Rapper FIRST time REACTION to John Denver - Rocky Mountain High (1972)! How did I miss this?

[@Julie-zo2gv]

It’s been awhile. I walked down an aisle in a wedding to John Denver’s Sunshine on my Shoulders in 1976.

[@shannonotoole3526]

great song

[@jacqueline4514]

That one is so pretty that it sometimes makes me cry ❤

[@normaedietrich9410]

I graduated 8th grade to it.

[@georginalahiri6339]

I also walked down the aisle to it when I got married in 2010. John Denver was the soundtrack to my childhood in England in the 70s as my parents loved his music ❤

[@Mariethename99]

Love that song 😢❤

[@mlbw1966]

Died in a solo aircraft crash...We cried that day RIP JOHN DENVER, singing with Angels now

[@ffjsb]

Yep, theory is he accidentally shut off a fuel valve and didn't realize it.

[@normankennith7919]

i've loved this fantastic song since i first heard it in 1972!! it was used in the film, 'final destination' & can be heard just before a grisly death is committed!!!

[@Bossman-jd3sv]

Yup, he used to fly around the mountains in his private plane, love his movie too, Oh, God.

[@normankennith7919]

he could have been in the film, 'final destination', in which this song is heard just prior to somebody about to die!!! maybe he was humming this tune in his plane on the day he died!!!

[@normankennith7919]

great song! but i blame his demise on the film, 'final destination, because jd died in a plane crash!!!'@@Bossman-jd3sv

[@karensilvera6694]

BP, he died while flying a plane in 1997. His dad was in the Army Air Force. He was, I think, everyone's guilty pleasure. He was my Mariah Carey. He was born John Deutschendorf, Jr. Changed it for the land he loved. Very much into conservation of land and ocean. He wrote Calypso for Jacques Cousteau's ship.

[@kennycab3374]

He helped build his own plane right?

[@BillHunclebuncle]

@@kennycab3374he bought it from the person that built it.

[@pjschmid2251]

Oh John Denver wasn’t my guilty pleasure he was my rebellion against the cool kids. My way of saying I don’t care I like what I like.

[@karensilvera6694]

@@pjschmid2251 it's funny but I think we all listened to John Denver while hiding that fact! Lol in public it was Led Zeppelin, in private John Denver. I loved the 1970s.

[@karensilvera6694]

@@kennycab3374 I didn't think so. He bought an experimental plane and it crashed. It was such a huge loss.

[@gypsygirl3255]

"Calypso" his tribute to Jacques Cousteau is absolutely beautiful

[@cathyspiller7154]

I love that song. You can breathe in the salt air when ever you hear it. Feel the sun on your face, the smells, the spray. All of it.

[@jkt4748]

Beautiful song! I remember being on an island in Greece and my mom told me that John had passed, I started crying. Rip-

[@angelado3]

oh I agree to this one too- gets missed a lot of times and it is so beautiful !!

[@TarisSinclair]

I've always admired Jacques Yves Cousteau and what he achieved. "Calypso" by John Denver was one of the best tributes I've heard, and by one of my favorite artists too. The perfect blend of two people I admire.

[@kimberlyarmstrong2929]

Agreed! After seeing the video, it has become my favorite John Denver song.

[@MichaelKing-de4jz]

Country roads take me home, West Virginia, mountain momma. John Denver, like somebody else commented, a guilty pleasure to listen too!

[@BillHunclebuncle]

Ponder this…. For John Denver being like everyone from west of the Mississippi River, no one living out west or up the northeast corridor, seemed to understand that there was a state called West Virginia, unless they’re truck drivers or traveling salespeople, even though history books say otherwise. You tell them you’re from West Virginia and they ask you “ how’s things in Richmond”, when you tell them we’ve got our own capitol our own license plates and our own interstate highways, they look at you like you’ve got a third eye. My argument is that he knew someone from Virginia and he makes reference to western Virginia by the placement of the Shenandoah river which runs a few miles east of the blue ridge mountains in western Virginia. I believe John Denver’s was speaking in general terms like someone would if they were talking about Texas and West Texas when he was writing about Virginia.

[@annbennettyoung6002]

""I've seen it raining fire in the sky..." - he was watching a meteor shower with friends. John Denver was amazing.

[@bubbablue1100]

Agreed. I was 6 years old in 72. Remember the fire in the sky. Not so much anymore.

[@kathydaly3956]

The Persied meteor shower.

[@ronv6637]

It is also watching a Auroura Borealis at 14,000 ft

[@karlweir3198]

Another one of my dad's favorite singers and he cried when he died

[@kevinehle6637]

"Take Me Home" is actually his most iconic song. This song is sung in large stadiums during ballgames. Most famously last fall in Germany during the Patriots game. 50,000 people, mostly German, belting this song out was chilling. So amazing!!!! Viral video!

