============================================= *** R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H *** ============================================= The John Denver Internet Fan Club Monthly Newsletter J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 3 Editor: Emily M. Parris ============================================= http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@sky.net ============================================= Table of Contents January 2003 * Issue #105 John Denver Events..................................2 "Alan Cherry to sing JD Tribute Song" by Christine Egli, JDMAS.......................3 "Why The World Still Needs John Denver" by J. P. McDaniel..............................3 "Singer Remembered For His Kindness" Farmington Daily times / Farmington, NM October 19, 1997 by George Schwarz.............5 John Denver Event Reviews: U.K.'s "Denver Day" by Irene Kavanagh.............6 John Denver Notes...................................7 John Denver Poetry: "Blue Sky Mourning" by Emily M. Parris............8 "John Denver 1943-1997" by Lynne Groves...........9 John Denver Want Ads/For Sale......................10 < < < * * * > > > ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= Jan 11, 2003 * Ontario, CA / Jim & Anne Curry in Concert with Rusty Nail 8:00pm Bethel Underground / Bethel Congregational Church, 536 N. Euclid Avenue $8.00 Jan 11-18, 2003 * Magic of Skiing Week with Tom Crum in Colorado (970) 925-7099 Jan 12, 2003 * "Walking Thunder" (1997) movie starring John Denver. 6:00am EST - Animal Planet Jan 25, 2003 * Encinitas, CA / Phil Christie in Concert 7:30pm 170 Calle Magdelena / San Dieguito Methodist Church. Admission: $12.00 (858) 566-4040 Feb 1-8, 2003 * Aspen, Colorado / Magic of Skiing week with Tom Crum (970) 925-7099 March 16, 2003 * Australia / Virtual Concert screening of "The Wildlife Concert" / Royal Perth Yacht Club / Tickets: $27.50 http://www.bocsticketing.com.au Christine Egli April 5, 2003 * Stafford, England / "Friends of John Denver" in the U.K.'s "Denver Day" at Walton Village Hall http://www.fojd.org.uk May 2-4, 2003 PA Friends of JD Retreat / Lebanon, PA Gretna Glen Camp, 87 Old Mine Road $50 payment to Patricia Liddic / 533 Lexington Road / Lancaster, PA 17603 by March 5, 2003. Sept 29-Oct 4, 2003 * Lyons, CO / "Journey to Center" program with Tom Crum (585) 924-7302 http://www.aikiworks.com October 3-5, 2003 PA Friends of JD Fall Retreat / Cassville, PA / Bitter Goose Lodge $45 for the weekend. Payment to Pat Liddic / 533 Lexington Road / Lancaster, PA 17603 / Pat Liddic October 11-12, 2003 * Pacific Grove, CA / John Denver Memorial Tribute and Beach Cleanup * Debra <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> <+> SINGER/SONGWRITER ALAN CHERRY TO SING JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE SONG IN AUSTRALIA AND USA By Christine Egli, President / Editor John Denver Music Appreciation Society I've recently spoken to Alan Cherry - singer/songwriter of the beautiful John Denver tribute song "Kindred Spirit" - and not only is he singing this beautiful song at the Victorian and Australian Country Music Awards, in Tamworth (NSW) next January, he will also be singing it at the BUNYIP Country Festival in Victoria in February, and at the John Denver Memorial Event in Aspen, Colorado next October. However, Alan hopes that he can also sing for us at a future JDMAS gathering here in Australia sometime next year. Alan kindly sent me a cd of the song "Kindred Spirit", and he truly has captured the spirit of John in the music and the words. Alan's beautiful tenor voice and his ability as a songwriter, along with wonderful instrumental and acoustic music, all combine to make this a very special John Denver Tribute cd. The cover and cd artwork with sunset and eagle, and Alan's notes about the cd are really lovely too. Here's a paragraph from Alan's biography: "John Denver has been a great inspiration to Alan, and he sings many of his songs. Alan has been writing songs for many years and feels now it is time to write and record his own experiences of life as the song a True Blue Aussie battler from the bush. Alan's latest song "Kindred Spirit" is a tribute to a man he admired so much as a performer, songwriter, humanitarian and conservationist - John Denver." <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> "WHY THE WORLD STILL NEEDS JOHN DENVER" Aspen Times - October 10, 2002 by J. P. McDaniel This week multitudes of folks from all over the world will gather in Aspen to celebrate and remember a man who touched millions with a message that keeps escalating in value. John Denver was, and continues to be, more than just a grinning, granny-goggled troubadour singing touchy-feely tunes. He is the icon of a philosophy that birthed today's concerns for the sustainability of humankind and life on this planet. He represents an ecological presence, or psychospiritual ecological identity, in a world that is dangerously hostile toward nature and toward each other. Psychospiritual ecological