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 9 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents April 1999 * Issue #60 John Denver Events / John on Television................2 John Denver's letter to his Mother.....................3 John Denver's House Becomes A Second Home by Tim Mutrie / Aspen Times 4/1/99.................4 Review of "The Unplugged Collection" cd................4 Reviews of the Starland Cafe Event 3/20/99.............5 Poetry Corner: "I Still Hear You Singing" by Margaret Moores........6 "Words of Comfort" by Linda Symons..................7 John Denver Notes......................................8 John Denver Want Ads...................................9 From "Zen Guitar" by Philip T. Sudo: "What a record contains is your spirit--your soul, your energy, your emotion, your thoughts, your passion, your sorrow, your rhythm, your sensibility, your strength, your weakness--the very breath of your life. Like a genie, your spirit in that moment is bottled forever, to be let loose again and again by anyone who desires. Some recordings contain a spirit so deep and profound they reward endless listening. These recordings actually change peoples lives--people the artist never sees or knows, years after the artist's death. Such an experience can lead future generations to find the way." ===================================== JOHN DENVER EVENTS / JOHN ON TV ===================================== April 8, 1999 "Muppets": John Denver Guest Host 6:00 PM VISN - Odyssey (Television) April 14, 1999 "Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson" 7:00 PM (John is one of the guests) - Television - VISN-Odyssey April 17, 1999 Phil Christie in concert - Diedrich Coffee- house / 732 Montana Ave. / Los Angeles, CA 7:00 pm (310) 656-7838 http://home.earthlink.net/~pchristie/ April 18, 1999 "Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson" 7:00 PM VISN April 24, 1999 Doylestown, PA "Hearts in Harmony" Celebration of Life Get together/singalong 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM $10.00 Performers: Chris Westfall, Kevin Yeargin, Paul Swanton, Frank DeLaMarre & Russ Mogel. Info: Carol (717) 548-2457 http://john-denver.org/web/hih/index.html April 25, 1999 Lancaster, PA - Pavilion 2 at Long's Park. 1:00 PM Bring your own picnic lunch + $5 to benefit Plant-It 2000. Charlie Zahm will entertain. Pat May 8, 1999 - Hamburg and Oberhausen, Germany - Music and Communication "Getting-to-know-each-other-days" Info: Inge Kaminski May 22-29, 1999 Colorado - Nat'l JD Highway Cleanup sponsored by the CO Friends of JD. Evelyn Pinney May 22 - Highway Clean-Up - Cartersville, GA * Tri-State Friends of JD Susan Haymore June 5, 1999 - New York, NY - Dedication for JD Memorial Bench in Central Park Info: Jo June 19, 1999 - Boyds, MD - Pavilion C / Black Hill Regional Park 1:00 am Charlie Zahm $5.00 / Bring your own food. Send payment + SASE to Ann Schnitz / 304-2A Greystone Lane Newark, DE 19711 Ann June 26, 1999 - Doylestown, PA - Peace Valley Park Barbara Kilgallon (215) 822-3169 July 3, 1999 - Weissenobe near Nuremberg, Germany "Music and Communication" Info: Klara 09192-997731 July 23-25, 1999 John Denver Summer Celebration / Camp Mary Orton / Columbus, Ohio. Speakers include Lou Gold, Ellen Stapenhorst, Steven Newman, Rainbow Eagle, Chris Reynolds and Tom Burns. JDSC Hotline: (614) 861-5539 http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/2376 September 25, 1999 - 2nd Annual JD Vision Walk / Stokes State Forest / Branchville, NJ $10.00 (Check to NY Windstar) Mail To: Kim Faley / 510 Davina Ct. / Lakewood, NJ 08701 njplantit2000@webtv.net (732) 367-0587 October 2-3, 1999 - Sinzig near Bonn, Germany "Music and Communication's" Denver Weekend * Gabi October 9-10, 1999 "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" / Wheeler Opera House / Aspen, Colorado October 9, 1999 Snowmass, CO - Dinner at the Tower Restaurant $23.00 per person - Debbie Wood http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen99/tower.html Debbie Wood 8284 Tarragon Dr. / Mechanicsville, VA 23111 October 10, 1999 Aspen, CO 11:00 am - 6:00 pm $55.00 "A Celebration of Life" sponsored by HEARTS IN HARMONY Dottie Honer / 5214 Stump Road / Pipersville, PA 18947 (215) 766-7363 October 11, 1999 World Family Jerome Event - Aspen, CO $50.00 9:00am - 10:00pm w/3 hour break / For tickets write Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft / Garland, TX 75043 Info: Rory (972) 495-9327 October 12, 1999 - Snowmass, CO - Tower Restaurant Dinner $26.00 Debbie See Oct. 9th for more info. October 12, 1999 - Salida, CO - Christine Smith's John Denver Celebration $23.00 