[@Washougalite1]

Country Roads is the title

[@kevinehle6637]

@Washougalite1 Yes, sorry. My wife keeps calling it Take Me Home. I did forget the official song name. Thanks for the correction.

[@Washougalite1]

@@kevinehle6637 Not like I've never done that 🙄😂

[@flawlessbydesign7284]

Take me home, West Virginia 😊❤ yes, i popped the 💿 into the player, cued this song every time we would officially enter the state. My daughter married a young man from West Virginia. 😂

[@cherylrichards8951]

I forgot which country awards show, but they opened the show with Brad Paisley singing this song, then it morphs into another song and another with different singers, and ends with Dolly.

[@PriscillaV1964]

- "He was born in the Summer of his 27th year. Coming home to a place he'd never been before." One of the best openings of any song.

[@sgholt]

I guess I was born in my 14th year, when I came home to Texas

[@PriscillaV1964]

Not quite, . . . You came home to a place you had never been before. You gotta put this song in historical context. The late 60's through most of the 1970's Vietnam was a HUGE influence. It is sung from the perspective of a soldier returning from war, . . . but he is no longer the person he was. War changed him, but he is no longer a soldier. Vietnam was the first war, in the history of the World that soldiers did not return home with their "units". They got shipped back individually, on a plane. So, you are there in the jungles of Vietnam with your buddies, fighting for their lives. You get your orders and less than 48 hours later you are standing in the suburbs of middle America. In previous wars, the troops were literally shipped back, on ships, with their support system (buddies). This gave them time to decompress. A whole lot of Vietnam Vets decompressed by becoming drifters. Anyway, . . . that is the historical context.

[@rebapuck5061]

user-nm8jj1bn3q..OR it might be Denver's history when, at the age of 27, he moved from TX to Aspen CO.

[@PriscillaV1964]

Yes, much of Denver's music is from his personal POV. That what he was saying resonated with the listeners gave this song more than a catchy hook.

[@racing2cat]

How I felt at the age of 30 when I moved to CO from FL.

[@rshinde6338]

Im 66 yrs old, came here to learn about the music of younger generations, which I am enjoying immensely. I also get to watch others learn to enjoy the music of my youth 😊.

[@romarobbins270]

Me too 😊

[@kevinlockwood1434]

thought I was special 😉

[@laurahuston2187]

John Denver was so underrated

[@sgholt]

Amen (66)

[@debbieharkness7661]

I'm 69.

[@bamabythebay]

John Denver was a great songwriter. The 70's was a great time to be alive for music. There's a lot to say about him. Country roads,Leaving on a jet plane,Thank God I'm a country boy,Annie's Song, just a couple. You should listen to more of his music. Awesome ❤️

[@goldenballs23]

I was 9 in 1972. You are so right!

[@candicelitrenta8890]

I love Poems, Prayers, and Promises.

[@flawlessbydesign7284]

Leaving on a jet plane, was recorded by the mama's and papa's. Search the collaboration between John and mama Cass?

[@rschiffer]

@@flawlessbydesign7284Peter Paul and Mary also did Leaving on a Jet Plane.

[@judywingo4905]

​@@flawlessbydesign7284also Peter, Paul and Mary

[@RLG-]

"I've seen it rain fire from the sky" refers to a meteor shower he saw while camping. His dad was a respected Air Force pilot who set speed records, he set 6 records in 1 day alone.

[@chelseahaley8350]

YES!!! John Denver was one of my mom's favorite artists! She used to sing his songs all the time when I was growing up! Kind of ironic that u did this cuz the anniversary of losing her to Cancer is on the 28th of this month, and I was gona ask u to react to him! If u do another song by him, please do Annie's song or Poems prayers and promises! He unfortunately is no longer with us...He died in a plane crash in '97!

[@karensilvera6694]

This song was meant to be for you. Sending thoughts......

[@KarriSimone]

Good songs 😊

[@lisadavenport2390]

Guess I could be your mom then bc he was around when I was a teenager - Played his music on my piano 🎹

[@lisadavenport2390]

I loved John Denver - just all American 🇺🇸 guy - played. his songs on piano 🎹 as a young person 🦠💚🏔️🏔️🏔️

[@chelseahaley8350]

@@lisadavenport2390 I was 15 when he died....I was just raised on the most amazing music! 😊

[@gregmccartney5780]

The guy had a pitch perfect heavenly voice. The day he died was so sad.

[@Momspennies2]

His greatest gift to us aside from his music was his love of nature. He was the ultimate conservationist!

[@MrDevintcoleman]

Wildlife Concert is in my top 5 live performances!

[@lorrainemiller688]

Simple pleasures of every kind... love of every kind. Grandma's Feather Bed was so fun!

