That was our wedding song in 1982. Sadly, now she is in a home with Alzheimer's. She does not remember me, but when I play Annies Song on the cell phone, tears come to her eyes, then suddenly sites up hugging me. Maybe for only a short while she remembers me. That's the power of music in, Annies Song to us. We saw him in concert 3 times. Thanks to Jonh Denver for the song and Wings of Pegasus for reviewing it.
During the 80s, I lived in Colorado, and was John Denver's acupuncturist. Still have the magazine article to prove it. I also treated some of his band members (which he graciously paid for), and John's Mother. He would bring his gold lear jet down to Colorado Springs, and have treatments from me. This man was larger than life, and he lit up any room he walked into. We became friends, and I will always treasure my time with John Denver.
Bless you for your service as an acupuncture practitioner! We had a good acupuncturist in Boulder in the early 1980’s and the work is life-changing. Your patients were fortunate to have you!
I went to see John Denver, at the Montreal Forum. It was a hockey rink that held 25,000 for games. He stood there with an acoustic guitar, sang one song after another, no computers, no flashing lights, no half naked 'dancers'. 25,000 people sat and listened. Pure music.
Can we just give a quick nod to Phil and his stellar, unique, straightforward analysis of this performance? His dissection is easy to follow, even for most of us that don't really fully understand all of the aspects of music, musicianship, song structure, etc. Especially liked how Phil touched on the chord changes, playing them for us and then he rehashed the 3/4 time, so we could easily grasp how John had done it originally. Good stuff for those of us that only give about 1% of our attention to how the songs are put together and 99% to how they make us feel.
Fil is master class in music. I don't think anyone compares. You can tell how much he loves music too. I usually zone out listening to people...But not with Fil.
John was a friend of mine. He was a magnificent singer/songwriter. His songs lift my heart, over and over again. I very much enjoy your channel. Your smile is effervescent; thank you for always having a ready smile. Your whole mannerism; the way you talk, your voice, your laugh- you’re such a bright spot in this dark world. Thank you for showing us, and reminding us….
I saw him early in his career live, 1972 or 1973, similar, I don't remember a backup band, just him and a guitar. He was terrific. Friendly and good vibe with audience.
My mom saw him in the 70's and he was accoustic and just him. She said it was one of the best concerts she ever attended. Just him and a guitar. Beautiful.
Fil, back in about 1980 or so (I think I was about 15, maybe younger), my mom and sister dragged me to a John Denver show. I was at my most narrow-minded musically. My taste and opinions were SUPER narrow when it came to music. But for some reason I went and hated the idea that I was going. He played in a 15,000 seat arena. He played in the round, with no backing band or singers. Just him, a guitar and a mic, in the round. From around the 3rd or 4th chord of song one he owned the room. Yeah, the arena seemed to shrink to a room, if you know what I mean. His whole thing was COMPLETETLY FABULOUS. I changed that night. I kid you not. And the breadth of my willingness to explore listening to different things has kept stretching from then on. He was a stupendous talent. And sir, thanks for your good work. Peace.
Wow, what a wonderful testimony. I wish I was there, and I totally believe it. The night (you can read my other post if you'd like) I truly gave him a chance, he wasn't "my type" , I fell in love with his voice, talent and humility. I don't think he will every have the respect vocally or musically he deserved.
One of the most underrated recording artists in human history. Constantly dismissed and denigrated by the gatekeepers of "cool," when he was actually way cooler and more subversive than all of them combined. Dude was not afraid to rip the John Birch Society and the Klan as part of the Mitchell Trio back in the 1960s, and attacked the Vietnam War before any artist not named Phil Ochs did. He defied his label to testify against the PMRC, and got booted for it. He was fighting climate change fifty years before it was cool. He stayed true to who he was from birth to death. He never caved to the critics; he never went Chris Gaines on us; he never quit; he never sold out; he never stopped trying to make the world a better place with his music and his activism. And he died as he lived: giving zero fucks about what the establishment thought he should be doing. Total badass.
