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 J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 1 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents January 2001 * Issue #81 John Denver Events / TV................................2 Denver Album Goes Digital - Billboard Magazine 12/28/2000......................3 "Rebirth of Windstar Foundation" by Ron Deutschendorf...............................3 John Denver Book Reviews: "A Mountain In The Wind" (by Christine Smith) reviewed by Dr. Betty Loiselle..................4 "John Denver and Me" (by Jeannie St. Marie) comments by Ann Schnitz.........................4 John Denver Stories: Remembering John by Donna Foster.....................5 Niagara Falls, NY by Nancy...........................6 London, England by Glen Ward.........................6 John Denver Poetry: "Fly With the Eagles" by Louise Madison..............7 "Where There Is Love" by Emily M. Parris.............7 John Denver Notes......................................8 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale..........................9 * * * ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================== January 12, 2001 - Santa Monica, CA - Herb Pedersen and Chris Hillman will be performing at McCabe's Guitar Shop / 2 shows at 8:00pm & 10:30pm $17.50 <310-828-4403> January 12, 2001 - Happy Birthday, Peter Parris! :-) March 16, 2001 Charlie Zahm Celtic Concert with Tad Marks / Doylestown, PA * Salem United Church of Christ. Set at the end will be all JD songs. 7:30 pm April 20, 2001 * Charlotte, NC / Charlie Zahm JD Tribute Kevin Yeargin is organizing this May 1, 2001 John-Denver-Benefit-Concert for "Hunger Project" Pfarrheim Liebfrauenkirche / Gelsenkirchen - Beckhausen - West Germany * 19:00 h Info: Kerstin May 18, 19 & 20, 2001 - Lebanon, PA - John Denver Retreat at Gretna Glen Camp $40/weekend - Peggy April 20, 2001 - Charlotte, NC * Charlie Zahm JD Tribute concert is being organized October 13-14, 2001 - Salida, CO / 2001 JD Celebration $35 Now taking reservations. / Christine Smith, 0478 CR 46, Howard, CO 81233 http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen2001/smith.html November 24, 2001 * Doylestown, PA / Third Annual Thanksgiving Evening of Campfire Songs ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R O N T V ======================================== January 7, 2001 "Behind the Music" 3:00pm Video Hits 1 January 13, 2001 "True Hollywood Story - John Denver" 5:00pm E! - Entertainment Television January 17, 2001 "Muppets" with Guest: John Denver 5:00pm, VISN_ Odyssey January 17, 2001 "Oh, God!" 8:15am Encore January 23, 2001 "Oh, God!" 7:45am Encore / 8:00am PLEX / 4:30pm Encore / 5:30pm PLEX January 28, 2001 "Oh, God!" 8:15am Encore January 28, 2001 "Walking Thunder" 10:00am - Animal Planet _______________________ Times given are the Eastern Time / Check your local listings <*>*<*>*<*>*<*>*<*>*<*>*<*> DENVER ALBUM GOES DIGITAL - NEW YORK Billboard Magazine 12/28/2000 A cult favorite John Denver album from 1980 will be released on CD for the first time next month. Due Jan. 23 from RCA, the original 11-track lineup of "Autograph" will be bolstered with two additional tracks - "Dance Little Jean" and "On the Wings of An Eagle" - each recorded during the same sessions that produced the collection. In creating the set, Denver was joined in the studio by an impressive array of musicians, including guitarist James Burton (Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Gram Parsons), drummer Hal Blaine (Presley, Beach Boys, Steely Dan), and pianist Glen D. Hardin (Johnny Cash, JJ Cale, Hoyt Axton). "Autograph" peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard 200 in March 1980, and produced two singles that hit the Billboard Hot 100 - the title track (No. 52) and "Dancing With the Mountains" (No. 97). Denver, who was killed when a private plane he was piloting crashed on October 12, 1997, first found chart success in 1971 with his album "Poems, Prayers & Promises." The set spawned the hit singles "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (No. 2) and "Sunshine On My Shoulders," his first No. 1. <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> THE REBIRTH OF WINDSTAR by Ron Deutschendorf My name is Ron Deutschendorf and I am extremely pleased - nay, I am very honored to be communicating to you all on this subject. My purpose in writing you all is to announce the rebirth of the Windstar Foundation! After a great deal of time and consideration, the Board of Trustees has been expanded, with new and old friends. The Board shares my commitment to a new beginning for the Windstar Foundation. We are finally at the point where we may offer our many friends the opportunity to participate with us in the Windstar Foundation's Global Family! As is the case with my brother's music, I feel deeply that the Windstar Foundation is truly part of his legacy. My interest has therefore been to see it continue and move forward with the original vision and an even stronger commitment to accomplish the goals we, as participants, choose to accomplish. As with the original inception of