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

After being a military brat for all of his young life and never having the opportunity to put down roots anywhere, as an adult he moved to and fell completely in love with Colorado. This song is his love letter to the Rocky Mountains ♥️

[@karenking5357]

Standing on top of the Rocky Mountains on top of Pike's Peak, is like being in heaven observing PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTY...SO BEAUTIFUL

[@pbell44]

Annie’s Song is one of his best songs. You’re right about what’s happened here. Denver used to be a beautiful city. Not so much anymore. They’re trying to cram apartments in every spare inch of land while the homeless population continues to grow out of control. It’s sad to watch what’s happening here

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

Homelessness is what happens when corporate rental companies start buying properties. It get to the point where there is no more competition, “because I own everything, I don’t have to compete with anyone”. You can blame it on Bill Clinton, and Newt Gingrich”. Send me a million dollars and I’ll splain it to you;)lol seriously, it’s only because I know things others think are useless information. Here’s a hint, “Teddy Roosevelt’s robber baron legislation, 1901-1909” Happy learning;)lol

[@cynfulwolf1996]

Agreed about Annie’s song I sing it to my fiancee when I want her to know how much I love her and how much she means to me

[@momadogy]

I've read stories about how expensive it is to rent in Denver. Sounds like even professionals (i.e. nurses, teachers, etc) are having it rough in Colorado, since everything's priced for vacation. I live in Ohio, but I've heard/read stuff.

[@pbell44]

@@momadogy I’m from Cincinnati. I moved to CO 7 years ago. It’s truly amazing to watch what’s happening here. A house you can get in Ohio for $175,000-200,000 is no less than $340,000 here for a small houses and over $500,000 for a 3 bedroom. Rent is absurd too.

[@MarkChappell1]

"talk to God and listen to the casual reply" is my favorite line.

[@MelanieAF]

Mine too, for me it encapsulates the personal close relationship with God, not a formal distant one.

[@MarkChappell1]

@@MelanieAF That's a great take. I'm not religious, just the thought though of interpreting something in nature that has meaning to you as God's reply and the way he expresses it hits deeply.

[@TRSEnterprises-mm5ww]

It's my second favorite. "You know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly." 🤌

[@karlweir3198]

Great song great singer

[@GinaJessee]

In addition to being a gifted singer/songwriter, John Denver was a beautiful human. He was an environmental pioneer who walked the walk.

[@angelb-oo7ob]

His voice just wraps your soul in a comfort blanket….hugs and loves from Scotland 🫂🤍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@bkm2797]

Crystal clear vocals, for sure.

[@jorinkema9877]

I was in college, 1970-1974. His album was huge then. In 2020 I started caring for my father until his death this past November at 100. I found John Denver's greatest hits CD in his car. Who knew. He had me play it all the time and we sang to it. John Denver was loved by all ages.

[@destination22ful]

“Coming home to a place he’s never been before” is one of the best lines from a song I’ve ever heard. Great reaction.

[@HidingFromDaylight]

A folk troubadour of the finest order, RIP John

[@karlweir3198]

My wife and i were homeless in a tent Encampment from September 27 to a week and a half ago. Here in Nova Scotia Canada

[@patriciamcelroy3581]

One of the most beautiful voices and songwriters. Makes me cry knowing he’s no longer here.

[@MelissaPalmer-zy5nh]

"Shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby" AWESOME lyrics.

[@deborahcurry1014]

Agreed. I also love the line "talk to God and listen to the casual reply..."

[@normankennith7919]

i used to play this song back to back with rod stewart's, 'mandolin wind', recorded one year earlier!! just like the dobie gray song, 'drift away', you can do just that for 12 to 15 minutes listening to these 3 brilliant tracks!!

[@terri2494]

@@normankennith7919 “Drift Away” is such a great song. His voice and the music soothe your soul, which I guess is the point of the song. I would never have thought to pair that with “Rocky Mountain High” but I can see why you did.

[@normankennith7919]

thank you! i used to be a dj & i was always pairing songs up to retain the mood! a song with a long outro, like 'with or without you' by u2, was always a great example of leading one song into another, something like 'romeo & juliet' by dire straits, as long as the two or three songs had the same theme & vibe!! whether it's doris day, foo fighters, patricia janeckova, opera singer, or miley cyrus, if it's good & appropriate, it's fair game!! 'o fortuna', although basically a classical piece, was great to begin a heavy metal show with, followed by a black sabbath or iron maiden track!! all the best!!!@@terri2494

[@DrivingSA-ot8ds]

He was Henry John Deutschendorf Jr, John Denver was his stage name. Very popular in the country/folk genre, He died when his light homebuilt aircraft, a Rutan Long-EZ , crashed into Monterey Bay near Pacific Grove, California, Songs: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" "Sunshine on My Shoulders" "Annie's Song" "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" "Back Home Again" "Sweet Surrender"

[@BillHunclebuncle]

He bought someone else’s ’home built plane kit’ and he was running out of gas while he was trying to reach the ‘too far to reach’, fuel-transfer-switch and crashed after the engine quit sputtering.

