J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V A P R I L 1 9 9 8 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents April 1998 * Issue #48 Rocky Mountain High Ski Run Dedication Aspen, Colorado 3/22/98..............................1 Special RMH Ski Run Postal Cancellation..............2 John Denver Tribute Events..............................2 TV Dates to Remember....................................3 New John Denver & other CD's............................3 Reviews of John Denver Tribute Events: "It's About Time" - Austin, Texas 3/10/98.............4 Genesis Awards - Los Angeles, CA 3/28/98..............4 Hearts in Harmony Gathering in Doylestown, PA 4/4/98..5 John Denver Notes.......................................5 Organizations and Honors for John.......................6 Confusion on the John Denver Frontier - by Emily Parris with Ann Schnitz......................7 Poetry Corner: New Lyrics to a JD Song by James Corino.............8 Poem by Dayleen Bowers..............................9 John Denver Want Ads....................................9 ====================================== ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH SKI RUN DEDICATION ====================================== On March 22, 1998 a new Ski Run in Snowmass, Colorado was named "Rocky Mountain High" and dedicated to the memory of John Denver. It was a warm and sunny day on top of the ski run and Erma Deutschendorf, Annie Denver, Zachary and Anna Kate were in attendance. John's music played at the ceremony and also at all of the lift houses. At the ceremony to honor John, Pat O'Donnell, the chairman of the Skico Environmental Foundation, was the first to speak. He said it was the fulfillment of the promise he had made at John's Aspen Memorial in Aspen, Colorado on 10/18/97. Tom Crum spoke next followed by Zachary Denver. Then a check for $2,500 was presented to the Windstar Land Conservancy from the Skico Environmental Foundation. The Memorial itself has the picture that was used in the Aurora Memorial Service on the left and a bronze plaque on the right with the words: "Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops, sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars, and reach for the heavens and hope for the future and all that we can be, not just what we are." Above John's name and his dates of birth and death are the words "The Eagle and the Hawk". The Rocky Mountain High Ski Run is the highest lift-served ski run in the United States. ======================================== Rocky Mountain High Special Cancellation ======================================== The Aspen POST OFFICE has a special cancellation available for one month honoring the naming of the ski lift "Rocky Mountain High." To get a copy of the cancellation mail a SASE (Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope) or postcard in another envelope with a note saying that you would like the special cancellation to: Postmaster Aspen, CO 81611 They will mail you back your envelope/postcard with the "Rocky Mountain High" cancellation on it. Their phone number is (970) 925-7523. From: Val Nestrick ========================== John Denver Tribute Events ========================== April 12, 1998 - 5:27 pm Pacific Time - Worldwide meditation for John Denver Lakeland, FL April 22 & 24th 1998 Ken Dravis will be performing a musical tribute to John Denver on April 22nd and 24th at 7:00 pm during Sun-N-Fun Air Fest More information: (802) 472-6591 Los Angeles, CA - April 23, 1998 John Denver Memorial Earth Day Concert 8:00 PM at "The Mint" 6010 West Pico Blvd. Tickets: $10.00 Featuring the Rocky Mountain High Review with Phil Christie, Kyle Vincent, Rock Gaines, Raspin Stewart, Lindee Brown and Roger Himes. Contact Jerry Rubin (310) 399-1000) for reservations. Lancaster, PA April 26, 1998 Memorial Tree Planting for John. 5:00 PM For more info or (717) 291-9393 Anchorage, AK - May 1-3, 1998 Ken Dravis - Musical Tribute to John Denver during "Alaskan Air Expo" Modesto, CA June 27, 1998 Brian Taylor's "Wolves and Trees" Tour: a Plant-It 2000 Fundraiser http://home.earthlink.net/~briantaylor http://members.aol.com/Weekendrus/index.html Columbus, OH - July 1998 - Camp Mary Orton There is going to be a summer celebration in Columbus, OH. There will be family entertainment, camping and a variety of other experiences. For info Cindy http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/boulevard/2376/ Aspen-Snowmass August 14-16, 1998 Fans will be planting some of the 14,000 trees in the John Denver Memorial Grove of the National Arbor Day Foundation in the White River National State Park in Snowmass. TV Dates to Remember: John Denver ================================= May 5, 1998 Genesis Awards 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm (PST) ANML May 10, 1998 Genesis Awards 12:00 NOON (PST) ANML May 22, 1998 Genesis Awards 6:00 pm & 9:00 PM (PST) ANML June 1, 1998 - E! Special on John Denver 8:00 PM EST New CD'S ======== COLORS IN TIME: MUSICAL MEMORIES OF JOHN