Back in the 70's, I considered myself a "rocker" who looked down on John Denver as being a "corny folk singer." When a friend of mine said she had tickets to see him in a small venue (actually the cafeteria of a small university), I rolled my eyes and reluctantly agreed to go (mainly because I was hoping to "get lucky" with the girl later. We ended up sitting only 30 feet or so from him.... and my God! What a voice he had! I've never heard such a natural purity of tone since. I became an instant convert. Bless you John and thank you for the joy you continue to bring to the world. 🙏
@susantaulli6580
4 ай бұрын
So did you get lucky? 😂
@stephaniedonlan6749
15 күн бұрын
I never converted anyone but the “rocker’s” distain never influenced me.
@jenihansen7201
9 ай бұрын
John Denver was the ultimate singer , songwriter, and performer. I was an ex-pat living in South America when he passed. His songs are the greatest. Thank you Fil for featuring him.
@TranslateToEnglish
9 ай бұрын
John Denver passed?
@Admiral_Grufus
9 ай бұрын
@@TranslateToEnglishOct 12, 1997
@garyneilson3075
9 ай бұрын
Only one John Denver.....
@steelmagnolia9906
9 ай бұрын
I watched a video about his life recently and when he was too old fashioned for the changing era and the press mocked him, he rebuked them forthrightly and told them, "You are mocking my fans!". His voice is healing in these turbulent times.
@jenihansen7201
9 ай бұрын
It takes all kinds right ? I was a young waitress in Holyoke , Colorado when I met him while many were there hunting pheasant and such. He was a nice man to me but many hunters did not like him because he would hunt on land that he did not pay for. "or that is how it was explained to me". He was a nice man.@@steelmagnolia9906
@charlescarter9597
9 ай бұрын
Dude, you are probably the best reviewer I've ever heard. You explain things so well, and you can nail all the notes yourself when you demonstrate technique. Love listening to your reviews.
@QBAN2010
9 ай бұрын
Don’t be so modest, Fil…hit the like button for Charles Carter’s comment!!
@suzannemcmaken4648
9 ай бұрын
@@QBAN2010 😁
@julzy3
9 ай бұрын
John Denver was the real deal. I read an interview with session musician Jim Horn, who worked with JD & he said he had perfect pitch & a photographic memory. He also said that he (JD) was probably one of the best entertainers he'd ever worked with out there. I had never heard this song before so that was a treat. Thanks!🤓
@MelodyMaker
9 ай бұрын
Great to see John Denver receiving such accolades posthumously. Anyone who has every played acoustic guitar realizes his extraordinary talent.
@ChuckHackney
3 күн бұрын
@@MelodyMaker And Karen Carpenter, too!!!!
@smbake
9 ай бұрын
It's hard to emphasize how big a part of life John Denver was to anyone who didn't grow up in the 70's and 80's. Even if you're not into folk music it's hard not to find what he could do with just a guitar and lyrics amazing. I'm pretty confident 'Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy,' is the greatest opening line to a song I will ever hear. He's missed by many.
@sketchley80
8 ай бұрын
Amen to this!
@annsassone2250
8 ай бұрын
Beautifully explained
@Macygal
4 ай бұрын
My mother loved him and he and his music has been one of the last things (besides family) she had forgotten with her Alzheimer’s.
@robrobertson4619
9 ай бұрын
One of the coolest moment I’ve ever experienced at a concert was at one of John’s concerts 25 or so years ago. 5000 seat theater, John was by him self with 8 or 9 different string instruments in stands. No band or backing singers. He did his song “Fly Away” that featured Olivia Newton John with backing vocals. He said that since he didn’t have Olivia there, he would like all the ladies in the audience to sing her part. A couple of thousand female voices chimed in on time, on key, and beautifully!! Took my breath away!!
@deborahmccartney5694
9 ай бұрын
John Denver has to have one of the most beautiful voices ever. All of his songs are clear and mesmerizing! Thank you for doing this analysis! Spot on Fil!
@stevenvox6549
5 ай бұрын
His words were different than the other popular artists at the time. But if you're different, the critics will attack - unless you're on the cutting edge. They don't judge the music the way most people do. We don't need to be told we are fools.
@just_passing_through
9 ай бұрын
JohnDenver was the ultimate performer. Often, unfortunately, overlooked. Listening to him sing is an utter joy.
@ginnyvogel7754
9 ай бұрын
A voice as pure and clean as the Rocky Mountain air (well, it was still clean air when John sang this song). John Denver was an American troubadour.
