British guitarist analyses John Denver's vocal AND song writing quality 

My family saw John Denver in concert. He and the band played for about an hour; then he dismissed the band and he was alone with his guitar for almost another hour. Then the band returned for another 45 minutes or so. A three hour show. Hearing an entire basketball arena SOFTLY singing Annie’s Song brought chills. He was the greatest.

I was 16 and my girl friend was 15; she was crazy about John. Her mom said she couldn't go to his upcoming concert unless someone 16 went with her..... Well, I went as a casual listener, since that concert in 1974 (!!) I have been an ardent fan. He was fantastic, no opening act, no nonsense, simply two solid hours of beautiful vocals and excellent songs. He was engaging with the audience, made jokes and everyone had a great experience. Such a shame he passed away.

John Denver was like liquid sunshine, all of him, it simply flowed out of him and into the person listening to him, enveloping a person's heart and soul. One of God's gifts to humanity. Absolutely beautiful.

I listened to the Peter, Paul, and Mary version of this song for many years and I could never figure out its meaning. Why was this woman so sad about leaving her boyfriend? Then I heard John Denver explain that it was originally written for a male singer who is saying good bye as he leaves for his tour of duty in Vietnam, not knowing if he would be coming back to her. The song finally made sense to me. Thanks, Fil.

Thanks for giving John some love. Instead of focusing on his talent, many critics of that time chose to make fun of his clean cut image. "Calypso" is my favorite track of his. He was grossly underappreciated.

A friend of mine met John Denver in Aspen Colorado. She was walking her dog in the park and he happened to be in the park also. They sat on a park bench and talked for two hours. She said he was the most down to earth person she’s ever met. I love his music and I was sad the day he died

I loved to listen to his albums as a child. His kind, gentle voice was a comfort during my parent's divorce. Years later, his plane went down on my 30th birthday and I was devastated. I've never gotten emotional over movie stars, etc., but I cried when I heard the news. It was like I had lost a life long best friend. A few days later, my birthday present from my husband was delivered. He had ordered John Denver's double CD the week before, as a surprise. I played both CD's and just layed on the couch and cried. Now, when this cold, divisive world gets to be too much, I'll listen to his music and it rejuvenates my soul. Thanks, John, for everything. ❤

Few singers surpass what they create in the studio, John Denver was one of those few.

His voice was pure and he wrote some of the most beautiful lyrics ever

I love it when you smile during the performance.

John Denver's death is one that I still mourn. Such a loss.

John’s voice is warm as honey. Comforting, wholesome, and healing in tone. Thank you, John; and thank you, Fil, for your respectful analysis.

John Denver was so amazing. That voice will brighten anyone's day!

I always loved John Denver. I so agree with your comments about the uniqueness of his voice. There's never been anyone who sounded or can sing like John Denver. The songs he wrote were just so heartfelt and always brought out those feelings that we often hide away inside us all. What a loss it was when his life ended tragically. His songs are the kinds of songs where you just want to sit in the dark under the night skies and just let his voice take you away. Miss you Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.

John Denver is another great talent that was taken from us way too soon. I loved his voice and his style. It makes me sad to think of how many songs were undoubtedly still inside him that we will never hear.

I saw John in 1983 in a small 4K Arena, and being a country farm boy, he touched my heart and soul. Take me home country roads was an anthem to me as I was in 8 th grade when it came out.

Always loved John Denver. That dude had it all, songwriting, voice, awesome guitar player! This song always made me sad, especially with the haunting irony of his death. R.I.P. John Denver, you're awesome!!

He gets many accolades for his writing and singing and well deserved. I rarely see him recognized for his playing. He was stellar on the 12-string, a master of the instrument. His concerts were the most wonderful I’ve been to and I saw him in concert so many times I lost track.

John was a brilliant singer/songwriter, we lost him far too soon. His lyrics told wonderful stories, his voice was pure and melodic, and his passion came through in every performance. He certainly left an amazing legacy of music that I still enjoy to this day. Thanks Fil for bringing back great memories.

Annie’s Song is one of the few songs that always makes me cry. The words are just lovely and he sang them so beautifully.

The mark of a good musician is liking all forms of music. Fil, you are a good musician. Keep up the good work.

He was so unique, the music industry did not know what to do with him or how to categorize him. It was really sad, because he was not recognized enough, and we lost him far too soon.

