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 U G U S T 1 9 9 8 V E E R http://www.sky.net/~emily Emily Parris emily@sky.net R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TABLE OF CONTENTS August 1998 - Issue #52 BMG USA to release 4 albums...........................1 John Denver's Home in Aspen is FOR SALE Wall Street Journal 7/10/98.........................2 John Denver Events....................................2 Reviews of John Denver Events: July 4th Celebration - Irvine, CA Michelle Ramsey...................................3 JD Summer Festival - Columbus, Ohio Rory Young........................................4 Susan Moyer.......................................4 Natalie Yewshenko.................................5 Corinne Smith.....................................5 EAA Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin Harold Simpson....................................5 HIH Denver Day - Doylestown, PA Karen.............................................6 John Denver Notes/Want Ads............................6 Poetry Corner: "From the Songs He Sings" by Emily Parris...........9 * * * BMG USA will release four CD's in August and September: Rocky Mountain Christmas * Spirit * JD * Forever John The re-release of "Rocky Mountain Christmas" will have 5 bonus tracks: "Jingle Bells" from "Whose Garden Was This", "White Christmas" from 1975 (previously unreleased), "Perhaps Love", "The Music is You", and "Dreamland Express" as bonus tracks. The album "JD" will have side 1 of "Whose Garden Was This" and "Spirit" will have side 2 of "Whose Garden Was This" as bonus tracks, excluding "Jingle Bells" which was put on the Christmas CD. September 29, 1998 is slated to bring the new album "Forever John" consisting of 12 unreleased performances, 10 of them never-before-heard Denver songs. David Gorell John Denver's Home in Aspen is For Sale: ======================================== Wall Street Journal 7/10/98 "John Denver's home in Aspen, Colo. is for sale at $3,995.000. The 6,800 sq. ft house sits on a seven-and-a-half acre lot about 10 miles from downtown Aspen, in the gated community of Starwood. Fans may recall Mr. Denver's early-1970's song "Starwood in Aspen", a paean to "my home" ...my sweet Rocky Mountain paradise. The five-bedroom, five bathroom house, which was built for Mr. Denver, has an all-redwood exterior and a cedar-shingled roof, and is surrounded by decks. The property was listed for sale by Mr. Denver's estate this week, nearly nine months after the singer's death in a plane crash at age 53. It also has a 2,000 sq. ft. guest cottage, and a swimming pool, hot tub and in-ground trampoline. There is a waterfall and a stream on the property. Real-estate broker Sandye Whitaker, of Allen, Sharkey, Braden & Whitaker Fine Properties in Aspen, said the property was Mr. Denver's principal residence. Ms. Whitaker shares the listing with her partner Ralph Braden." * * * Allen, Sharkey, Braden & Whitaker: http://www.asbw.com Article sent in by Karen Threlkeld <<<<< *** >>>>> ========================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ========================================= Aug 1, 1998 - Hearts In Harmony Celebration - Noon to 8:00 PM United Church of Christ - Doylestown, PA Carol (717) 548-2457 $7.00 or Dottie (honer@erols.com) Aug 2, 1998 - Hollis, NH - Noon to 6:00 PM $15.00 Barbeque, live music (603) 654-2124 It's About Time Family / PO Box 357 / Wilton, NH 03086 Aug 10, 1998 - Meeting to form the "Southern California Friends of John Denver" 7:00 PM - Ken Edwards Center / 1527 4th Street / Santa Monica, CA Aug 14-16, 1998, Snowmass Village, CO "A Rocky Mtn High Celebration of Life" - Speaker: Tom Crum For more info: Aug 14-16, 1998 Camp Shepherd / Mt. Rainier, WA For info email Cheryl Fritz Aug 15, 1998 - Aspen, CO Noon-5:00 PM Dedication of JD Memorial Park at Rio Grand Park in Aspen Aug 22, 1998 - Kansas City Area - "John Denver Summerfest" - Potluck-Picnic & Singalong 5:00 PM Central Park / Gladstone Aug 27-30, 1998 - Estes Park, CO "North. Ohio Windstar "mini" symposium - A tribute to John Denver Aug. 29, 1998 - Branchville, NJ - First Annual JD Vision Walk Stokes State Forest / Email: yewko@juno.com or send a SASE to: Kim Faley 510 Davina Ct. Lakewood, NJ 08701 Sept. 5, 1998 - Netherlands - Country Music Festival More info: Mar Sept. 19, 1998 - Wakefield, England / John Adams sings John Denver (01924) 211311 Oct. 2-4, 1998 - WA - Second Annual "Windsong" Gathering For info: Cheryl Fritz Oct. 10-11, 1998 - Aspen, CO "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" - Wheeler Opera House Tickets: (970) 923-1931 or email: possibilities@challengeaspen.com $30.00 Oct 10, 1998 - Aspen, CO "Photo Walk" 8:30 AM - Meet at Maroon Lake Parking Lot - Info: Dreux Oct 11, 1998 - Aspen, CO - Sunday Morning Worship Service Nondenominational 9:00 - 11:00 am - Maroon Lake (another "Photo Walk" afterwards) Oct. 11, 1998 - Singalong Event at the Inn at Aspen 10:00 AM Send a SASE: Pete Baker 79 Canal St./Apt. 1 / Lyons, NY 14489 (315) 946-9917 $15.00 <112002.3523@compuserve.com> Oct 11, 1998 - 10:15 am - Dedication of the JD Memorial Grove in Snowmass Village, CO More info: 9:00 AM - Multi-denominational Church Service in the Chapel Oct. 12, 1998 - Aspen, CO 11:00 - 4:00 Hotel Jerome Ballroom "A John Denver Reunion" $50.00 Rory Young: (972) 495-9327 Oct. 12, 1998 - HIH Formal Dinner is completely booked up. Dinner/Concert - "Inn at Aspen" 6:00 PM Oct. 13, 1998 - Tower Restaurant Dinner - Snowmass at Aspen, CO 5:30 PM Mary Ledford Oct. 19, 1998 - E! Special Biography on John Denver will be re-run on the E! Channel. For a more detailed list of events write to and ask for EVENTS.MOR <<<<< *** >>>>> Review of the July 4th Celebration in Irvine, California ======================================================== From: Michelle Ramsey Subject: John Denver Celebration - An Overture I have just recently become aware of all the information about John Denver on the web, and particularly your information from the Rocky Mountain High Fan Club. Just wanted to pass on to you that I attended the July 4 celebration performed by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra at Irvine Meadows in Irvine, CA. I was surprised to open the program and see a photograph of John Denver. As it turns out, the symphony would perform the world premier of an overture adapted and arranged by Lee Holdridge which included "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Rocky Mountain High", "Annie's Song" and "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Mr. Holdridge was in the audience for this special event. There was a general outpouring of emotion and spontaneous applause at just the mention of John Denver's name. The conductor read a few lines from "Poems, Prayers and Promises" as an introduction to the piece. He said, "I'm sure John is here tonight and is saying, 'far out'". The music was beautiful, as always, and brought back so many happy memories of John and of his tireless efforts to make the world a better place. Michele Ramsey (rhanley@octfcu.org) * * * * * JD Summer Festival at Camp Mary Orton - Columbus, OH ==================================================== From: Rory Young I arrived at the Red Roof Inn Friday night and stowed my luggage. Then I set out to find Camp Mary Orton, which is a really lovely camp right in the heart of the city. The camp is set back a mile away from the road or more and the country road to the camp is overshadowed by a huge canopy of trees (a perfect JD setting!) Saturday was a wonderful day! The morning appropriately started with a tribute to John where a candle was lighted that would shine the whole day and we sang some (JD) songs and talked about his life. Then some speakers/guests had sessions concerning different key topics. Jim Toth talked about vegetarianism. Hapi Cummons presented a wonderful story about the delicate Web of life. Dr. Karl Hess talked about the Hunger Project. There were many more presentations: Marcelle Orswell (It's About Time), Harold Brown (Yin & Yang), and Tanya Henauer and Sherryl Stalinski presented info on the Aurora Now project. Ellen Stapenhorst was the Main event speaker and presented a program called The Magic of Conflict which explores Aiki. Lou Gold was another Main event speaker. He presented a stark and stunning tale of how industry is manipulating the government into allowing our lands to be shed of a most precious resource: our forests. After Lou finished we had dinner and birthday cake (for us July babies) and a HayRide. As day fell into evening we all made our way to the music tent for some evening music and celebration. Brian Taylor was the main event. Mark Cormican and Ellen Stapenhorst were also featured guests. Mark was singing "Leaving On A Jet Plane". You could see a huge expanse of sky behind the music tent and there weren't any planes that came over before he started. But as soon as he got into it a big ol' lazy jet plane, taking its' time, sorta floated into the sky from stage left going directly straight across the sky above the tent. The audience started going nuts! Brian gave a sing-along into the wee, wee hours of the night. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - From: Susan Moyer I am sitting here on my flight back to PA from Ohio. My thoughts are filled with all the special moments of the JD Summer Celebration. For those that went, it was fun meeting you. For those that couldn't attend, I wish you had been there. I have tried to come up with a word that best expresses the weekend, but keep coming up short. How does one describe a weekend like that? The word that comes closest is "FAR OUT!" The Ohio committee deserves a big thanks for all their hard work in putting together a great weekend. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Natalie Yewshenko The JD Summer Celebration was a family reunion. Hearts that have known each other for many years, reuniting through their mutual friend...John Denver. The weekend was wonderful. It brought me peace. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Corinne Smith describes the events on Sunday: "On Sunday we had a memorial service for John. That was followed by a tree planting. We planted a pin oak tree near the new nature education center. It is our hope that it will inspire the many children and adults who will pass by that area in the future. A stone marker says: 'There still is the truth of the song -- John Denver' (Anyone can visit the tree and marker any time they want to. Camp Mary Orton is easily located off I-270 just north of Columbus, Ohio) <<<< *** >>>> EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) CONVENTION in Oshkosh, WI From: Harold Simpson I'm very happy to report that at the EAA Convention in Oshkosh, WI John Denver is being remembered in special ways. I attended the Wednesday evening Gathering of Young Eagles. It was held in a huge tent behind the museum. As I walked into the tent, I heard John's music being played over the Bose sound system. I spoke with the fellow who was manning the sound system and told him how much I appreciated the music. He said he had been given 5 JD CD's to select from as background music for the evening program. It sounded great. No words were spoken about John during the program but John was very much a part of it. On Thursday night an outstanding music youth group called "The Kids from Wisconsin" entertained the EAA crowd at the Theater in the Woods. This outstanding group consisting of 20 singer/dancers and a 13 piece orchestra performed a wonderful medley of 6 JD songs. They did a fantastic job and received a standing ovation. I personally thanked two of the group for including John in their performance that evening. They were just great! Although I wasn't able to attend Ken Dravis's tribute on Saturday evening, here is what was written about it on avweb: "A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER" (KEN DRAVIS) "Attending entertainment programs in the Theater of the Woods is usually just a very nice end to a long walking day. However, on Saturday evening Ken Dravis did more than just entertain his audience. He took them on a special tribute tour of John Denver--his music and Ken's personal remembrances of this gentle man. Ken said that his inspiration to take music as a hobby came from hearing John Denver's "Annie's Song". He continued his pursuit of music as an entertainer and songwriter writing songs about aviation and for children. The EAA audience are the first to hear this tribute and gave Ken a standing ovation." As you can see, John was well remembered by the EAA at Oshkosh this year. I think that in time, he will be given even further recognition for the work he did for the EAA Foundation. * * * "HEARTS IN HARMONY" DENVER DAY: Karen Yesterday I had the pleasure, once again, to attend the HIH Denver Day in Doylestown, PA. This time it was a much smaller crowd but one and all had a great time. After greeting everyone we all looked around at items for sale. There were plenty of photographs to buy. I heard someone comment that these photos will be collectors items since there are no more opportunities to get concert and backstage photos of John! They also had sweatshirts and T-shirts and a new 1999 Calendar for sale. They had a few obscure albums for sale and also at the table was the book that showed John's "Mask" that was sold and bought by the Coors Family in Colorado. Then on to the silent auction table. They had imported and rare CD's and a few albums, framed photos and a collage photo for bid. Then it was time to eat and reconnect with old friends. Then a group photo was taken and the moment we were all waiting for, Chris Westfall and Kevin Yeargin were going to sing for everyone. Kevin brought along sound equipment and the two guys sounded just wonderful together. They first met in Nov. 1997 at the first Denver Day and they have become really great friends and spend a lot of time singing together. They sang for over 2 1/2 hours. Thanks HIH for another great gathering! ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Cindy Roe, the President of the "Wings of a Dream" John Denver Fan Club has died. She leaves behind two sons, Marty Roe and Zachary John Roe. She was the catalyst for getting the Stanislaus Nat'l Park in California project started with Plant-It 2000. If you would like to send a sympathy card you can address it to: Zachary John Roe / 3391 Triangle Road / Mariposa, CA 95338 For more info: Valerie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Jeanne For anyone on AOL. You can download John singing through software search on AOL.