I so whole heartedly AGREE! I concerted with him 6 times. I try to pick my favorite song but there is always something on the next song\album that sneaks in. I do know I don't dislike any of his songs . His concerts were the BEST! ! So much interaction & lite comments, btwn John & audiences, band members. No other like him! He owned all his errors. he made. No ego then. We took tent 20:45 camping trips many times with our young boys. They knew what J D meant to me. At 1st sight of the Rocky's we had to practice all my JD songs LOUDLY !! We sang nonstop until setting up the tent & all over Colo. My husband fortunately loves JD too. I'd have to divorce him if he didn't. And arrangements have been made to play JD at my funeral. The Eagle & The Hawk He brightened my day always when driving home in rush hour traffic. He got me through 3 kidney transplants & more horrific obstacles. Starting on July 15, 1968. I miss & think about him EVERY - DAY. SUCH A BLESSED GIFT I WAS GIVEN TO LIVE WITH EVERYDAY ! AND PAY IT FORWARD! ❤ ❤❤❤️😻🌹🤟 JOHN, YOU ARE SO MISSED !!! AND I AM GRATFUL FOR YOUR CLASS ACT AND STORYTELLING THANK YOU ! ! !
I love how Fil just really appreciates and enjoys such a wide range of performers...he will grin widely every time he is pleased. I love his enjoyment as much as the performance.
Fil is so immensely talented in his own right- he so joyously conveys his knowledge and talent with us. His evaluations are AS entertaining and enlightening as the subjects. Great musician and kind individual.
Two things I find interesting. 1. The way John finished his notes extremely cleanly. & 2. the way that his larynx was free enough to give vibrato when he's humming or singing Nnn. John was the absolute master of making the complex appear both simple and laid back.
I think there is a tendency to want to think that's just a natural phenomenon, and to an extent it is, but I've heard him talk about how he worked on it and asked for tips from quality singers like Placido Domingo. It's that thing they say about how the people who are best at anything put in the work to make it seem effortless.
No one has ever done it better than John Denver. The sound of his voice makes me smile as much today as it did when I first heard Take Me Home Country Roads on radio so many years ago. I rarely share the experience of listening to John with those around me. He is the type of artist that can take a person to special place while listening to his voice and hearing him tell you a story as only he can. When he passed I not only mourned the loss of the person but also for the loss of any future entertainment and education and of course his stories. We miss you John. Thank you Fil for helping in bringing a smile to my face.
I think he was the most successful perhaps of any musician at evoking the grandeur and divinity of the mountain ranges that he loved so much. He seemed to be more at home in the rarified atmosphere of that world or in an aircraft, free of the bonds of pettiness down here. Soaring with the eagles now perhaps....finally.
After I sustained a brain injury from a car accident, I wasn't able to listen to music for a couple of years. John Denver was one of the artists that started my reintroduction to music. His voice to me is pure and calming. I love the little imperfections that retain the humanity and emotions of a song. I love that his music can make me smile and cry at the same time, it is cathartic. I don't quite understand the reasoning behind eliminating this from music. It seems to me that this strive for perfection is actually removing what made the song perfect in the first place. Artists should have the freedom to create music as they feel it. Another artist with a pure voice is Burton Cummings. I have seen him perform, just him and his piano and it was beautiful.
Over the years I have seen 100+ concerts. I saw John a few decades back and it remains my favorite one. He was perfect….everyone in the audience knew every word and everyone sang along. There were teens….and folks in their 70s and everyone joined in. A great talent lost….
@@MostlyBuicksWhy would you feel the need to be negative at the feelings of their encounter with the man. Almost every audience sings along. Maybe you should just always stay home!
