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 M A R C H 1 9 9 8 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents March 1998 * Issue #47 John Denver Wins a Grammy Award for "All Aboard": "Six Grammys Awarded Posthumously" (2/26/98).......1 Aspen To Get John Denver Sculpture: Rocky Mountain News 2/19/98..........................2 John Denver Notes: Events, JD on TV, Misc.............................3 Reviews: "Rocky Mtn High: A Tribute to JD" (David Gorell).....5 "All Aboard" - Reviewed by Doug Speedie..............5 "Seeking Grace With Every Step: The Spirituality of John Denver" - National Catholic Reporter..........................6 John Denver Memorial Tree Planting.....................7 John Denver Poetry: "Free the Spirit" by Linda "Symons..................7 "A Troubadours Lament" by Ron Dailey................8 John Denver Want Ads...................................9 * * * JOHN DENVER WINS GRAMMY FOR "ALL ABOARD" "6 Grammys Awarded Posthumously" 2/26/98 NEW YORK (AP) - It's not unusual for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to honor an artist who has died. But at the 40th annual Grammy awards, six posthumous prizes were handed out to five diverse recording artists. Four won wide appreciation for their work during their lives: country-pop stylist John Denver, jazz trumpeter Adolphus Cheatham, Sir Georg Solti and veteran newscaster Charles Kuralt, who was awarded two Grammys. The fifth, guitarist-composer Michael Hedges, was honored for his contributions to new age music. For Denver, who won musical album for children for "All Aboard!," the award was laced with irony: Wednesday night's Grammy was the only one ever received by the wholesome singer with the wire-rimmed glasses who had such 1970s hits as "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Take Me Home,Country Roads." Denver died in October when his experimental plane crashed into Monterey Bay in California. Cheatham, who was still performing when he died in June at 91, won the jazz instrumental solo prize with Nicholas Payton for a hauntingly sweet rendition of "Stardust." Solti's win was the conductor's 31st, extending his Grammy record. He won the opera recording trophy for "Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg." Four months before he died in September at age 84, he gave a rare interview in his London home where his 30 Grammys lined the window sills. "Look, I don't want to retire because I would die," Solti said. "I love work and I love music. This is the point. I do it only because I love it. I really love it." Kuralt, who died on the Fourth of July, also loved the work, especially when his news reporting took him to the offbeat corners of the world. His deep, comforting voice can be heard on the spoken word album for children "Winnie-The-Pooh" and the spoken word album "Charles Kuralt's Spring" - and he was honored for both Wednesday night. Hedges, known for his unusual two-handed picking style, won for the new age album award for "Oracle." Known for innovations such as simultaneously picking both ends of the guitar, Hedges described his own music as "heavy mental," "acoustic thrash" and "new edge." He helped establish the Windham Hill label with his albums "Breakfast in the Field" (1983) and "Aerial Boundaries" (1984). He also collaborated with such musicians as bassist Michael Manring, guitarist Dweezil Zappa and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Hedges died in an automobile accident in rural Mendocino County, about 100 miles northwest of San Francisco, in late November. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In The Hollywood Report's GRAMMY NOTES, John was only mentioned at the very end where they said: "John Denver's three children were on hand to accept their father's posthumous award for "All Aboard!" as best musical album for children. Denver's oldest son, Zack, said he plans to keep the award "somewhere special" in his father's Aspen, Colo., home. The singer died in a plane crash in October." * * * Rocky Mountain News 2/19/98 Aspen to get John Denver sculpture by Deborah Frazier ASPEN--An anonymous donor has commissioned a bronze sculpture of local singer John Denver that will hang at Aspen's airport. The 36-by-24-inch bronze base relief, by Caqon City sculptor Robert Henderson, will hang above a bench donated by Aspen resident Buzz Dodson in Denver's memory. The singer, a long time Aspen resident, plunged to his death last fall while flying a newly purchased plane along the California coast. "We're not trying to turn the airport into a memorial garden, but the art seems tasteful and relevant," said Pitkin County Commissioner Mick Ireland. "It is in exceptional taste." Ireland said Henderson was contacted late last year by the benefactor, who wants to remain anonymous. The sculpture is described as a good likeness of Denver and valued at more than $20,000. The inscription reads only "John Denver (Rocky Mountain High)" referring to one of Denver's songs about Colorado. Behind Denver on the plaque is an airplane, aspen trees and the mountain backdrop he loved. Denver was known for his community service in Aspen. He'd appear without notice at schools and the Aspen Camp for the Deaf to sing to the children. "A lot of kids grew up here thinking that John Denver was just a guy who came and sang at school," said Ireland. Henderson is best known for his work at the sculpture garden at the U.S.Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs. ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= John Denver Events Planned: ========================== Mar 10, 1998 "It's About Time! A Musical Tribute to the Vision of John Denver" (Donna Lipman and Friends) 8:00 PM State Theatre/ Austin, Texas (512) 912-8722 March 14-21 1998 Roger Himes - Mini Concert - Denver, CO For more info email Roger at: April 4, 1998 - "Hearts in Harmony" fan club is sponsoring a "Celebration of Life" singalong/tribute to John Salem United Church of Christ / 186 E. Court Street Doylestown, PA * For more info April 4, 1998 - Roger Himes Mini Concert - Co Springs, CO April 24, 1998 - Tree Planting in Corpus Christi, TX in honor of John (512) 882-3172 or (512) 980-8630 Oct 10, 1998 Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO Oct 11, 1998 Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO Promoted by Ken Roberts who did the WFMA Tribute Oct 12, 1998 "A John Denver Reunion" - Hotel Jerome Aspen, CO - Rory Young http://www.austin1.com/JD Oct 12, 1998 "Hearts in Harmony: A Celebration of Life" 6:00 PM Inn at Aspen / Aspen, CO *** See also: http://www.sky.net/~emily/events.txt *** John Denver on Television: ========================= March 28, 1998 -" Fly Fishing the World" Tribute to John Denver will be aired again on 3-28-98 8:30 AM CST (check local listings). Videos of all their shows are also available for $20 each. John was on 4 of their shows. Barrett Productions, 317 Orange Street, Missoula, MT 59801 May 5, 1998 Genesis Awards 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm (PST) ANML May 10, 1998 Genesis Awards 12:00 NOON (PST) ANML May 22, 1998 Genesis Awards 6:00 pm & 9:00 PM (PST) ANML "The 1997 Doris Day Music Award Classic -- honoring musical achievement for animals -- will be a tribute to John Denver by honoring the song he made famous, "You Say The Battle Is Over." The award will be presented by Denver's long-time friend, Lyle Lovett." The show is being taped in Los Angeles, CA on 3/28/98 and will be shown on ANML. June 1, 1998 - E! Special on John Denver 8:00 PM EST New CD's and Videos: ================= * New John Denver Album available March 24, 1998 - "Greatest Country Hits" * Available at Walgreens - an instrumental album in a special display: "NatureQuest: Relaxing Interpretations of John Denver with Nature" * Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole have recorded a tribute album to John. It includes 10 songs written by John, two by Pete and two by Chris. It will be available at the end of March. * A video of the World Folk Music Tribute Concert held in January will be available in the Spring. For information contact or call 1-800-804-5434. * The show with Cassandra on American Journal can be purchased from King World / 402 E. 76th St / New York, NY 10021 for $32.45 1-800-334-8466 John Denver on the Internet: =========================== * There is now a www site for "John Denver Remembered", the PBS Tribute Program for John Denver. http://www.caravan.com/johndenver * To see the Photos of John Denver with President Clinton: http://members.aol.com/saxwax101 * Michael Martin Murphey is going to do a tribute to John at the Colorado Westfest Gala. Look at the Westfest link on MMM's Page: http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com * It is rumored that Richard Hatch, who played Apollo in Battlestar Galactica, will star as John in a production he is making. Hatch's essay, "The Earth is Our Mother" is at: http://www9.pair.com/iwc/RichardHatch/mother.html * http://www.EveryCD.com or 1-800-EveryCD has good prices on John's Japanese import cd's (the early albums) * http://www.sky.net/~emily/event.txt John Denver in Print: ===================== * The National Arbor Day Foundation Newsletter has an article about John with a picture. * "John Denver: The Baby Boomers' Poet Laureate of Song" is an article that appeared in the Midwest Today Magazine. Copies of it are available for $5.00 from Midwest Today, P. O. Box 685, Panora, IA 50216 (It is also on newstands) Other John Denver Notes: ======================== From: Roger Himes Re: Colorado Mini-Concerts Sat, March 14, 2-3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Denver, Colorado - Southwest Plaza Thur,March 19, 7-8 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Grand Junction, CO Sat, March 21, Barnes & Noble, Co Springs, CO - Briargate Sat, March 21, Barnes & Noble, Fort Collins Sat, April 4, 2-3 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Colorado Springs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A tree was planted in John's honor at the Dawes Arboretum at 7770 Jacksontown Road / Newark, OH 1-800-44-DAWES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Hal Stephens --There was a brief TV clip on TNN Thurs. 8:00pm MST.(Mar. 5) that the Rocky Mountain High ski run is now open at Snowmass, Colorado. A plaque honoring John Denver is placed at the top of the run. The clip appeared on "Today's Country" hosted by: Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase. It is a variety show featuring country news and country artists. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Deb Perry Just wanted to share how John Denver is helping me even now. I bought a treadmill a few weeks ago. The doctors said it would be a good idea since it's hard to get exercise in this climate in the winter. So everyday I 'tread' to JD. I feel uplifted as I walk and listen to Rocky Mountain High and other songs. Did you know the beat of Rocky Mountain High is 2 miles per hour? A good warmer-upper. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <<<<<<<<<<<******>>>>>>>>>>> REVIEW: "Rocky Mtn High: A Tribute to John Denver" CD From: David Gorell Last Friday, I received the new cd "Rocky Mountain High - A Tribute to John Denver", which is a great music only album of John's songs. It's a MUST for all JD fans, please, do yourselves a favour and get hold of this one. All the songs are done in Bluegrass fashion, and each song has a different and distinctive sound. In my mind, the best song is "Some Days Are Diamonds", but most of the songs are treated really well. "Sunshine" was a little disappointing, as it is a little fast, and "Leaving on A Jet Plane" was hard to recognize at first. Again, overall, a very fine album, and thoroughly recommended. - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- "All Aboard" Reviewed: October 15, 1997 - Jam! Showbiz Ode To Trains a Keeper by Doug Speedie John Denver's final album, released recently without fanfare, is titled, ironically, "All Aboard". Dedicated to lovers of trains, it marks the first time Denver has put out an album that does not contain any songs written by the singer himself. Instead, it offers a cross-section of thematically linked material, from old classics such as "Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe" to the opening track, "Jenny Dreamed Of Trains", written by Country stalwarts Vince Gill and Guy Clark. Like much of the music on "All Aboard", the song is a perfect fit, one that could easily be mistaken for a Denver original. Elsewhere, Denver's rendition of "Waiting For A Train" features some trademark yodeling, and he turns in another remarkable performance on Steve Goodman's "City Of New Orleans." Overall, "All Aboard" will be enjoyed by young and old fans alike, an album that presents, for the final time, John Denver at his best. With the release of the last recording during his lifetime, it is an appropriate time for fans to reflect on a career that spanned so many years and brought so much enjoyment to so many, world-wide. His songs are classics that will endure and, no doubt, grow in popularity. It is ironic that he had to die for the print media, television, and radio to notice that he was still around. In spite of the lack of publicity, and what appeared to be a virtual boycott of him by the media, his popularity was high, his concerts were successful, and his fans -- from the very young to the elderly -- remained loyal throughout. John Denver's passionate pleas to love the Earth and all of its creatures was a plea that was ignored by the media or referred to with disdain. No matter. Denver will be remembered for a lifetime's dedication to the environment, his tireless work on the Presidential Commission on world hunger, his support of the World Wildlife Fund, his work for UNICEF, and many other causes. And, of course, for his music, written and sung from the heart. He has given his many fans from around the world so very much over the years. May he find peace. Doug Speedie <<<<<<<<<<<****>>>>>>>>>>> From: The National Catholic Report (11/21/97) Review of "Seeking Grace With Every Step: The Spirituality of John Denver" by Mark G. Boyer Mark G. Boyer, Springfield, MO: I wish to recommend "Seeking Grace With Every Step: The Spirituality of John Denver, Leavenhouse Publications, Springfield, MO 1996. This book by a fan of John Denver's music - written well before his tragic death - analyzes and categorizes the themes that occur in the lyrics of the songs Denver has written alone or in collaboration with others since 1969. The title is part of a line from a song on his hit album from 1972, "Rocky Mountain High." While the song is about a 27-year-old man getting in touch with his spirit in the mountains, it is also a song about the force that inspires one's spirit-God, who is revealed through a lifetime of experiences. Indeed, this is what spirituality is - seeking grace, who is God, with every step at every time and in every place. Anyone who can sing about "talking to God and listening to the casual reply" or "Christ on the cross burning with desire" has some religious dimension to his life, fueled by a definite spiritual sense. The book guides the reader through an analysis of Denver's spirituality, as it is gleaned from the major and minor themes of his songs. .......Article sent by Ralph Cox <<<<<<<<<<<****>>>>>>>>>>>> "John Denver Memorial Tree Planting" - Corpus Christi, TX ========================================================= Following the tragic death of John Denver, one of the fans who had attended his final concert in Corpus Christi initiated a local memorial project. Because of Mr. Denver's concert with the environment and his affiliation with the National Arbor Day Foundation, the decision was made to plant memorial trees near the Bayfront Auditorium where he performed. As word of the "John Denver Memorial Tree Planting" has spread, people from throughout the area have been dropping coins in collection cans and sending in checks. Donations will be accepted through 3/31/98. A dedication of the trees will take place on or near National Arbor Day, April 24, 1998. Those wishing to contribute may send checks made out to the "Tree Awareness Council". Please note on the checks that it is for the "John Denver Fund." (512) 882-3172 or (512) 980-8630 Corpus Christi Area Tree Awareness Council 410 Peoples Street / Corpus Christi, TX / 78401 ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== Free The Spirit by Linda Symons In America, a sunny day, A light plane over Monterey Bay. A popping noise, the plane dives fast, This breath would be John Denver's last. Plummeting into the sea, His body set his spirit free. As free as the woods he once adored, His body sank as his spirit soared. The legacy he left behind, Songs with which to cleanse