This new, striking and intimate collection, The Best of John Denver Live captures many of the legendary artist’s greatest hits. Like rediscovered old friends, these songs are at once familiar, yet here, have a fresh new excitement. Echoes of Jazz saxophone and driving percussion color a richer palette. The sound is more interesting, John’s voice more compelling.
John Denver is an American icon. The mere mention of his name evokes an immediate image even among those few who are not familiar with his music. Regardless of ethnic heritage, generation, race, or social class, in Hong Kong or on the streets of New York City, most of us think we know who John Denver is. To understand why is perhaps to understand ourselves. Maybe it’s his idealism or signature optimism — that sense of hope that is so American.
His songs express that part of the unique American character that is so admired by people around the world. How else can one explain the monumental and global popularity of “Country Roads” and “Annie’s Song”? His music has endured. No small feat in an industry infatuated with everything new. Songs like “Sunshine On My Shoulders” and “Leaving On A Jetplane” have become a part of our cultural fabric.
His impact has been felt in other ways as well. John Denver’s Greatest Hits, at the time only the third album in music history to sell over 10 million copies, it ignited a popular celebration of the outdoors. The album cover itself helped launch a fashion trend. Remember the kid sitting in the grass with his down vest and hiking boots? Remember the Early ‘70’s? Nobody wore that stuff then. The album inspired a popular consciousness that celebrated nature. Because of its massive appeal, he significantly helped to energize the conservation ethic in American culture; an ethic perhaps best expressed today by his own relationship with the Wildlife Conservation Society:
“It’s truly thrilling for me to have the Wildlife Conservation Society benefit from this collection. Their people are on the front lines and in the field, doing more hands on work protecting wildlife and habitat than any other single organization in the world. They are the real heroes of our time.” – John Denver