My friend Ali got to sing with John. She was at a small tavern in Northern California overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She sang a few songs then John Denver walked in. They ended up singing a few of John’s songs together. Ali was thrilled. Ali had a wonderful voice and sang to me several times. I’m 2001 the World Trade Centers were destroyed so Ali flew from California to NY to help. She worked on the ‘pile’ for weeks. Later she developed a lung condition that sadly affected her beautiful voice. She has been battling the effects of breathing in what eventually was learned to be very dangerous particles from the ruins of the WTC. I still love her voice but she can’t hit all the notes she used to sing. She’s such a great friend.
i enjoy listening to john denver. i heard a story years ago (i don't know how true it is), that john denver's dad didn't want john to into music as a career thinking that john wouldn't make money at it or make it "big". needless to say, i'm glad that became a singer. i, also, enjoyed the movie that he was in "oh god" with george burns.
One of the most perfect vocal performances we will ever hear. Something truly life enhancing about John Denver's crystal clear voice. Some people are born to sing. Some are great tellers of songs. John Denver was both.
Many folks, back in the day, tended to judge John Denver's music to be what I refer to as "candy jar" quality. Sweet, sentimental, but lacking the depth of "real artistry". I am extremely grateful that someone of your stature has brought Mr. Denver to the attention of today's audience. He had a distinct vocal style and his pitch accuracy during live performance was astounding. If a male voice can be called pristine, then his was exactly that. Thanks, Fil, for your astute observations.
My dad was a rock dude who also had a taste for weird stuff, but he had a soft spot for John Denver. He hated 99% of the music my mom liked (maybe out of spite, who knows), but he was down with Denver!
I was one of those too cool to see JD but a friend insisted I go o a concert in Phoenix and it was one of the most beautiful experiences. Fan for life after that. Rip.
He also did some songs that were anything but shallow. Listen to some of the songs he recorded after visiting Alaska. Very deep and emotional. You don’t see that unless you listen to his entire body of work.
John Denver’s beautiful, pitch-perfect voice was one of the fabulous memories of my twenties. Such a wonderful entertainer who, very sadly, left us too soon.
There really are musicians bringing things back to natural. I don’t know your style, but at least live, The Staves, Courtney Barnett, Julian Baker and boygenius are all in a new folk mixed genre. Father John Misty, as well (live). It’s sad that there are so few.
@@shankrl1 Why so rude? Does that make you feel big? How utterly pointless and juvenile. Offer some suggestions, say something meaningful, or hush yourself.
I saw him live a couple of times in 1982, when he was doing a one-man show, just him and his guitar. His voice was so powerful, it was like all the air in the theatre was electric, and even for a few seconds after each song finished, it felt as if the air was vibrating. I'd never heard anything like it.
Like you had to catch your breath after listening to the beautiful enormity of his singing of the song. Never will there be a singer/musician of his caliber.
He played at my college in the early 70s. We were in a ballroom in the student center. He sat on a stool, played his guitar, and sang and we sat on the floor around him.
What I love, besides John and his music, is the face of Phil while he's listening to John. He almost becomes angelic listening to John. Beautiful feel, thank you Phil 💕
Ditto from me. This is the first video I've watched of Phil's channel and I could see his pure enjoyment and joy in listening to John and then speaking about his observations.
I feel as if I haven't heard an unfiltered singing voice in the past 20 years. This is not the voice he had as a young man but the slight hesitations and occasional strained notes sound real and the timbre of John's voice is just as appealing as it ever was.
A lot of singers today do not use pitch correction. You just have to look outside the pop/rock/hip-hop genre. Most jazz artists, for instance do not use it. Harry Connick Jr even puts a disclaimer on his albums stating "no pitch correction."
@dancingcandle3872 -- Agreed, i always prefer his later voice to his younger voice. He sounds experienced here, whereas his early 70's voice sounded too naïve.
@@trekkiejunkahhh! I was hoping to hear this was going to be done. Thanks for sharing that. I have seen Him in concert once and he played, sang and performed about 3 hours and cut up with the audience.
I saw John Denver in concert three times. I had to drag my friends to go with me because they couldn’t believe I liked him so much. When the concerts were over, then they finally got it. It was his music, his poetry and it was him.
John is an American treasure. , such a wonderful performer, a real musician, and composer. I had the privilege of seeing John in concert, fabulous show . As a young teen I wrote to John never expecting to hear back from him, but several months later I received a signed photograph and a short note that I stiil have, as you can imagine I was over the moon. Did he write the note? I don't know for sure, but my 13 year old heart believed it to be true.
