============================================= *** 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 January 2006 Editor: Emily M. Parris ================================================ http://www.rockymtnhigh.org * emily@parris.net ================================================ Table of Contents January 2006 * Issue #141 John Denver Events...............................2 "Coors Sings an Old Tune" - Rocky Mountain News 12-13-05..................3 John Denver Lives in the Missouri Ozarks A Biography of Rod Phillips by Emily M. Parris...................4 CD Reviews: "Coming Home For Christmas" by Kathy Berdan..........................5 "Wild Horses and Dreams" - Vic Pellerano cd Reviewed by Emily M. Parris...............6 John Denver Notes................................7 Poetry Corner: "Song of Peace" by Cynthia Helen Gullage.......8 "With A Song & A Melody" by Emily Parris.......9 John Denver Want Ads.............................9 ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================= January 21, 2006 - England - Steve Brook will be playing an afternoon Concert at St. Joseph the Worker Church Hall / Demontfort Way. Coventry. 3:00pm RSVP to irene@fojd.org.uk Christine Moon president@fojd.org.uk January 23, 2006 - Largo, FL - The Rocky Mountain Memory Show, a "Tribute to John Denver" starring Ron Rich and the Stone Tree Band / Shows at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Largo Cultural Center / 105 Central Park / Largo, Florida Tickets: $15 (727) 587-6793 February 10 and 11, 2006 - Steamboat Springs, CO * Brad and Kathy Fitch with the Yampa Valley Boys will present 2 events of concerts featuring the songs of John Denver / The Mountain Theater, Ski Times Square Info: Steve Jones (970) 879-4746 www.cowboybrad.com March 4, 2006 - UK - Red Hot Country Show starring Wayne Denton who does a JD Tribute act. Princess Theatre; The Green, Hunstanton, Norfolk 01485 532252 http://www.princesstheatrehunstanton.co.uk March 24, 2006 - Monterey, California - Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen will share songs and invite you to sing along at a house concert at 13 Antler Place, Monterey, CA 7:30pm / Judy 831-373-7780 jht@spamarrest.com http://www.compassrosemusic.com April 28-30, 2006 - PA Friends of John Denver - Annual Spring Retreat - Bitter Goose Lodge $55 - Deposit of $20 required. Make checks or money orders payable to Susan Spohn / 628 Hemlock Street / Pittsburgh, PA 15202 Info: < spohn@infionline.net > May 20, 2006 - U.K. - Country Roads Walk - A walk is being planned in Northamptonshire. 10:00am Red Kite Centre, RSPB Barn, Top Lodge in the Rockingham Forest. It is a 4 mile walk. http://lookingforspace.bravehost.com/index.html rockymountain.high@ntlworld.com or 01485 570911 June 17, 2006 - Baltimore, MD * 2nd Bi-Annual "Nightingala" "A Musical Tribute to John Denver" Concert for John Hopkins School of Nursing. / Peabody Conservatory of Music / 1 Mount Vernon Place / Peabody Concert Hall 8:00pm / 6:00 - VIP "Great Chefs" Reception in the Peabody Library * http://www.musicunites.com/Schedule.htm July 1, 2006 - UK - Country Roads Walk - 6 mile walk in Haworth Yorkshire. 10:00am Meet at the car park at the Haworth Church and the Bronte Parsonage Museum. http://lookingforspace.bravehost.com/index.html rockymountain.high@ntlworld.com or 01485 570911 July 2-9, 2006 Cruise Alaska with Jim Curry / "Alaska & Me Cruise" - Jim Curry will perform John Denver's Alaska songs and hits in concert with a full band. 800-826-6732 http://www.cruisemust.com / sales@cruisemust.com http://www.jimcurrysmusic.com 7 day cruise $50 deposit needed by January. July 15-22, 2006 Princess Cruise to Alaska with Christopher Westfall http://www.newbeginningtour.com It will feature a lot of sing-a-longs, including many favorites sung by John Denver. 732-282-3108 http://www.chriswestfall.com Weekends - Every Friday & Saturday - Branson, MO * "John Denver Lives" - Dinner 5:00pm & performance 5:30pm-6:30pm $24.95 Hillbilly Inn & Dinner Theatre / Hillbilly Inn Motel / 1166 West Highway 76 / Branson, MO 65616 info@hillbillyinn.com * 1-800-535-0739 www.johndenverlives.com * rodphil549@aol.com * * * * * * * * * * * COORS SINGS AN OLD TUNE Rocky Mountain News December 13, 2005 by Roger Fillion From bikini-clad twins to John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High", Coors Brewing Co. is returning to its Rocky Mountain roots. The Golden brewer - known for using the Coors twins to pitch its Coors Light Beer - has bought the rights to Denver's 1972 hit song. The company is once again employing its own version of the upbeat "Rocky Mountain High" in Coors Light commercials now airing on tv. "We