Many years ago, I read an article recounting how John Denver got his big break. The exact wording of the conversation and details are forgotten to me (so expect paraphrasing) but the gist of it was, one music industry insider who had seen Denver perform live in a local nightclub was trying to convince another insider to agree to sign him to their record label. The second guy asked the first guy, “What’s so great about him? Does he have an unique or incredible voice?” “No”, replied the first. “Is he a phenomenally talented guitar player?” “No.” “Well, then, why do you think he’ll sell hit records?” The first guy replied, “People just like him”.
That rang true then, and still rings true today. John Denver was likable: live on stage or in the words of his songs over the airwaves, people liked the singer/songwriter and his music. His style and message were honest, simple, folksy and relatable. His first successful song was “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, which Peter, Paul and Mary made a number one hit with.
Similar to Glen Campbell, Denver started out as a folk singer. Starting in 1970, after nearly a decade of trying, he finally had a string of hit recordings of his own. Success was initially found on the pop charts, just as Campbell had done, only later to be accepted and embraced by country music as one of their own in the mid-seventies, just like Campbell.
1971
Take Me Home, Country Roads (3:16)
1972
Rocky Mountain High (4:48)
1973
Sunshine on My Shoulders (5:18)
1974
Annie’s Song (3:03)
1974
Back Home Again (4:49)
1974
Sweet Surrender (5:22)
1975
Thank God I’m a Country Boy (3:15)
1975
I’m Sorry (3:35)
1975
Calypso (3:40)
1975
Fly Away (4:16)
(with Olivia Newton-John)
1976
Looking for Space (4:01)
1976
Like a Sad Song (3:43)
1977
My Sweet Lady (4:50)
1981
Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone) (4:03)
1982
Shanghai Breezes (3:14)
1983
Wild Montana Skies (4:04)
(with Emmylou Harris)
1985
Dreamland Express (4:06)