(1) Click on Music and Sound, (2) Type in John Denver and hit search. When I open in the morning, I have John singing "Welcome To My Morning" and when I close a program, "Country Roads" and when I close at night, "This Old Guitar". It's the best. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Maureen Anderson Date: 7/15/98 I just returned from Nashville and had the pleasure of being invited to a "Far Out" recording session by Jim Horn for a New John Denver Tribute album. Jim is joined by featured artists such as Pete Huttlinger, Chris Nole and Rich Garcia in this beautiful instrumental arrangement of John's songs. I can tell you first hand that Jim along with the other artists captured the true essence of John's music. The tribute will be released sometime in October. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Christine Egli I have some news from JDMAS member, Joanne de Bolster about a JD release "In Memory of John Denver - His Greatest Collection Ever". Released by Delta Music, this cd is a limited gold disc edition and was bought at the Singapore Airport. The front cover is mainly white with blue writing and features a picture of John sitting on a rock. Serial # MSTCD10001 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Janice The PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey - a favorite venue for John, is running a tribute to him on the large screens prior to and during intermission of concerts this season. A picture of John appears on the screens with the dates of birth and death underneath. It is very moving. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Susan Leaver Song of the Wind Fan Club (New Zealand): "We had our best ever meeting watching "Walking Thunder" at Margaret's house. The movie was a hit. We are now embarking on a letter writing campaign to get John Denver material played on television because the tv staff do not believe that anyone wants to see it! We are also planning to plant a New Zealand Kauri tree with a memorial plaque in Auckland's biggest park, the Domain, at the end of August. In September we will be traveling to the picturesque town of Coromandel, three hours east of Auckland to spend a weekend with the original JD movement founder in this country, Irene Pearson." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: DOLLYWOOD - the amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee just outside the Great Smoky Mtns National Park has installed a permanent plaque in a flower bed by the entrance that reads "IN MEMORY OF JOHN DENVER." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Pat Hasz Nanci Griffith is also doing a tribute to JD. For her encore she comes out and dedicates her version of "Darcy Farrow" to him. The song also appears on her new CD "Other Voices, Other Rooms Too". =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== From: Angie Wishart I have one copy of each of the albums: I want to live; and Rocky Mountain Christmas. If anyone is interested in obtaining them for a collection, please contact me. Albums are in good condition. Also, interested in knowing if someone can copy E! special for me..possible trade for albums if that's an option, too. Angie - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Angus Appleby I'm looking for the book "Rocky Mountain Wonder Boy" by James Martin. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Ruth Finkel Wanted: "Aerie" on tape or cd. Please email me direct. Ruth Finkel, London - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Arthur Jackson I have a large supply of "Spirit". Also cd's by Chris Nole and Pete Huttlinger with their own work. http://www.naturemusic.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Emily Parris - "The Eagle Page" is featured on page 14 of this month's issue of WILDBIRD Magazine - (August). I'm the webmaster :-) http://www.sky.net/~emily/eagle.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Helen Briwa I'm looking for "Whose Garden Was This?" (1970) preferably on cassette. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Mary The video from the WFMA tribute concert to John is in the final editing stages now. You can call them at 1-800-804-5434 to request information to be mailed to you as soon as they have it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Star Swindt There is a new message board where people can visit and share news and advertise if they are raising money for JD's causes. http://www.interlog.com/~3mowchuk/kbasket/jdcause01.