I saw John in concert at an outside amphitheater in the evening....the stars overhead. It was absolutely beautiful. His voice just soared into the heavens. It was magical. RIP John

I'm midddle aged now and Johnn Denver was the first great musical love of my life. I have 6 siblings and music loving parents who all like different types of music, but one of the things that we have all always been able to agree on is that we all love John Denver. It's made me sad to think he might be being forgotten. This video makes me particularly happy because a music professional is pointing out things I have always thought, but don't hear people say. Thank you for appreciating and encouraging others to appreciate the skill that he actually had.

With apologies to Don McLean, the music died with John Denver. I cried that day and still get choked up just writing this note. The thing, for me, that made John so great, was not just his voice, or the lyrics, or the guitar playing, but his never failing ability to touch all our hearts with a somehow familiar memory of feelings and emotions we have all experienced in this life's journey.

The only thing I can add to the excellent comments here, is that, in my opinion, John's songs fell into category of the "high lonesome" musical sound. John's songs could tug at your heart and take you on a journey, like other great singer-songwriters, if not more. He was in a class by himself.

John never let vocal stunts overshadow the song. His sincerity, clarity & lyricism could turn even the simplest song into at least something fun (Thank God I'm a Country Boy), & frequently moving to the point of chills (Annie's Song). One of those artists you can listen to on repeat & never tire of it.

I’m not a musician and don’t know much about the technical aspects of this creative artistry. I simply love music and am fascinated by watching guitarists play and sing. I am learning a lot from your videos. What I love about you is the way you seem to derive the same innocent joy and love of great music yet you are are able to dig deep into the production and teach us. Thank you so much. You are a treasure.

Fil - you nailed it with this analysis. John Denver's vibrato control is just so smooth and in such good control while controlled with his impressive figer style guitar playing. He makes it look easy. It's NOT.

A voice as clear as the mountain streams he loved so much. Annie’s song.......is it one of the most beautiful songs ever written? Quite possibly John loved to go in to the mountains and some of his best songs came to him as he was at peace with nature. Wonderful. Truly

As a former singer, I’ve always considered him a “singer’s singer.” His pure, beautiful tenor can soar at times, and nowhere more so than his song “Annie’s Song,” which is not only vocally beautiful, but lovely poetry. I believe every word and note he hits. I also feel a bit of kinship with him because, while he was older than I, our father’s were both stationed at the same Air Force Base in Texas at the same time. Thanks again, Fil.

Went to a concert of his in 1974. He was fantastic. 2 1/2 hours non stop. The band took about a 20 minute break, but John stayed onstage and just like this played guitar and sang. Was absolutely beautiful.

John wrote another beautiful song called "This Old Guitar" that any musician can relate to. Thanks Fil.

Taken from us way too soon. A voice like no other. Didn’t need a band to back him up. Man could do it all on his own. Respect ✊

I don’t cry about celebrities...I cried when he died...clung to his music as a teenager and you know teenagers...I loved him....I grew up but the love for his voice and songs stayed ...I’m tearing up now :(

😢 ♥ I love John so much. One of the clearest most beautiful male voices I've ever heard in my life. Didnt need any backing, no special effects, nothing. What breaks my heart is that I won tickets to his concert at Red Rocks in Colorado in the 90s, but was unable to go because I couldn't afford the trip there. Thank you for highlighting this amazing artist ♥ Also hurts my heart that he was snubbed at those country music awards due to not being country enough, and he was such a sweet soul. Annie's song is one of the most beautiful love songs of all time, in spite of the reason he wrote it. It tears my heart out every single time! Btw he was just genuine and sweet in the movie 'Oh God' with George Burns, without any acting training he did a great job.

Whenever I hear John's music, I think of snow, a cabin in the woods, eagles in flight, sailing the seas and anything having to do with nature and the outdoors. We used to listen to his music as we headed up to Stevens Pass for a day of downhill skiing. Brilliant analysis of a brilliant artist BY a brilliant artist! Thanx Fil!

Fil, yours are far and away the best music performance analysis videos on RU-vid. Or anywhere for that matter. There is not even a close second.

You are spot on about his voice control. His voice is mesmerizing. I was a teen and young 20s when John was here. Absolutely was in love with him. I was devastated when he died so young. He was so special. His music was incredible. I still listen to him. Still miss him. Still love him.

Oh John Denver how we miss you and that beautiful music. Another talented singer/songwriter who left us far too early.

I love that you cover so many genres. Classic John Denver had that velvet sweet voice. This song reminds me when my USA boyfriend was leaving to go home to the US. It still makes me cry. The good news is that he did come back and we have been married for 45 yrs. 😘😘😘again thank you for all the amazing videos you cover. You are the best. We lost John way too soon.