I wished I'd done that. My local library had yellow pages from many cities. I actually found his parent's address and phone number in the city they lived it. But never had the nerve to write the fan letter. Still one of m6 favorite singers many years later.
Fil, what I really appreciate is watching your face as you start artist's recordings. You really show appreciation for their abilities. Thank you for what you do .
I grew up in the Texas Panhandle in a smallish town just outside of Lubbock. I was in high school in the 1960’s and there was a coffe house in the bottom of an old abandoned grain elevator in Lubbock called “The Granary”. They had live entertainment on weekends and from time to time a young Texas Tech University student named John Deutschendorf would play there. He was really good! 😂😂
I saw John live many times in the 80s & 90s. His voice improved hugely in the 1980s after his duet with Placido Domingo. His producer Milt Okun said he learnt a lot from Domingo. His concerts were almost akin to a religious experience. Even in a crowd of 10k he sounded like he was singing to you alone. There was a communal, folksy warmth as we sang all the songs together. It felt like how the world could be if we put all our political & religious differences aside……There hasn’t really been anyone like him since his passing. I miss him.
John Denver was such a well-rounded artist. He came from an era where talent was absolutely necessary in order to succeed at what he did. His musicianship and his vocal abilities, along with the rest of the musicians on stage, is absolutely amazing here. Equally as amazing is the live mix of this whole performance. That would be unheard of today. In fact, nobody today would have been able to pull this off without the standard post-production. As always, great upload! 👍
This is Magnificent!!!! Just look how an amazing, REAL voice like John's is graphed all over the place, with all those spectacular NUANCES, WARMTH, Variances, etc', etc., that make a real human voice!! Right after this Show, I actually met, and then dated John, for a time, right up to the time we lost him.
This was unexpected. Last night, after the LS, my daughter and I were talking about John Denver, and ended up listening to, and singing along with, a lot of his songs. So, this video came as a timely and unexpected surprise. The thing that I love so much about his music is its honesty and sincerity, probably because so much of it is autobiographical. When he sang a song, it sounded "true", you believed what he was saying. It felt very intimate, like he was sharing very private parts of his life with us. And it was always beautiful.❤ Thank you so much for this analysis.😊
No auto-tune available, no cheats. Just an incredibly talented singer and guitarist. His song writing in the earlier years produced some incredibly long-lived songs.
Singers that hit notes slightly flat and then slide in, and can hit them spot on, can hit a perfect wave on a vibrato, or speed it up or slow it down as they desire, can slide between tones smoothly, or can keep them perfect, can keep the voice clear as a bell or dirty with various shades, but most of all know when to use which technique for which part of the emotions being presented based on the music and the lyrics and the moment in time with the audience; those are the best vocalist in my estimation and the machine just can't do that. Auto-Tune is a mechanical estimation of art. Why some people think it's Superior to the actual reality of human art, I'll never understand.
In spite of the vocal “imperfections”, this is a perfect performance. It’s tough enough to sing and play guitar, and it’s even tougher to play a 12 string guitar with all the chord changes and right hand rhythm nuances by John. In spite of all his success, he is a very much underrated singer, performer and songwriter. A true talent in every sense of the word. Rest in Peace, John.
Back in the day I thought he was just some wimpy folk singer. I've never been more wrong. I appreciate him more every year that goes by... I really wish I would have figured it out earlier. Most recently I saw the duet with Mama Cass and let me tell you they are two National Treasures. RIP
Hearing his voice again warms my heart and takes me back to fond memories. Annie's song is so beautiful. Thank you, Fil for your ananlysis of this very talented John Denver who died too young.
I saw John Denver in concert in about 1976 and it was an incredible experience-and now I understand why. Very subtle things-his vibrato, the echoing flute, the slightly flat or sharp notes-the ‘liveness’ of the whole thing-allowed his full expression to flow through. I’m also reminded how beautiful his voice was, the warmth, the fullness of the sound. Thank you for this review of one of my family’s favorite artists.
