thanks for your comment 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TomsThriftyLife]

why so many dislikes, this is amazing!

[@TheJerrycon]

Respect!!!