JOHN DENVER - Rocky Mountain High | FIRST TIME HEARING REACTION

[@kdavis9943]

Annie’s Song, Sunshine on My Shoulders, and Take MeHome Country Roads are my favorites. He has so many great songs. Love John.

[@hlawrencepowell]

Don't forget Gramma's Feather Bed.

[@terri2494]

@@hlawrencepowell And “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”.

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

The Eagle and The Hawk - Poems - Prayers - Promises , Leaving On A Jet Plane are some of his other great songs. John Denver was on the earliest musicians I listened to when I was very young maybe 10 or 11. The first live concert I went to was John Denver when I was 15 or 16 ; that was a Real Blast.

[@NoneYaBidness762]

So many great tunes from JD.

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

@NoneYaBidness762 Yes he had a lot. For a long time he was my favorite male country artist. After Randy Travis entered Country music , he replaced John Denver as my favorite male artist.

[@douglasg.9271]

John Denver was hugely popular in the 70’s. He had a purity, and honesty to his music that is rare.

[@alchemy-oi8xf]

Very nicely, and simply, put, Douglas.

[@albertscanlon2005]

So true

[@catherineday951]

And a purity of voice as well.

[@richardvincelette9741]

Probably the most pure, great American song ever ❤

[@donaldball3245]

The National Anthem of the environmental movement... what "I Am Woman" was to feminism...

[@alanFconrad]

Simply Beautiful

[@melanieredfield9736]

His lyrics are poetry. John Denver paints us beautiful pictures in our minds and captures all the breathtaking landscape with his words. But along with that, he conveys his emotion and reverence for the people and places around him. "Country Roads" is the state song of West Virginia; it pulls you in as he travels back roads and highways through daybreak in the Blue Ridge mountains. "Annies Song":conveys his deep love for his wife. Every one of John's songs is gold, and stands as a legacy to a beautiful soul who left us too soon. Hope you will take time to explore more of his music.

[@flubblert]

This song made everybody want to visit the Rocky Mountains if only in our minds. John Denver had many hits in the 70s and left us much too soon. "Take Me Home Country Road" is another classic you'll want to hit, and "Annie's Song" will grab your heart. Highly recommend both.

[@rk41gator]

I love "Annie's Song". Beautiful and Shawn will love it too.

[@flubblert]

@@rk41gator he may want to have a tissue nearby. 😏

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Great songwriter with a clear pure voice. Very popular back in the 1970s. Had his own TV variety show, too, which showed his gentle, warm, hippy-dippy country personality. So many great songs: Leaving on a Jet Plane, Annie's Song, Sweet Surrender, Calypso, Country Roads, Some Days are Diamonds... He left us far too soon, sadly - RIP John.

[@jennyburns787]

❤ Enjoyed your reaction so much! Saw John Denver in concert when I was in Jr High, beautiful singer song writer.

[@albertscanlon2005]

John Denver takes your soul to a beautiful place. Wonderful musician and a natural storyteller. So creative and a truly great artist. One of the best

[@chrispavlich9656]

ANY John Denver song is a good one. Give a listen to a song he performed at the Wildlife Concert called For You. It is a beautiful love song and he plays the piano in that one. So so many beautiful songs by John. Poems, Prayers and Promises is another like this one you may enjoy. Subscribed to hear more John Denver from you❣️

[@StevesFunhouse]

A LOT of people either thought he meant "High as a kite", but no, he meant "high on life". However, many people embraced the first meaning because 1), they wanted it to and 2) because BOTH "definitions" were popular at the time (so, why not ???) but this song was about being spiritually reborn. Update: Thought I'd pass along some additional information about the song (from John himself) to help you understand it better. "“Annie and I and some friends went up to Williams Lake [in Colorado] to watch the Perseid meteor showers. [Late that night,] a meteor went smoking by. And from all over the campground came the awed response, ‘Do you see that?!’ It got bigger and bigger until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. Everybody was awake, and it was raining fire in the sky".

[@khanysafan1705]

I think they were high on life and so they got high. You know he was getting high. It was the seventies, lol.