DENVER The Tribute Cd by Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole is now available. It's called "Colors in Time - Musical Memories of John Denver". It is available through...Instar Records / P. O. Box 90244 / Nashville, TN 37209 The cost is $15.00 plus $1.50 shipping in the US * Pete Song List: 1. The Eagle And The Hawk 2. Fly Away/I'm Sorry (medley) 3. Druthers 4. My Sweet Lady 5. Two Hours (by Pete Huttlinger) 6. Flight 7. Travels (by Chris Nole) 8. Poems, Prayers and Promises 9. For You (piano arrangement by Chris) 10. Eagles And Horses 11. Calypso 12. Sunshine On My Shoulders - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "GREATEST COUNTRY HITS * New John Denver compilation album The list of songs is as follows: 1. Take Me Home, Country Roads 2. Sunshine On My Shoulders 3. Annie's Song 4. Back Home Again 5. Sweet Surrender 6. Thank God I'm A Country Boy 7. I'm Sorry 8. Fly Away 9. Looking for Space 10. Like A Sad Song 11. Baby You Look Good to Me Tonight 12. How Can I Leave You Again? 13. What's On Your Mind? 14. Autograph 15. Some Days Are Diamonds 16. Cowboy and the Lady 17. Wild Montana Skies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE CD: There is a new cd available in memory of John Denver. It is "As The First Snows Fell in Colorado". For more information contact Maureen Anderson * http://www.mumze.com/dreamland/ ============================= REVIEWS OF JOHN DENVER EVENTS ============================= JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE "It's About Time" - Austin, TX 3/10/98 Reviewed by Julie B Five months after his sold out show at the UT Bass Concert Hall just before his untimely death last October, John Denver's spirit sang, once again, onstage here in Austin. Last night's tribute to John Denver at the State Theatre was more like a gathering of friends and family, than a concert. Donna and Terry Lipman, a couple who were introduce to each other by John, produced this tribute to honor the memory of John's message as he lived it in his music, speeches, organizations, and his life's works. As the lights went down promptly at 8 pm, a candle was lit next to the lone guitar at stage right, and John's voice was heard reciting the poetry of part of his song, "On the Wings of a Dream". This was followed by the rich flowing voice of blues singer Jacqui Cross with a portion of "Poems and Prayers and Promises", Denver's songs were captured in new and exciting ways by a group of Austin musicians and singers. Donna (Lipman) lent a personal narrative to the evening with anecdotes and impressions, and a reminder of John's message for us all. Donna's loving renditions of "The Flower That Shattered the Stone" and "What One Man Can Do" were very moving. Kira McConaghy's voice was especially suited to her heart swelling interpretation of "Falling Leaves", but the emotional strength of the evening was felt later when she fought her way through "For Bobbie" with tears and choking voice. Bill Small led the band in "Grandma's Feather Bed" and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy." Later, when Bill sang "My Sweet Lady" so beautifully and passionately, we were reminded of how much John's love songs spoke to the lover in all of us. The singers were backed by a strong band with as much variety in their instruments as in their backgrounds, appearances, and ages. The lead guitarist was especially notable. Late in the show, Jacqui appeared onstage, leading a choir in an inspirational gospel rendition of "Rocky Mountain High". The standing ovation and roaring crowd seemed to show that, though we may have not found Jesus, we had, at least, found John. For me, the most poignant moment of the evening was when the show ended, the lights went out, and the candle was carried from the stage through the audience and out the back of the theatre. The final tribute of the respectful silence, broken here and there by a low spoken "thank you" as the candle passed by. Thank you John......Julie * * * REPORT from the GENESIS AWARDS which were taped on 3/28/98. in Los Angeles, CA * From: mariajd@calnet.net I just got home from the Genesis Awards. John received the Doris Day Award. They introduced John's award by showing a clip from his 1974 special with Doris Day. Then Lyle Lovett came out to present the award. Lyle spoke for a bit then they showed the clip from the Wildlife concert of "You Say That The Battle Is Over". Then Lyle presented the award to David Mallet who wrote the song and Ron, John's brother. Dave spoke first then Ron spoke. * * * HEARTS IN HARMONY's April 4th Gathering in Doylestown, PA From: Patricia Brown --Dearest Friends - I returned home to Florida last night after a wonderful four days in Pennsylvania. I have relatives there, but the purpose of the trip was to attend the John Denver tribute in Doylestown. I had planned on going alone. After all, my relatives are Eagles fans. But at the last minute I decided to invite my sister-in-law, Nan. To my surprise, she said she'd love to go. We