@jounisyrjanen2226
9 ай бұрын
John was filled with poems, prayers and promises which he delivered to us all so perfectly. Thanks Fil! ❤
@jounisyrjanen2226
9 ай бұрын
"Poems, Prayers and Promises" is my favourite song by John...
@QBAN2010
9 ай бұрын
John Denver faded into oblivion and I think most younger folks don’t realize how huge he was at his peak. Thanks again, Fil for highlighting a legend from a gone by era….
@suzannemcmaken4648
9 ай бұрын
John Denver will never fade into oblivion. ❤
@tooter5250
9 ай бұрын
Very true. He struggled with alcohol at times, likke so many, but it never negated his musical brilliance.
@xScooterAZx
9 ай бұрын
He didnt fade away. His music was always on the radio,and he was on tv shows as well. That he is only now being rediscovered by this generation is testimony to his longevity.
@kennet7837
9 ай бұрын
Did he though? "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is one of the most requested songs at karaoke bars, at least where I live (Norway).
@QBAN2010
9 ай бұрын
@@xScooterAZx he absolutely faded away. Of course he was played on the radio….you completely missed the point I made in my post because you are exactly the person I directed my original post towards! John Denver was a multimedia mega superstar at his peak! Movies, tv specials…lots of them! Muppets!!!
@melaniejo5296
8 ай бұрын
I just listened to his appearance on The Muppets and I had to listen to it over and over. He doesn’t sing that much, but his voice is just beautiful and pure, his pronunciation is stellar. (I found myself taking notes). I was born in 62 and grew up with him and so many other great folk singers! ( and rock singers!) what a great time to grow up. I knew/know every word of his songs! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@ChuckHackney
9 ай бұрын
Also, check out the song, The Eagle and the Hawk, to hear his soprano soar and soar almost continuously thru this joyous song. He had such a rare ability to go from gentle to soaring vocals effortlessly.
@mariestriegler1109
9 ай бұрын
That is my favorite song of his! That would be awesome, thank you for mentioning it.
@ChuckHackney
9 ай бұрын
@@mariestriegler1109 It truly does show off his voice, stamina and range. Another song, "Calypso", also shows off both the soft and soaring side in the guise of a beautiful sea shanty tribute to Jacque Yves Cousteau and his team aboard the Calypso.
@Water_is_Sacred777
9 ай бұрын
@@ChuckHackney yes! Thought of Calypso too. Great song.
@joannereczka6826
6 ай бұрын
I agree, one of the best songs!!❤️❤️ & Boy From the Country
@tatersprout
5 ай бұрын
Tenor, not soprano.
@carmenv5160
9 ай бұрын
Listening to him 🙂 always helps be calm when I'm stressed. His voice is magic.
@RGF19651
9 ай бұрын
1971, when John Denver released this song, “Prisoners” was a time when there were a lot of changes occurring in society. The anti-establishment revolt of the late 60’s carried into the early 70’s. The younger generation wanted to be free from the norms and constraints of their parent’s generation (a universal theme), and in the US the anti-Vietnam War feelings were reaching their heights. John Denver’s lyrics in this song gives voice to these feelings and especially in the last verse where he pleads that the boys be brought home, a nod to the POW/MIA’s in Vietnam and the military that was still embroiled in that prison of war. John’s sterling performance sometimes overshadows the poignancy of the lyrics.
@createwithbarbbl4125
9 ай бұрын
I love that you are bringing this music to younger generations. John Denver, magical always. Thank you.
@mariaday712
9 ай бұрын
I love John and his music. I hated how people used to pick on him. He was a great singer/songwriter. It hurt so much to hear of his passing. We lost such a great talent. I'm thankful there are videos and recordings of his music for us to enjoy. Rest in peace John, I miss you. Thank you, Fil, for doing this analysis on John. Take care.
@rachelled6763
8 ай бұрын
Always refreshing to see a singer/song writer from the 70s featured here to reconnect to natural voices, that express individual character and their message so well. Such a lovely appreciation of Denver's voice. Thank you, Fil.
@lightrays3595
9 ай бұрын
Im a long time John Denver fan and this analysis doesn't surprise me at all. The guy is just so naturally gifted and is pretty much flawless on albums or live. He makes very difficult notes sound easy and can hold or change them at will.
@RaeAnn_1202
9 ай бұрын
Thank you, Fil. I would be happy if you did analysis on John Denver performances regularly. My dad was an amazing musician and music teacher. JD was the only person he really wanted to see live. I surprised him with a concert in Toronto. The concert and look of pure joy on my dad’s face the entire concert is one of my most treasured life moments. After JD’s untimely passing I remember one thing my dad said was we all not only lost such a talented, humanitarian and environmentalist, we lost so much music that would never be written. Loved your analysis, as always.