[@monkeysuncle2816]

Pretty sure I've read Lucy was also in the Sky that night. With Diamonds.

[@hkblt3]

You have to listen to Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”. He is so versatile!

[@bearballin]

To hear John's most joyful, playful, jubilant self, you gotta listen/ watch his performance of "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy!" ❤

[@mikerichards67]

I truly love John Denver and all of his music but I truly love Calypso, John’s salute to Jacque Cousteau and his ocean research team and ship. Anyone who grew up in the 70s watched his television shows teaching us all about the ocean and the life. Just an incredible piece of music for a wonderful person.

[@paxonearth]

Go to the Rockies!! I'm scared of heights too, but they're just too incredible to not experience. As other comments have mentioned, the line "friends around the campfire, and everybody's high" doesn't necessarily mean that they're smoking weed. I've always interpreted the line as they're just "high" on their amazing experience.

[@bobk9572]

His voice does capture you right away such a pure and emotional voice. I think you wold like many of his songs, here's a few I am sure some others will also mention: "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", "Annies Song", "Calypso". Can't go wrong with any of them.

[@lorigurney7280]

He mentions tearing mountains down, more people, more scars upon the land because of building more houses etc. John Denver wrote primarily about nature. Thanks for reacting to his music. I'm afraid of heights to but have visited these beautiful mountains and their majestic beauty over rides fear. Hope you and your family have the opportunity to visit someday!

[@subwaygoddess1]

WOW!! That's my favorite John Denver song! I once saw him at a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden. We were sitting all the way up top in the cheap seats, and as soon as he began to sing this song, we shot up to Heaven. Those of us tough Rock 'n Rollers were wiping the tears from our eyes when he hit those high notes. He was a beautiful soul and we lost him way too soon. Try "Annie's Song" next and watch him live. ✌️🎶

[@GDM-f4i]

Fly Away with John D. and Olivia Newton John is my favorite along with Sunshine on My Shoulder.

[@TheTish]

There’s such a spiritual aspect to John Denver’s music, and lyrics. It’s an emotional experience when I listen to him sing.

[@markgallemore8856]

John Denver wrote a song called Leaving on a Jet Plane was not a hit for him, but it was a huge hit for Peter Paul and Mary. Paul Stookey in the mid-70s wrote the wedding song.

[@wendyryder2708]

Thanks Shawn for your reaction! John Denver is one of my favourite singers, especially when I was growing up! Hope you do some more of John! Peace and Blessings from Australia.

[@Laura-rm6us]

One of the best songs of all time. No tricks or gimmicks just honest words and music, like poetry

[@tuffymoon3702]

I can only imagine the music we all missed out on by losing him so soon! What a legacy of love he left for us with his songs!❤ Thank you for this reaction!

[@brendamilloy2557]

Yes, the guitars! If you want to hear more fantastic guitars from John Denver, listen to "Late Winter, Early Spring (When Everybody Goes To Mexico)" it's pure bliss.

[@myownchannel247]

Great choice! I can only describe his music as down home goodness. Annie’s Song is another must hear song he wrote for his wife

[@pamnicklas5536]

John Denver had a fantastic voice...he's one in a million!

[@magicbrownie1357]

One of the greatest American songs ever written. In my opinion, his masterpiece. Unforgettable tune. Probably his best.

[@frankmerris8821]

i concur

[@chrispavlich9656]

The best John Denver song is the next one you listen to. He’s just that good.

[@blitztim6416]

John bemoans people moving to the mountains, scars upon the land, but this song probably enticed a lot more people to come to the mountains of Colorado. Fear of heights shouldn’t keep you away from the mountains. You’re still standing on the ground. Unless you’re on a cliff maybe. 😜 John was huge in the seventies.

[@billcombs5656]

When Ft. Collins students were asked to submit their ideas for naming the new high school in the '70's, the most submitted idea became the name of that new high school--"Rocky Mountain High"....

