Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr, John Denver dominated the charts in America and across the world in his most successful decade, the 1970s. His hit songs Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie’s Song, Rocky Mountain High, Thank God I’m a Country Boy and Sunshine on My Shoulders became global classics and are still sung far and wide today. His ability to cleverly combine emotional themes with catchy lyrics allowed him to captivate his fans, and the fact he was never pigeon holed into one genre allowed him to entertain a wider audience.
Here, singer songwriter Marc Roberts opens up about why John Denver is still beloved by music lovers and he shares the reasons behind his longevity, 27 years after his tragic death. Read more: Country music star Sandy Kelly's heartbreak after tragic death of her sister Barbara Read more: Country legend Gloria on turning 70, leaving her kids at home on tour and her new family life John Denver’s legacy continues to this day. His music, from the 60s up to the 90s, has stood the test of time.
Take Me Home, Country Roads, released in 1971, is one of the most famous country music songs of all time, but it’s Leaving on a Jet Plane that has a poignant relationship with Irish people due to the emigration crisis of the 80s. “He always spoke to you, the listener, and that’s why people can identify with the songs,” says Marc Roberts. “The lines, ‘All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standin’ here outside your door’ in Leaving .