arrived at the United Church of Christ at noon. It was already filled with numerous die-hard JD fans mingling among the memorabilia. I particularly was struck by the most beautiful photo of John I had ever seen. Nan was also taken by it. "I never realized he was so handsome," she said. Around three o'clock we moved upstairs into the church. We were entertained by some wonderful musicians. They sang John's songs and even some of their own songs. I was particularly moved by Chris Westfall. He had grown up with John's music and John's style. If I closed my eyes it was as if John were up there himself. Nan was moved by the beauty of the music and the poetry of the words. Several songs brought her to tears. I cried just watching this new convert. We talked about JD all the way back home, how he had changed my life, and what all he had done with his. The next day we took a five mile hike through the Pennypac Wilderness near her home. At the end of the trail, we stopped at the nature center. Nan signed our names in the guest book, and in the "comments" section she wrote, "For John Denver". I think John would have liked that. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Rocky Mountain High was informed that "Wild Wild Web" - a CBS nationally-syndicated tv show has chosen our web site to possibly be featured in an upcoming segment on death on the Web. "Wild Wild Web" airs in 148 markets across the U.S. and Canada. The Web of Death segment will air the week of 4/27/98. They don't guarantee that we'll make the final cut, but I gave them permission to show the RMH www page. The "Wild Wild Web" site is at http://www.getwild.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - David Gorell Please join me on Easter weekend. At 5.27 pm on Sunday, the 12th April (Pacific Time US), marks the 6 month anniversary of when John died. At this time I am going to play "The Wings That Fly Us Home" from the SPIRIT album. I would like it if as many JD fans as possible worldwide would also join me in playing this song at this time in memory of John. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Charles McLane I went to a tree farm, purchased a blue spruce and planted it in our front yard with a plaque that reads: "This tree is dedicated to our Friend.. John Denver". I'd like to start a "Plant a Tree Movement" for John. I urge everyone to plant a tree in John's memory. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cassandra Delaney Denver appeared with Olivia Newton John at "Australia Day 1998" on Jan 24, 1998 in Beverly Hills, CA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================== ORGANIZATIONS AND HONORS FOR JOHN DENVER ======================================== WINDSTAR LAND CONSERVANCY - John Denver Memorial Tickets: Christie Smith John Denver was scheduled to hold a benefit concert in December of 1997 for the Windstar Land Conservancy which is home to many species of wildlife and located in Snowmass, CO. The "tickets" to this concert that was never held have been created and are now for sale. Please keep in mind that these tickets are not for an actual event, but for you to keep as a reminder of John and of the Earth he loved so much. http://members.bellatlantic.net/~jura - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER MUSIC EDUCATION FUND: (Denver Musicians Assn.) In addition to raising awareness of "RMH" for Colorado State Song, our organization of musicians and educators is working to raise the level of music understanding in Colorado and elsewhere. Donations may be sent to "Our Musical Heritage" (marked "for JDMEF") Ken Davies http://www.dmamusic.org/ourmusicalheritage/jdmef.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - The article: "Denver Music Association - On A Rocky Mountain High: John Denver" can be found at http://www.sky.net/~emily/articles/article.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CENTER FOR TROPICAL ECOLOGY - St. Louis, Missouri In 1990 John Denver was the first recipient to receive the "World Ecology Medal" from the International Center for Tropical Ecology in St. Louis, Missouri. Jacques Cousteau was the 2nd recipient of the medal. Shortly after John's death on 10/17/97 they announced their plans to honor John Denver by having a scholarship in his name - the "John Denver Memorial Scholarship. For more information contact Ron Bonine (314) 944-3644 or Two articles on this subject are are available at: http://www.sky.net/~emily/articles/article.html (10/17/97) SCHOLAR.ART (9/14/90) TROPICAL.ART - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER receives HONORARY PHD DEGREE: John Denver received an honorary PHD Degree posthumously from the Daystar Commission. The degree was originally to be presented to John in the Summer of 1997 but due to delays it never happened. This degree in the Humanities is for John's "significant, original, personally designed and carried out musical, literary, environmental and humanitarian work." Copies of the degree were recently accepted by some of