includes live music, food & gratuity. Christine Smith / 0478 County Road #46 / Howard, CO 81233 Email: dreamsoffreedom@yahoo.com November 1-5, 1999 "Calypso Cruise" aboard the M.S. Ecstasy 4 days/3 nights Deb Perry / P.O. Box 42 Carver, MN 55315 (612) 368-7550 * * * JOHN DENVER'S LETTER TO HIS MOTHER John Denver wrote this letter to his mother, Erma, on her 75th Birthday. It was read out loud at John's Memorial Service in Aurora, Colorado: My Dear Mother, I have wanted to tell you today how very much I love you. I wanted you to know how much you are respected and appreciated by me. That I know how big your heart is, how much you feel and how much you care. There are times that I wish I could take you in my arms and hold you in a way that would make you feel loved and cared for - that you would feel safe and warm and really appreciated for the wonderful woman you are. That you would feel understood and respected for all the things that you do. That you would know that someone else knows how much love you have given of yourself beyond measure - time and time again - not only to Dad and Ralph and Ron and me, but also to our families and to so many others. I wanted you to know what a blessing you have been in my life, and through me to so many others. I would not be the man that I am, nor would I be able to sing the way that I do, nor would I have written the songs that I've written without the influence and inspiration that you have been to me. I want you to know that today there are hundreds, if not thousands of people who join me in saying, "God bless the day that you were born." Happy Birthday, Mom - and many more. I love you. Your son, John XXOOOXXOO - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER'S HOUSE BECOMES A SECOND HOME by Tim Mutrie * Aspen Times * 4/1/99 John Denver's former Starwood residence on Johnson Drive sold for $3.68 million last month according to local relator Carol Dopkin. Dopkin declined to identify the buyers but said a family had purchased the seven-plus acre estate. "They're going to keep the home and use it as a family retreat and vacation home" she said. Some local residents and far-flung John Denver fans had suggested that the residence, which went on the market July 8, 1998, be made into a museum to honor the late singer and activist who died in a plane crass off the coast of California in October 1997. "A 6,800 square foot, five bedroom main house and 2,200 square foot 3 bedroom guest house sit on the former Denver estate" Dopkin said. "The house is a house of intimate spaces" Dopkin said. "It's very romantic with a lot of quality to it. The master bedroom is very unusual because it has a whole wall of stained glass, a Jacuzzi for two, and a steam room. Denver's study is almost spiritual in feeling and it has a library and reading loft just off of it and then a deck with a telescope. His house isn't just a house, it's an experience" Dopkin said. "It has character to it and that sounds like it must have been funky, but it wasn't, it was quality. It has a lot of things that I would call timeless. It has very interesting architecture with logs of wood and lots of solar applications." Dopkin said Denver and his former wife, Annie, built the two houses in 1975. Both were remodeled in 1984, she added. "There's a swimming pool and beautiful grounds suitable for horses. It's just a very romantic house" Dopkin said. "The place has spectacular views" she added. "When Denver purchased the two adjoining lots in the 1970's he had his choice of almost any lot in Starwood and he chose this one" she said. Denver's presence in the subdivision attracted so many fans that the singer put up the funds for the first Starwood guardhouse. * * * Editor's Note: I don't know why the information in this article seems to differ from the report (in a former issue of Rocky Mtn High) that the house had been purchased by a company. This is a lengthy article with details and the other information was just a 2 line blurb. So I am assuming that this information is more accurate........Emily ==================================================== Review of "THE UNPLUGGED COLLECTION - Greatest Hits" ==================================================== Sandy My husband recently surprised me with the JD CD "The Unplugged Collection - Greatest Hits". If you don't have it already, I highly recommend it. It is an import CD that he found on the Nature Music www site. The songs are all familiar, but all are done in a slightly different way from what you are used to...especially the song "For You." The recordings were done in 1996 in Nashville, TN. The band consists of Chris