Denver wrote this for his then-wife Ann Martell after their first separation and near break up of their marriage in 1974. He said that it was one of the fastest songs he ever wrote, composing it in about 10 minutes while he was riding on a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado. Denver was reflecting on all the joy he found in his marriage and his relief that they were back together. Wrote Denver: "Suddenly, I'm hypersensitive to how beautiful everything is. All of these things filled up my senses, and when I said this to myself unbidden images came one after the other. All of the pictures merged and I was left with Annie. That song was the embodiment of the love I felt at that time."
I had read an interview with his wife. If I remember correctly, she explained he wrote this song after a big argument. He left the house and when he returned he sang this song to her. How can you stay angry with someone who writes such a beautiful song for you. Just love your reactions. Keep it up bro!
Only John Denver's gentle soul could have a knock-down, drag-out fight with his wife that resulted in a song that's become so synonymous with love, that weddings are devoid without it. Where most of us would only find pain and vitriol, he found healing and compassion. What a human being.
Thanks, your really appreciated. Some of us older folks,dont have the technical knowledge or funds to be able to find or listen to these old songs that helped form our lifetimes😊
I had no interest in John Denver, but I did have an interest in a girl who loved John Denver, so I went to one of his concerts with her. To this day, that is the best concert I ever attended. He did so much, so simply. I was blown away that after 30-45 minutes of performing the band left the stage to take a break, but He stayed on stage sitting on a wooden stool in the spotlight, telling stories, and singing songs. I can't say enough about how great he was after I saw him in person. His father Lt.Col. Henry J. Deutschendorf was a famous Air Force pilot too, breaking speed records in the supersonic B-58 Hustler bomber. He would fly His son's plane for him after his retirement from the Air Force.
That's awesome, dude. It's amazing how we lock into those songs that were percolating when we were going through our own lives. I was never a big Denver fan, but his music is etched positively in my memories. Simpler times for me. The world looked Big and Exciting.
This and "The Air That I Breathe" by The Hollies are my favorite "love songs" of all time. Other people will disagree, but that doesn't make me want to change my mind
Jamel, I normally don’t comment. I just felt compelled to tell you, I really have grown to love you so much. I love how you open your mind and heart to so much more than just the music. Thank you for showing us all how to open up to each other by simply listening.
He wrote that about Jacques Cousteau who was a famous underwater explorer and his ship was named “Calypso.” Great tribute to another extraordinary man.
Every time I hear "Sunshine On My Shoulders", it instantly reminds me of childhood memories. Good ones. Same with his song "Country Roads". Such innocent times. Can't tell you how much I wish I could go back to those days and relive it again.
I was a 17 year old high school kid when this came out and John Denver was just a punch line to we rockers. Then I woke up and realized what a brilliant and talented song writer he really was. He was really unique. No one else even came close. RIP John..
I always admired John Denver's talent. He was real. I love rock, folk, metal, old school rap ( Run DMC, Digital Underground, Beastie Boys and the like. The new music is not of liking. I would listen to something from Motorhead and then listen to a John Denver tune Good music is good music.
RU-vid does not do John Denver's voice justice. His voice on a 12 vinyl record is breath taking. John had one of the purest and strongest voices. He had a set of pipes on him. I didn't take you Jamel for a John Denver fan, but it is refreshing to see your interest in music extends into all kinds of music. Right On Brother! Keep spinning those tunes!
I grew up in the 1970's and we had so much great music then that we probably took it for granted that it would always be that way. It's great to see the next generation discovering this great music.
There was a whole era of Singer - Song Writers, with John Denver, Carol King, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and many others. They released great music, but also wrote songs for many other musicians.
I grew up in tropical North Queensland Australia and loved him so much, then in my early teens, I bumped into him just cruising the streets of my home town. He was was so friendly and open, he fit right in to our relaxed atmosphere and loved our environment, although the humidity was a bit much for him. He was one of the worlds biggest environmental advocates of the time and worked tirelessly to save natural forests around the world, using the money he made from record sales and with the help of volunteers.
I also grew up in the Tropics during this era, Ayr at the time, my father was a fan. He asked his workmates, “What does John Denver have that I don’t have?”, they all said. “Bloody Good Looks!”. Ha ha ha!!!
