NATURE’s John Denver: Let This Be A Voice explores the American West with the late singer and conservationist.
Defying all conventional labels, John Denver held a singular place in American music: a songwriter whose immensely popular work was suffused with a deep and abiding kinship with the natural world.
In the months just prior to his death in a plane accident in 1997, Denver was filming an episode of the NATURE series, centering on the natural wonders that inspired many of his best-loved songs. The result is a poignant and melodic film that records his final journeys into the wilderness and contains his last song, composed while rafting along the Colorado River with his son and young daughter.
Online content for John Denver: Let This Be A Voice was originally posted December 1998.
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Hooray for amnesia, and activit scrapings of the bottom of the barrel.
John Denver was a mediocre COMMERCIAL “artist” who did the politically correct “thing” to give himself appeal to those who actually cared about the environment. But, GAWD! to do sweeps weeks with such provincial dreck really is scraping the bottom of the barrel. The only thing worse is the running of transparently obvious INFOMERCIALS by “entreprenuers” who use PBS to rake in private profits behind the non-profit cover that is to be PBS’ FOUNDATION.
John Denver was the most cherished songwriter of our time. Loving him or hating him was the litmus test of the soul… He spoke right to my own heart… and I have loved and cherished him and his music for my entire life. No one else could come close to impact he has had on our lives… He is singing with the angels now, in the presence of God. Until we meet again John… rest in peace.
John Denver was to me the best folklore singer songwriter of our generation.He sang from the heart and soul.His tragic death couldn’t have come at a worst time.He so cared about our enviroment and how it would effect our wildlife.We are living a fast and sometimes reckless life that we tend to forget about what’s important for our childrens future.John Denver cared about what happened to our future.His songs will always be a part of my life and will keep me focused on how life was so care free and full of hope.Rest in Peace my Friend !!!!
I am amazed at the anger some feel toward John Denver, his music and his causes. He was a human being and so was flawed as we all are, but he touched many people, and did good things. One need not like his music, and if one thinks he was not what he says he was, yet still if we practice what he spoke to, peace, making the world a better place, even with small actions like picking up a bit of garbage every day, treating your fellow man with respect, then how much better would our world be.
Everyone has the right to their opinion including likes and dislikes regarding music. Still today I miss John Denver so much it brings me to tears. For months after his death I couldn’t listen to his music. I miss attending his concerts and singing along. This does not mean I don’t like Ozzy Osborne or Beathoven. There are many good singer songwriters I just happen to fall in love with John Denver. I never found him ever politically incorrect. He never had any problems neither nor my family didn’t suffer. I couldn’t mention all the good and positive things he has done for my life. Peace
I just bought this video and it was wonderful.
I agree that everyone has their own opinion about John Denver regarding his music and his tireless effort to make the world a better place. Eleven years after his death his music is still as fresh and honest as ever. His energy to try to help humanity was endless! His life ended too quickly, as I’m sure he still had much to do. He is, no doubt, the brightest star in the sky!
John Denver was an angel sent from God and since we did not know his value He took him away from us.
John Denver was such an extraordinary person. But, so many people could not see that until he was gone!!
John Denver its an eagle in the sky right now…. i saw him yesterday.
JNagarya, you are so wrong about John Denver. In fact, no one missed the mark, more than you. He never cared about the mundane things in life that you and I worry about. He was about more important things, like saving the planet and it’s wildlife. He cared about people, too. What great contribution have you given to the cause? None, I suspect. John said that if he comes back, it would be as an eagle. He said, “You can count on it”.
Fly high, John…
I met John on more than a few occasions and suffice to say…he was a terrific guy whose music will be listened to for generations to come. I told John once he reminded me of a musical Henry David Thoreau! He just laughed and said: I appreciate that….we do share the same first name!” Denver did things BEFORE it was cool to be involved. As for JNagarya…there are some people who don’t get it. Go figure. Don’t waste any time on him/her. To the swine you cannot throw a pearl.
Peace,
Rick
Is this video still avalible Le there be a voice If so how can I order it?