did indeed buy the rights to 'Rocky Mountain High'" said Coors spokeswoman Kabira Hatland. She declined to discuss how much the company paid, although it is estimated in the "six-figure" range. The commercial is also notable for featuring Pete Coors as chief pitchman, underscoring his return to the company following his failed US Senate bid last year. Coors, who is vice chairman of Molson Coors Brewing Company is shown among the snow-capped rocky mountains touting the unique quality of Coors Light's taste. As vice chairman, Pete Coors gets an annual base salary of $800,000. He also is eligible for an annual bonus. Coors Brewing used "Rocky Mountain High" several years ago in a commercial in which a man whistled the tune in a bar and others there soon joined in singing. Denver died in 1997 after the small plane he was flying crashed into Monterey Bay, off the California coast. But "Rocky Mountain High" has lived on, a song that pays tribute to Colorado's mountains and beauty. "I love it" said local concert promoter Barry Fewy, who handled concerts for Denver. Fey said the song particularly strikes a chord with him. The first line - "He was born in the summer of his 27th year" refers to a young man moving to Colorado when he was 27. Fey also acknowledged that "Rocky Mountain High" can strike listeners differently. "It became very, very hip not to like John Denver", he said. Sixteen-year-old Ben Kennedy, of Arvada, who works at Wax Trax Records in Denver, is among those who isn't a fan. "It's kind of annoying" said Kennedy. "I really don't like that." Kennedy recalled that his uncle liked to play the song several years ago while having a drink. Hatland, the Coors spokeswoman, noted the ad is not intended for a 16-year-old such as Kennedy, who is too young to consume beer. Foote Cone & Belding in Chicago produced the Coors ad. The agency's music director, Gregory Grene, noted that older hits such as "Rocky Mountain High" have become popular in ads. Another Coors ad uses the O'Jay's 1973 hit song "Love Train". "These songs mean something to people", Grene said of the older music. He also noted that older songs are the most expensive to license. Asked how much the songs typically cost to license for a year, he replied "six figures." Coors also is using contemporary music in its various ads, one of which features Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song." Steve Sander, principal of Pure Brand Communications, a Denver advertising and marketing company, said the use of "Rocky Mountain High" shouldn't hinder Coors' ability to sell its beer in Colorado - even though not all people are fans of the tune. "Overall, 'Rocky Mountain High' and John Denver have a positive legacy in Colorado", he said. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> JOHN DENVER LIVES in the Missouri Ozarks - A Bio of Rod Phillips by Emily M. Parris Rod Phillips and his wife, Andrea, have lived in Branson, Missouri since 1987. He presently performs in the "John Denver LIVES" tribute show at the Hillbilly Inn and Dinner Theatre right on Highway 76. On Sundays he is the music director at the Branson Christian Church downtown and he also leads an Old Gospel Sing at the Presley Theatre every night at 7:00pm. Rod has a Master's degree from North Texas State University and a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Phillips University. He is very versatile in his range of instruments playing the piano, guitar, bass, cello, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, flute and the celtic harp. He has written 300 songs, as well as four musicals, a novel, short stories and poetry. Through his efforts John Denver has a presence in the musical scene there. Branson, Missouri sits atop scenic highway 76 in the Missouri Ozarks and is nestled in the hills. It is a music town and since it is situated in the heart of the Bible Belt, Gospel Music is very popular. Rod has several cd's of the "Old Gospel" piano music that he plays nightly at the Presley Theatre. The Presley Theatre was one of the earliest theatres in Branson. They began a music show in the Talking Rocks Cavern in 1960, and opened their theater on Highway 76 in 1967. Rod's musical career started back in 1973 when he was the musical director of the New Christy Minstrels in Hollywood, California. He was also a soloist with "Young Country" in Dallas, Texas in the 70's. From 1978 to 1984 he toured with Michael Martin Murphey opening for the rock group "America." He was also a solo singer-songwriter in Taos, New Mexico. From 1985 to 1995 he was a Christian singer-songwriter doing 80 concerts in the Branson area. Two tours with Cornerstone Praise Company took