My parents met him at a hotel in Colorado a few years before his accident. He was alone and was just the nicest person who took the time to pose with them for pictures. They even had one of him taking off in his Porsche while he waved bye to them. Genuine nice guy.
"Back Home Again," "Sweet Surrender," "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and so many more. He was one of the most amazing folk singer-songwriters who ever lived - and while he was always very popular in his glory days, like the Carpenters he's continued to pick up many more fans in the years since.
My mother saw him play in Gunnison, CO in like 71. He played for 3 hours to a high school gym full of people. I grew up on John. He's a unique and beautiful voice.
When I hear this song it reminds me of how I feel about my wife, the true love of my life. She is no longer the vision of youth anyone would see if they would look at her now but for me, I not only see her for who and what she is now but I also see that young girl she was back then and still is in her heart. Anyone who loves with their whole heart understands this... and this song reminds us all that those we love the most are the true meaning of life... not some childhood fantasy we chase after all our lives. Thanks Jamal for bringing this song back to life for a new generation.
I’m a metal head so people find it odd when I mist up a little on hearing his stuff. Legend that should still be here. But at least he went out via something he loved doing
Yea I'm also a metal head and my friends give me shit for listening to old folk rock like John Denver. I had older brother and sisters that grew up in the 60's and 70's so a lot of their influence that I'm grateful for .
If there is a God, John Denver had to be touched by him. He's just one of those singers who's music transcends time and space, and it reaches people's hearts and souls of even today's generation.
I comepletly agree with u. He had heart. And I. still believe in in a higher power. Whatwver ir may be.. I've been so fourunate. Have everrything I need. Don't need much. Just the necessary things. God has blessed me. And I'm gratwful. Sorry TMII.
'You fill up my senses like a night in the forest' and 'sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy' have to be two of the best opening lyrics of any song ever.
"Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Country Roads", "Rocky Mountain High"...please do them! John Denver & his music are as emblematic of the 70's as the big rock bands of the time (which I also love). And I'd bet money you'd know the 2nd & 3rd songs I listed.💙
Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" was almost an anthem to us homesick soldiers in Korea. At that was the nineties. We'd be at some bar and 50 guys belting out this song. I digress. If you haven't reached to that yet, give it a consider.
Take Me Home Country Roads was written by Bill Danoff and his wife Taffy Nivert. They were inspired while they were driving along Clopper Rd. to visit family in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They'd been tweaking the lyrics and Melody for about a month when John Denver heard it while visiting their apartment on December 29, 1970. They were planning on selling recording rights to Johnny Cash until John Denver intervened. The three of them stayed up until 6:00 a.m. the next morning to finish writing it. The day after they finished writing the song was John Denver's 28th birthday.
@@Robconnors7253 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
@@mikesands4681 No, he's talking about being stationed in Korea during the 90s. I was there in the 80s, 83-84, 86-90. We still have military bases there to this day.
Jamal, you are such a warm and genuine person. Out of ALL the reaction videos, yours are by far THE BEST! Thanks for all the work you do bringing us comfort and joy during this trying time!
The lyrics can make you picture these scenes in your mind. Like a night in the forest, like the mountains in spring time, like a sleepy blue ocean. Beautiful.
I grew up listening to John Denver because he was my mom's favorite. I don't think he gets enough credit for how amazing he was as a singet and song writer. The emotion in his lyrics and vocals is amazing. Definitely listen to I'm Sorry!
Pretty sure he was a twice divorced philanderer and heavy alcoholic and pill popper who routinely was in trouble for flying and driving under the influence, both crashing a plane and car. His marriage to Annie ended in divorce after he tried choking her and taking a chainsaw to the furniture.
