John Denver—Mystic, Humanitarian, Planetarian

John Denver was an amazing song writer and singer who was 20 years ahead of his time with his messages. His messages weren't fear-based (We are doomed!) but love of life. In his own words John said, "My purpose in performing is to communicate the joy I feel in living."

Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. he found his soul purpose at the age 11 when his grandmother gave him a guitar.

At the age of 20 he moved to Los Angeles to make his way in the music industry. Luckily someone convinced him to change his name. He chose the capitol of his beloved state of Colorado to become his last name.

John was a man ahead of his times. He was deeply committed to environmental causes and to creating a peaceful and tolerant planet. He was one of the first western performers in Russia in the mid 80s as well as in China where he found out that they loved "Country Roads."

John might never have inspired the critics with his simple manner but the people of the world adored him. He had 14 gold albums and 8 platinum albums in the U.S.alone.

John also won many music awards. Shortly before his tragic and untimely death in 1997 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Thank you, John, for 30 plus years of joyful performances.