It sounds goofy, but one of my favorites is John Denver and the Muppets Christmas show. He does a duet with Rolf and it is fantastic!

I wish we still had Mr. Denver. If I could bring back 1 legend, it would have to be him. He was the most beautiful and bold voice in music that I can remember. He was so much more than a singer though. John lived his life on a mission to better serve the human race. He was the all American boy. It's sad to see that his life isn't celebrated as much as other great musicians that left us too early. He's just my all time favorite, but even my dad born in the year 1960 doesn't see what was so special about him. It's so strange. I see John as the biggest underdog in the music hall of fame.

John's pure ringing tenor was taken from us way to soon. He even did a duet once with Karen Carpenter on a tv special. I would have loved to have more of those two voices together. I have not seen anyone doing reactions to my other all time favorite singer, Anne Murray. She started out labeled as a country artist then enjoyed great success as a crossover performer. I think of her as a singer. She sang songs that you loved to hear over and over again. I hope that you or someone else shares some of her music with us.

I had a chance to meet John after his concert in Ceritos, CA in May of 1997. I was doing graduate work in southern California and had the chance to go back stage after the concert.... 5 short months later, he was gone... Fil, it would be great if you did another analysis of John on the 12 string.... maybe his rendition of the "Bells of Rymney"....or the dynamic "The Eagle and the Hawk"....just sayin'. Thanks so much for your channel, it is captivating...

One of the greatest voices in the history of voicedom

His performances were so clear and crisp. And audiences sat in awe when he sang.

No one lifts me like John. You can tell he loved life.

This old guitar taught me to sing a love song It showed me how to laugh and how to cry It introduced me to some friends of mine And brightened up some days It helped me make it through some lonely nights Oh, what a friend to have on a cold and lonely night This old guitar gave me my lovely lady It opened up her eyes and ears to me It brought us close together And I guess it broke her heart It opened up the space for us to be What a lovely place and a lovely space to be This old guitar gave me my life, my living All the things you know I love to do To serenade the stars that shine From a sunny mountainside And most of all to sing my songs for you I love to sing my songs for you Yes, I do, you know I love to sing my songs for you Songwriters: John Denver This Old Guitar lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Reservoir One Music

John is the perfect example of a truly God given talent. He was amazing. He sings his songs so authentically that he transfers so much of his emotion to the listener. That one can bring tears to the eyes. Thanks Fil. Great vid with great analysis. Keep up the good work.

This was a beautiful, respectful analysis of one our histories most beautiful talented compassionate Souls. I am so thankful that you can appreciate the skills and talent of an older generation. I was soooo afraid you were going to trash him. I still miss his presence... he is incomparable and irreplaceable. Thank you for an enjoyable breakdown of this wonderful mans music. Bless you.

John Denver really did have the lot as a musician. Excellent song writer, brilliant lyrics, very skilled guitarist and an incredible voice. He was fabulous.

John's Rocky Mountain High came out as I entered my teens. That song inspired awe and wonder and just made me feel good. He really was one of the best. I live in Colorado now, and can honestly say that to this day when i look out at the mountains that song plays in my mind, i smile and think of that song as my own story.

I love how Fil bobs his head and subtly emotes while he is listening to the song. He feels every note.

You have the best analysis video's but I have to say your smile rocks!

John was a genius and I am still grieving him. I am crying right now! Hahhah God bless him. John was the first artist I was crazy about. Like proper bananas. I was about 6 I guess. I came from a really music loving family. I had hippie cousins who got me into Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell. My dad loved the cowboys like Marty Robbins. My mom played piano for church and listened to Mills Bros and Sam Cooke. But we all loved John Denver. And he quickly became very important to me as my fav musician among many many many in my home. I soon enough found my own favs too from watch wokfman jack and the midnight special. John got overshadowed a bit when I learned about Rod Stewart. With some like ain't love a bitch and hot legs it was all my mother could do to keep me saved and I know she really wished I was still in love with John? Anyway John still has a huge place in my heart. And in a curious turn of events my dad passed away in 1996. My mom moved to Texas and I went with her. The morning we got to my grandparents house after two days driving, I woke up and my mom carefully told me about his plane crash. I couldn't function for hours. Thanks so much for posting this. Another tidbit about this particular song is that my dad traveled for his work and for a time I had a very hard time when he was gone. He used to play me that song when he left. So anyway rambling now. So many memories. I'm happysad now.