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Lee Marcus I have the song "Perhaps Love" translated into Dutch. It is a Microsoft Word Document. I'll be happy to email it, (or snail mail it for a SASE.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Laurie Young has a 90 minute tape that has guitar/singing and other friends. It is a combination of Christian and JD songs. She will send a copy if you send her a blank 90-minute tape: Laurie Young / 4488 Mary Lynn Lane #93b / Carmichael, CA 95608 For more info: Laura Young - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - A 35th Anniversary Edition of the book "Two in the Far North" about Mardy Murie and her husband, Olaus is available for $15.95 (800-452-3032). Mardy is 95 years old and lives in Moose, Wyoming. "A Song for All Lovers" is dedicated to her. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: We are so happy to announce the beginning of our Free Internet Greeting Cards at http://www.mumze.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There's a free Music News Service you can subscribe to via email. Write to to subscribe. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We are offering the book "The New Breed" by Robert Krishef at a special price of $1.98 per copy plus $4.50 shipping. This hardcover book includes biographies and photos of 9 of country music's great performers including John Denver. Call toll free at 1-888-267-7323 Stephen Gauntt - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Emily The Movie "Walking Thunder" is still available ($24.99 plus $3.00 s/h). Also JD Memorial Programs for $2.00. E. Parris /3820 Baltimore/K.C. MO 64111 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * * * John Denver ARTWORK * * * TEACHERS: I would really like pictures of John Denver, mountains, or other JD themes drawn by your students to decorate the offices of Rocky Mountain High. I would also turn the best ones into jpg files and post them on the RMH www page with your students being given credit for the drawing. I'll send out Awards for the best ones and post those students' names in the RMH newsletters and online. I've seen displays like this at area malls and our Kansas City Zoo and have really enjoyed them. The life and vitality in children's drawings is amazing and always a joy to see. There is no deadline. Just mail the drawings to: Rocky Mountain High c/o Emily Parris / 3820 Baltimore / Kansas City, MO 64111 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Wendy I'm still looking for the audio of "Take Me Home" if anyone has a copy, let me know. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Paul Hardman The video "John Denver Remembered" is still available. For information go to http://www.caravan.com/johndenver - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Karolin John's mother's birthday is on August 7th. I know she would appreciate receiving cards from JD fans: Mrs. Erma Deutschendorf Harris / c/o John Denver's Family / P.O. Box 1587 / Aspen, CO 81612 ============================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ============================== FROM THE SONGS HE SINGS by Emily M. Parris In the middle of the night When I'm pondering things Words come to me From the songs he sings For there never was a man Who brought so much To all the people He came to touch So much love and wisdom From his beautiful spirit So much pure love To all who would hear it And often I find Inspiration is there In words from the man With the soft blonde hair Copyright 1983 by Emily M. Parris * * * WWW Pages to check out: * Museum of Country Legends has pictures of the Tribute to JD on Pier 63 in New York City: "http://www.countryfan.com" * There are new JD concerts posters at: http://www.concertposters.com/~legends/posters/ * Songs of the Wind - The New Zealand JD Fan Club now has a website: http://www.betterworld.co.nz/songwind * Faces of Denver's Fans and Friends (now has 75 people) http://www.johndenver.net/fans/ * Promotional JD Canvas that will be on display in Aspen: http://www.tir.com/~/bicosab/canvas or http://www.wp.com/zindag/canvas/ * New JD Bulletin Board http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/h/19279/ * JD Causes Message Board: http://www.interlog.com/~3mowchuk/kbbasket/jdcause01.html * Photos of the JD Fund Raiser for Plant-It 2000: http://members.aol.com/Weekendrus/index.html * Allen, Sharkey, Braden & Whitaker Real Estate: http://www.asbw.com * "The Eagle Page" http://www.sky.net/~emily/eagle.html Please send all news stories, and items of interest on John Denver to Emily or call (816) 531-3756 ********************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily August 1998 * Issue #52 * Editor: Emily Parris *********************************************************