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

He had no pilot license to fly. I wonder why he thought it was ok to fly a plane.

[@BillHunclebuncle]

@@NancyMoran-r3b that’s not the way I heard it.

[@BillHunclebuncle]

@@NancyMoran-r3b ….. why does your user name in the chat say your name is: @user-mo6tz6oh9i and the notification says you’re Nancy Moran?

[@karenking5357]

AND JOHN IS FROM FT WORTH AND WENT TO ARLINGTON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL...(I'M FROM FT WORTH ALSO!!!) I ALSO FELL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO BACK IN 1991 WHEN A FAMILY VACA WAS TO VISIT PIKE'S PEAK....THE BEAUTY WAS LIKE BEING IN HEAVEN

[@KarriSimone]

❤ OMG you are going to love some of his songs... Please do more. You're recognizing the hook because so many Advertisements over the years in Co. I grew up and live in Wyoming and since we had no major city in WY I always had Denver's major channels so I can say that song was in some advertising 😂.❤❤❤❤PLZ react to " THANK GOD I'M A COUNTRY BOY" by John Denver You will get a smile 😁 or two.

[@rolling1863]

I was driving an 18 wheeler west bound on I -70. I just got into Colorado and the sun was coming up behind me. I could make out the Rockies up ahead and this song came on the radio. The tears were flowing, incredibly emotional and spiritual

[@JDogg1971]

Great reaction! John Denver passed while piloting a glider, unfortunately. I think you would like “Sunshine on my Shoulders”. Another simple, beautiful song that just makes you feel happy listening to it. Again, great reaction and thanks for the share! 🤓🤠👊🏼

[@lilamuzik3385]

He fell in love with the mountains and the beauty of nature. His voice is so pure.

[@nickwalters5380]

John Denver's songs epitomise what I thought about America when I was growing up in the 70's. Full of wisdom, beauty and wonder. Sadly I've now grown up and the reality doesn't quite match up.

[@karleen74]

Ditto

[@Ray_____]

The United States WOULD have been all that had the powers that were not INFESTED the country early on. Now the powers that be have allowed the infestation to flourish when it had all the power in the world to STOP it decades ago. Enjoy decoding this, yt wouldn't allow it to be stated any other way. Will THIS even see the light of day?

[@travisboyle285]

Well said

[@mentalwedgee]

As a musician and a lyricist you will appreciate "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" and "This old guitar."

[@ravenwillowhart4501]

Someone else may have already mentioned this, but John Denver was the Poet Laureate of Colorado. He has some absolutely amazing songs. When I tried living in Pennsylvania years ago, it was this song that got me through my darkest moments. The day he died it seemed like the entire state, from the mountains to the birds, cougars, trees, and the people mourned.

[@impudentdomain]

One of the cleanest and best male voices in popular music history.

[@Uriahjw]

The fire in the sky he is referring to is the Metor showers that you can see if your way away from the city lights. It's truly beautiful, especially if you're near a lake and catch the reflection in the water. He was really upset at the Aspen area. The California elite come to the Aspen town, which is why everything there is so expensive.

[@douglassnyder214]

I lived west of Evergreen for 3 years, and gained a new respect for this song. The lyrics are poetic and profound. At night, my back yard had close to zero light pollution, and on a night with a new moon I could walk outside and see more stars than I ever conceived a human could see. You could witness the entire splash of the milky way spread across the sky with trillions of stars, and they seemed just out of reach. And if you pay attention and have patience, you could see meteors flash across the night sky nearly every night. It's a humbling and undeniably spiritual experience to realize how small we really are, and how big creation really is. For all our progress, it's really sad that most people don't get to see what was a fundamental part of all of our ancestors' common experience up to about 80 years ago. I remember once stepping outside for a smoke on a nearly pitch black cloudy night with zero visibility. I stood between my cars, lit my cigarette, and paused to take in the night. I realized there were elk all around me. There was a herd of about 60 elk that migrated through our neighborhood twice every year, and in the spring they were coming up the mountain. I could hear their feet crunching on the snow as they slowly walked. I could hear them breathing. When my eyes adjusted, I could see the line between the mountains and the sky, and I could see antlers moving; silhouetted against the night clouds just feet from me. I just stood as still as possible for about 30-40 minutes till I got too cold and had to go in. But, I felt privileged to have experienced that. I was agnostic before I moved to Colorado, but how could you not believe in something greater than us once you witness such things? What a profound and unappreciated loss we have all suffered that our modern world has removed such things from our daily lives. "He'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly." "talk to God and listen to the casual reply" "Shadows from the starlight softer than a lullaby" "I've seen it raining fire from the sky". Beautiful words, beautiful song from someone changed by the experience; someone who almost touched the sky.