Great first date! I adore John Denver, and saw him in concert in the late 1970s. He had a backing band but the concert was over three hours long. In the middle, JD sent the band off-stage for a break and for an hour it was him and his guitar. A refreshed backing band returned for the last part, but Denver himself never took a break. He totally gave himself to his audience for that extended period of time. I never saw a better concert.
I am so tired of generic singing that is created by correcting the pitch of people's voices. The so called 'imperfections' make it so much more appealing to me. John's voice is true beauty here.
I grew up on John Denver. He was my first crush. Experimental aircraft enthusiasts agree that his accident was completely preventable. Rocky Mountain High is the official song of Colorado. I love how he always takes inspiration from nature. He would be horrified if he were alive today.
This song always reminds me of riding on a boat in rolling seas, where you are gently rising and falling with the swell of the waves. It evokes a constant sense of motion, soothing and comforting, climbing and crashing in a consistent and calming pattern.
John Denver was the very first famous musician I ever saw in concert when I was 12 years old. Since then, I have probably been to at least 100 major concerts - several Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame members, and I swear to you he was still the best. I always say he never gets enough credit for the quality of his voice, but also he had incredible endurance. When I saw him, he went almost 4 hours (I remember this because my dad commented on how he was going to be late the next morning) and he gave his band a break about half way through, but he never stopped. He just picked up his guitar and sang and played all by himself for a few songs and sounded just as great at the end of the show as at the beginning - that's the kind of endurance I've only seen matched once - by Bruce Springstein.
He was a friend of mine. Complicated fellow but salt of the earth. I would pick him up at the airport when he came to visit family. RIP old friend. Thank you Fil. ❤
I get what you're saying, brilliant artist and a cheater husband. Kind of like Jussi Bjorling. Even Pavarotti called him God and he was a dreadful alcoholic. Sometimes we really cannot throw babies out with the bathwater. You should write a book about your experiences with Mr. Denver. I would buy it.
My all time favorite artist. His songs soothed my heart and inspired my life. Yes, I did learn he was complicated. Even when he wrote this I understand he was trying to save his marriage with Annie. I think he loved her dearly despite his many liaisons. But as I learned also, we are all complicated including me. I miss his work. I was devastated when he died. But then it seemed to me that he died in a way he would have wanted. Soaring, not wasting away. You are free to correct me.
He Was Never From Denver, But - Yes! He Was! I Just Wished He Would Have Learned How To Read A Gas Gauge! John (Born Henry) Struggled With Depression....Maybe? He Was Ready To Go?? He Still Left Us Too Young!😥
@@TheDivayenta I Don't Believe It Was A Glider - I Could Find No Specifics That It Was & I Remember Them Talking About A Fuel Issue The Day He Died. It Was An "Ameture Built Experimental Light Aircraft" That He Is Said To Have Had Three "Touch & Go" Landings In - Then "Disappeared To The West" Over The Water Off Monterey Bay In Mid Afternoon & Was Found Crashed In The Rocks In 30 Feet Of Water....
Hi Fil, Such a lovely analysis for a rainy Sunday afternoon here! I believe I read that he wrote this song in a matter of minutes and then gave it to his wife as a gift! They apparently were going through a hard time in their lives. But this beautiful love song came out of their troubles. Very masterfully written, played and performed. I love the double time mandolin strumming and the flute is just magical. John was a very gifted musician and talented singer. Great work on this analysis video and for giving John the recognition he deserves. He does a fabulous performance of Leaving on a Jet Plane with Mama Cass on RU-vid as well. Thanks for an awesome video! Debbie☮️
I am so glad you mentioned the flute in this one; it is an instrument that I REALLY miss in music that was present a lot in the 1970s, and provides a huge wave of haunting nostalgia. His vocal expression makes this an authentically beautiful song.
I agree with you about the flute. While I can't see the band clearly and I'm not sure when this was recorded, I believe the flutist is Jim Horn...an absolute giant of the flute and saxophone, with recording credits for days. I was privileged to tour with John in the mid 70's. It was my 1st big time tour and I remember his artistry every day.