the Foundation, there are many difficulties to be addressed and overcome. I want you to know that I have heard about these difficulties that can be associated with the "Windstar of the Past!" I hope to assure you that we are aware of the shortcomings the Foundation has had, as well as its many strengths. We commit to you all, we will strive to ensure that the new Windstar is inclusive, welcoming, productive, and fiscally sound. This brings me to the next major point of discussion. We are finally once again, after much hard work by many, open to all for participation! We tried to make the ability for participation broader so more people can be involved. We are doing this by offering a variety of dues for participation - depending on your interest and family circumstances. Please "make a conscious choice" to join us in the Windstar Foundation Global Family! We also invite you to learn more about Windstar's 2001 programs, to register to participate in those of interest, and to share the program information with others. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome your active involvement. "Together, We Will Make A World of Difference," and, as my brother John sings, "It's About Time!" Sincerely, Ronald L. Deutschendorf, Sr. President, Windstar Foundation Board of Trustees ______________________________________________________________ WINDSTAR: http://www.wstar.org / More Info in Want Ads Section <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> ========================================== JOHN DENVER B O O K R E V I E W S ========================================== "A Mountain in the Wind- An Exploration of the Spirituality of John Denver" by Christine Smith Reviewed by Dr. Bette Loiselle, Director of the International Center for Tropical Ecology at UMSL Christine Smith speaks from the heart about a man, John Denver, who touched so many lives through his music, his words, and his beliefs. "A Mountain in the Wind" explores the underlying basis of a man that transformed his own passion for a healthy planet in which our children would feel safe into a call for all of us to do what we can to make this a better world for all. John Denver encouraged us to see the world not from our own self-centered perspective, but rather from the wings of an eagle soaring high above the horizon. Christine Smith leads us in understanding this gifted man and provides strength to all of us who are inspired and challenged, like John Denver, to make a difference. Available from ============================================ "John Denver and Me" by Jeanne St. Marie Comments by Ann Schnitz Just finished reading the pertinent parts of "John Denver and Me" online. I don't get it. Why would a company put an entire book online if they're selling it too? Who would buy it when they could read it for free? Oh well... At any rate, the book is pretty harmless. The author had a lot of love for John and despite it being "kiss and tell", the book shows him in a wonderful light. Their "encounter" is told in less detail than I originally thought, and is handled fairly respectfully. She makes a few factual errors - a couple of dates are wrong and so on, and Bill and Taffy didn't write "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado" for John. I thought her explanation of "Fly Away" was interesting. I was wondering if John told her that, or she surmised it from listening to the song. And I could have done without the discussion about the alcohol problems. True, it was part of his life and is presented for balance, but I just think that could have been left unsaid. Anyway, my $0.02 worth. Ann ====================================== JOHN DENVER S T O R I E S ====================================== From: Donna Foster <*><*> Remembering John <*><*> Dear Emily and Friends, I wanted to share my own memorial story with you. Last April we moved from California to Depoe Bay, Oregon. We live on a rocky bluff overlooking the Pacific, very similar to Pacific Grove although a bit more rugged. I don't have any JD friends nearby, so I remembered John in my own way. I tied an eagle feather securely to a heavy stone. I walked out to the edge of the bluff, clambering over rocks until I found the right spot. With the words to "The Wings that Fly Us Home" echoing in my mind I prayerfully threw the rock into the water. Two seconds later a Coast Guard rescue helicopter came thundering directly over my head from behind, heading out over the water and then disappearing. I know there have been many unusual sightings of eagles and aircraft at the memorials, so I found this interesting. After meditating for awhile I got up and walked to the southwest side of the bluff. All of a sudden several seagulls began circling and crying overhead. I smiled and watched as they performed a dance over my head. I pictured John in his aircraft, smiling as he soared. I discovered a small fish on the rocks left by a fisherman, and I presumed that was what the commotion was about. My eyes lifted to the ocean and I saw a spout, then the back of a humpback. I cried in delight and kept my eyes on the water. Soon I was rewarded with the