identity is a phrase almost as big as John's toothy grin, but it simply means that folks can relate in a very personal way to John's music and lyrics and the causes he championed. Even people who never visited the places John sang about can visualize them and feel a connection, which sometimes inspires them to ecological or humanitarian actions. This connection provides hope and answers in a shaky world and is what keeps John's music and message alive today. Several decades ago John helped midwife the environmental movement with his songs of sunshine and wheat fields, of eagles and wild horses, mountain highs and ocean depths, of wind and wildflowers and wolves, and even baby rabbits. He also sang and spoke about a sustainable and healthy world community and respecting our differences in a peaceful way. On the surface, his songs seem simple, yet repeated listening brings out deeper meaning on a more personal, sometimes spiritual, level. Even staunch critics, after poking fun at his human-Muppet characteristics, admit that John touches something deep inside them that evokes kindness toward others and appreciation for the natural world. This is psychospiritual ecological identity. John's message possesses a quality that is not only expressive about the world around him, but is becoming increasingly important for our continued survival. As our globe heats up from misuse of fossil fuels, as vast forests fall to bulldozers, as species disappear at a catastrophic rate, and as we face each other with clenched fists and itchy trigger fingers, we need the psychospiritual ecological message of John Denver more than ever. People today fear the future and are hungry for answers, much as they were in the 1970's when John's music was very popular. Ironically, we are again struggling with some of the critical issues of a generation ago, such as resource shortages, war, family violence, and environmental desecration. John's music in the 1970's and his personal actions of the 1980's provided a reflective escape and answers for many people, and they still can today. The timeless message from John Denver, whether through his music or the organizations with which he aligned is: * Hope - we ARE the solution to the problems we have created and wish to overcome and each individual must make responsible choices. * Nonseparation - we are all in this together and there is more common ground than differences between people. * The Earth is our only home - we are passengers on "Spaceship Earth" and disrespect to the natural environment is disrespect for ourselves. * Love - experience life at its fullest with all your senses and see the beauty around you, within you and in each other. The multitudes of people celebrating and remembering John Denver this week, whether in Aspen or in their own corner of the world, carry forth the torch for his increasingly important psychospiritual ecological message. Five years ago, we may have lost the man who sang the songs, but we did not lose his message of hope, peace, and sustainability. ____________________________________________________________ Jequita Potts (J.P.) McDaniel lives in Littleton, Colorado. She teaches psychology, sociology, and communication at a Denver college and is completing a Ph.D. in ecopsychology, with a portion of her dissertation on the psychospiritual ecological identity effect of John Denver. "Singer Remembered For His Kindness" Farmington Daily times / Farmington, NM October 19, 1997 by George Schwarz Little things. Little touches by big people. John Denver was big people. When his experimental airplane plunged into Monterey Bay Oct. 12, he joined Glenn Miller, Patsy Cline, Otis Redding, Jim Croce, and Rick Nelson on the list of musicians who died in plane crashes. John Denver was as "American Pie" as Buddy Holly, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson and Richie Valens, whose "music died" when they fell from the sky before they fell from the public's grace. That he died in a plane crash is ironic. One Denver hit as a song writer in the early 1960s was "Leaving on a Jet Plane," which became the first No. 1 hit of Peter, Paul and Mary. He joked on "An Evening with John Denver" album, how his career took off - adding sound effects - with that song. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (his real name) battled his own demons. Twice divorced, he felt the pain of lost love. He joined many of us whose life cascaded through the tumultuous '70s and '80s, when slivers of peace were hard to find. As marriages and families morphed into what seems common today, Denver sang about those travails. People latched onto his songs of first love. "Annie's Song" became popular for weddings, although many overlooked his song "My Sweet Lady," a sweet paean that ignored the fragility of love. Much of America overlooked the joy of another chance at love. Denver didn't. With the songs "Perhaps Love" and "Love Again," he captured the wishes of those whose hope overcame experience to try again - sometimes, like him, to fail