him to Warsaw, Poland in 1989 and 1990. In 1990 he played keyboards, wrote, danced, and did puppetry at the Jim Stafford Theatre and in 1993 he began opening for the show. He also did solo road shows with Jim Stafford. "Legends", a Las-Vegas based show at the Grand Palace was the venue he directed in 1996. He was the musical director and pianist for the show in the 4000-seat theatre. He also has appeared at Silver Dollar City, Chateau on the Lake, the IMAX Theater and the Engler Block in the Branson area. The Branson, Missouri area became famous in 1907 when Harold Bell Wright wrote the book "The Shepherd of the Hills." The city was incorporated in 1912. Marvel Cave became an attraction in 1949 but it was not until 1960 that Silver Dollar City opened incorporating Marvel Cave into the theme park. Http://www.johndenverlives.com ========== CD REVIEWS ========== "Coming Home For Christmas", various artists, Legacy/RCA by Kathy Berdan - Pioneer Press in the article "Christmas CDs are (mostly) a feast for the ears" This is that strange concoction the turducken (a chicken in a duck in a turkey), that tries to be many things to many people. Why else bring together Kenny Loggins, Amy Grant, Hall and Oates, Lonestar, John Denver, Michael Bolton, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Jim Brickman? A stellar example of what a mix-up this is: Olivia Newton-John and Vince Gill sing "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays", backed by a flock of singers and the London Symphony Orchestra. Huh? Note: a new song on the CD by Anne Cochran is called "Someone is Missing at Christmas" and it's so emotionally manipulative that it's downright mean. No one needs reminding that the holidays are harder with loss. No one needs tears from "favorite chairs that are empty." < < < < < o o o > > > > > Review of "Wild Horses and Dreams" cd - Vic Pellerano by Emily M. Parris Vic Pellerano, who was born in New Jersey, is "High on North Dakota." He does for this state what John Denver did for Colorado. In his songs he sings about the land, the weather, the people and the state. He is often called "The John Denver of North Dakota" and in his songs he weaves in the history and a feeling for the state. His song "Crossings" is the theme song for Fargo-Moorhead's All American City. It tells the 125 year history of the two cities. "Scarecrow" and "Against the Wind" are about the plight of farmers. All the songs have very good guitar work and one of my favorites is the "Tale of the Medora Roughriders" because it starts out with a horse neighing. The entire album has a very western feel to it and you definitely feel that you have been brought into some of the places, sounds, and highlights of the state of North Dakota. "Quiet Sunsets" is the song that sounds most like a John Denver song: "I was born in the city; had the country in my heart" - In this song the lyrics go on to say... "where eagles fly free and the buffalo still roam" This is why I call North Dakota my home." "Red River Nights", "Discover the Spirit" (of North Dakota), "Dakota Western Skies" and, of course, "High on North Dakota" are some of the songs that highlight the area. If you like nature and the outdoors I'm sure you would like this album because the themes are very much like a John Denver song. The Fargo-Moorhead area is like Kansas City in that part of it is in one state, and part in another. Fargo is in North Dakota and Moorhead is in Minnesota. Kansas City is the same with the major part of the city in Missouri, but with Kansas City, Kansas; Overland Park and many other nice suburbs on the Kansas side. If you want to read more about the Fargo-Moorhead area you can go to... http://www.fargo-history.com or http://www.fargomoorhead.org Samples of all the songs on "Wild Horses and Dreams" can be heard at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vicpellerano Vic is also listed on www.slackpacker.com/usmap.html where they have a list of Hiking Trails by State and a list of what songs to listen to as you hike. He is the musician listed for North Dakota along with a link to his cdbaby website. Of course, JOHN DENVER is listed for Colorado. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= Emily < emily@parris.net > There is a new Rocky Mountain High Guestbook at Smartgb.com The other one was attacked by spammers. I have all the old messages from the 5/5/2000 to the present and can archive them on the RMH Web Site. There are over 2200 messages. You can get to the NEW Rocky Mountain High Guestbook 2006 at http://www.rockymtnhigh.