Happy birthday, John Denver

Today is what should have been John Denver’s 75th birthday had he not tragically died in a plane crash in 1997. It seems odd that for 22 years there hasn’t been any new John Denver songs. On his last recorded album he sang a cover of ‘People Get Ready.’ It’s as if he knew he wouldn’t make it past a year but then again, for some reason, it brings us comfort to think someone knew they were going to die before they experienced a full lifetime.

Growing up John Denver was the only musical artist my dad listened to. Which meant for the most part, John Denver was the only artist I listened to. When Christmas rolled around, John’s everyday music was put away and out came the Christmas albums. One would think with so much exposure to John Denver, I would hate his music as an adult. That’s not true. It’s quite the opposite. John Denver feels like home. He calms me down when I’m stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. I marvel at the majesty of his lyrics.

Sure not every song is a masterpiece. ‘Polkadots and Moonbeams’ isn’t a song he could brag about. When you have songs flowing from your fingertips, they can’t all be great. However he was a talented and gifted singer/songwriter/performer. I do wish I could have seen him in concert before he passed away. I shall leave you with the partial lyrics of my favorite John Denver song ‘Autograph.’ I think this song is true for ever songwriter no matter what genre. Before the closing with those lyrics, lot of friends will be wishing each other “Happy New Year!” as they should. I instead shall say “Happy birthday, John Denver. Thank you for your gift of music.”

 

 

Autograph

This is my autograph

Here in the songs that I sing

Here in my cry and my laugh

Here in the love that I bring