again. His music also told us what could be. The warmth of "Sunshine on My Shoulders." The beauty of craggy, peaceful mountains and serenity in "Rocky Mountain High." The ache for the West while trapped in a cold, heartless East Coast city with "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado." Of triumph in "Go for the Gold and Beyond." The recurrent theme of those who knew Denver - from the powerful and famous, like Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, or the less well-known residents of Aspen, Colo., his home - was that he was kind, loving and gracious. Cheryl Charles, president of the Windstar Land Conservancy, said, "With John Denver's death, we've lost a poet for the planet. I look for his voice to live through us all." That's true. His music touched some of us deeply and very personally. Denver's "For Baby" was the perfect way, in 1982, to tell a new daughter of her parents' hopes for her. The song let us share those feelings "with God and those present" at her christening at a small Episcopal church in New Jersey. That child, six years later, on a ride through the foothills west of Denver, must have been more touched by Denver's music, when she cried at the "scars across the land" that were to become suburbia. Four years later, his brother, Ron Deutschendorf, was a major investor in a casino in Black Hawk, Colo. Like his brother, Ron reached out to the community to help the local health clinic. He wanted to be a good citizen. That's how I came to know Ron, sharing an occasional meal and drink with him, as we worked to help the clinic and the community. It was several months before I even let him know I had tickets to his brother's concert at Fiddler's Green, an outdoor venue south of his namesake-city. On July 19, 1992, on my "For Baby's" 10th birthday, Ron made sure we got into the post-concert reception and that the mega-star who had meant so much to our family in its various configurations know it was a little girl's birthday. I understand it's your birthday, Denver said. How old are you? "A decade," she said proudly. "Happy birthday," he said. And then he leaned down and kissed her on the check. She remembers that moment. So do I. For a long time. Little touches from big people. Small - precious - moments. =================================== JOHN DENVER E V E N T REVIEWS =================================== U.K.'s "Denver Day" - November 2, 2002 by Irene Kavanagh Our Denver Day, 2nd November was again another success. Having recently returned from our Aspen 2002 trip it was great re-uniting with friends and sharing stories and photos of our time in Aspen. Janet did a superb job; her organizing skills are second to none. It was a pleasure for both of us to assist her in our own little way. The campfire that Paul put together was so realistic, that Tony warmed himself by it! It was lovely to see old friends again and also to meet new members who came, and we hope they enjoyed the day. It was a varied day of songs, quiz and poetry. So many people did a lot of preparation for us all so big thanks to all of them. It was a really lovely touch for each one of us to receive a copy of Lynne's poem - which she wrote for the day - tied up with the significant yellow rose. Also the candle with John's photo attached which we will keep until 31st December to light. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= *** Letters to the Editor: *** Beverly Blake As a long time subscriber to your newsletter, I noticed this month that you have a number of people looking for videos, books, etc. on John. There is a huge amount of John Denver memorabilia available on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com Usually 14 to 17 pages of items for sale. I believe I've seen almost all the items you listed people wanting at one time or another on Ebay. I have been able to add a number of hard to acquire items to my collection through Ebay. Once you get on Ebay, just enter the search words "John Denver" and I guarantee you will be amazed! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ron Rich 12/10/02 Just got back from performing for my second time in Black Hawk, Colorado. You can't swing a cat by the tail without hitting someone who knew or worked with John sometime or other in that area. The five day concert went well. People sang, cried, and remembered. Isn't that what it's all about, keeping the memory alive? Ron - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Margaret Brodmerkle I just thought I'd pass on the information that "Christmas Time's A Comin'" is a bluegrass/country song of long standing. I've known it for years. I think it was written by Bill Monroe, but I'm not sure of that. Anyone who listens to the Grand Ole Opry will hear it often at this time of year. <> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - < < < * * * > > > Barb Steinberg Singer/songwriter Kyle Vincent's 6th cd, entitled "Solitary Road" will be out in 2003 and there's a 3 minute medley preview from the cd on his website including a song about John! Kyle's website also has a link to Windstar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There are several email mailinglists you can get on at Tom Crum's Aiki Works. There is one containing centering tips and a golf mailing list. To subscribe email: aikiworks@aol.