John Denver gained recognition worldwide as a performer and songwriter in the 1970s and as one of the most beloved music artists of all time. Songs by John Denver have an impact on listeners of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds.
Denver, a native of Roswell, New Mexico, began doing performances in neighborhood bars before joining the Chad Mitchell Trio, whose popularity was increased by Denver’s involvement due to his compositional ability. The group successfully landed their first record deal and put out multiple tunes.
Denver, though, left the group in 1969 to pursue a solo career. With his hits that sold millions of copies, Denver quickly rose to fame.
Let’s go back to some of John Denver’s best-known songs in light of this.
“Thank God I’m a Country Boy”
From: John Denver’s An Evening (1974)
The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts upon its re-release by Denver. It also turned out that Denver’s 1977 variety special, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” went by that moniker.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads”
From: Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971)
This classic will always hold a special place in our hearts and is well-known throughout the world. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” beautifully and dramatically captures what home means to Denver and a great deal of other people. West Virginians in particular responded to it with great zeal.
“Sunshine on My Shoulders”
From: Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971)
Denver’s first No. 1 song, “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” encapsulated the soul of the city better than any other song from his other major singles in the 1970s.
Denver claimed that the song is about “lovely virtues.” When it was too chilly to go outside and he was pining for the sun, he penned it in “late winter, early spring.”
“Rocky Mountain High”
From: Rocky Mountain High (1972)
Denver fell in love with Colorado after moving to Aspen, and he captured that feeling in the song “Rocky Mountain High.” It turned out to be closely connected to Colorado history and was seen as a significant component of 1970s pop culture.
“Annie’s Song”
From: Back Home Again (1974)
Denver composed “Annie’s Song,” which is a reflection of all the joy and contentment he has in his marriage while attempting to keep his marriage to his then-wife Ann Martell intact. Denver is credited with writing this song the quickest of all time; it took him just ten minutes to complete.
“Perhaps Love”
From: Perhaps Love (1981)
Here’s another song that Denver wrote for his ex-wife when they were divorcing and living apart. With “Annie’s Song” on the B side, it was made available as a single.
“Back Home Again”
From: Back Home Again (1974)
“Back Home Again,” a lyrical gem by Denver, speaks to a lot of individuals. Denver won Entertainer of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1975 CMA Awards thanks to the song.
“Looking for Space”
From: Windsong (1976)
According to Denver, the song is “about figuring out where you are and looking for the definition of who you are.” For Denver, it ended up being another No. 1 hit.
“Calypso”
From: Windsong (1976)
Denver honored Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a French naval officer and close friend, as well as his research vessel, the Calypso, which traveled the globe in support of ocean conservation. In the instrumental introductions that precede each of the two verses, there are also sounds of ship bells.
“Follow Me”
From: Take Me To Tomorrow (1970)
During his early career, Denver wrote this song for Annie as well, but he had to leave her behind because they didn’t have the money to take her on tour.
“Sweet Surrender”
From: Back Home Again (1974)
“Sweet Surrender” deals with an adventure of self-exploration relating to issues of nature and the environment, according to the common theme found in most of Denver’s tracks.
It’s hardly surprising that Denver’s songs become the most well-known and treasured ones worldwide after a four-decade career.
Indeed, some of the greatest singles that we still love today came from his busy years as a singer-songwriter. What say you? Which of these songs by John Denver is your favorite?