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 9 V E E R http://www.sky.net/~emily Emily Parris emily@sky.net R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TABLE OF CONTENTS March 1999 * Issue #59 John Denver Events.....................................2 Ordering Information for CD's & Videos.................3 Comments on "The Life and Times of JD" - TNN Special............3 "Denver Family: Valve Caused Crash" (AP) .............4 Review by Emily Parris: "Chad Mitchell Trio Reunion" Video..................5 John Denver has a Star: Reprinted from "Music & Communication"..............5 John Denver Notes/Want Ads.............................6 Poetry Corner: "Starwood in Heaven" by Elisabeth Straus.............10 "A Poem in Tribute to John" by Kelly Robison.........10 John Denver's album "A Celebration of Life" has gone Platinum. * * * The Rocky Mountain News reported that John Denver's house in Aspen sold for $3.68 million and was bought by Great Romance Profits Ltd. and Glamour Profits International Ltd., based in the Virgin Islands. No details were give about what they would do with the home. * * * "Dollywood", the amusement park in Pigeon Forge, TN has installed a permanent plaque in a flower bed by the entrance that reads: "In Memory of John Denver" ===================================== JOHN DENVER EVENTS / JOHN ON TV ===================================== March 7, 1999 "Let This Be A Voice" PBS 8:00 PM (Check local listings for the time on your local PBS Station) March 10, 1999 "Walking Thunder" on STARZ 6:35AM 3:00 PM (CST) March 11, 1999 "Walking Thunder" on MOREMAX 4:35 AM (CST) March 14, 1999 Thousand Oaks, CA 1:00 PM - California Friends of John Denver Meeting (714) 354-3688 March 14, 1999 Clear Lake, CA - Kurt Johnson's JD Tribute Concert / El Grande Hotel 2:00 pm March 20, 1999 12:00 - 4:00 pm Buffet & Entertainment Starland Cafe, 5125 MacArthur Blvd., Washington, D.C (202) 244-9396 Performers: Charlie Zahm & Frank DeLaMarre. Mack Bailey and Bill Danoff - tentative $40.00 per ticket Info: Ann Schnitz March 21, 1999 "Oh, God"- TCM (Turner Classic Movies) 5:00 pm "Walking Thunder" on STARZ 7:35am & 3:40 pm (both CST) March 27, 1999 - Kansas City, KS - JD Highway Cleanup 9:00 am Linda Bedell: or Emily 943-0330 March 29, 1999 "Walking Thunder" - STARZ 6:20am & 3:25pm (CST) April 2-3, 1999 Inverness Scotland - Jim Salestrom & John Sommers - JD Tribute Concert April 24, 1999 Doylestown, PA "Hearts in Harmony" Celebration of Life Get together/singalong Noon - 6:00 PM Performers: Chris Westfall, Kevin Yeargin, Paul Swanton, Frank DeLaMarre & Russ Mogel. Info: Carol (717) 548-2457 http://john-denver.org/web/hih/index.html April 25, 1999 Philadelphia, PA - Christopher Westfall & Kevin Yeargin will be performing a tribute evening of JD music at the "Tin Angel" - Info: Donna Tin Angel www page: http://www.tinangel.com/dir.html June 26, 1999 - Doylestown, PA - Peace Valley Park Barbara Kilgallon (215) 822-3169 July 23-25, 1999 John Denver Summer Celebration / Camp Mary Orton / Columbus, Ohio. Speakers include Lou Gold, Ellen Stapenhorst, Steven Newman, Rainbow Eagle, Chris Reynolds and Tom Burns. JDSC Hotline: (614) 861-5539 http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/2376 October 9, 1999 Snowmass, CO - Dinner at the Tower Restaurant $23.00 per person - Debbie Wood http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen99/tower.html October 10, 1999 Aspen, CO 11:00 am - 6:00 pm $55.00 "A Celebration of Life" sponsored by HEARTS IN HARMONY Dottie Honer / 5214 Stump Road / Pipersville, PA 18947 (215) 766-7363 October 11, 1999 World Family Jerome Event - Aspen, CO $50.00 9:00am - 10:00pm w/3 hour break / For tickets write Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft / Garland, TX 75043 Info: Rory (972) 495-9327 November 1-5, 1999 "Calypso Cruise" aboard the M.S. Ecstasy 4 days/3 nights Deb Perry / P.O. Box 42 Carver, MN 55315 (612) 368-7550 Ordering Information for Videos, Articles & CD's: ================================================= * VIDEO: "Let This Be A Voice" Video shown on PBS - 800-336-1917 Item #WX321 $24.93 (includes shipping) * ARTICLE: "Sojourner Magazine" - Article on John in the Winter/Spring issue. $10.00 Sojourner Publications / 210 AABC; Suite LL / Aspen, CO 81611 * (970) 925-7809 http://www.sojourneraspen.com * VIDEO: "Chad Mitchell Trio Reunion" - See info in the Review of the album by Emily Parris * CD: "Relaxing Interpretations of John Denver with Nature" NatureQuest / North Sound Music Group / P. O. Box 1360 / Minocqua, WI 54548 * VIDEO: "Live from Greenwich Village" 7-video tape set includes 3 Mitchell Trio songs from 1968. $34.00 Item #CM1770 (800) 873-8263 * VIDEO: "Walking Thunder" - Movie starring John Denver or call (816) 943-0330 $24.99 + $3.00s/h * VIDEO: "John Denver Remembered" - Backstage Tonight / 900 Lafayette Street #710 / Santa Clara, CA 95050 