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Ecology Hall of Fame has a nice tribute and biography of John written by Steve Gosden. In it he says: "No entertainer has had the impact on ecology and the environment as has New Mexico-born John Denver". http://www.ectopia.org/ehof/index.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paul Alexander I have finished my CD "Heart to Heart: In Celebration of John Denver" which I recorded after my 8 week tribute to John in NYC. I grew up playing and singing John's music and as a singing social worker have devoted a good part of my life and music to helping people in grief. On my website I have many resources both musical and written word designed to help people during the loss and death of a loved one. http://www.griefsong.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= Blue Sky Mourning by Emily M. Parris October 13 - A day in my memory A day I can never forget A day so bleak and somber That I've not recovered from it yet A day when the sky was so blue and deep But the beauty just stuck in my head For that was the day after I found out Our beloved, John Denver, was dead The beauty of the day was like a movie set It didn't match with my feelings at all It seemed almost profane to have blue skies On that cool, cruel day in the fall I walked through the day like a zombie For my world, and my life was on hold I felt unreal on that beautiful day When my heart had so quickly gone cold How could a world full of his sunshine Turn into an empty and soundless void? How could that beautiful singer vanish With all the wonderful songs we enjoyed? It didn't seem real at the time For the sky was too deep and too blue As though it was mocking my mourning With its' bright and mysterious hue It's a day I will always remember But one I wish that I could erase For there is no one like John Denver; No one could ever take his place _________________________________________________ Copyright 2002 by Emily M. Parris < < < * * * > > > John Denver 1943-1997 by Lynne Groves Somewhere beyond the mountains, where heaven meets the skies, Where eagles soar and rainbows end, is where your spirit flies. In a place of no tomorrows, in serenity and peace, Where sunshine fills your every hour and pain and sorrow cease. And in the arms of angels is where you now belong, But when you went you left behind your legacy of song. A legacy of love for us that ever lingers on, It's in our hearts and in our souls, it never will be gone. We'll hear it on the breezes, a whisper in the night And always in our memories, for each, a guiding light. And I look toward the mountains, through tears that fill my eyes, And far beyond where I can see, your wondrous spirit flies. ________________________________ Copyright Lynne Groves (England) ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Kenn Roberts "A Tribute to John Denver: The Wheeler Opera House" 'Double' cd from October 14 & 15, 2000 is still available. $25 + $2 s/h payable to "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" / 827 Coachway / Annapolis, Maryland 21401 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nick B I have a list of John Denver items for sale or trade. Email me for a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Julie in Virginia I have a list of John Denver items for sale - Videos / Photos of John rehearsing for a concert at Constitution Hall and / "Take Me Home". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don I would like to find a copy of a JD Concert that took place in the mid 90's at one of the Windstar Symposiums. In it, John referred to someone before him being a tough act to follow. Please email with info. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - JOHN DENVER LINKS ================= * Kay Wentz Photos from Aspen http://lance.wentz.com/vacation/october2002/Vacation_2002.html * Aiki Works / Tom Crum http://www.aikiworks.com * The Music of John Denver http://www.dweller.com/musicofjd.html * Nature: John Denver: Let This Be A Voice http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/denver/mail.html * Higher Ground - Australian Friends of John Denver http://millymoo.tripod.com/ * John Denver Friends of Nature (Nancy McDowell) http://members.tripod.com/starwoodinaspen/index.html * Friends of John Denver (U.K.) http://www.fojd.org.uk * Ecology Hall of Fame: Denver http://www.ectopica.org/ehof/denver/ * Jerry's John Denver Tribute Page http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/station/1988/ poems/jdenver.html ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org January 2003 * Issue #105 * Editor: Emily M. Parris ************************************************************* ^Z Emily M. Parris Rocky Mountain High http://www.rockymtnhigh.org