john-denver

John Denver became a star through the folk-inspired songs that he wrote, many of them set in Colorado. He was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. in Roswell New Mexico, the singer-songwriter fell in affection with Colorado and eventually relocated to Aspen. Denver's anthems of fame about Colorado have been a major influence on many to make the move to Colorado. G. Brown, curator of Colorado Music Hall of Fame stated that John Denver is the only musician to truly embody Colorado. Denver, the Hall of Fame's first inductee, was honored with this honor in 2011. For many, Denver is the symbol of Colorado. Certainly in my travels you encounter someone on the other part of the globe, someone from New Zealand and you say "I'm originally from Colorado and the first thing that comes out of their mouths is Oh John Denver! Brown stated. Denver's first Top 10 hit as a solo artist following a brief time in folk-based group comprised of Take Me Home Country Roads composed by Bill Danoff. Danoff initially wrote the song using Johnny Cash's songs with a focus on Johnny Cash, however Denver was aware from the very first time he heard early versions that the song was going to be an instant success. The track was released just two weeks following the Washington D.C. performance.