http://www.jdremembered.com $14.95 + $4.00 s/h * CD: Christopher Westfall's "Kindred Spirits" $14.50 Dottie Honer / 5214 Stump Rd / Pipersville, PA 18947 (215) 766-7363 Price includes shipping * VIDEO: "In Memory of John Denver" 90-min Commemorative video of Jd's music and speeches at the 1995 Windstar Choices Symposium. $50.00 (970) 920-9292 * CD: "Jim Horn: A Tribute to John Denver" $14.95 +2.95s/h (888) 297-5163 Mood Records / P. O. Box 120004 / Nashville, TN 37212 http://www.jimhorn.com * VIDEO: World Folk Music Association's double video from the JD Tribute Concert in 1998 800-205-6107 ($40.00) ============================================= C O M M E N T S O N "THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JOHN DENVER" on TNN ============================================= >>>>>>> Annie <4sloughrunners@centuryinter.net> Beautiful, The special on TNN was "FAR OUT", I feel it was the best one yet!! They did a wonderful job of portraying John. I liked the fact that they did not dwell on his death, but rather focused on his life and all that he brought to the world. I do wish that they would have elaborated more on his environmental causes though. They did touch on it a little, but I feel they could have elaborated on them a little more. All and all I was extremely pleased. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >>>>>>> Harold Simpson There are a number of things I enjoyed about the TNN special tonight, but the one thing that made me smile the most was when Milt Okun told the story about John asking Milt if he knew when he began producing his music that he was going to be a big star someday. Milt admitted he didn't, but John told him he knew he was going to be all along! I loved that about John, always full of confidence in his ability! I'm so glad he was willing to share his artistry with us. He may be gone and some say its time to let him go, but I can never completely do that. He meant too much to me to ever say good-bye and he'll always be as much a part of my life as life itself. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >>>>>>> Kathy The TNN special on John was fantastic; I think the best yet! Annie has done a wonderful job of being a responsive and loving representative to the memory of her former husband. It's great that she and Erma are pleased by our continuing tributes to John. Many of us will carry him in our hearts for the rest of our lives. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >>>>>>> Mary Butler Just felt that I too needed to add my praise of the TNN's special last night about JD! What a joy to watch John's life chronicled and not analyzed or criticized. Country Music, via TNN, gave him a fitting biography, a tribute to the man that we knew him to be. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ** Note: If you want to thank TNN for the JD tribute go to their www site at http://www.country.com and write to them under the "comments" section. ===================================== "Denver Family: Valve Caused Crash" ===================================== AP - Monterey, California John Denver's family believes a faulty fuel selector valve in his experimental plane caused the crash that killed the singer in 1997. Denver's plane lost power after the valve got stuck, said Bill Wimsatt, a Los Angeles lawyer representing the singer's children and mother in a lawsuit against several companies. "You've got a situation where a fellow is trying to do nothing more than switch tanks on his aircraft, it results in a loss of power and a loss of control, with nothing, likely, that the pilot could have done to prevent it" Wimsatt said in today's Monterey County Herald. The lawsuit, which was filed in October, names as defendants Imperial Eastman Corporation, Mark IV Industries and Dayco Eastman, along with others. Denver died Oct. 12, 1997, off the coast of Pacific Grove, Calif., when his home-built Long EZ airplane ran out of fuel and fell into the ocean. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Denver took off with too little fuel in one tank, had trouble switching to his backup tank and inadvertently put his plane into a roll while his attention was diverted. Wimsatt, a licensed pilot, said the valve was working before Denver took off. Mark IV lawyer, Ed Green, recently received a photograph of the valve and said he was still trying to identify whether it was manufactured by the company. "If it was, then we'll inspect the valve to see if anything is wrong with it" Green said. Denver's children, Zachary and Anna Kate Deutschendorf, and Jesse Belle Denver, and Denver's mother, Erma Deutschendorf, are seeking compensatory damages. Denver's real name was Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. * * * REVIEW of "Mighty Day: The Chad Mitchell Trio Reunion" ====================================================== by Emily M. Parris The mellow folk era melodies of the Chad