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I run my church Christmas Music event and we sing "Aspenglow", "Please, Daddy" and "A Baby Just Like You." I announce that the songs are from John Denver's "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album, just to keep him alive in our hearts. Peace! Bob Phillips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Jingle belle time is a swell time"... Seacoastonline.com "Tried-and-true best-selling holiday music from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, Kenny G and Herb Alpert has all returned in new packages - even as Media Monitors notes that the artist who had the most Christmas songs played on the radio last year was still Sinatra." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - An Article on 12-20-05 said that Zachary J. Deutschendorf lives in Durango, CO and Anna Kate Deutschendorf lives in Sausalito, CA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The release date for a new John Denver cd called "John Denver Love Songs" is 1-10-06 on the RCA Legacy label. Track Listing: "Poems, Prayers and Promises", "It's Up To You", "Come and Let Me Look in Your Eyes", "Annie's Song", "You're So Beautiful", "My Sweet Lady", "Love Again", "I Remember Romance", "Seasons of the Heart", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", "If Ever", "Baby, You Look Good to Me Tonight", "A Song For All Lovers", "Dreamland Express", and "Perhaps Love" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R P O E T R Y ======================================= SONG OF PEACE by Cynthia Helen Gullage Peace is a jewel, rare and precious. Peace is the sun that shines above. Peace is a candle brightly burning. Peace is synonymous with love. Peace holds the promise of tomorrow. Peace comes about when we forgive. Peace is a vision never ending. Peace is a dream that we can live. Peace is the song that I am singing. Peace is a star to light the way. Peace is the right of all things living. Peace is my fervent wish, "Today" In memory of John Denver December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997 Cynthia Helen Gullage December 21, 2005 * * * With A Song and A Melody Dedicated to John Denver by Emily M. Parris Seasons of the heart you gave me As you taught me all about love The fullness of your emotions That's what you were singing of Sometimes you were looking for space And I was looking too Yearning for the kind of love That seemed to be there with you Each song was my obsession All the words became my own There with the Eagle and the Hawk My wounded heart had flown Though the years brought tragedy And you left for a higher place I found my own sunshine Just like I saw on your face You took me from abject loneliness To a love I could share every day It came with a song and a melody In a loving and gentle way _____________________________________ Copyright 11-11-05 by Emily M. Parris ================================================= JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E ================================================= Roy River's cd "Thank God, I'm A Country Boy" is a European cd that is now available in the US with 2 additional songs: "What Our Love Is Not About" and "All Caught Up." $12 + $3.50 s/h in the U.S. http://www.royrivers.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Eldridge < evgjohneldridge@wmconnect.com > I am looking for an autographed picture of John Denver. Email me if you have one to sell. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jim Buckner's Greatest Hits cd titled "Cover to Cover" includes his John Denver Tribute song called "Johnny." The cd is available through www.cdbaby.com The cd Baby description for Jim's "In The Can" cd says... "Bob Dylan meets John Denver country, folk, rock, and pop style music." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily < emily@parris.net > I have a new book of poetry for 2006 called "With A Song & A Melody" $6 postpaid in the U.S. Emily Parris 608 E. 96th Street / Kansas City, MO 64131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Discography http://www.denveredintorni.com/johndenver/jdisco.htm Alaska: American Child http://www.freewebs.com/sweetdreamsplace/americanchild.html North Carolina Friends of John Denver http://www.ncfriendsofjd.com Roy Rivers Tribute to John Denver http://www.john-denver-tribute.com Many Highways review of "Wild Horses and Dreams" http://www.manyhighways.com/music/wild_horses_and_dreams_by_vi c_pellerano.php To subscribe: rockymountainhigh-subscribe@emissives.com To unsubscribe: rockymountainhigh-unsubscribe@emissives.com ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@parris.net http://www.rockymtnhigh.org January 2006 * Issue #141 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************