[@spacefanatic]

John Denver was a fantastic singer and song writer. He had loads of great songs and sounded just as good live as he did on the studio versions. If you like love songs his 'For You' at the Wildlife Concert was stupendous. He was an environmentalis before most people knew what that meants. He died far too young and the world has lost a great song writer who touched the hearts of people.

[@jrepka01]

This song is one of two official anthems for the state of Colorado. In 1971 John Denver released Take Me Home Country Roads which is one of several state songs for the state of West Virginia. Rocky Mountain High was also used in the campaign in opposition to Aspen hosting the 1976 Winter Olympics, the argument being that it would require massive development projects that would completely alter the community. The final track on the Eagles' Hotel California called The Last Resort is about human's tendency to ruin beautiful places by moving in and "improving" them to death. It's pretty obscure, for a song on a #1 album, but I think it's great.

[@3John16]

Wise words brother.

[@SnowEfaust]

So thankful to be born in Colorado. Best story I have to tell about John Denver is when he showed up by surprise on mother's day to the church she was a member of which I happened to go to also , and sang to her and the congregation. What a blessing for all!!

[@Gashouse69]

John is yet another prolific singer/songwriter of the 70's. Many great songs to check out.

[@reborndaughter445]

Besides John's super popular songs, also check out Eagles and Horses, For You, Poems and Prayers and Promises and Calypso. John Denver is a national treasure. If I was only allowed to listen to one artist for the rest of my life, it would be John. Listen to his Wildlife Concert live where he sings his greats. Thank you so much Shawn. Great review!

[@aharon59]

This song is like opening the window of a dark room to the bright morning sun and getting a fresh morning breeze to boot. He was an amazing lyricist and singer and his songs have aged amazingly. His Sunshine On My Shoulder is one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@johnthegreek5836]

Definitely my favorite John Denver song

[@jewel_laughs]

Great reaction! I live in Colorado right next to Rocky Mountain National Park and it's really beautiful.. I'm afraid of heights too, but having mountain underneath you brings great security so I love to hike as high as I can go. 😄 I love John Denver, but not really his hits. I recommend his song Eagles and Horses from his wildlife concert. He was a champion of protecting earth and her children winged and footed).

[@tammywhite5742]

Powerful reaction…you exactly described how this song makes me feel when I listen to it. This song transports, lifts you up, wraps you in a blanket of contentment and sheer joy…. One of my personal top 3 songs…it’s that good ❤. I really enjoy your reactions because they are genuine and sincere.. Thank you!!

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Oh yeah Shawn, thanks for bringing this. John Denver was a terrific lyricist & gave us so many songs of meaning. Even hard rock guys couldn't deny appreciating his music, he spoke to more than one generation. He had troubles in his life, as we all do, but brought a light. Hope you do some more of his music.

[@punkydoodle4774]

Back Home Again is sweet, Thank God I'm a Country Boy is raucous, Fly Away is a duet with Olivia Newton-John.

[@tygerbrite]

Your reaction was so worth it! Great singer-songwriters who are also great human beings are so rare. John Denver was a lovely human being. If you do another of his songs, I recommend doing those from his Wildlilfe concert so you can appreciate him live. In that concert, favorites are Annie's Song, Sunshine on My Shoulders, and Take me Home Country Roads.

[@joelliebler5690]

A legendary song amongst his more than 50 other unforgettable tunes and stories. Here are some you need to react to; Take Me Home, Coubtry Roads, Looking For Space, The Eagle And The Hawk, I’m Sorry, Fly Away with Olivia Newton John,Poems, Prayers, and Promises,Calypso which was in honor of Jacques Cousteau, and Annie’s Song, just to name a few!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

This just makes your ears happy.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

Poem's, Prayers and Promises is one of my favorite ones by him

[@sherylhenley1931]

John was an amazing singer/songwriter, poet and musician. He was a prolific songwriter who always wrote about real things and real emotions. He was also a famous ecologist and conservationist. The fire in the sky he refers to is the Pleides Meteror shower. Miss you John! RIP

[@judyoverthrow825]

