TOP TEN: The Best Songs Of John Denver

He was born as Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. in New Mexico, USA. His father was in the military and so Henry and the family moved often. When his father was stationed in Tucson, Arizona he was a member of the Tuscon Arizona Boys Chorus for 2 years. At the age of 11 he got a guitar from his grandmother and learned to play well enough so he could perform at local clubs while in college. He choose his artistic name 'Denver' after the capital of his favorite state Colorado.

He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and sang in a folk-music group, "The Alpine Trio" while studying architecture. In 1963 he dropped out of Texas Tech and moved to Los Angeles where he sang in folk clubs. He joined 'The Chad Mitchell Trio' in 1965, later known as 'Denver, Boise and Johnson'. In 1969 he left the group to persue a solo career.

He released his debut album 'Rhyme & Reasons' in 1969 including the song 'Leaving On A Jet Plane' which was a #1 song for the folk trio 'Peter Paul & Mary'. Denver's version of the song (he wrote the song and gave it as a Christmas present to among his producers who in return gave it to the trio) did not chart in the USA but peaked at #2 in the UK. He recorded two albums in 1970 ('Take Me To Tomorrow' and 'Whose Garden was This').

His breakthrough came in 1971 with his album 'Poems, Prayers & Promises' which was powered by the single 'Take Me Home Country Roads' which peaked at #2 in the US Billboard Single Charts. The album peaked at #15 in the USA. In 1972 his album 'Rocky Mountain High' reached the Top 10 and peaked at #4 in his homecountry. In 1974 and '75 Denver had a string of 4 #1 singles: "Sunshine On My Shoulder", "Annie's Song", "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and "I'm Sorry". Also his albums 'Back Home Again' and 'Windsong' topped the US album charts and were successful in the UK (#3 for 'Back Home Again') as well.

Denver was also a guest on 'the Muppets Show' which began a lifelong friendship with Jim Henson. Later in the 70s and 80s Denver had a few more Top 30 songs but couldn't match his success of the 70s anymore. He passed away in 1997 after his homebuilt aircraft crashed with him on board.

Here now I present to you my favorite 10 songs of this incredible artist, hope you enjoy! What are your favorites? Write in the comments and discuss this ranking but please keep it civil. Thank you!

No copyright infringement intended you can buy and stream all these songs in your favorite store in full length. No money is made with these videos, they are simply a hobby to celebrate music.

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