@@chrissmith6814 most addicts have pure souls. The addiction makes them do things far out of their normal character. If you knew anything about John Denver's life, you would know he suffered from deep feelings of inadequacy and feeling unloved by his own, deeply religious father, who all but disowned him when he decided to go into music instead of becoming a preacher. His father never once told John he loved him, was proud of him, or made him ever feel good enough, despite all his success. The alcoholism and other addictions were attempts to fill the holes in his psyche, punched in their by his own parents. Still, at his core, John Denver was a good, pure soul. Not perfect, but good. Try beciming America's hometown boy, but feeling like a fraud, and see where that leaves you. Some of our greatest heroes, thinkers, poets, writers, and musicians were the most imperfect people, yet had pure hearts, and only wanted to do good. The bulk of our most creative people have some form of mental illness or addiction problems. It's almost as if those things go hand-in-hand. Like the problems feed the creativity. 🤔
@@babyrocasmama thank you for your insight, however, it does not make my statements any less true, it just shifts the blame and responsibility of his actions to those of substance abuse and his father. Ironically, Adolf Hitler had a substance abuse problem, nasty father, and was also an artist, does that make the Holocaust his fault or his substance abuse and father's fault? Regardless "America's hometown boy" still choked out his wife.
Jamal, please consider doing a artist of the week or month. I’m a Classic Rocker but John Denver is one of THE best singer songwriters of his time. Do a few more please. 😀
Thank you for playing John Denver. Even now with people like you re-discovering 70's artists I don't see enough love for him. And he deserves lots of love. The purity of his singing, songwriting and his genuinely good spirit fell out of favor with the music industry by the late seventies. But great music lives on and it's gratifying to me to see his music living on with a new generation.
This may sound silly, but one of my favorite things is curling up with a good book on a rainy day with John Denver playing in the background. Pure peace and tranquility.
not silly at all. John Denver makes me think of my pappa who tried to introduce us girls to country music in Michigan, where rock and motown was all the rage. I love putting on some John Denver and letting him take me back to those days...when nothing was more important to me than my pappa.
He had a very interesting career, songwriter, singer, actor (check out his movies Oh God! a little old and dated but no less relevant today) He struck up a friendship with famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau , his song Calypso is named after Cousteau's ship. He had joyful and whimsical songs too- Thank God I'm a country boy & Grandma's Feather bed and so many more . When I was active duty, stationed near Washington DC, he and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snyder were called in front of Congress to testify in hearings instigated by Al Gore's wife Tipper, over songs she considered indecent and immoral. John's song Rocky Mountain High, she naturally declared it to be only about drugs. During his testimony he got so fed up with the DC BS, he finally asked her if she had ever STOOD on one of the mountains at daybreak, breathing in the clear cold mountain air? Seen an eagle flying even higher than the mountain? That's what the song was about and until she experienced that, maybe she should keep her mouth shut and her opinion to herself.
How could anyone ever think his music was indecent? I can't think of anyone who loved earth and nature as much and could make such beautiful music about it. I was lucky enough to go to one of his concerts. John Denver, you and your music are dearly missed.
I've loved John Denver since I was very young (I'm 64 now). His voice is so clear and soothing. Another great song of his is Rocky Mountain High. You'll love it!!!!!! It broke my heart when he died. We lost a treasure that horrible day.
He wrote this for his wife Annie. They ended up divorced, but stayed friends. She spoke in a documentary about his life after he died. He is by far my favorite musician and I’m so glad you finally have listened to him. His music changes people. Truly.
A friend played and sang this at our wedding. We were married up on a mountain in spring time, and it was perfect! This song grabs my ear for a few minutes every time I hear it. It has been this way for decades. Great reaction, and great message!
For his then wife Annie. Such a poignant songwriter with his acoustic guitar, and purity in his soul while singing. Feel it? Always makes you feel so good singing along with him. Like Karen Carpenter singing ... He is kinda golden, Colorado. 🎵🎶💖💖🎶🎵
Grew up listening to him. Still get goosebumps listening to him. He is Golden and always will be in my eyes. Karen Carpenter was another wonderful singer that passed to soon.
Lemme introduce you to my man Denver, a.k.a “the planet’s poet”. Dude was a true nature lover., and his love of the great outdoors comes through strong, even in a love song like this. An amazing poet. Check out Rocky Mountain high, take me home country roads, and Calypso For calypso though you gotta know the backstory. “ Calypso “ was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s boat. Cousteau and is team were some of the first to extensively explore and film life under the ocean. Sailing on the Calypso, Costeau researched ocean life and produced documentaries and tv shows that brought the underwater world to the general public for the first time really. . John Denver admired Cousteaus work and conservation efforts, befriended Him, wrote the song as a tribute.. there’s even a cool video her on RU-vid with the song set To some of Cousteaus footage.