@drewpall2598
9 ай бұрын
@NanaRae5683...what a lovely comment Nana! 😊
@beverlywilliams7278
9 ай бұрын
My husband and i saw him when we were in college in the early '80's. He was by far the most entertaining performer I've ever seen in concert. The band took a break and he kept right on singing, just him and his guitar...it was pure magic!❤
@katie-didellis2437
9 ай бұрын
I always enjoy your reviews of the various preformers . Fil I have learned so much from you concerning voice, concerning instrumentation, just music information general. I was never privileged to learn music growing up so you have filled that void in my life. Thank you for reviewing one of my favorite singers, John Denver. I always appreciated his music but your review just emphasized how great he really was. Thank you Fill.
@kellystauffer5637
9 ай бұрын
John Denver was my first concert. I love his voice and I love the way he plays his guitar. Even my grandmother appreciated that he sang about the mines and the green river in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky. He was a man so affected by his natural environment and it came out pure and true in his singing.
@LOL-Can
9 ай бұрын
Oldie goodies. John Denver is always such a joy to listen to. I never tire listening to him . I am sorry he has passed. Thankyou for the excellent analysis of his voice.
@suzannemcmaken4648
9 ай бұрын
Always. ❤
@JulieAnne17-dn
9 ай бұрын
It’s hard to put into words just how much his voice and guitar can put me right back in my 20s-first car, great job, being single and free, finding love. Seeing John Denver 3 times in concert with my friends in Cincinnati. Thanks Fil! Such good, warm times in my life.💖
@cathynuytten798
9 ай бұрын
I agree. I was in college and his songs bring back great memories of that time.
@drewpall2598
9 ай бұрын
This live performance come from The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson on 9/19/1972 John Denver was another singer songwriter and musician that I followed from my teenage years up to his death Thanks John Denver for the great body of work you left behind to enjoy and remember you by December 31, 1943 - October 12, 1997
@carlosgaspar8447
9 ай бұрын
supposedly, he was furious during one tonight show appearance when they had him play in the wrong key and straining his vocals.
@robl5455
9 ай бұрын
One great thing about Johnny Carson was that singers never lip synched their performances on his show. Always live. There were some great performances on the Tonight Show over the years.
@tatersprout
9 ай бұрын
@@robl5455and you know that how?
@robl5455
9 ай бұрын
@@tatersprout Watched his show hundreds of times. Usually easy to tell when someone is lip synching. It sounds just like the recording because it is. Never saw that once on Carson.
@12thDecember
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for showcasing this, Fil. I don't remember ever hearing this song, until now. I got chills watching how his voice was so consistently on pitch, despite the occasional variables of a little bit flat or a little bit sharp. (As it should be, JMHO.) For the song itself, I love the twist at the end where you realize the singer is not in prison for breaking the law, but is actually a prisoner of war, "Bring me and the other boys home." John Denver's craftsmanship in lyric writing was always absolutely superb.
@drabbyvideos
9 ай бұрын
In the concert I saw, John sang so beautifully, but his voice cracked on one high note. Just once. He instantly redoubled his efforts, like he owed us all an apology, and sent up every pure note spot on with even more power than before, for the rest of a mesmerizing performance. Loved that guy. One of a kind.
@paulayala4816
9 ай бұрын
Such a great live performance. Not just the vocals but the song content as well, it really tells a story. In my mind I can see those people he is singing about, but that is what John does best, tell a story about everyday people through his music...Beautiful. Yes Rest in Peace John.
@Every_Day_islike_Sunday
9 ай бұрын
Right! His storytelling was incredible. He pulls you into the time and place and his vocals kick it all up a notch.❤
@walterwhitejr.445
9 ай бұрын
I've never watched a John Denver live performance without finding myself lost in appreciating his voice - surely, on the scale of society as a whole, very much underappreciated. My personal favorite is his Wildlife Concert rendition of "Eagles and Horses" - the live version makes the song soar, far better than the album version. I think, more than any other artist, John Denver is an artist I often prefer to hear live in performance over their studio tracks. Just a gentle genius.
@lestorhaslam
9 ай бұрын
Fil, I was thinking of Karen Carpenter before you mentioned her. We saw the Carpenters on stage twice and were completely mesmerised. John Denver was amazing too.