It took me months to cope with John’s passing and from the first, I turned back to his music and lyrics.
Recently, I acquired one of his songbooks and was surprised to behold an entry he made to either a fan or fellow musician,
“Books are for sharing with people you love, to give them the smiles that you got…smile a little smile for me. Love you madly, John”
These are the thoughts of an unselfish person eager to share the joys of his gifts with others. No, he wasn’t perfect, but he gained much self-respect for not hiding his flaws in the public’s eye. All is forgiven, John.
Far Out,
Bruce
re : JNagarya
Sorry to burst your bubble here and leave you easy pickings. I don’t worship John Denver as a pseudo-god/prophet. I don’t even conveniently ignore his *ahem* less-than admirable behaviour.
When music started to be less than just a noise, a succession of chords( etc ), when I wanted a voice, he was what I found. I liked both the ‘noise’ and the concept, and I believe it was consistent throughout his life.
Sooo…………I’m not an activist, nor an obsessive, nor an apologist. It’s a great song(imo), and if you believe in what I presume he {iyo} ‘commercialised’ you might reflect on the fact that I’m even here, reading your words.
Do you have a ‘voice’ that’s better than his, that can reach a greater audience ?
mediocre is subjective btw – I assume you have a degree in Environmental Science AND in Music LOL
JNagarya – John Denver lent his name, time and money to helping out with an incredibly number of noble causes. I’d be keen to know how charitable you are. If your message is anything to go by, I suspect we already know the answer. Crawl back under your rock.
To all:
I have also though that people were put on earth for a reason. John was put here to open our eyes and hearts to love. Love of all and for all. He was a gentle man, who had a great outlook on life. I may not have known him, but I do have a friend who did. Just like all of us he was human and made mistakes. Unfortunately, all too many people look at the negative things we ALL do and have a blind eye to the good things. John was a great man and taken from us too soon.
He had so much more to do, but I feel he did make a great start. He was a great singer, composer, musician, father, son, brother and friend born. Born on December 31, 1943 and died on October 12, 1997.
May his music be played forever and be heard by all.
John Denver opened my eyes to a world that isn’t seen by a lot of people. Watching this video, you could see the excitement and true enjoyment John got from nature and his children. We all have skeletons in the closet, right JNagarya? The thing that I grasp on to with John, is he peaceful nature and love for all creatures, human or animal. Sometimes this world gets to be a big, scary, money hungry, materialistic environment and John let that go. I think that is why I treasure his music. I went to his wildlife tour in Milwaukee, WI back in the 80’s and was changed forever. I am going to go to Alaska this summer with John’s music right beside me. We need to start caring about what life is about and not about what life isn’t. Rest in peace my friend. You are forever missed and loved!
John Denver was a truly great singer and songwriter and even after all these years I still have an ache in my heart for his loss,but fans like me will never forget what he brought to us and his music will live on long after we are called “home” I love you John!! Rest In Peace!!!!
John Denver was not a god nor an angel.And that is fine. He was a man. He was a very special and unique man who cannot ever be replaced by anyone. Neither his amazing music. No one regrets his passing more than I have and no sane individual could embrace him and his music more than I have. One of the reasons God gave him to this world, was to see how we would respond to him as a spiritual test. I was borderline insane for him so many years…but I pulled through and I think i passed the test through the grace of God. For years I placed Denver before God and it took me years to realize or admit that. Now I place God first who saw fit to allow Denver to share his music with this world. Denver was an integral part of my spiritual growth in ways that even defy narration and God is above all!!!
I like john denver just because he is one of the few who that actually sings good. His song, Thank god i am a country boy. it reminds me of my dog lewie who was a recent loss to our family. We went to Mammoth lakes California, every year with him, and we listened to that song. lewie was a 13 year old yellow lab.