[@jacqueline4514]

What a beautiful comment

[@zoniekat]

Amen. That was beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes. I live in the desert. Same destruction and scars upon the land happening here. Houses encroaching and burying the mountain sides up.

[@KimberlyEichler]

Sunshine on my Shoulders by John Denver is a must hear

[@GeekyChickInGlasses]

He had such a beautiful and pure voice. He was such a good soul.

[@karenanderson6323]

He was taken to court over this song. They argued he was promoting "getting high" with pot! lol He was a great environmentalist and conservation fella. There is still a foundation for conservation up and running. He started it! SWEET!

[@jimglenn6972]

He was also talking about pot.

[@HabaneroTi]

Gotta wonder about the mental state of the nimrods who sue over such things, especially given many of the more popular songs of the 60's by groups like the Beatles, Byrds, Doors and Jefferson Airplane. Same people who claim to love them their constitution.

[@jannasomewhere2889]

"Taken to court" on what legal basis? People can object to what they perceive as a drug reference in a song, but how does this lead to the performer being taken to court? afaik such lyrics wouldn't run afoul of public indecency laws. Or are you thinking of Denver testifying at the PMRC hearings in 1985 (something like 13 years after Rocky Mountain High came out)?

[@karenanderson6323]

@@jannasomewhere2889 I don’t know. I just remember watching it on a clip of something somewhere. I remember him talking about it.

[@debprobasco7647]

@@jannasomewhere2889 I think she might be referring to when he testified before congress along with Dee Snyder and Frank Zappa in the 80's - about censorship

[@gypsy2112]

The Eagle and the Hawk, Calypso and Annie's Song... ALL awesome songs to check out 💖

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

He actually became so popular that he had his own variety show there for a little while. Had a lot of really great guests. And of course his music.... And he was the main character in the movie oh God!. Rip John and George Burns

[@karleen74]

I loved them both in that movie! Now I have to go find it on DVD

[@samanthagerke5080]

I always loved how much of an ecology warrior he was. He was staunchly supportive of taking care of the Earth. He also wrote a song called “Calypso” that you might enjoy; it was written as a nod to Jacques (j-AH-k) Cousteau (COO-stow) and the work he did researching the ocean. I’m a sucker for “Annie’s Song” because 1) it was my aunt and uncle’s song when they got married (they’re still together) but also 2) it’s just this beautifully poetic love song and when I hear it I wanna dance with my husband. We’ve been happily annoying one another for 26 years, and were buds for a few years before that even. As a parent, I recommend “For Baby (For Bobby)”. It was one of the more traditional things I sang as a lullaby for my son. (Being that we’re all quirky music nerds, he also got some of what I heard like Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” or the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” or Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans”. These were her options because they were what she could play on her wooden flute or her acoustic guitar.) If you enjoy Mama Cass (from Mamas and the Papas) then she did a duet with John for “Leaving on a Jet Plane” as a performance where they were encouraging folks to get out and vote. Sorry about the long note, I just have strong and fond memories of this man and singing. He even did a duet with Kermit the Frog that I saw a few times and it just makes me so darn happy!

[@ralpholson7616]

Annie's Song and Take Me Home Country Road are musts.

[@nancygodsey8312]

And, also, Thank God I'm a country boy. He always wrote great lyrics.

[@KRAMPUS_420]

This is what I grew up on. My dad was a huge John Denver fan. There has only been 2 times when a "celebrity" passed that I shed tears. John being one, Freddie Mercury being the other. John's sounds take me back to the simpler times of childhood. Today, when my anxiety acts up, I pop on some of his songs and it calms me.

[@montananana2869]

We are seeing that in Montana. Places that we could go and not see a soul are now crowded with people who cannot respect what we had. It is heartbreaking. John Denver was an AF Brat. Such an incredible musician! When we settled in Montana after my father retired from the AF this is one of the songs that always runs through my mind as I walk mountain trails.

[@kellyfitzpatrick8857]

John Denver was big back in the 70s. His music was mostly folk/country crossover. I loved his music. The "I've seen fire in the sky" lyric in Rocky Mountain High was from when he saw the Perseid Meteor Shower at the Great Sand Dunes. He is alternately given "credit" or "scorn" for bringing people into Colorado. I grew up in Colorado when it was a nice place to live. I remember when Boulder was just a funky little college town. I remember being able to spend a day up in Evergreen, Manitou Springs, Idaho Springs or Estes Park without feeling like I was in a crowded mall. Once they started building mansions up at Genesee and Lookout Mountain in the mid-to-late 1990s, I saw the writing on the wall. They don't call Denver "LA in the Rockies" for nothing. I couldn't take it any more and I moved out of the state in 2018. I now live somewhere with wide open spaces, no skyscrapers, uncrowded mountain hiking trails and within a small community. No regrets...