Nole, Michito Sanchez, Alan Deremo, Glen Duncan and Pete Huttlinger. To sum up the CD in 1 word.... AWESOME! ============================================================== REVIEWS Starland Cafe * Washington, DC * March 20, 1999 ============================================================== From: Karen I wanted to post a review of the wonderful time we all had at the Starland Cafe in Washington DC on March 20th. I was glad that I was able to attend this as I know everyone there also felt the same way. I wanted to thank Mary, Ann, Charlie Zahm. Frank DeLaMare, Mac Bailey, Side by Side, and Bill Danoff for putting on a great show. It was fun seeing everyone again. The afternoon started with a meet and greet and then Side by Side performed their set of songs. I always enjoy hearing their version of "Dreamland Express/All I Have to Do Is Dream." This time around they also performed "The Flower That Shattered the Stone" which sounded great. They mentioned that they will be the headliners for the Birchmere this year on May 23rd. They hope to be in Aspen as well. They really harmonize great together! After they completed their set we all had a buffet lunch and then were treated to Frank DeLaMare. Frank spoke of how Annie had heard him play at the Celebration of Life even in August in Aspen and thought that he sounded so much like John when he sang "Perhaps Love". Frank played "Perhaps Love" at that point in his set and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Frank did a few songs in his set including "I'd Rather Be A Cowboy", "Annie's Song" and "Yellowstone, Coming Home". Frank does a fantastic job on "Yellowstone." He will have another CD out soon called "This Old Guitar." After Frank came Charlie Zahm. This was the first time I had heard him sing. Charlie sings wonderfully. He opened with "Love Is The Master" (my all time favorite of John's). He sang "Darcy Farrow" and "Dreams" and then did "For You" on the guitar. He asked Frank to help him out with "Rocky Mountain High" at the end. Then we were in for a real treat -- Mac Bailey from the group "The Hard Travellers" got up to perform. Mac just completed a new CD. He sang a song from the CD that he wrote for his daughter. Mac brought along a cd player and played tracks of Chris Nole on the piano for this song. Mac said that when they recorded this song he had a photo of his daughter next to him and gave Chris a photo and they did the song in one shot and I can tell you it sounds beautiful. After a few more JD songs, Mac went to the cd player again and played the "Eagles and Horses." Then came the highlight of the day when Mac introduced Bill Danoff and the two of them sang "Potters Wheel" Bill was really into it and was stomping his feet, singing and strumming away! Bill also sang "Baby, You Look Good To Me Tonight" and "I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado" which was the first song that JD recorded of Bill's. To close the show all the performers came up and sang "Country Roads." There was an auction going on for different items and the winners were announced and all too soon the "Afternoon Delight" came to a close. * * * Mary Ledford 3/24/99 Our event at the Starland Cafe this past Saturday was wonderful despite the fact that I managed to catch a nasty flu bug. It was just a beautiful celebration. My very greatful appreciation to all the performers - Side by Side, Frank DeLeMarre, Mack Bailey, Charlie Zahm and Bill Danoff - you all made it very special. We raised close to $800 for the John Denver Music Education Fund. I also extend my very greatful appreciation to Ann Schnitz for all she did to make this event special. This will be an annual event. We are also going to plan something for June. ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== I STILL HEAR YOU SINGING by Margaret Moores I still hear you singing in cathedral mountains high, in the greening of the forest, in the rising of the sun, I think God's trying to tell me, you haven't really gone, It's just that you are truly, finally home. I still hear you singing in blowing winds and rain, I still hear your laughter all around, I think God's trying to tell me, you haven't really gone It's just that you are truly, finally home. When I was a young gal, crying and in pain sunshine on my shoulders, made me smile again, And I still hear you singing, in children that I see, in birds that fly above my head, What a mystery, But I think that God is trying to say you haven't really gone, it's just that you are truly, finally home. And I hope to see you someday laughing, smiling, singing, When I'm finally Home ------------------------------------- Copyright