See a 1995 concert of John Denver brings back so many great memories of his music. It touched the hearts of my wife (now of 38 years) and me and we often sang along with him. I speak here of his music. Other areas of his life can be discussed by others.
i like John Denver becuse of his music like John Denver let this be a voice i use to watch John Denver let this be a voice and it make me said becuse he is gone know
The other day I watched a Tribute to John & as I watched & Listened I couldn’t help but cry,just as I am now -W- tears flowing out my eye’s,how much I miss this man,one I never met but wish I knew,I find it almost impossible to listen to him sing,he sang -W- Love,Hear,Purpose,Feeling,Joy,to Me there was No doubt what he Loved or Believed in,I can’t think of anything I didn’t Like/Love about John,after I watched the show & ran out of tissues I took out my John Cd’s & watched close to everything I could find on UTube,Wanting so much to sing along,but tears were in my way,I thought of his kids and hope there doing ok,when I see birds flying up high,I take the time to Stop & Look at them,we All Are Stewards of our Planet & we All can do something to help,John was ahead of his time & tried to tell us,we don’t need to wait until it’s too late & I will do My part to do what I can to help,I Thank John for everything he gave,did while trying to give back to the world in his way,I’m Glad he was a Country Boy..I hope to one day go visit the place where he fell in love -w-,I so understand what that means esp when I don’t feel like I’m home where I am,I get that,I figure Colorado must be something Awesome to feel that way..
Peace from CT
john was and keep being the best singer in the world his songs will shine for ever and ever R I P or,live in peace
More Than anything else..im sorry for my self…your not here with me….Miss you John~! Every time i was sad or had a need in my life i always found an answer in John or to say in his music…because i never met john But i knew him through his music and because of his music..He was at a Golf Pro and someone asked him about his music…he said i dont have a recording contract for my music rite now…The look on his face was one of True Hurt Feelings…. i miss what john Denver had for me next…Though the singer is silent there still is the truth in the song…i too cry when i listen to his music and hear what others feel about him…my family says i was or an obsessed so im not allowed to discuss him…i wished that Michael Jackson would have invited John to sing at we are the world since he had been singing in Africa for many years before that gang sent some money…maybe M.J. would not have been treated the same as it seems J.D. was…just a thought….i know like my father He Was A Good Man~! Alan S.
WOW TASHA you said what I wanted to say! I have found myself in nature ever since I can remember..I have also been a MUSIC Lover ever since I can remember….
when I first heard of John I was in Junior High and from the first moment there was an unbreakable connection and bond I cannot begin to tell you just how many lonely days and nights he has gotten me through how many tough times he has sung me through how many times I have shared his music and Lyrics that always seem to fit no matter what….
Profound is truly an understatement. The world so truly misses his light, his beacon his dedication..
I am a member of Trout Unlimited and think of the network connections with the Windstar foundation that could be helpful and benifical to us now and future generations…as we age we realize our mortality more who will be the stewards of our planet in 20 years?
WHo will be the guardians of the water, protectors of the wetlands and waterways?
Scarey thooughts!! Also suggest a visit and interlink with the MISSING PERSONS sites like peace4the missing.. they are trying so valiantly to help families and friends who have members and friends who have gone missing – it is a very real and painful dilemia for young children, adults and even our aging elderly parents..no one is immune..see also http://www.justice4billy.com more silent screams out there needing voices for them in the darkness…..
GOD BLESS ALL WHO LOVE and respect John for all that he was/IS and has done and is still doing !!!!!
John Denver is awesome! His voice – his lyrics – his looks – I have always loved him and hope to meet him in Heaven!
I first listened to John when I was 5 and recovering from childhood Cancer, “Sunshine On My Shoulders” and belief in Our Almighty Father pulled me through. Throughout my life both have been there to inspire me and give me a helping hand through prayer and John’s music. Yes, it has been almost 12 years since John’s passing, but we all know he has gone to a much better place where he belongs. On October 12, I will be lighting a candle and thinking of John. Hope you will join me in remembering him too. May his music continue to help us and get us through for another 30+ years. God Bless You All.
I’ve seen my dad cry twice: the first time was when Clinton was re-elected (haha everyone is entitled to their political opinion), and the second was when we found out John Denver died.