[@jamesstrickland517]

Totally agree I too, moved out in 2018 but due to medical needs must stay close to a V.A. hospital so only went as far as Cheyenne but as I grew up in Greeley I didn't go far from home.

[@gildahattabaugh4342]

I'm 70 and a huge John Denver fan. I went to several of his live concerts. He'd sell out huge arenas. I'd stand in line for 8 hours to get limited number of tickets, in the cold and rain. He was considered a folk singer. Pop, folk rock, nor country would claim him. He didn't need them. He had the fans!!! Rocky Mountian High was written due to him, his wife and friends climbed up a mountain to watch an array of falling stars. He was a nature lover. I still listen to his music every week! He was amazing!!! He died while piloting an experimental airplane! He was an excellent pilot and owned the plane.

[@friendlyNemesis]

I know just what you are talking about (Colo - Denver). I lived in Longmont, then Frederick (east of Longmont about 40 miles). Worked in Boulder. Lived there for 16 years, then moved back to UT in 2001. My sister has moved back to Denver and I still have family and friends there (the Springs and in Pagosa, as well). The country is beautiful, but things are crazy now. What's insane, is UT is not far behind - for real. Glad you were able to react to John Denver though - he really is iconic. 'Take Me Home' is the one everyone seems to know and will sing along. You should check that one out. Love your channel -

[@pastorofmuppets13]

Doesn't matter what genre you primarily listen to, there is no denying how beautiful and soul soothing John Denver's voice and lyrics are. So happy for the reaction community or he might have been one of those phenomenal artists that faded into obscurity. During the 70's and early 80's, he was EVERYWHERE!

[@gixxerclay7349]

No autotune on that voice either.

[@SusanGordon-bf2cg]

Auto-tuned in utero

[@lsmith992]

The whole song shouts of a different time. Security. Beautiful places. Soft warm houses and people and children. Again. Security and safety.

[@kencurtis2403]

The liberals have ruined it.

[@dennisschank7748]

John Denver is the reason I play guitar. I was 12 years old when this song came out in 1972. It kick started my interest in playing. I play many styles of music in my shows but always have a list of John Denver songs at the ready whenever someone inevitably calls for one.

[@LindaSmith-r2f]

Anyone who has stood at the top of a mountain ridge in Colorado, a week away from anyone, out of breath and slightly chilly, on bear look out, laughing, has known the Rocky Mountain High. I was lucky enough to be in Colorado Springs, in the height of John Denver's popularity. And, even then there were places in Denver you didn't go.

[@jamescox9427]

John Denver got his big break when the folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary recorded his song "Leaving on a Jet Plane". After that went big, he was in demand. Another fun song of his is "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".

[@lisadavenport2390]

John Denver was amazing - Loved him

[@zoneie2]

Poems, prayers, and promises. Is a must.

[@sharir1679]

It was a sad day and an end of great music when he died.

[@jprph1]

When I was in seventh grade… Annie’s song came out. My homeroom teacher… Sister Susan… Was a huge HUGE John Denver fan. She was also an accomplished guitarist… And because of her… And John Denver… I decided to learn to play guitar. When John visited my hometown in Erie… For a concert in the round… I wasn’t able to go. And he died soon after. Sister Susan… Was such a huge John Denver fan that people sent her sympathy cards when he died. One of the biggest regrets of my life, not being able to see him in concert. Among my favorites of his are… Grandma‘s featherbed, Matthew… I still miss John till the day. Please dive into the John Denver rabbit hole.

[@lynettenasseri753]

This song was a hit when I was in school in Colorado near the Rockies in the early 1970's. That was our song. What a wonderful time it was then just hanging out with friends, driving up to the nearby mountains near where I lived to explore and living in the moment. No bumper to bumper traffic up I-70, no crowds and no crime or druggies. And no one was preoccupied with phones or computers.

[@jeffreykeith6494]

You hit that Denver nail on the head. I was there in 82-83. Big difference. I won't go back.

[@tracynolan7135]

He was flying over the Pacific Ocean in his Ultralight & crashed into the Ocean off of Monterey, California. He was 53 & an awesome singer. He was also in the movie Oh God.

[@PJAC1]

John Denver's music is certainly the sound of my young years!! My older sister was obsessed with John Denver. I'm pretty sure I know just about all his songs! Lol!! He certainly was a talented man and came along at the exact right moment in time!! Enjoy, BP!!

[@marythacker4802]

RIP John Denver. His songs always make me happy. ❤

[@ericfaulkner7751]

John was an incredible singer/songwriter. For where you are in your life right now, I truly hope you listen to his song Poems, Prayers and Promises. I think the lyrics of that one will really resonate with you.

