Remembering John Denver
He lived an authentic and passionate life.
I think it’s a sign of my 38% European ancestry that I totally love John Denver ballads. Despite his songs being described as ‘elevator music’, he remains one of the best selling artists of all time – 33 million records sold to date.
He was a passionate and impetuous man, as well as an inspired songwriter. Annie’s Song — written for his then-wife — was one of his greatest hits, but he sawed their marital bed in two rather than give it to her after she was awarded half their assets in the divorce.
He died in 1997 when the experimental plane he was piloting crashed, because he could not reach the fuel switch behind him. He would’ve been pissed that Annie was made executor of his estate as he failed to leave a Will.
1974 was a good year for Denver’s music – Annie’s Song was his second number one hit that year.
This was his first; hitting number one today 30th March forty-nine years ago.