I’m a true fan of John Denver. FRIENDS WITH YOU Band is a group of John Denver music fans who have brought me back to really hearing the words of his music. John was a poet and I really enjoyed his voice and his caring for our environment. Missing him still…RIP John!
I first saw the Colorado Rockies when I was 20 in 1973 & realized what John meant by the Rocky Mountain High. It captured me, it awed me..I truly felt its splendor – it felt like home. I now vacation there as much as possible. It never ceases to take my breath away. I was numb when I heard of his death, a light left this world that day & there will never be another as bright. He was mother nature’s son & without question he was a child of God. He confirmed it in his music with an expression only he could put into words. His inner beauty, his heart that was always on his sleeve & we who loved him – got it. No one before could reach into your soul & give your minds eye a picture of what God has freely given each of us to enjoy, appreciate & to treasure for future generations, that was a talent all his own. I do not believe that we will ever be blessed to see another such as John. He lives & he flies freely now. I only wish that he had found the true love he so desired & sang about. In his song “Seasons of the Heart” he said that,”True love was the only dream I know”. How sad that the one who sang so beautifully of love never felt that he had ever found it. That saddens me most-he deserved to be loved that way. When he died, he was experiencing a big comeback in popularity & touring again. He said that he was happier than he had ever been. With that, I pray he was at peace & knew that many loved & admired the wonderful human being that he was & that we continue to miss him. Thanks to GOD for allowing him to be a part of this world & giving each of us a glimpse of this incredible Angel who left too soon. We will celebrate his life, music & legacy by sharing his talent & wisdom with all who follow. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Eternal peace & love to you, John & with heart felt thanks for expanding my awareness of the life all around us. We just have to stop, feel the “Sunshine on your Shoulders”, listen to the “Wind Song” in the trees, see the majesty of “Flying on the Wings of Eagles” & let the “Spirit” guide you. So, simple, but many never take the time to just stop.
hates off to such a great personality, first time came to know about his love to environment…
regards
Pooja
John is still in my heart and mind as the greatest songwriter of our time! He was incredibly talented and beautiful inside and out! I do believe he found love, Edith, with Annie – just listen to his music! He always loved her and she obviously loved him as much! I know John is enjoying God’s love in Heaven right now and I am looking forward to meeting him there!
Unfortunately, Janice, by the time he wrote Annie’s Song alot of damage had occurred in their marriage & after he wrote the song & played it for her; she only critized it(guitar out of tune, drums too loud)This is in his book “Take Me Home”. He was a virgin until he was 21 & married Annie at 23. She was his 1st love & they married before he made it big. Time apart took its toll & after severl separations called it quits. She asked for a divorce on their 15th anniversary. We all have special memories of our 1st love & probable keep a special place for that person, but it wasn’t true love. Before his death, they had become good friends again. Then, Cassadra was a real disaster for him. He was 45 & she was 28, his career had stalled & probably having a bit of a midlife crisis. She married him for his name, his money & made sure she had a child, really got her greedy nails into him – divorced after 3 or 4 yrs. She tried to have his adopted kids excluded from inheriting any of his forture because they were not biologically his. John was told that he was sterile that’s why he & Annie adopted, so even if the child by his 2nd marriage was or wasn’t his, he probably would not have loved Jessie Belle any less. He wasn’t perfect & had problems. Regardless, he brought great joy to many & shared his beautiful songs with all of us who came to love this man – this fragile human being that was more like us than we realized.
As was my habit, I always started my day with John Denver songs. October 9, 1997 was no different as I went into the hospital for a test for my heart. Unfortunately, the doctor told me, “You have to stay here and in the morning we will operate.” It was a surprise as I felt fine.
So on October 10, I had heart surgery and died. My family was told that they were doing everything they could, but were having problems getting my heart to start beating again. Obviously, I came back and while I was in ICU, John died. My children told the nurses not to let me know, so I didn’t know for a week. Like everyone else that loved him and his music, I was devastated. Such a great loss to us all.
I’m still listening to his music and introducing his music and his beliefs to my grand-children.
I loved his music from the early 70’s and still do. He will forever symbolise for me the idealism of those youthful times.