John Denver was great musician and song writer. I remember as a kid in the 1970s there was a lot making fun of John, Mr clean, Mr folk, but the ones who did that were untalented knobs like most of the 1970s crap bands and pop stars. He was himself. He sold millions because the audience knew he wasn't fake and he spoke to them. God bless John Denver.

I was dragged against my will to a John Denver concert in about 1980 in my high school years. I was into Kiss, Rush, Zeppelin, Floyd, etc., and HATED everything else. John was in the round for about 2 hours, all alone. By the end of the second song I was aware I was in a room with greatness. True greatness. I've seen the Stones, Dead, Rush, Seger, Hooker, BB King, Albert King, SRV and the list goes on. John Denver is on par with all of them, objectively. Taste is another matter entirely, of course. But this man was highly gifted.

What always impressed me about John's singing is how, even in softer passages, there was power and projection - AND massive breath. No matter how much he projected and held a note (for a long time) the potency of the tone of his voice never waned. You never heard him exhaust his breath at the end of the note; vibrato or no. And even connecting the next line to the previous without taking a breath - and then holding a note out at the end.

His voice takes you to another place. A true artist that is dearly missed. I loved seeing him on the Muppets, he always had fun with them! RIP 💜 He amd Mama Cass did a duet of this song that's amazing as well!!

He was a symbol for so much....peace, love, joy. Man we need a guy like him again.

Such a pure voice silenced way to young.

Never met John Denver but his voice and mannerisms. His way of speaking so softly but with an earnest conviction tells me that he was a very nice guy and a decent human being. Its a shame we lost him too soon but he loved to fly,and you should never suppress what you love.

John Denver made everything he did sound effortless. It's nice to see his music being rediscovered and getting the respect it deserves.

Thank you for bringing John to your show. Impeccable player, singer and song writer his voice was so pure. So clear. There will never be another john Denver. And just so you know I like all music from metal to country. Good music is good music. Period.

Great video! When I was studying voice (35 years ago) I found so many opera people with a secret stash of John Denver albums. He was the opera singer's guilty pleasure. :) Cheers.

John Denver, what can one say? I’m in love! He was a beautiful man inside and out He looked like he was made of gold🌟Shiney gold! Sooo gifted too Wow

How 34 people could give this a “thumbs down,” I’ll never know. John Denver is one of the best guitarists, Singer/songwriters ever. I have always enjoyed his music. Thank you for a wonderful critique of his work. I love your reviews!

When John died, he had such an impact on people he interacted with, even his ex wives were devastated. He was not perfect, and had his faults, but generally was into the environment and his loved ones, kids, fans, etc. hHe also had a song, Calypso, dedicated to Jacques Cousteau and saving the sea and marine life. That song is typically awesome.

John Denver had so many beautiful, uplifting, gloriously written songs that are a joy to listen to!!... It's a cruel fact that so many of the most talented artists are taken from us way too soon!!.. you wonder if their lives had continued on how their art would have changed our world in so many ways...thanks Fil!...✌❤🤘

I saw John Denver in concert twice; once was THIS acoustic tour that he did (started in Australia and ended up over here in the U.S.) and let me tell you it was truly spell-binding. Just him & two guitars, one six string and one twelve string. I think his unique voice blended so well with guitar, the tone and vibrato of his voice melting into the vibrations of the guitar strings that worked so well for him. The last time I saw him was with a full band and he was still fantastic but this totally acoustic concert still lives on in my memory as truly a magical experience.

There is such a melancholy in his songs and his delivery that really gets to me emotionally. Love singing his songs too! Hugely underrated, along with Abba and the Carpenters!!

1971-75 USAF, no money, no T.V., married with baby in '74 - John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, the Carpenters and several others were are only entertainment. We nearly wore out those LPs.

Annie's song and his eagle song are just so beautiful and timeless.

He was an incredible song writer. Always was. His voice is so incredible. He doesn't even strain. Miss him so much. He also did impromptu performances with others on stage and harmonized incredibly.

I always loved John Denver, I grew up with him. I know he was classified as a Country Music artist but I always considered him to be in a separate class from other Country Artist. His voice was very distinct and his music was always very identifiable, even when Peter, Paul & Mary sang this song. There was just something very special when John sang. I use to love his shows with the Muppets and I use to love camping, just laying out under that stars and listening to John's songs. I have to say, he is one of the few artists where I actually cried when I heard that he had died. Thanks again Fil for your insights and for covering John Denver.