John was a performer in every sense. He invited you inside his zone to be part of the concert. There will never be another. I saw him for $2.00 at Carroll College when he was just starting out.
I'm a beginner on guitar. And so, of coursr, have tried some Denver tunes. I quickly realized that even his simple tunes are not easy to sing. At all. He was legend.
As a choir singer for many years (never solo work,) I know that our voices can be impacted by so many things, and voice or other fatigue or improper breath control, lack of proper warm-up, allergies or environment, especially at the edges of our range, can stress the voice to where pitch may be off at times. But for great singers and total pros like John Denver,and all the singing he did on so many tours, I figure his pitch was only off a small percentage of time and went unnoticed by most of the audience.
He was the soundtrack to my adolescence. I was so in love with him. I used to make believe he was singing Annie’s Song to me. 😅 When he started getting really popular he was dismissed as being too much of a lightweight or too saccharine. People really didn’t appreciate his wide range of talent, his voice and musicianship. Very underrated in his lifetime. I would recommend you buy his Christmas album, his version of Ave Maria is breathtaking, his range on that is amazing . I love Christmas for Cowboys and Aspenglow, all on that album.
I think John's concert in Australia in 1994 was his best performance. From his vocals to his guitar playing was exceptional. John's ability to vocalize on the guitar is phenomenal, especially when he plays Rocky Mountain on the 12 string. Another well done video Fil !
John Denver is one of my favorite singers and Annie's Song is a very beautiful song! John had an amazing voice and I love his songs. John was one of the best and I know he is greatly missed! May he RIP.
Thank you so much for reviewing this on your channel. I grew up listening to JD because of my parents. The albums Poems, Prayers and Promises, Rocky Mountain High, Back Home Again, Windsong, etc, were part of the soundtrack of my youth. So I've always loved him by default. I've since been to so many concerts I can't even count them. Some of the greatest bands ever. And John was, and still is, hands down, the greatest vocalist I've ever seen live. He's the only singer I've seen that literally sounds better live than he does on album. Like the process of recording limited his voice somehow. I loved him by default, but I grew to truly appreciate and understand what my parents knew by actually listening to him. An amazing man and an amazing artist. We are all the worse without him.
A friend of mine used to work the concerts at the old Herheypark Arena . He got to see many, many bands and vocalists. He always said that John Denver had the most powerful voice he had ever heard.
A singer's subtle imperfections are part of their vocal signature. At some point, these edits are criminal. I also believe in vocal Darwinism...you can either sing naturally or you can't. And if you can't, you shouldn't be celebrated for talent you simply don't have.
John Denver was the ultimate bard of the 20th century and an amazing musician. He was tremendously gifted and is tremendously missed. I saw his show at the Grand Ole Opry House, five minutes from my home as a child in 1976. It was one of the most memorable performances I've ever seen by anyone, and I've seen a lot of them, from The Jackson 5 to Ozzy Osbourne, from The Police to Public Enemy, from George Carlin to Iron Maiden, from Sting to the Temptations, from Dolly Parton to The Beastie Boys touring with Run DMC, from many Hee Haw tapings to Craig Ferguson, and from Elvis Presley in Las Vegas shortly after the John Denver show to Spamalot on Broadway. 😉😎
John was such a treasure. He provided so much of the soundtrack to my adolescence and teenage years. I had all of his albums. Every time I hear his voice it makes me happy and nostalgic. I’m so glad no one has tried to edit this magnificent performance. The whole concert was amazing. “I’m Sorry” honestly is the most heartbreaking breakup song ever. His guitar work on that combined with the pain in his voice 😢
Every time I hear this song, it's with a bit of sadness over how love can be so intense and beautiful but not lasting, and of course that John Denver left us way too soon. Great singer and songwriter, and a unique voice, unlike anyone else's.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. What he captured so beautifully was the best, the height of the human experience. Nothing wrong with it being seemingly straightforward. We all respond to the honesty of the experience he relates so well. What a songwriter he was! He speaks straight to the heart and being human- the beauty. We need more of this in the world, not the pimp/stripper/ body fluid music IMHO. This is the song I would like to hear in my last moments in this world. The only other is What A Wonderful World. I can’t say more than that. Take me away John.