Hi Shawn. So glad you finally reacted to John. This man literally changed my life. I was fifteen years old when this song came out. Became his biggest fan immediately. His message to us through this and many other songs truly was a gift. After listening to so much of his music, I knew that someday I HAD to see Colorado. To experience the awe he did from the breathtaking beauty. It took me sixteen years, but in 1998 I bought an old van for 800 bucks (wasn’t sure it would make it to Colorado) , sold most of my possessions, packed what I could into a 6x8 trailer and drove from Connecticut to my beloved Colorado. And have lived here ever since. Been here 26 years now. I have seen some of the most breathtaking places on earth since I’ve been here. Even on my bad days I can’t help but smile because I live my Rocky Mountain High every single day!

[@classicrocklady6288]

Poems, prayers and Promises, in addition to those mentioned in other comments, at least Too many to list. Deep, wondrous dive! Have fun, I'll be here!

[@michaelyork4554]

I must say this came out when I was a teenager, and a guitar player, and was very moved by the grandeur of the lyrics. i always wanted to see the mountains, having always lived in the flat lands of the deep south. Finally when I was 24 I went to the Rockies to snow ski by myself, and I must say the beauty, and majesty, of the incomparable scenery did not disappoint. I immediately remembered John Denver, and His song of homage to the rugged, and amazing wonder, that is The Rocky Mountain Region. Snow Skiing was as much fun as I had imagined.

[@slimpickins9124]

He had a very successful country/folk career during the height of the rock/blues era. All of us hard core rockers loved John. Arguably "Country Roads" is a very similar tune that you should do next. He also was a very philanthropic person, a real role model for everyone.

[@70sMusicLady]

Received my first John Denver album for high school graduation in 1974. My admiration for his music has never stopped.

[@kennymonty8206]

A super great review. I appreciated your pov. I went to Colorado in the second half of my life. And, I can tell you that John is right. It really is life changing. You have to go way outside of the eastern slope to get it though Note: I'm afraid of heights too. And, you're not wrong to be anxious. It is hit after hit. But, it's well worth the discomfort. Any day of the week, I could see a huge herd of elk, listen to them bugle. I could climb any one of many mountains higher than 14,000 feet. I could meet interesting people. I hiked snow paths that were temporarily free of snow, that's a real challenge. I hope you get the chance to see for yourself.

[@stevenS6598]

John Denver Rocky Mountain High is awesome with amazing guitar playing. You had a great reaction to a favorite song of mine. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Serai3]

This song always makes me cry because I went through that. For me it was the redwoods rather than the Rockies, but I lived that whole story. Thirty years gone, and every day I long to return. ETA: The term Rocky Mountain high was a thing before he wrote the song. It refers to the lightheaded sensation experienced by a person new to the mountains. The air is different that high up, and the change can make a person feel high.

[@NoCreamedCorn]

No matter how old I get, or how many times I hear the song it can take my breath away every every single time. Beautiful.

[@rk41gator]

SUCH A FINE REACTION. I just realized my first trip to Colorado was around my 27th year! Such a warm voice, yes. So smooth, John Denver sure knew his subject. By my early thirties I had moved here. Still here. No regrets. (I too have acrophobia) No worries. A lot of growth, but still beautiful and the Rocky Mountain High is now legal. Climbing to 10,000+ feet is truly a high. Losing Denver was a real low.

[@bpfromowc]

John is a true music legend. He also did a wonderful duet with Russian singer Alexander Gradsky, called "What Are We Making Weapons For" (Let Us Begin). It`s an anti war song that is still highly relevant today. He (Denver) described the song (shortly before his death) as "the best piece of work I have done in my career". Please react to it Shawn. 🙏 Thanks.

[@tomm8095]

One of the clearest voices ever

[@BearClanMan1970]

As a lifelong fan of John's, I was so fortunate to finally see him live six months before his death. What an amazing concert. A great reaction, Shawn.

[@ShawnSalvadori]

I'm happy you got to experience his gift live!