by Margaret Moores 11/19/98 WORDS OF COMFORT by Linda Symons From the rising of the sun, 'Til the stars come out at night, The message in his songs, Will be my heart's delight. In the cool breeze of the evening, As my thoughts begin to stray, In his voice I hear the splendor Of what was ours this day. A day to laugh, to love, to grow, The joy to simple "be", To know in every action, "Our will" makes us free. To reminisce of loves we've had, The joy and pain it brings, My silent thoughts come alive, In the songs he sings. A thousand verses cannot say The grief I felt inside, The heartache and the tears, The day John Denver died. The comfort that we seek, Is in his words fulfilled, Though the singer may be silent, His words are never stilled. ---------------------------------- Linda Symons...Copyright March 1999 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= RCA/BMG is releasing a "new" John Denver CD on March 23rd. On November 22, 1977 John Denver performed at the famed Sydney Opera House. Backing him was an all-star band that included the legendary drummer, Hal Blaine. The concert was recorded and released only in Australia. This first ever U.S. release has been remastered from first generation tapes for superior sound and features three tracks that were not included in the Australian release: "Me and My Uncle", "Today" and "Calypso". John's popularity continues to grow even after his death and "JOHN DENVER: LIVE AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE" is sure to be a must-have purchase for fans. The tracks are: Rocky Mountain High, Today, Back Home Again, Fly Away, Looking For Space, I Want To Live, Calypso, Me and My Uncle, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie, Moreton Bay, Grandma's Feather Bed, Thank God I'm A Country Boy, Take Me Home Country Roads, The Eagle and the Hawk, and Annie's Song. The CD cover features John alone on stage in white shirt playing his six string guitar. In the background shimmers a beautiful skyline photograph of the Sydney Opera House taken a night. Be sure to double check the track list so that you don't get the old import version from Australia. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Songs in REAL AUDIO on Coffee House Broadcast Series: Scott Ericson John Denver fans can find 3 selections through the entire series: on programs CH-2-2.2, CH-1.5, and The Chad Mitchell Trio with John on program CH-1.4 http://musicsojourn.com/AR/Folk/DenverJohn.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Annie <4sloughrunners@centuryinter.net> My daughter was part of a 4-H Music & Arts Festival today. (She was showing some of her artwork). The very first skit for music was "Theme: A Tribute to John Denver"!! Here were these kids doing JD and telling about the wonderful man that he was and the contributions he made to our world. They sang "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Grandma's Feather Bed", "Annie's Song", "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", and "Follow Me." There were 5 skits. They were chosen to go to the next level of competition! Isn't that just so "FAR OUT". Words cannot express how pleased I was. I just sat there and cried! JD is still in our hearts and living there. I am so glad to see that he is thought of by the young and old alike! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ann Schnitz reports that John's album "A Celebration of Life" has gone platinum! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barb Breen John is mentioned with a very nice picture in the March 15-22, 1999 issue of PEOPLE Magazine. On page 312 you will find the picture of John with a quote of him saying..."Some of my songs are about very simple things in life. But those simple things are meaningful to me and have obviously meant something to people all over the world, even if it's only in a karaoke bar." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kim Marie I heard Rocky Mountain High on the Radio (WOKY 920 AM in Milwaukee). Jeff Rollins, the wonderful dj there said after playing John's song: "That was 'Rocky Mountain High' by John Denver, the late John Denver and boy I hate saying 'late'. He was such a great singer/composer, and a great guitarist too, and I really miss him!" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Frank DeLaMarre's new cd will be called "This Old Guitar / Memories of John Denver." The songs are: "Yellowstone, Coming Home", "Perhaps Love", "I'm Sorry", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", "My Sweet Lady", "To The Wild Country", "Whispering Jesse", "Poems, Prayers and Promises", "Follow Me", "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Annie's Song" and "This Old Guitar." http://www.delamarcorp.com/togcd/togcd.htm - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hal Clifford is writing a guidebook on Colorado to be published by Longstreet Press. The frontispiece will contain the words to "Rocky Mountain High". (I furnished him with the lyrics). The book will be called "Highroad Guide to Colorado" and will be out in the Fall of 1999...........Emily - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mike Alexander is having an art contest for youth involving John Denver. It is open to ages 5 through 19. Send entries with your name, address, age & email (optional) to: John Denver Youth Drawing & Painting Contest / Michael Alexander / 17252 Hawthorne Blvd. #213 / Torrance, CA 90504 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== Pat Wise I am in an area where I do not get VH-1 or HBOF. Does anyone have a copy of the JD VH1 Biography that I could purchase? I truly enjoy any new JD material. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Daniel Heine My wife and I are long time, die-hard JD fans and we have been searching everywhere for an audio or video of the Memorial Service held for John. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Julie B John Denver Nature Exhibit Austin, TX: Our silent auction is in full swing. Auction site: http://john-denver.org/web/events/austin/auction.html Visit us and help raise funds to build the memorial. Bidding ends on 4/17 at 4pm CST. New items have been added. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Steve Kern I'm a professional entertainer who just also happens to look and sing like John Denver. I'm looking for copies of old show programs of John's. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Debbi The big day has finally come to unveil the website for the tribute CD, ONE MORE SONG, that Jim Smith and I have been working on since last April. The cd has original tunes that pay tribute to John. http://www.johndenvermusic.com/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Joanne Eddy Wanted: A color or b&w photo autographed by John Denver and inscribed personally "To Jo" or "To Joanne". Will pay via money order or consider a trade. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily Back Issues Disks with all issues of the RMH Newsletter are $4.00 / Also available John Denver Teddy Bears & Jewelry I'm looking for a copy of the film "Sunshine" that was released in 1973. I live in Venezuela, South America, but I'll give you a U.S. address. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Patricia Simon New JD Posters are available at Legends: www.concertposters.com/posters/jonden11.htm www.concertposters.com/posters/jonden17.htm www.concertposters.com/posters/jonden10.htm www.concertposters.com/posters/jondenv4.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Susan Smith I am looking for the songbook for the album "Windsong." Any info would be welcome. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sheila Ridout I'm looking for an American penfriend to trade videos with as it is very difficult to get the tribute specials this side of the water. I have quite a few tapes in the American format. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - Cathy Zuidema I'm looking for a copy of the tv movie "The Leftovers". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michael Johnson I have a new CD out. It's called "The Very Best of Michael Johnson: Bluer Than Blue". I'm also releasing my early acoustic albums on CD in a 2cd set. http://members.aol.com/mjbluer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kelly, Danette I have a copy of "Take Me Home" and bought one for a friend. However, the person who I bought it for already has it. I want just the cost of the book plus postage and handling which is about $26.00. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WWW Pages: Meanings in John's Songs: http://austin1.com/JD/David/Song/meaning.htm Frank DeLaMarre - "This Old Guitar" CD http://www.delamarcorp.com/togcd/togcd.htm Celebration of Life Video (Dennis McGuire) http://members.xoom.com/JDVision/ John Denver Memorial Scholarship http://www.johndenver.net/scholar (for scholarship info) http://www.johndenver.net/ss (for info on T-Shirts) WWW Site where you can vote for John Denver: http://www.freevote.com/booth/singsongs Today, April 5th, is my birthday and this is the 60th issue of the Rocky Mountain High Newsletter. :-) ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily April 1999 * Issue #60 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************