@glamgal7106
9 ай бұрын
Thanks Fil for this incredible analysis on John Denver's performance. He was among the musicians of my childhood who is deeply missed yet fondly remembered. John captivated many with his talents. I couldn't help but notice this expression on your face after listening to his performance "before the days of pitch correction and auto tune." It would be sacrilege to manipulate his art. Thanks again, Fil for featuring a true legend of many talents.
@SeanCleverly
9 ай бұрын
One of my all time favorite artists, John Denver was just the complete package. His voice was just beautiful and yet he had so much power and control over the notes he produced. Great analysis, as always Fil, thanks for this mate.
@voodookitchenmama
9 ай бұрын
John Denver was a gift to us all. So many songs that touched the heart and soul. Truely missed.
@rew1977
9 ай бұрын
I haves listened to his music for well over 50 years. It stays fresh and full of clarity. His duet with Plácido Domingo is not only interesting, but phenomenal. Seeing him in concert around 1980 was something I have cherished all these years. This song came out while the US was involved in Vietnam, and I always heard it in that context.
@kareneDallas
9 ай бұрын
I loved John Denver & had almost every album he recorded early in his career. I was thrilled to get to see him in concert my freshman year in college. Everyone knew all the words to his songs & he jokingly said he wanted to ask people to please not sing along because these are “my songs”. It was a wonderful memory.
@toddubow2599
9 ай бұрын
John's low range is what made him imo. Strangely warm and right to your soul.
@johnboehmer6683
3 күн бұрын
I know what you mean. Also adds extra power by contrast to when he gets back up there soaring to those inhuman higher ranges. If I were to be forced into just one thing that made him, I would say it was his songwriting though.
@pjmuck
9 ай бұрын
He was a supremely gifted artist. it's easy to forget how talented he was because many of us grew up seeing him interacting with The Muppets, doing variety show comedic sketches, or movies. His voice was so pure and clear, and his range was Impeccable. And, perhaps, most of all, he was capable of singing and emoting from the soul.
@tammydoolittle6054
9 ай бұрын
I have always enjoyed listening to John Denver's songs of which I had many favorites like: Thank God I'm a Country Boy, Country Roads, Sunshine on my Shoulders, Rocky Mountain High, Fly Away (with Olivia Newton John), and lots more. Its sad that he passed away at such a young age, I know he is greatly missed. As always, it was a great analysis! Congrats on getting 336k subscribers! 🙂
@M0odyBlue
9 ай бұрын
Oooo, Sunshine. . . Brings back great memories!
@marktait2371
9 ай бұрын
yeh thr ghits record has many memorable songs
@yougottabekiddiing
9 ай бұрын
I ❤️ John Denver. I saw him in concert 3X, and he always did a great show. I loved him best, when he still wore glasses. So much talent. RIP.
@dinkc925
9 ай бұрын
My father brought JDs Rocky Mountain High album home for me when I was thirteen. The entire family ended up hearing that album countless times because I played it over and over and memorized all the lyrics. “Prisoners” is on that album. That song and every song is fantastic! A few years later, I saw him perform live, and not only was hearing his songs amazing, but the way he worked the crowd was incredibly entertaining. I’ve been a fan since the eighth grade. I was devastated when he was killed in the experimental plane crash. What a loss.
@danielerickson5175
9 ай бұрын
Here in the USA, John was almost over exposed in the mid-1970s… but it’s easy to see why television networks wanted to give him his own specials regularly. He was gifted. For many of us rock ‘n’ roll kids in the 70s, it was hit and miss with some of the songs. With the clarity of hindsight… How AMAZING was this man? And a killer guitar player as well!!! Wouldn’t we all love to have some of this talent?
@alanna8983
9 ай бұрын
Spot on, Fil! There are no singers now that can match John Denver. Thank you!
@Elaine_Parhamovich
9 ай бұрын
Growing up during the Vietnam War and hearing songs like this now still makes me cry. Vietnam ruined so many lives, but oh the music that came from that era. John Denver was one of those singer songwriters that still get to me even after all these decades. The passion in his singing was as much a form of protest against the war as the lyrics. Thank you SO MUCH for picking this song to analyze Fil. 💙
@veramilton833
9 ай бұрын
We were lucky to have grown up during that time! We experienced the very best music ever and lived through an Era that saw the best and worse of time's!
@BilboBegginz
9 ай бұрын
I grew up in the 70s and I used to sneak my sister’s records, and I always loved John Denver! There was something so soulful about his music. I really love his song Matthew also.
@suzannemcmaken4648
9 ай бұрын
Yes, he always gets to me still. For 50 years. ❤
@kennethwilliams7731
9 ай бұрын
As I've grown older,I've come to appreciate the pure talent of the late John Denver. Thanks for this great reaction!