[@alchemy-oi8xf]

I think you'll enjoy his whole catalog, Shawn, because he was a genuine good soul, like yourself. He was an early conservationist, hence the reference to protecting the environment from developers, (causing "scars upon the land"). "Calypso" is a tribute to a great oceanographer/conservationist who's boat had that name. "Annie's Song" is arguably one of the simplest--yet most beautiful--love songs ever written, where John compares his love for his wife to various beautiful things in nature. He always comes across "real", and--as you so aptly said--welcoming.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Try "Calypso." He does a duet with Cass Elliot on "Leavin' on a Jet Plane" that's killer. His voice is so pure.

[@juliejordan3090]

The song is beautiful and so is Colorado!

[@tjerwin1]

John Denver was a great talent he even wrote songs for other singers and they had huge hits along with him performing then also.

[@judydubiel]

John Denver was so unique…wonderful music and I loved him acting in OH GOD!

[@BrettTwinSavage]

My favorite John Denver song, but they're all great.

[@smitty60-su2xf]

i connect with this song because im living it....great reaction Shawn awesome...

[@bradsense7431]

Wow I did not expect that I got a little emotional. I was recalling my time in the 1980s in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with my own dear friends who I have lost touch with and some passed away. And just as the lyrics said we were indeed > sitting around the campfire and everybody was high. Life changes separated us but we shared some wonderful times.

[@alansmith7626]

I graduated high school in 1973 in Utah, this is one of the tunes that always, Always take me back...great react...

[@beverlybrown2673]

Started as a songwriter for others, most notably Leavin On A Jet Plane which was a big hit for Peter Paul and Mary. Eventually performed and recorded his songs himself, a huge star in the 70s. This song has been adopted as Colorado's official song. Another of his, Take Me Home Country Roads, is West Virginia's. His songs are still sung around campfires everywhere.

[@danbaranowski8580]

For You is another beautiful song by John Denver. He is known for his warm, emotional songs, excellent storytelling. John is genuine. His passion can be felt through his voice and musicianship. You're exactly right. A friendly voice.

[@1Imonk]

Poems Prayers and Promises, and All of My Memories display a prematurely wise mind in perfect harmony.

[@sharonpate5481]

I’ve been through the Rocky Mountains and you can really feel the impact of them in John’s songs 💜👵🏼✌🏼 You should definitely check out “Grandma’s Feather Bed”

[@KJ-4321]

I’m so happy you got to John! You’re gonna be loving everything about his music! He makes you feel like you’ve been there even though you haven’t! I love “Annie’s song,” “Take me home country roads,” “Sunshine on my shoulders,” “Calypso,” “Thank God I’m a country boy!” 😀 But not just those! Looking forward to more John!

[@v.2080]

He had such an amazing voice! Miss him.❤

[@germankitty]

Definitely seconding "Annie's Song" -- one of the most beautiful love songs ever written.

[@laurengaudette7497]

I can play John's part on my guitar, which is a great part by itself! John also always had great musicians in his band behind him! As one of the biggest John Denver fans around, I have a great list to share with you! Popular songs would be "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Annie's Song." He also wrote "Leaving On a Jet Plane" (Peter, Paul, and Mary took it to #1) and 2 of my favorite songs are "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" (I prefer live versions of it) and "Shanghai Breezes." Another popular song is "Back Home Again" which is the title song of a #1 album also!

[@tapduff]

So gorgeous! Takes you away!

[@patticampana9458]

I adore John Denver. Have his albums. So many good songs. Check them out. You won't be disappointed. Another good one!🙂✌️

[@marilyn4917]

I miss John Denver. No one has sounded like him since. One of a kind!

[@rhondaserges5136]

Calypso .. where he honored Jacques Cousteau and his ocean research.. is a must watch the video. John fought hard for the environment.

[@classicrocklady6288]

Loved this man so much. Must see live performance videos. Saw him twice live and it's even better than recordings. Such a diverse catalog and everyone a story. He was a lyrical genius as well as his 12 string guitar and absolutely his voice! Please check out more!😊 RIP John

[@szqsk8]

“Friends around the campfire and everybody’s hiiiiigh.” The vibe of the 70s right there. I feel so lucky to have grown up in that time. The music was incredible.

