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O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O
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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
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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
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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: <rehimes@aol.com>
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 <honer@erols.com>
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 <ryoung@highwaymaster.com>
http://www.austin1.com/JD
Oct 12, 1998 "Hearts in Harmony: A Celebration of Life"
6:00 PM Inn at Aspen / Aspen, CO <honer@erols.com>
*** 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 <Info from KathyC of Franklin, MA>
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 <E!>
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 <staff@thevideopost.com> 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 <Segment date: 2/23/98> 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 <saxwax101@aol.com>
* 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 <List of JD Events>
John Denver in Print:
=====================
* The National Arbor Day Foundation Newsletter has an article
about John with a picture. <useroj@meade-emh2.army.mil>
* "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 <REHIMES@aol.com>
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
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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 <halsteph@primenet.com>--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 <SunnyDeb@aol.com> 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 <David.GORELL@dao.defence.gov.au>
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 <taipei@ibm.net>
<<<<<<<<<<<****>>>>>>>>>>>
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 <ralphcox@usa.net>
<<<<<<<<<<<****>>>>>>>>>>>>
"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 <brians@mackay.net.au>
* * *
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 <windspirit@csinet.net>
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===================================================
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.
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From: Carole Nordgren <kim.nordgren@ibm.net> 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
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From: CRABILGR@sysadm.suny.edu / or <gcra995822@aol.com>
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."
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From: Jim Fettgather <jimkc@sky.net> 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 <emily@sky.net> 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
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From: Mev <triadcom@fuse.net> 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.
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From: Angela <hiles_a@cc.denison.edu> We are looking for
copies of several of John's albums: "Earth Songs,""Autograph,"
"John Denver," and "Different Directions."
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From: "Randal H. Cecil" <Randal.Cecil@worldnet.att.net>
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 <mjbn@rosenet.net> 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 <kakelinaM@aol.com> 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
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From: Andrew Harper <Andrew@parallels.demon.co.uk> 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 <tele: 01942 683028>
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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
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From: Emily <emily@sky.net> 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.
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From: Belle <davis@wko.com> 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.
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* For a more detailed calendar of the J.D. Events planned
write to <emily@sky.net> 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. <emily@sky.net>
* 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
*************************************************************