[@julieCA58]

Song of my soul. I play his Season Suite at the change of every season. I think of him as more folk than country. His Christmas album is fantastic.

[@KarlaElaine100]

Rock n Roll, Pop, Disco, Motown, etc we’re popular in the 70’s. John Denver was singing “folk” music. That was not a big genre back then. John Denver’s music was wholesome, relaxing. I still listen to his songs.

[@remlecat8511]

Every day in the cd player in my car

[@susansabatka5318]

When I grew up in the 70's Estes Park wasn't a tourist destination. We went to the mountains every weekend.

[@StellaJean1000]

You are exactly right. John Denver predicted it. In the 70s it was pristine. It’s ALL scars upon the land- rich people destroying the beauty of nature. Yes, it’s a classic… has been FOREVER.

[@Urugami45]

John Denver has such a huge library of great songs, you won't be disappointed going down his rabbit hole. A couple of my favorites of his that I haven't seen mentioned are "Back Home Again", and "Calypso". Even if you don't react to them, you should listen.

[@alt7244]

As mentioned, calypso is the song. When you hear this, your spirit soars. His love of life and adventure is contagious. You are on the ship. The song im sorry is an experience everyone who f'ed up a relationship has felt. And you feel it. The miracle of john Denver

[@joyleneforsyth]

Since it seemed to be an anthem for Colorado so you probably have heard it. It was different in the 70’s. Makes me homesick. He watched a meteor shower and that was fire in the sky

[@lianabaddley8217]

That's what I was looking for! He went up camping with his wife and another couple. To watch the Persoid Meteor Shower. He was always unbelievably descriptive. Living in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming. People never believe that the pictures and videos do not do the views justice. The mountains are higher and bigger than you can imagine. The colors are just more. When you get a Dark Sky, especially somewhere high. You can see the whole night sky.

[@ruthhibbett595]

Love John Denver. Wish he was still with us

[@donnaewe3692]

BP ure really starting to hone in on the lost highway leading you straight to the heart of country music! & I'm here for it! John Denver laid his soul out on paper & rode to heaven on the wings of an eagle. Thank you, BP! Next JD, "Annie's Song", "Country Roads", & "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" (live version from March 22, 1977 with his 6 million dollar band ;-))

[@abevillanueva1974]

John is one of America's greatest story teller/song writers ever! Sadly, passed away in a plane crash. His song "Take Me Home"...is another classic still being played at college footbal games; especially in West Virginia. "Calypso" is my favorite. And, if you get a chance watch the movie "Oh God" back in 1980 or so. GREAT movie. His story...just another example of the greatest decade of music...1970s!! IMUA John!

[@howiedavis2316]

I was injured in the military and spent almost a year in what was Fitzsimons Army medical Center, Aurora. I miss Colorado, and love John Denver, Thanks for the memories @blackpegasus I hope something good is still there.

[@2Cambourne]

A self portrait of John Denver. When at the age 27 he first arrived in the state of Colorado. And saw the Rocky Mountains for the first time. When he witnesses all the beauty that nature surrounded him with. And how the lightening lit up the sky as though the mountain tops were on fire. What a beautiful picture he has painted when describing natures playground. The beautiful poetry he has set into song. He was one of the great singer/songwriters ever. Rest in Peace John Denver. For you are truly missed.

[@deborahcurry1014]

This is my favorite of the MANY John Denver songs I love. His voice is so crystal clear. The way he strums the guitar, his amazing lyrics. This song gives me chills today just like it did the first time I heard it in 1972 at the age of 11. Much love from Maine and keep doin what ya do ❤

[@lorihutcheon5363]

I’m from upstate NY and my daughter had just graduated from college then the pandemic hit! She decided it was a good time to take a break and checkout Colorado. Four years later she’s Rocky Mountain High in Steamboat Springs. We’re used to winter but she says it’s like living in a beautiful snow globe! As for John Denver, I had the pleasure of growing up with 70’s music…enough said❣️🎶 Keep an eye out for my baby girl BP🙏💝

[@Jsshifan]

Loved John Denver! He was born here in New Mexico! Roswell!

[@cog4life]

He was somethin’ else! A wonderful story teller and song writer. Gone way too soon. Annie’s Song is another great one. “I’m Sorry” another great. He was a fan of just being out in nature, flying, and enjoying being alive. Sad he left us so early. 😢❤Sunshine On My Shoulders is so, so beautiful. ❤

[@1funbeachbum2]

He died doing one of the things he love in life. Flying high in his air plane. I just want to know when John got to Heaven did he say "Oh God" your not George Burns. I loved his acting in the movie Oh God.

[@micheleosullivan4430]

My grandparents loved his music! I grew up hearing John Denver because I spent so much time at their house. I love most genres of music, but some things remind me of special people. :)

[@smitty60-su2xf]

Proud to be an American and a Colorado native.......hangin out in the steel city..

