John Denver (1945-1997)

by Rivka Willick

Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. entered into the world New Year’s Eve 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico. His dad, a U.S. Air Force test pilot, often moved his family, so John’s childhood was a succession of moves around southern and south western states. He attended Texas Technical University, studied architecture and played in a folk music group, but dropped out and traveled to New York in search of fame and music. He was a member of the Chad Mitchell Trio from 1965-68. During this time, he composed and wrote songs and the popular folk group, Peter, Paul, and Mary recorded one: “Leaving on a Jet Plane”.

Record executives began to notice John, but his last name didn’t fit with his wholesome, American profile so it was changed to Denver. His “Green-Country-Folk” sound filled a void. In the early 70’s he produced one hit after another including “Take me home Country Roads”(1971), “Rocky Mountain High” (1972), “Sunshine on My Shoulder”,“Annie’s Song” (1974), and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” (1974). His positive songs praised the natural world and reminded us to appreciate and preserve it. His optimistic lyrics and acoustical arrangements received some criticism but they kept turning gold and platinum.

Denver co-starred with George Burns in the popular film “Oh, God” (1977) and many TV specials in the 80s. As the years progressed he spent more and more time promoting environmental and political causes and founding the Windstar Project in 1976 .

His personal life didn’t reflect his wholesome image. Two marriages failed due to charges of infidelity and he had several drunk-driving arrests.

Denver took up flying as a hobby during the height of his musical success in the mid-seventies. He often flew his own plane during tours. On October 12, 1997 he took his plane on a solo flight over the ocean, crashed shortly after takeoff, and died. “Almost Heaven,” a musical featuring his songs premiered eight years after his death.