There will never be another voice like John Denver! Can't count how many times I saw him in person and had the pleasure of meeting him. He is as sweet, easy going and totally wonderful human being as they come. Still miss him after all these years !!
John was a hell of a singer songwriter and musician. I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a couple of times. Excellent shows. My old band used to play his songs. We lost an american icon and natural treasure. RIP John.Wrote this one for his wife at the time Annie. 👍👍😇😇😇😇
My Mom God Rest her soul 🙏🏻 loved John Denver and so do I. We played Sunshine On My Shoulders at her funeral 😢♥️He’s a beautiful songwriter & great musician. RIP JOHN ♥️🙏🏻🌈
I love your commentary,. This song is my very favorite love song of all time. And I'm almost 60. I keep an open mind and I love young people and hops they hear this. I am glad you are sharing it. Thank you.
I love my hard rock and heavy metal but there is nothing like John Denver to bring me back to Earth and remind me of when I was a kid on the farm. Love all his songs!
He is my favorite artist ever! Very sadly at the age of 53 he died in a plane crash in 1997! I was never born to see him perform, but my family grew up with listening to John! Rest in peace John Denver!
John Denver has been one of my absolute favorites since I was a little girl. I'm 53 now and still listen to his greatest hits collection at least every couple of weeks. I turn his music up and start doing my chores and before I know it I'm done. It just makes my day so calm and peaceful. Gone but not forgotten. I still love you John and I'm sure you're up there singing with God's angels.
Sadly I read he wrote this song after a terrible argument where she confronted him about his unfaithfulness. Just a heartbreakingly beautiful yet tragic song
Omg so glad you doing John Denver. Great great song writer singer. Huge catalog He has no bad songs. Rocky mountain high, is my request. Oh and Calypso, and this Old Guitar, sunshine on my shoulders
I remember seeing him in Montreal, he sent the musicians on a break and sat on the side of the stage surrounded by plants, just his guitar and sang a few songs. What a memory, his music is still fresh, such a loss.
He had such a crystal clear voice! I always loved him! He's just the type of artist that you find your self breaking out and singing with on every song he did!
He sings with so much emotion in this peformance. He was singing from the heart. Annie's Song may be the best love song ever written, especially if you love nature and the outdoors. I bet John Muir would have loved this song. I am so glad you love it too!
His music will always live on thanks to people like you opening your mind and heart to help his legacy continue to others that have not heard of him and his music.
Great song, great artist. Another legend lost far to soon in a plane crash. Rip John Denver. Another great song to react to by him, Calypso especially live from the wildlife concert 1995
He had one of the purest voices I've ever heard. A unique sound and style of his own. His voice and songs had such a different sound than everyone else. A great all around entertainer (and storyteller). He was a favorite of Johnny Carson and would sometimes guest host The Tonight Show when Johnny was off.
My favorite love song of all time. No matter how many times I hear it, I get tears in my eyes and get the shivers. He was a lovely person and had such a clear, uplifting voice.
@@sailor213100 John Denver wrote "Leaving On A Jet Plane", tho he originally titled it "Babe, I Hate To Go". Just about all of Peter Paul and Marys hits were written by others. From Bob Dylan to Gordon Lightfoot to John Denver, they were a great cover band.
Yes! Love John Denver's voice. Saw him in concert 2 years before he passed away and his voice was just as strong and clear as ever. It was at an outdoor ampitheater and the songs were so beautiful while we sat on the park grass and the woman next to us shared her peach cobbler. A great memory🙂
John Denver wii always make our days better,... like a clear drop of sweet honey that came out of him in spirit and song. Love your reactions. Thank you. Yes, helping
I miss him. When I lived in Cali, I’d go sit at his memorial rock in Pacific Grove and play his music for him. I know he appreciated it. He’s in the bay. Much love to my first love. ❤️
He also sings the most beautiful Christmas song in history you've never heard. Noel, Christmas Eve 1913 from the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album. You won't regret that one. Such a beautiful, smooth voice.
