SATURDAY REVIEW
July/August 1985

BRIEFINGS
"Back in the U.S.S.R."

      When John Denver was singing with the Chad Mitchell Trio
back in the 1960's, he probably never imagined he was destined
for international diplomacy. In 1977 Denver became one of five
founding members of the World Hunger Project. Jimmy Carter
later appointed him to the Presidential Commission on World
Hunger.  This past fall, the 42 year old singer-songwriter
became an unofficial goodwill ambassador when he undertook a
12 day musical tour of the Soviet Union.
      Early in preparation for the visit, protocol became a
concern because formal cultural ties have not been renewed
since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.  Denver
called upon friends familiar with the diplomatic situation to
secure an invitation from the Union of Composers of the
U.S.S.R.  He was briefed by both the U.S. State Department -
which neither sanctioned nor opposed the visit - and the
Soviet Embassy in Washington.
      Once on tour, including stops in Moscow and Leningrad,
Denver met with members of the State Cultural Ministry as well
as popular Soviet folk musicians.  Appearing in his
traditional cowboy boots and leather vest, he entertained an
audience made up largely of Soviet officials by singing such
hits as "Rocky Mountain High" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane."
      Since returning to the States, the New Mexico born
entertainer has continued to sound a theme of friendship
through music, a medium he believes transcends politics and
"evokes a common emotion that speaks to the deeper, hidden
self."  The Soviets, too, appear anxious for a return
engagement. Denver recently returned to work out details for a
Soviet television special planned for early next year.
      In the meantime, Denver has just completed a U.S. tour
in association with his new album, DREAMLAND EXPRESS.  Concert
dates this month include a Denver, Colorado benefit, July 5, a
concert with the Boston Pops on July 14, in Washington, D.C.
and a performance with the Dallas Symphony, July 20.  Next
month the singer returns to China for a worldwide satellite
concert from the Great Wall.