He was a story teller, a master guitarist, a song writer, a singer ... and his music still captures my soul today as he sings of the mountains and nature and youth and growing old and wheat fields and Colorado and Alaska and all the things I love. He was John Denver who died eleven years ago today at the age of 53 in a plane crash off the coast of California. For me, that was the day the music died.Even now, when I pull out my guitar, the first chords I strum are John Denver's music ... the songs I sing are his. Even though I disagreed with some of his politics, I never stopped loving his music. He took the ups and downs in his own life and put them into melodic, sometimes hauntingly emotional, choruses that comforted the hurting souls of others ... songs about love lost, then found ... breakups and reconnecting ... children ... old cowboys.
One got the sense there were inner conflicts with John ... just listen to his music. But, then, aren't there inner conflicts in us all? He had a better way of expressing them ... he bared his soul to those who listened.
But he had a playful side, too, as he would laugh and tells stories and have a grand old time at his concerts, enjoying the give-and-take with the audience. His later years seemed to be more reflective.
John Denver's death stunned the world:
Upon announcement of Denver's death, Colorado governor Roy Romer ordered all state flags to be lowered to half staff in his honor. Denver was cremated with the 1910 Gibson guitar, given to him by his grandmother, that had inspired much of his career. Funeral services were held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Colorado on October 17, 1997 being officiated by Pastor Les Felker, a retired Air Force chaplain. Later Denver's ashes were scattered in the Rocky Mountains. Further tributes were made at the following Grammys and Country Music Association Awards.My sister, who was living in Denver at the time, attended the memorial service which was a moving tribute to John Denver the musician, the man, the dad, the son.
John Denver ... we still miss you but your music will live on forever.
3 comments:
I loved John Denver's music, too. I have some songbooks and the People Magazine published when he died with his picture on the cover. It was a sad day for me. It's odd, I was going through my music just the other day and was looking at them, reminiscing.
I would still like to meet you.
Joy Jackson
I remember growing up in Baltimore and listening to John Denver's "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy" play during the 7th Inning Stretch at O's games. John Denver is an American icon, who will live on forever.
John Denver was not only a great artist, but a great humanitarian, as well. I've loved his music since the first time I heard it, back in the early 70's. I was devastated when he was taken so soon. The world truly lost a great soul. John, you are missed every day. Thank God we still have your music
Vicki
Post a Comment