Melody, melody, melody! The seemingly infinite permutations around a basic chord progression. The grand complexity within the magnificent shell of simplicity!

Definitely a lovefest going on here for me with John. I love his work. Another connection with conservation was with Jacques Cousteau, which brought about "Calypso".

He was a breath of fresh air back then . This took me back too good memories. He felt every verse of his song and the heart comes thru in vocal.

Johns passing was and is a darkness in the music industry. His powerful, clear voice was unmatched! And his ability to convey wonderful moments in time is unsurpassed. That was the worst fall news 😔 and a sad end of a wonderful person.

You have such a brilliant insight into music. Just a fantastic ear and perspective. Your videos are one of the best parts of my night after a long day at work. Such a great escape from the chaos and constant negative news our world is full of these days. Thanks, Fil!

I had the pleasure to see this man in concert in 1980. He did the show in the round. I actually got to see him free because my brother worked at a radio station. Unforgettable. Thanks for sharing this.

John's singing never fails to bring a tear to my eye. Thanks 😢

Johns music reached down into man kinds soul and lifted people beyond heaven. I was devastated when he died! It's nice to know future generations are enjoying his music! Peace to you brother. ✌️

He was just phenomenal! Missed big time!

John Denver was unique vocally , guitar playing and song writing. Incredible!!

I was lucky enough to see John Denver perform twice. I live near Dallas, TX, and when John would come to the area he always played in Ft. Worth, since it had once been his home. His dad was stationed at Carswell AFB, and John graduated High School there. The other time, I saw him at Red Rocks Amphitheatre just outside Denver CO. This was at the height of his popularity, it was awesome. On Rocky Mountain High, when he finished the phrase ending in those words, The whole crowd screamed "Colorado!" He was truly among his people. What a great poet, singer and humanitarian we lost way too early.

John was not considered "cool", but lots of people secretly loved his music.

Don't forget he acted as well. He did some dramatic television roles and several movies. Hearing about John Denver's devotion to his fans reminded me of yourself Fil. Another great analysis - I look forward to these each night! Thanks so much for your time and great effort teaching and enlightening us Fil.

I watch both you and the artist and you seem to smile in the "special" moments of a song or performance. I wonder if we do that too without realizing? It really shows how moving music is.

Me and my Mom loved John . He has a beautiful voice! I cried for days when his ultralight plane crashed. He was a very experienced pilot and they now think he needed to change fuel tanks and his experimental plane had to reach behind his seat to change tanks and he ran out of gas. He wrote dozens of beautiful inspirational songs! My Moms favorite was Sunshine on My Shoulders and when she was dying of cancer I played it and other John Denver songs for her many times. I still have the People magazine with him on the cover when he passed away. He was an environmentalist, philanthropist, and very generous loving person!

This is one of those songs we used to sit around the campfires at "field parties" back in the day and sing and play the guitars and have a good old time. There were plenty of Open Fields in Kentucky back in the 70s for people to party without getting harassed whatsoever. The best of days! Thanks Fil! 🤘 Also: someone who had that perfect growl in her voice was Linda Ronstadt and she could control it and use it and make it sound perfectly on Pitch.

I saw john Denver on a talk show years ago (maybe Johnny Carson?) where he told about the first time he heard Peter, Paul and Mary's version on his car radio. He was so flabbergasted that he had to pull over to the side of the road to avoid getting into an accident.

I just discovered your videos. Man, you sound like you were born so long ago and you're so young.... Your reviews are so well documented and so deep, you really take my breath away, Fil. I can't believe you're actually talking about my favorite music, the music I listened to when I was a teenager. Are you a time traveler? You must be. Keep up the lovely work you're doing.

John was drastically underrated...beautiful voice...great storyteller...wonderful human being !!!

Love John Denver's voice. Instant emotions.

Great choice Fil. He was a great artist. I remember when he passed. It was a sad day. I live near the location where he died. Very sad but he left a wonderful body of work.

He will always be the greatest in my eyes. I still grieve over his death. John, you are so missed.

When John died, I cried for days, and I still miss him... a person I had never met. I’m not one to Stan on people, but I did for John Denver.

Compare this to participants on The Voice. Yes, contestants on The Voice might be vocally gifted but they haven’t paid their dues and done the work of a singer songwriter. John has the next level of talent and genuineness that you can’t copy. Great voices are a dime a dozen compared to putting together such a combination of skills, and work. What a talent! And great video