[@keelsmac01]

Man this song…I can’t explain it. Miss you so much John.

[@alt7244]

His trip to the rockies changed his life. He dedicated his life to ecology after this. This song is the story of his new life. He found the key to every door. Raining fire in the sky was a meteor storm. Trying to understand the serenity of a clear mountaun lake. The lyrics are amazing. All his songs tell a story.

[@michelemrich1598]

You can tell from the number of positive comments how much this man was and still is loved. He wrote the most beautiful lyrics. I have been a JD fan for over 50 years. I was privileged to actually meet him in 1995 and present him with a leather guitar strap my husband made for him. He was very gracious. Wish some people would listen to some of his less popular songs also. He was a environmentalist. Go to Aspen and see his memorial that has rocks with the lyrics of his songs on them. He wasn’t perfect(none of us are) but he was close. Miss him so much.. can’t imagine what songs he would be writing now!😢

[@RobSmith-mv6rz]

"seeking grace in every step he takes" ..this gets me every time....

[@childlessdoggentleman746]

John Denver has a wonderful song list. Being stationed in West Virginia for 4 years, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" the unofficial State song of West Virginia is my favorite.

[@guystephens2881]

R.I. P. John thank you for everything you have done.

[@southrnlvingsc]

JD is one of my all-time favorite artists. He was in a league of his own. So many of his songs are on the soundtrack of my life. He's my go to when I want to feel good...or just feel period. This song is particularly special, as it accompanied me on my 3-day long cross-country journey when I moved from the east coast to the west coast to pursue bigger and better things back in the day. It was beauty, hope and possibility in song form and perfect for the way I was feeling. Every time I hear it I'm reminded of that pivotal trip and it gives me the feelz.

[@genesmith6512]

"You know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly." So true. Never been to Colorado but I have seen an eagle fly. I am richer for it.

[@carlaharrington5120]

I have lived in the PacNW for most of my life. I have withdrawals if I don't see an eagle on a regular basis. The are the most awe inspiring sights you'll ever see.

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

One of my all time fave song lyrics - that line and “does anyone know where the love of god goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours” from Lightfoot’s “wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Also love the beauty and simplicity of “when I find myself in times of trouble mother Mary comes to me speaking words of wisdom let it be” - everyone knows Paul’s mother, who died when he was still a kid, was named Mary and that the song was inspired by a dream he had about her, but I love the play on his own mother’s name and the “Mother Mary” of Christianity. All beautiful songs!

[@carlaemerson1195]

Thank you very much❤ made me cry like a big baby because he's gone now. RIP John

[@secolerice]

I found John Denver when I was 13 in 1970. His music is what I sorely needed. Throughout my teen years and early adulthood, he was my spiritual guru. He loved the Rocky Mountains as much as I do. He was a military kid as I was and when we were in other parts of the country and I was missing home, he helped me through it with his music. My husband was the one who introduced me to his music when we were teens. I have seen John in concert twice, the last time at a small venue where he asked us to sing with him. I had always dreamed of singing with him; I was a choir kid daydreaming beyond my abilities. It was so meaningful for me. We were driving in the backcountry the day we heard that John had died. We were so devastated. I felt like I has lost a best friend. Since we live in the Denver area, we were able to go to his memorial service in Denver. We were in the overflow building but it was still good to be with others who loved him so much. I still have a hard time listening to his music because I end up crying. But I think it is what I need right now in my life. I love all of his music, but one that encompasses so much for me is “The Wings That Fly Us Home” off the Spirit album. Also, “Back Home Again”, “I’d Rather Be A Cowboy”, “I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado”, “The Wrangel Mountain Song”, “All This Joy”, “Sing Australia”. There are so many. You can’t go wrong with any of them. FYI, we did not have music videos back then. This was put together from some footage from something else. That is why the audio version has so many views.

[@ruthhibbett595]

He sounded exactly the same live as on he’s albums

[@Benice337]

There’s a plaque honoring John Denver in pacific grove California where his plane went down in the bay😢. I go there once a year not far from where I live. I loved his music ❤

[@maryshaw5578]

Great singer, great songwriter! One of his sweetest love songs is " For You," written by him. He also wrote one of the saddest breakup songs, "Seasons of the Heart."

[@barb0526]

I love your subtle jab at the left.

[@lovestreet2675]

Thank you for your honesty! As crazy as we thought things were in the 60s & 70s, it was so much better than today. Hey, check out John Denver's Eagle and the Hawk, Annie's Song he wrote for his wife, I mean ANY John Denver song! He passed in a glider accident he had built. So sad, but his voice and lyrics live forever.

[@goosebump801]

“Eagle and the Hawk” is my favorite JD song! There are so many great ones 👍👍💐