I had just got the job in the lucrative IT industry. Working for a MNC and getting a good handsume salary at the age of 20 was too good to be true. I was having enough money now to buy and proudly listen to John denvers country music. However I must confess I never liked country music till I started listening Jgajit Singh’s gajal. Once I developed the taste of listening gajals it became addictive and same goes to country music especially ones by John Denver.
Whenever I listen to Country Road Take me home.... I feel like going back to the place which I never thought I would ever go. It was summer of 2001 when my company decided to send me to Colorado Springs for understanding requirements for one of the system we were devloping for them over here in Bangalore. My joy had no bounds not because I was going to US of A ;-)) But that I would finally see the Rocky Mountains and the place where John created some of his most hummable songs. It was great going to Denver , John’s memorial and visting the house which once was his home and he had written Annie’s song.
John Denver was a true superstar. When we lost him in 1997 at the age of 53, he had already given us over 30 years of incredible music, love and talent. Madacy Records and BMG Music has released ’The Essential John Denver.’ There are 24 songs compiled onto two discs, and the music will take you back in time. No one else sounds like John Denver; and his belief of peace, love and harmony flows through into his music. You can’t help but relax once the notes start wafting from the speakers.
There are such favorites as ’’Thank God I’m a Country Boy, ’’ ’’Take Me Home Country Roads, ’’ ’’Sunshine On My Shoulder, ’’ Rocky Mountain High, ’’ ’’Annie’s Song, ’’ ’’I’m Sorry’’ and ’’Calypso’’ to name a few. One of my favorite songs was one he penned and it became a runaway hit for the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary. I’ve always loved ’’I’m Leaving On A Jet Plane.’’
There isn’t a whole lot I can say that hasn’t already been said about John Denver. This is an excellent compilation of his music, and well worth adding to your collection. As with most of the music on The Essential collections, much of it is currently hard to find. John’s sound can only be described as classic and timeless. There are stars that may be huge for a short period of time, then they fade and few remember them down the road. John Denver’s name and music will be out there for decades to come. He was one of the defining people that crossed several musical genres with his material.