[@garya7893]

This is one that makes me cry and smile at the same time There are not many things that can do that Ya gotta love music

[@rozequinn1519]

So many great songs by Denver. His voice is soothing. RiP

[@dianedarby442]

My younger sister and I camped our way from NY to Colorado in 1980 and just played the heck out of this song the whole way - our anthem. lol That voice, the depth of the lyrics, just pure perfection!

[@lauraallen55]

Second Annie's Song and Take Me Home Country Roads. I would also say Calypso for something different by him! He changed his. name to Denver because he was so enamored of Colorado. I always will remember the day he died as it was announced on the car radio really early in the morning as my parents were driving me to the hospital to have surgery. John Denver had an incredibly accurate voice as well as very expressive which both made it so listenable and likeable.

[@firedoc5]

My very first favorite song, and as I got older, I learned to appreciate it even more, and I still love it. We had the album and on the back cover was the lyrics, so I memorized them. The entire album was also outstanding which I highly suggest that even though you may not be able to react to, just listen to it on your own.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

John Denver had so many hits on the radio when I was a kid in the 70s and I had a couple of his albums and there are a ton of great cuts, like Grandma's Feather Bed for example. Thank God I'm a Country Boy was a massive hit and it's a total banger. I would be surprised if you have not heard his mega hit Take Me Home Country Roads. Just so beautiful. I got to hang out with him around a campfire in the Rocky Mountains when I was in junior high as part of a Boy Scout summer camp thing up there. They had a small airfield as part of the camp complex up there and it was a surprise visit for one of the last nights we were there. We had this bonfire and lots of us gathered around and apparently he flew in in his plane, and suddenly materialized out of the darkness with his guitar. And we talked for a while and then he played several songs. And we sang along. It was such a magical moment. I can still see the firelight reflecting off of his glasses as he sang.

[@SAM-dg3vd]

Annie's Song, This Old Guitar, Aye Calypso, Sunshine On My Shoulders... deep catalogue

[@terridostal1348]

John Denver has been a favorite of mine and his music has gotten me through all those tough times as a young adult. Saw him twice in concert and his voice just got better with age. I sure miss him.

[@JulieFreyHomeWebBiz]

"Windsong" may be the best lyrics I have seen. I also enjoy: "Rhymes & Reasons" "Looking for Space" "Fly Away" "Autograph" "Never A Doubt" "For Baby (For Bobbie)" "Calypso" "I Want To Live"

[@monkeysuncle2816]

"He lost a friend, but kept the memory"... a friend visited him in CO, and John loved to ride the trails on his dirt bikes. (One hung up on the ceiling of a restaurant for decades - might still be up there.) From what I can tell, they were all on sugar cubes (look it up) and possibly had an accident. Haven't found too many more details. Kinda foresees his airplane accident decades later.

[@derekmeade6350]

A lot of people got very snobbish about John Denver: probably because he was so amazingly popular with everyone! Great songwriter, genuinely good singer. Had done great albums before his untimely death

[@debbers]

Colorado is one of our most beautiful states! It's a shame if you miss it, there is even a river that looks like it is flowing backwards there! Just driving through the state will bring you pleasure! I loved your reaction!

[@debbers]

Thank you for the heart Shawn, I really appreciate it!

[@dionysiacosmos]

He had so many legendary songs that he had two greatest hits albums something like 5 years apart.

[@louisdellavalle2159]

“He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he’d never been before “

[@williamcabell142]

He is a monster, in a good way! 😎🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@keithmaltz4936]

Love your perspective of music. I'm 70 yrs and you have pointed out many things on songs I never looked at.

[@ShawnSalvadori]

That's awesome to hear, Keith 😊 happy I can have some impact, big or small. Feels great connecting with you all ✌️

[@marktizzard47]

In the 70's we rented a house in Signal Hill Calif. Went to start the BBQ and heard John singing then released it was not a radio. Our next door neighbor was our Landlord and John's Aunt .He would visit when he wanted or needed to get-away from everyone. He was a nice guy .