sight of a tail. I sat for awhile and was able to see two whales surface and then dive, tails briefly showcased. I watched for awhile then returned home, my heart full of the wonders that John's songs so beautifully captured. I know all of you remembered his passing in some way. I know I have kindred spirits worldwide who have been touched by John's messages. If he knew how much his music has opened up our hearts I know he'd laugh with joy. And wherever he is I'm sure he's doing just that. In peace and love, Donna Foster * * * * * * * * * * * * From: Nancy (12/31/00) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dearest John! My husband and I just arrived back from a trip to Niagara Falls, NY, a yearly New Year's ritual to catch the holiday light displays and gaze at the breathtaking falls and the wondrous snow sculptures it makes along its path. At night, in the frozen air, with snowflakes gently falling into the rushing water, my head swam with the awesome majesty of nature. A few gulls rode on the updrafts created by the force of the falls and you could see them sway through the air in and out of the colored lights resting on Niagara's waters. Every song John ever wrote about nature rushed through my head, intertwined with the holiday voices of carolers. PEACE! Nancy * * * * * * From: Glen Ward I recently spent late October in Morocco, but on my way over I stayed in London, England for a night. I was in an Irish pub in North London and I was jamming in the corner of the pub when the owner turned off the music and asked me to play. I was surrounded by an Australian, an Iranian, two Irishmen, a Welshman, an Englishman, and a Dutchman, an American, and of course me - the Canadian. The Welshman asked me if I knew this song... and he started singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads". Well, Did I know it?!! I played the whole song through, and the ENTIRE bar was singing with me. I was so proud to be the one to bring this music to a little pub in England and to such a wide variety of nationalities. Music knows no race or culture, it is truly universal. It made me realize that John was so right when he said; "Music brings people together"! It amazes me that John's music is so well known no matter where you go. His legacy lives on and I will always remember and do my best to sing it wherever I go. Glen Ward - Halifax, Nova Scotia ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== Fly With The Eagles by Louise Madison Fly with the eagles John. Fly o'er the dancing waters. Fly up to reach the sun. Fly through the midnight sky. Let us rejoice...your soul is set free Just as one day we all shall be. You have gone before. One day we'll join you once more. So fly free...all is well, The Heavens tell Of your heavenly songs To the stars and beyond. ________________________________________________ copyright 2000 Louise Madison WHERE THERE IS LOVE by Emily M. Parris Where there is love there is no room For sad, unhappy thoughts of gloom Pure love can drive the blues away Turning life into a sunny day For life fills up each empty space And leaves of sadness not a trace Where there is love there is no gloom Where there is love - the heart can bloom _________________________________________ copyright 7/14/94 by Emily M. Parris ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Jim & Jan Thought you might be interested to know that a vinyl LP of John's (John Denver Sings)- only 250 printed - just sold on Ebay tonight for an unbelievable sum of $2,035.50. It was item #1400369494 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor's note: A signed copy of "Take Me Home", John's autobiography, also sold for $535 on Ebay with 35 bids on it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Len Jaffe / Ginny Gubser There is another John Denver release, this one a live concert recording, done in Australia during his final tour there. It's called "Sing Australia: John Denver in Concert" and it was issued on October 2nd of this year. It is an Australian release, significantly different from the Sydney Opera House concert of 1977. It is available at http://www.importCD.com ($18.99 +s/h) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Donna Pinto 12/1/2000 Last Saturday's concert by Charlie Zahm and Mack Bailey was simply outstanding. Seeing so many friends led the scheduled 15 minute break into three quarters of an hour. We shared stories and pictures of Aspen, gave out door prizes, and embarrassed Cathy Nole with a huge cake to celebrate her forever-young birthday. We "Denver People" are truly blessed with many friends and fellow fans who are musically gifted and vow to continue the live presentation of JD's music. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <*><*> The Bears and I <*><*> From Mary Ledford: "The Bears & I" is a wonderful movie. It's about a guy who comes home from Viet Nam and returns to the Mountains. He has a friend who was killed over there and brings his belongings home to his father - the Chief of the Indian tribe there. He makes friends with two little bear cubs after their mother was killed - "Patch" & "Scratch". John's song "Sweet Surrender" is played throughout the movie. It has been shown on the Disney Channel from time to time. - - - - - - Sherri Traylor You can now buy "The Bears and I" at Amazon.com for $9.99 and at cdnow for $7.99. I guess Disney has re-released it. It was on e-bay but at high prices. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver wrote an introduction to the book "Mind Of Our Mother" by Bob Samples (1981) Addison-Wesley / John is also on the video "Country Music With the Muppets" Playhouse Video (1985) and he is in "Muppets! Muppets! Muppets!: the best of Muppet Magazine" - NY: Muppet Press (1986) Information from Kansas City MO Public Library http://www.kcpl.lib.mo.us - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - February 14th is Valentine's Day and the February issue will feature Annie Denver - the sweetheart of the John Denver world and inspiration for so many great John Denver songs. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Susan Leaver NEW ZEALAND The Int'l JD Memorial Foundation wish to proudly announce the commencement of the Int'l JD Memorial Foundation - Germany For details please contact the co-ordinators at the below mentioned addresses. * Andrea Krepinsky: Treffurter Street 7 37281 Wanfried - Germany * Gisela Van Muenfter - Hyacinth St. No 18 Nordhorn, West Germany 48527 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dr. Corie Campbell of the Daystar Commission has announced that the Commission has decided to confer a Ph.D degree on Mardy Murie who is 98 and has devoted her life to the wilderness. John's song "A Song For All Lovers" is dedicated to Mardy and her husband, Olaus (now deceased). Mardy wrote the books, "Two In The Far North" and "Wappiti Wilderness". Dr. Campbell will fly to Wyoming to present the award. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily My son, Pete's birthday is on January 12th. He was born in 1971 in Los Angeles, CA and presently is living in Sunnyvale, CA. >>> Peter Parris - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== Christine Smith Mature John Denver bears; plush 10" with red bandana, and denim vest $25 postpaid - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Frank Bare I have an original John Denver "Seasons of the Heart" album (RCA) in good condition. If anyone is interested, make me an offer. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Virginia Allen I have put together a 10 page book of poetry dedicated to the memory of my friend, Patty Peavey, with proceeds to go to an environmental charity. If you like a copy, please write to me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily "Rocky Mountain Minstrel" For 2001 I have a new book of poetry dedicated to John Denver. It is called "Rocky Mountain Minstrel". It is $7.00 postage paid in the U.S. and is a self-published paperback containing both old and new poems dedicated to John. Emily Parris / 608 E. 96th Street / Kansas City, MO 64131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Parking For JOHN DENVER FANS ONLY" signs can now be ordered online, by mail or by phone. http://www.aspenteddybear.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gregory I'm looking forward to the release of "Autograph" and I want to get a copy. I'm also looking for the Rocky Mountain Holiday cd. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Windstar Foundation / PO Box 656 / Snowmass, CO 81654 /$35.00 basic membership / $25.00 seniors & students / They are also planning a Volunteer Work Weekend, a KIDSWeek, an Educator's Week and a Fall Open house. http://www.wstar.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ralph In the event any subscribers to this list are familiar with Latin Music please email me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gwen O'Donnell at has many of John Denver's older TV shows on tape. Email her for the list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Shari I'm looking for a tape of this year's Wheeler Concert. Is it possible to get a t-shirt from this year's gathering? I'm also looking for clear photos of the JD Sanctuary, the rocks with the lyrics engraved, etc. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "It's About Time" John Denver Website http://people.ne.mediaone.net/tybrenn/iat/ Link to Windstar Sign-up Form http://www.wstar.org/mail-in.html More Free donation sites http://www.enn.com/interact/freedonate.asp Christine Smith's JD Celebration 2001 http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen2001/smith.html "John Denver and Me" Book http://johndenverandme.com @The-Record-Store http://www.877getmycd.com Music & Communication: Pictures from the Denver Weekend http://community.webshots.com/user/inkaistda Billboard Article http://www.billboard.com/daily/2000/1227_02.asp <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> To be a supporting member of Rocky Mountain High send $5.00 (suggested donation) to Emily Parris / 608 E. 96th Street / Kansas City, MO 64131 ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily January 2001 * Issue #81 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************