John Denver
Date of birth: 1943-12-31
Place of birth: Roswell, New Mexico, USA
Known for: Acting
Also known as: Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
Biography
Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, activist, and humanitarian, whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singer. After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career with folk music groups during the late 1960s. Starting in the 1970s, he was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the decade and one of its best-selling artists. By 1974, he was one of America's best-selling performers, and AllMusic has described Denver as "among the most beloved entertainers of his era". Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed, with total sales of over 33 million records worldwide. He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning 12 gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Calypso", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders". Denver appeared in several films and television specials during the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado, which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot who died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash while flying his experimental Rutan Long-EZ canard aircraft.
Movie Credits
Oh, God!
1977-10-07
When God appears to an assistant grocery manager as a good natured old man, the Almighty selects him
The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
1990-11-21
While the Muppets prepare a tribute to the late Jim Henson, they learn about the life and career of
John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together
1979-12-05
In this beloved holiday classic, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets join the singer for
A Holiday with Friends
2004-01-01
Musical moments to celebrate the festive season, a time for family and friends and a chance to relax
Rocky Mountain Holiday with John Denver and the Muppets
1983-05-12
Rocky Mountain Holiday is a one-hour musical variety special featuring John Denver and the Muppets,
The Christmas Gift
1986-12-21
A widowed New York City architect and his young daughter take a Christmas vacation and end up in a s
Walking Thunder
1995-02-05
In the 1850's, a young boy and his family on their way West become stranded in the Rockies. With the
A Song's Best Friend - John Denver Remembered
2005-07-05
Close friends of John Denver and his first wife Annie remember the singer/ songwriter John Denver an
John Denver: The Wildlife Concert
1995-06-18
In celebration of the Wildlife Conservation Society's 100th anniversary, popular country singer and
Transformation: The Life and Legacy of Werner Erhard
2006-04-27
From two-time Emmy winner Robyn Symon comes an intriguing documentary which offers an intimate look
Our Nixon
2013-01-23
Never before seen Super 8 home movies filmed by Richard Nixon's closest aides - and convicted Waterg
Foxfire
1987-12-13
Annie Nations and her husband Hector loved their life together in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but when
Aspen
1991-01-01
A former mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen is now better known as a winter playground
John Denver - Thank God I'm A Country Boy Live In Australia 1977
2009-01-01
Thank God I'm A Country Boy Live In Australia is a 1977 concert from John Denver's tour Down Under a
John Denver: Rocky Mountain High - Live in Japan
2003-10-13
Arguably one of the most beloved American performers of the 20th century, John Denver had a career t
Rainbow Rider
2024-12-05
An odyssey of a biplane once owned by John Denver.
The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years
1986-01-21
For the first time in their careers, all the Muppets (except the ones that couldn't make it, like th
One-Hit Wonders at the BBC: Volume Two
2024-02-03
This is a look into the darkest corners of the BBC’s music archives for a reminder of songs by the l
Higher Ground
1988-09-04
Set against the awesome backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, a disillusioned FBI agent decides to ret
Montana Christmas Skies
1991-12-01
This 47-minute, 1991 CBS television special finds John Denver joined by friends Clint Black, Katy Ma
Sinatra and Friends
1977-04-20
Sinatra and Friends was a television special that aired on April 21, 1977. Featuring contemporary ar
Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special
1986-01-17
An all-star cast celebrates George Burn's 90th birthday and showcases highlights in Burns' career.
John Denver - The Best Of
2011-07-07
Compilation of John Denver's most notable song performances.
The Leftovers
1986-11-16
A close-knit group of orphans and their father-figure, Max, try to keep their home from being shut d
Julie Andrews: The Sound of Christmas
1987-12-16
Julie Andrews joins John Denver, Placido Domingo, and The King's Singers for a Christmas journey thr
Doris Day Today
1975-01-01
America's sweetheart Doris Day offers songs and sketches with some of her famous friends in this sma
Rocky Mountain Christmas
1975-12-10
Watched by over 65 million on its premiere, John Denver hosts a musical Holiday special with guests
John Denver: Country Boy
2013-11-22
This BBC documentary chronicles the life of folk/soft-rock singer John Denver through his rise with
John Denver's Christmas in Aspen
1988-12-19
John Denver's Christmas in Aspen starring among others The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances: More 1973
1973-12-31
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1
2001-02-22
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975
The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2
2001-02-22
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975
John Denver: Country Roads Live in England
1986-01-01
Fans continue to treasure the songs and performances of John Denver, one of the most popular recordi
Chile: Hasta Cuando?
1986-12-31
A portrait of a brutal Pinochet military dictatorship made during a three month visit to Chile in 19
John Denver with His Special Guest George Burns: Two of a Kind
1981-03-30
A variety special starring John Denver and special guest George Burns.
Jacques Cousteau: The First 75 Years
1985-06-23
Documentary about the life of explorer Jacques Cousteau.
The 3rd Barry Manilow Special
1979-05-23
Manilow's third special include hits, skits, and a special appearance by John Denver.
John Denver's Rocky Mountain High
John Denver's 1974 concert filmed at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.
John Denver - Around The World Live
2009-10-13
On October 13, 2009, a DVD box set of previously unreleased concerts recorded throughout Denver's ca
John Denver at Wembley Arena
1979-04-06
Country singer-songwriter John Denver performs in concert at Wembley Arena in 1979, featuring hits i
John Denver: A Portrait
John Denver takes the viewer on a tour of songs that have spanned his entire career: from the inspir