Mitchell Trio are featured in this concert filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The very spirited song "Mighty Day" starts out the concert. This is followed by "Four Strong Winds" and an introduction by John Denver. The original Chad Mitchell Trio was composed of Chad Mitchell, Joe Frazier and Mike Kobluk. When Chad Mitchell left the group, John Denver was his replacement and they formed the Mitchell Trio. This was the beginning of John's musical career and gave him invaluable experience as a performer. Between songs on the Reunion video, Chad Mitchell narrates and tells what the members of the Trio are doing now. Joe Frazier is now an Episcopal Priest in Menlo Park, California. Mike Kobluk is the Entertainment Facilities Director in Spokane, Washington and Chad is the Entertainment Director of the Delta Queen Steamboat in New Orleans, Louisiana. There are also interviews with the trio members and with Milt Okun weaved into the video. John Denver joins Mike Kobluk and Joe Frazier on the song "For Baby, (For Bobbie)" recreating the second incarnation of the trio. Then John sings "Let Us Begin" alone. All 4 trio members come together for the song "Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream." This album is a slice of folk music history and a must-have for any John Denver fan for John's roots are in folk music. The video can be ordered from: Durrett Productions, LLC / 1939 Oxford Road / Henderson, NC 27536 (800) 305-7779 or for more info: Doug Durrett * * * From the "Music & Communication" Newsletter in Germany: STARWOOD IN HEAVEN by Elisabeth Straus As mentioned in one of the former MAC newsletter issues, the Austrian Fan Community "It's About Time" has named a star in heaven in memory of John Denver with the help of some friends from all over the world. We didn't know which star John would get. The choice was made by International Star Registry. It gave me chills all over when I got the documents and exact coordinates from ISR. John's star is in the constellation of Lyra, which brightest star is Vega. Matter of good luck? Destiny? For sure you will remember John's song, "Spirit"... "Smoke rings in a galaxy - an endless flight through time. Lyra gave her harp to him and left him free to climb...Apollo taught me to rhyme. Orpheus taught me to play, Andromeda cast down her sign and VEGA lights my way." (John Denver) What else to say? We couldn't have made a better choice! The star is a sign of our gratitude, respect and love which is expressed in my song "Starwood in Heaven"....Elizabeth Constellation Lyra RA 18h 53m 54.67s D38 (degrees) 30'42.228 Magnitude MV 10.9 Star #5 3119 934 John Denver * (See the lyrics to "Starwood in Heaven" in the Poetry Corner later in this newsletter) ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= H.D. Bryan John's father, Henry John Deutschendorf is mentioned twice in the Aero Series Book "The B-58 Hustler" (1965). As an airplane nut, I just had to mention this. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Barb Volpe Michigan Friends of JD Adopt-a-Highway Project is a group attempting to make a positive difference in SE lower Michigan. We've adopted a 2 mile section of I-75. Our first cleanup date will be in May. http://www.ameritech.net/users/barbhome/index.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BJ Haussler John Denver filmed the movie THE CHRISTMAS GIFT in Georgetown, CO and last Nov. some JD fans met to begin this annual event. Visit my Georgetown Story at http://john-denver.org/web/events/letterday/page1.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ThirstyBoots Here is the URL that the TNN site has on John. I thought it was a really nice write up. http://www.country.com/gen/music/artist/john-denver.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Judy Gabriel I received my copy of "John Denver Remembered by the Old Cellar Door Gang." It's a video of the tribute at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA - January 1998. It is a 2 tape set and a wonderful reminder for those who were there. It is a marvelous tape to add to your collection of memories with and for JD. For info: Videopost Productions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rory Young Tickets are now available for the World Family Jerome Event on Oct. 11, 1999 in Aspen, CO. They are $50.00 and include all activities for the Hotel Jerome, including breakfast, lunch and the evening's musical entertainment. 9:00am-4:00pm / 7:15pm-10:00pm Pam Beasley / 721 Ravencroft / Garland, TX 75043 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - David Ladewig The travel book "Come Travel With Me To The Other Side of Sunset" will be published this spring by Trafford Publishing. The Chapter 'Rocky Mountain Songs' is dedicated to the memory of John Denver. I hope this book will help people to climb higher, reach farther and seek more from life. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - David Gorell BMG/RCA will finally release the 1978 album "Live at the Sydney Opera House" outside Australia. The release is scheduled for March 23, 1999. The album will include 3 bonus tracks which were recorded at the same date as the rest of the album (Nov 22, 1977). The tracks are "Today", "Me and My Uncle" and "Calypso" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Susan Keller Hey Emily, I wanted to let you know that I think your site is fast becoming THE authoritative site on John. At least two folk music sites list RMH as THE JD link. FOLK USA and ACOUSTIC.NET. Congrats my friend! Suzy-q <> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ================================ JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S ================================ From: Carole Nordgren I watched the wonderful "Life and Times of JD" tonight on TNN and didn't get it recorded. Could anyone make a copy for me? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Julie B We will be holding a silent auction from March 4 thru April 17th to help raise funds for the John Denver Nature Exhibit at the Austin Nature Center. Items on auction include a Bev Doolittle Print entitled "When the Wind Had Wings", a Frank Miller print called "Wilderness Retreat", a Barbara Jordan print called "Bear", a rock carving entitled "Sacred Tablet" by Ron White, a suncatcher called "The Eagle and the Hawk" by Jan McReynolds, a chambered nautilus shell in stained glass by Bob Worley and many more. T-shirts commemorating the Exhibit are also available for $25.00 Info: http://john-denver.org/web/events/austin.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Michael Lipscombe I have a John Denver tribute song called "Flying Away" which I recorded and released on the first anniversary of John's death. In November and December of 1998 I also staged a series of tribute concerts around New Zealand. http://www.nucleus.co.nz - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Alfie If you are a John Denver fan, I'd love to trade with you. I have over 1000 JD shows on video and audio tape, including 400 concerts on audio from around the World. Why not email me your lists and I will send you mine. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pete I have 4 original JD albums, all in good shape. They are "Spirit", "Windsong", "Rhymes & Reasons", and John Denver's Greatest Hits. Email me with a bid. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Elaine Byrne I would like to contact as many religious songbook publishers as possible sending them tapes of John's more spiritual songs for inclusion in future editions. If you have favorites, please drop me a note with the title, publisher's address and (if appropriate) religious inclination of the hymnal you are familiar with. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lynn Toennessen I want a copy of "The Life and Times of JD" which aired on Feb 23rd. Does anyone have a copy? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - David Turrill I am looking for the 1984 GRAMMY'S (hosted by John Denver) complete with commercials. If you have a really nice copy you taped yourself, let me know. I have the 1985 Grammy's complete with ads which JD hosted in super shape. I'm also looking for other Grammy's and American Music Awards from 1970-1986. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sandy We are still looking for recipes for our Cyber Cookbook - the Sequel. Please send recipes and help us support the Hunger Project again. Last year's cookbook raised almost $500.00 Submit all recipes to IATMail@aol.com with "Recipe" in the subject line. Email for more info. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Doug Lumsden / Monterey Bay Scenic Tours I am starting a scenic tour of the Monterey Peninsula in CA that includes the coastline of Pacific Grove where John Denver lost his life. For more info call (831) 394-8065 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kathy Some of you may be interested to know that Karen Neuberger (who makes Oprah's favorite pajamas) has a new line coming out in March called "Sunshine On My Shoulders." I emailed her to ask if she was a JD fan and she responded that yes, she is, and will miss him so much but is so glad that we have his music. http://www.sleepwear.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ellen I'm trying to find a music book put out by Cherry lane in 1995 in China. It has John playing the dobro dressed in the leather jacket on the front cover. All words on the cover are in Chinese. Can anyone help? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C.V. Ryan I am about to release an instrumental album called "Opposite Tables". There are several JD songs on the album... "Falling Leaves", "For You", "Opposite Tables", "Heart to Heart", "Spirit", "Bread and Roses" and "In The Grand Way". http://members.easyspace.com/cvr_music/index.