There will never be another John Denver. His voice, playing, and performance were always very deep, tender, honest, heart-tugging, and timeless. I can not even listen without crying and breaking much of the time. He was a very compassionate and humanitarian person. He lived in Aspen, Colorado, my home state, where I have always lived, and John will be deeply missed.
People of today's generation don't realize how deprived they are when it comes to modern music. In my opinion, auto tune and pitch correction have ruined music and is largely the reason why I don't listen to most of it. I do absolutely love that Adele's song Easy on Me wasn't pitch corrected, what a wonderful artist she is. I love the human voice for what it is as a person who has always loved to sing.
Hey Phil, Thanks for posting this 😊 👍 I had the good fortune to see john Denver LIVE in LA in the very early 80's. His live performance sounded AWESOME- Just as good as any of the best studio recordings we have...! -Cheers -70SomethingGuy
It really upsets me that we as the listeners have NO say or choice to have access to music that has not been altered and adulterated with autotune. This is a true gem from an iconic artist. Going to be sure to visit this link to John's song to like it. Show my appreciation to the content creator for gifting us this purely natural performance. So very glad I grew up back in the day. There is no music from the last few decades that I would buy outside of the Christian genre. And even then I prefer the Christian music from the 80/90's through about 2010. I grew up with music being played by my uncle and daddy, then hometown bands live, and live bands throughout my younger adult years. I prefer the real thing! John Denver's music is woven into my life story and I love his voice. Glen Campbell is coming to mind if you haven't covered his songs terribly much. Going to check that out. TY Fil for appreciating and bringing this lovely music to us and you younger folks around the world.
John was the most generous performer in concert..always encouraged us to sing with him. Other big names told the audience to be quiet..they were not there to hear us. ❤
Oh, I just loved this! My young, cool uncle was a singer songwriter. He gave me the John Denver's Greatest Hits album, fresh off the press, for my eighth birthday! I had a few 45s, but this was my first album. I'm quite sure I still know every song by heart! His voice was so crystal clear and unpretentious and the lyrics were so true and innocent: something that is not around anymore! Thanks, Fil!
I was never a big fan of John's , until...he was live on the old Phil Donahue show...and he had a bad cold...but still performed live on the show...much respect from that point on...
This Denver performance has been one of my favorite videos for years. Thank you for covering it. It takes a real musical master to produce such a great song in 3/4. John Lennon was also a master of that time signature. His vibrato is something to behold indeed. And his breath control is spectacular...that final "come fill me again" line stretches out for a full 2 measures and he begins singing it after a crowded section of singing. Incredible. That 12 string he is playing is a very early Taylor guitar. He was a big fan of the company, and his choice, seeing at how well they are doing nowadays, was prescient. What a master.
My late mum absolutely loved John Denver, and I discovered him through her. His voice is so rich and full and smooth, it always makes me think of real caramel, the kind made with butter and cream. This song is one of my favourites, just as it was one of my mums. He was amazing, and he was gone far too soon.
I have the John Denver "The Wildlife Concert" I never get tired of watching and listening to John Denver. I agree that the human elements are being taken away with technology. 😢
John Denver got stereotyped as a hippie folk singer who fooled around with Muppets and he really deserves so much more credit. He is a far better singer, guitarist, and composer than most people realize.
As always... an education. I think I am developing an ear for music - at least I can understand what I am hearing and can appreciate the artists. Thanks, Fil🙂
"You Fil up my senses." Can't thank you enough for this analysis Fil. I always adored John Denver's music, but in recent decades I've been spending more time listening to Blues, 70's rock, and classical music. I will be pulling out all my old John Denver records (yes, the old vinyl variety) to get reacquainted with John. He always sends me back to my mountain home on a cool, breezy afternoon.💜
