Remind MeIn an era when hard rock and heavy metal ruled, John Denver conquered the world of music with his soaring and tender ballads.
His quiet, wholesome nature and boyish optimism endeared him to America, but living up to his boy-next-door image wasn't always
easy. CMT Inside Fame takes a look at the life, career and tragic death of this singer-songwriter who crossed musical
genres with his heartfelt songs that touched the nation. The episode features interviews with Denver's friends and family,
including his ex-wife Annie, son Zak, brother Ron Deutschendorf and mom Erma Deutschendorf. Also interviewed are country stars
Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett.
The early 1970s saw Denver rise from an unknown folk singer to a major superstar. His poignant songs were, for many, a healing
force during a turbulent era. As the nation slowly withdrew from Vietnam amid civil unrest and watched a president resign
over Watergate crimes, Denver's music struck a hopeful chord. He earned legions of fans worldwide and the respect and admiration
of artists of all musical genres.
But his career wasn't one without controversy, as the country music establishment was critical of Denver. Some Nashville artists
simply didn't want him identified as country. Even though Denver never pursued the country music audience, it embraced him.
With hits like "Country Roads," "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and the wildly successful "Rocky Mountain High," Denver is forever
identified with the rugged beauty of Colorado. Despite his musical success, his personal life fell apart with the sudden death
of his father and the breakup of his marriage to Annie, who inspired the hit "Annie's Song." Denver died in 1997 at the age
of 53 when his self-piloted airplane crashed.
Excerpts From CMT Inside Fame:
Denver (archived), on succumbing to temptation on the road: "You just couldn't make love to 20,000 people and go home alone.
I couldn't do it. And for someone who was always shy through high school, I never dated a lot, not even in college. And all
of a sudden there were girls everywhere. I didn't know how to say no to that."
Gill, on working with Denver: "I got to sing 'Country Roads' with him, and it was one of the neatest moments I've ever had."
Lovett, on Denver: "Whether he was writing about the environment or about people, it had the same quality of sincerity, of
hope and of love."
Annie Denver, on how John reacted to his rapidly declining career in the early 80s: "He started to drink more heavily. I think
he was depressed, angry, sad, all of those things. I think it was a really tough time for him in life."
Lovett, on Denver's social activism: "People are more aware today than they were back in the 60s and 70s and I think John
was a big part of bringing that environmental consciousness to us all."