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ellen The Project Vision WWW Site is now up. The link is http://members.xoom.com/JDVision We're also thrilled to announce that the RMH Celebration of Life Video is finally available. It is a 2 hour tape of last August's Aspen gathering. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Steve Kern I am looking for old show programs from JD Concerts. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily Parris Let me know if you are looking for "Rocky Mountain Holiday" on cassette. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas Ward I have decided to undertake an effort to produce a unique, fan-based tribute album of John's songs to raise money for children's charities. If 200 of us in each of our 50 states will put up $20.00 in advance for a "Founders Edition" CD of the album we could underwrite the cost of production and raise a million dollars to donate in John's memory. If you would like to be part of this effort please send a pledge card to: Country Boy / P. O. Box 21 / Iowa City, IA 52240 Send NO MONEY now. - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kristy Ordona I'm looking for a copy of the VH1 special "Behind the Music - John Denver". - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lynn Borden I'm desperately looking for a copy of "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together" the tv special. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - Margaret Moores <75210.645@compuserve.com> I would like to form a support group for those who have really been helped or encouraged by John's music. Perhaps they've been encouraged to follow their dreams and not let them die, as I have. Or maybe they've gone through some crisis in their lives and it was hearing one of John's songs that pulled them through. Please write by email, or snail mail if you are interested. Margaret Moores PO Box 3732 Oak Park, IL 60302 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - Ken Dravis I am about to release an album including the JD Tribute song "It Wasn't My Time". I am looking for 20 friends & supporters to pre-purchase 10 CD's (numbered & signed) for $125.00 ($12.50 each.) Your name will be included in the "Special Thank You" section inside every CD jacket produced. Ken Dravis Music 651 N. Maus Wichita, KS 67212 (316) 773-1576 ============= POETRY CORNER ============= "Starwood in Heaven" by Elisabeth Straus A star was born long time ago - carrying now your name Lyra gave her harp to you and Vega lights your way The light of this star will be a kind of bridge Between this life and the life to come And the moon and the sun and the stars above Will escort our mother nature's son You put the seed of love in our hearts, In hope to find fertile ground We'll always remember your sincere words And your music' wonderful sound The star will symbolize our gratitude, Respect and love for you [ In our hearts you'll always have a special place, It's so hard to say "Farewell' to you ] Copyright by Elisabeth Straus 1998 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - A Poem in Tribute To John Denver by Kelly Robison Yesterday you were here, But today you are gone And still to this day No one knows what went wrong We are all left to wonder How can this be true? For no one loved life and living As much as you. I keep hoping maybe that It's Just a bad dream. You're not really gone, And things aren't what they seem. Although we'd never met, You mean more than the world to me. Your songs helped me through Times of pain and misery. Your warm friendly smile And your beautiful face Is etched in our minds, But we long for your embrace. The sun no longer makes Us feel happy or blue, We just want you back, Oh how we miss you. If I could give all that There was left to give, I would in a minute, If it meant you could live. I miss you much more Than words could ever say Dear John why did you have to Leave us this way? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = WWW Pages: Dinner at the Tower, Restaurant - October 9, 1999 http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen99/tower.html John Denver Nature Exhibit Auction http://john-denver.org/web/events/austin.html Michigan Friends of JD http://www.ameritech.net/users/barbhome/index.htm Project Vision www site: http://members.xoom.com/JDVision/org.htm Pacific NW Events www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/1035/PNWEvents.html Photos of JD Events in Pacific Grove: http://www.garlic.com/~andrews Jim Salestrom's www page: http://www.jimsalestrom.com Thanks to "Music & Communication" for the article about John's star. ********************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily March 1999 * Issue #59 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *********************************************************