John's closest friends and members of the Denver family. Daystar Commission / P.O. Box 41226 / Des Moines, IA 50311 http://www.netins.net/showcase/daystar * * * CONFUSION ON THE JOHN DENVER FRONTIER by Emily M. Parris with Ann Schnitz There is plenty to be confused about in the John Denver frontier. The names of albums are duplicated and there are various bootleg and low-budget albums out that are actually the same ones under a different name. As Ann Schnitz reported recently, "there is another 'new' CD floating around - the Best of John Denver" on Madasy Records (which is actually EMI-Capitol). At least this is a legitimate label, but it too is another way of packaging "A Celebration of Life" (which is actually "Love Again" - the cd released in Holland and Australia in 1996). And you have no way of knowing this when you're buying it, particularly from online services." ALBUMS On album titles the confusion has been prevalent since about 1996. John's original album "Rocky Mountain High" that contains the Season Suite was released in 1972. However, there is also an album called "Rocky Mountain High" that is part of a 5-cd set from Laserlight Digital. When I first saw that I wondered if it would be confusing, but I thought it would be ok since it was part of a 5-cd set. The individual albums, however, are now being sold singly as well. The five albums that make up the set are "Annie's Song", "Calypso", "Rocky Mountain High", "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Sunshine On My Shoulders." The Lasarlight album "Rocky Mountain High" has an entirely different song list and it was published in 1997. "Take Me Home, Country Roads and other Songs" is an album that pre-dates the Lasarlight Digital set as well. This also is an adaptation of another album. All the songs on it are also on "Greatest Hits - Volume 1." The only difference is that some of the songs on the Greatest Hits album have been left out. So in "Take Me Home, Country Roads and other songs" you actually have a shortened version of the earlier album, and once again - two albums with almost identical titles. Ann also reported another problem: "Just so you all know - the CD John Denver -- Live! that is from Austria and is being sold on the online cd services and in some catalogs is a bootleg of the album "An Evening with John Denver." It's certainly not worth paying import prices for, and it omits the two songs that the American cd omits." JOHN DENVER SONGS There has long been confusion in John Denver songs. The song "Farewell Andromeda" is from the album of the same name. The title was originally listed as "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)" since the words "Welcome to my morning" are in the first line of the lyrics. According to my records this album is on at least 4 John Denver albums..."Farewell Andromeda" (1973), "An Evening With John Denver" (1975), "Greatest Hits - 2" (1983), and the "Rocky Mountain Collection" which was published by RCA in 1996. On John's "Greatest Hits - Volume 2" the song is listed as "Welcome To My Morning (Farewell Andromeda) instead of the real title. Song titles were also changed in the 1995 "Wildlife Concert" album. The song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was shortened to just "Country Roads". John Denver did an album named "Spirit" in 1976, but the song "Spirit" isn't on that one. It is on the 1975 album "Windsong." Have I thoroughly confused you? If you'd like track listings for these various albums, write to "emily@sky.net" and ask for CONFUSED.TXT. ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== James Corino wrote some new lyrics: It's a long way from New York to Aspen It's a long time to cry and be blue It's along way to go to meet my new family All the people who feel like I do Oh, they all feel the same way I do I think of the love they have for me And I think of the things that we'll do I think of my friends and Denver Day in Aspen All those memories that I have of you Sweet memories that we have of you And I tell you I'm happy to be here To share thoughts and memories with you For I found here my true friends and family And my heart knows the way I feel too Yes, our hearts know the way we feel too And I think of my John Denver family And I think of their love and sweet smiles And I think of the way you are always there for me How we all get to meet for awhile Yes, we're all only here for awhile It's a long way from this place to Aspen It's a long time to be sad and blue It's a long way home when I leave these mountains All my friends in the snow covered hills All my family and friends are in these hills <<<<<< >>>>>> POEM by Dayleen Bowers Though you no longer cast a shadow Here in this Earthly plane Your smile, Your joy, your loving Light, Still, in my heart remain. Your music leads me through my life Your love takes many forms Your gift of Love Enlightens me And keeps me safe and warm. In my moments of despair, When I'm sure I cannot last Your Ever present Spirit shines Even though your life has passed. No other soul has done so much To help me see the Way. The Universe shall crumble down But you are here to stay. To John Denver - I loved you then, I love you now, I will love you Always...2/18/98 Dayleen Bowers 29 Palms, CA =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== Donna Pinto Send for details about the early April benefit offer (valid April 1 - April 14) of JD's tv films "The Leftovers" and "Higher Ground". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gwen O'Donnell Please email me if you would like to receive my list of JD movies & tv specials. I would be happy to make copies. Fond du Lac, WI - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kay Wentz I have an unopened extra copy of Rocky Mountain Christmas. I'll sell it for $15.00. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barbara Breen looking for videos "Higher Ground", "A Christmas Gift" and "A Christmas Together" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dodie Sweeney I have looked everywhere for the movie "Higher Ground". Does anyone have a copy? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kathy Hoemeke I'm looking for copies of John's tv appearances on video; in particular "A Tribute to Jim Henson" (11/20/90). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Darrell I have a JD 4-cd Box Set to sell since it is a duplicate. I'm asking $40.00. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Windstar Foundation has limited copies of the "Merry Christmas Aspen" album in vinyl and cassette. 2317 Snowmass Creek Rd /Snowmass, CO 81654 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paul Hardman "John Denver Remembered" is now available on video http://www.caravan.com/johndenver - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Maureen Memhardt has a list of videos she is looking for as well as the "Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, vol. 3. Email her if you think you might have any of them. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "A Fire In His Heart & A Light in His Eyes: John Denver's Legacy" by Roger Himes. 800-394-6030 Now also available on 3 Audio Cassettes. http://www.sky.net/~emily/himes.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There is a John Denver Tribute Screen Saver available for $10.00. Plant-It 2000 will plant two trees for each one sold. http://members.aol.com/JDsaver/ Eric - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily John Denver Jewelry: I was delighted recently when I found a tiny frame and designed a new John Denver necklace with a tiny picture of John on it. I'll put a picture up soon: http://www.sky.net/~emily/jewelry.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- Ralph Cox I recall seeing a performance by JD on the Tonight Show performing "The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall" and I would like to know the airdate of the show or if anyone has that on VHS tape. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brad Johnson is looking for a copy of the movie "Sunshine". Does anyone have a copy they could sell? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Joe Ray Skrha I'm looking for persons who might want to trade rare recordings or live concerts of John Denver that have not been released commercially. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Faith Cangialosi I'm searching for a video copy of the Memorial service for John held in Aspen, CO. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sandy is looking for John's autobiography "Take Me Home". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Charles Bennett I have transcripts of the JD Memorial Services on a 3.5" disk for $5.00 2449 Poplar / Kansas City, MO 64111 Email for details. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kristine Have a JD album that you desperately want & can't seem to find it? I have an enormous collection of his tapes & cd's. Email me for a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Belle Davis If anyone is looking for a certain video of John you might be able to find it in my list. http://www.wko.com/~davis/collect.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paul H. Wigton II As a long time acquaintance of John's and as a singer of his songs for over 20 years...anyone interested in forming a tribute band? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - RMH-1 Audio Tapes are still available: $5.00 postpaid in the US. (Foreign $2.00 extra) for the track list. Jim Fettgather / 3820 Baltimore / Kansas City, MO 64111 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - POETRY WANTED: I'm working on a JD Memorial Poetry Book to be published this summer. If you would like to have your poem included send it to: with subject: POEMBOOK * * * Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful Happy Birthday Wishes! .....Emily ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily April 1998 * Issue #48 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************