the mind. To feel the joys this life can hold, The miracle of love untold. The world is richer because John lived, He'll be remembered for all he did. Nature praises the time of John's birth, Animals, trees, indeed the whole earth. John is gone, but the legend stays, Songs with which to light our days. To enhance the love of this life we share, To unite our hearts with those who care. Linda Symons Oct 1997 * * * A Troubadours Lament (A Tribute to John Denver) by Ron Dailey He sang of Rocky Mountains high Of craggy peaks where eagles fly Inspired by things he vowed to save A pristine lake, an oceans wave His final trek in solitude A fate no mortal can elude Down country roads no more to roam God's gentle hand will take him home With mournful hearts and misty eyes The sunshine truly made us cry His mortal voice will sing no more This Rocky Mountain Troubadour If the Rockies wailed in human voice His would be their solemn choice If you listen closely to the wind A familiar voice the mountains send Like the eagles high, his spirit soars This Rocky Mountain Troubadour Ron Dailey Oct 19, 1997 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== From: Vanessa McClurg / 2741 Citadel Drive N.E. / Warren, OH 44483 Needs penpals and would like to go to Colorado with someone to pay respects to John. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Carole Nordgren I'm looking for a cd or cassette tape of the album "Aerie". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Charles Bennett - I have available a 3.5" floppy disk with transcripts of the two Colorado Memorial Services, Annie on "Public Eye", and Cassandra on "American Journal." $5.00 post paid in US. (Foreign extra) Charles Bennett / 2449 Poplar / Kansas City, MO 64127 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: CRABILGR@sysadm.suny.edu / or I am looking for a copy of John's tape, "Autograph." I have a collection of everything John recorded but most of them are on 8-tracks. I have been able to replace all of the 8 tracks on either cassette or cd except for "Autograph." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Jim Fettgather We have been behind in shipping the RMH-1 Tapes but shipped about 20 copies this week. If you've ordered one, you will get your copy soon. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Emily A 3.5" disk of Back Issues of the RMH newsletter is available for $4.00. Also, the printed programs for the two Colorado Memorial Services ($2.00). Emily Parris / 3820 Baltimore / Kansas City, MO 64111 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Mev Looking for one or two copies of the JD WORLD TOUR book, copyright 1997 by Windstar Productions. Cover has color shot of JD, his signature in white on copper and JD WORLD TOUR. If anyone can steer me to a source, please e-mail Mev Wilson at triadcom@fuse.net. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Angela We are looking for copies of several of John's albums: "Earth Songs,""Autograph," "John Denver," and "Different Directions." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: "Randal H. Cecil" Looking for: "John Denver Sings", "Something to Sing About", "Stonehaven Sunrise"-Aus. CD", "Carolina In My Mind", "Live at the Sydney Opera House", "National Arbor Day Fnd PSA's -Promo", and Mitchell Trio -"That's the Way It's Gonna Be". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Janet Husen Looking for a copy of "Higher Ground" the movie? I have called around & it doesn't seem to be out on video. I wonder if someone who recorded it off TV would copy it for me if I sent them a video & postage? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Kate I just received the morning mail and in it there is a catalog called Command Performance. This catalog offers all sorts of things and sometimes has tribute items available. WELL FINALLY the are paying tribute to our John. They are offering a commemorative brass plaque. 1-800-873-8263 The also have "The John Denver Collection" and "Portrait" video. In case anyone is interested in their catalog - Command Performance, C/O Genesis Direct, Inc. 100 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Andrew Harper I have many JD items for sale. Email or write for a list w/prices. Andrew Harper / 12 Lowther Drive / Higher Folds / Leigh / Lancashire / WN7 2YQ / England - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - John Denver Bumper stickers that say "John Denver 1943-1997" #10 Size self-addressed stamped envelope to: Richard Holmes / 91 Holt Road / Wilton, NH 03086 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Emily The movie "Walking Thunder" is still available. To order email me and ask for walking.txt or call (816) 531-3756 and leave name/address/phone number. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - From: Belle Does anyone have the Rocky Mtn. Jukebox album? It looks like a 45 but is 33 1/3 speed. Also need the Mr. Bogangles 45. I have lots to trade or will buy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * For a more detailed calendar of the J.D. Events planned write to and ask for EVENTS.TXT * If you have received more than one copy of the JDI form, or the newsletter then it probably means you are in the database twice. So just write and give me old/new email information and I'll update the database. * To be entered in our database ask for the JDI Form and give your present email address. * For a copy of the latest NTSB Report ask for NTSB.txt ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily March 1998 * Issue #47 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************