@juliajones1425
9 ай бұрын
Such a clear, piercing voice, visual storytelling and great guitar technique keeps John Denver one of my top favorite male performers 50 years on from this performance when I was 12 and totally in love with soaring along on the wings of his voice.
@charlieoscar09
9 ай бұрын
How did he even do that....Most accurate artist you've featured Fil
@tednelson996
9 ай бұрын
Saw John many times live really underrated as a guitar player also. Became my favorite when I first heard him in the seventies.Was there when they did the live recording for An Evening With John Denver. Such a sad loss ,miss hearing him.
@halpen
9 ай бұрын
I was fortunate enough to see him in Boise in the early 80s. I was in high school and my best friend and I were probably some of the youngest people there. He was in town to visit some friends, and the concert was just him and a guitar - no backing band, nobody onstage at all except him. It was phenomenal. We snuck backstage afterwards and he and his friends were so gracious and kind. Grew up listening to him, and have always loved him.
@lawrencetaylor4101
9 ай бұрын
Peer pressure at the time meant that I couldn't like John Denver, he was too damn good. This was the time when we were scared to be sent off to Vietnam and so the Woodstock attitude was the fashion. At first I didn't know if this was a song about a prisoner in jail, but his last line made me think he was a prisoner of the well-oiled global war machine. i'll listen to the whole performance and the interview. Johnny Carson was THE best interviewer. BTW thank you for another great analysis. Your knowledge of singing, guitar playing and overall musicianship is impressive. All the best for 2024. And also to your You Tube commenters. You have cultivated a great community.
@ewaf4733
9 ай бұрын
Thank You, Fil, I have just come back from work, and I am having nice stress relief video with You, thank you!
@StormyDay
9 ай бұрын
Hi, Fil, like many famous singers, John Denver had perfect pitch, a super wide tenor range and was an amazing guitarist, too!
@freeandnatural
9 ай бұрын
One of my favorite songs from the "Rocky Mountain High" album! I will always be grateful for John introducing me to the work of the great John Prine through his covers of "Paradise" and "Angel from Montgomery."
@chthoniapodcast
9 ай бұрын
Yeah, you're not going to see performances like this anymore (and this looks like the Johnny Carson show). Very likely he had to edit the song for time. Thanks for doing another one from the 70s!
@patlarimore6960
9 ай бұрын
Oh my gosh, you actually just introduced me to a John Denver song I don't remember having heard before! It makes me what other gems I have managed to miss. Thank you for the analysis, he truly was a wonderful singer, songwriter, and performer. I have yet to understand why he was so disrespected and the brunt of so many jokes.
@miketalcott5180
9 ай бұрын
He was incredibly successful, but kept his sincere, boyish image to the end. That ran counter to the Sid Vicious attitudes of the later ‘70s.
@sketchley80
8 ай бұрын
❤welcome to the amazing rabbit hole of JD's music and legacy!
@takeUSback2024
9 ай бұрын
Wonderful performance by John and I've never heard this song before either! I'm going to find out more about it. Thanks for showcasing this, Fil!
@perseapolaris9015
9 ай бұрын
Nice moment with this singer.. Fil..you are, my teacher, musician and evening therapist,.so good!💌🌟
@Mrs.Patriot
9 ай бұрын
I could listen to him all day. I love his tone, his passion, and that vibrato!
@francesdalton4345
9 ай бұрын
I was blessed to live in the era of John Denver, to see him live in concert. I make sure all of my music students experience performing his music. He is so deeply missed.
@sketchley80
8 ай бұрын
❤ amazing! And amen!
@callawaycass5148
9 ай бұрын
Well I’ve got to start listening to John Denver now. I’ve had a perception of him from Country Roads that I didn’t care for, so I’ve never given him a shot although I’m totally into this type of folk.
@rediusneckius1
3 ай бұрын
His best songs are ones that weren't played on the radio much.
@carlswenson5538
9 ай бұрын
You should do a Chad Mitchell Trio vid. Their harmonies were 'spot on'. I'm sure John honed his natural pitch control with them. They were quite amazing.
@pamr4040
9 ай бұрын
I had forgotten about this song until it started to play...love it! I have the original vinyl recording that I played so much back in the day! I used to love to sing harmony with him on this...about a third above...such fun! Thank you for sharing this with us, and for the reminder of what an amazing talent he was! ❤
@janice234
9 ай бұрын
John has those "castle" lines without pitch correction! Amazing! I'm glad you survived the holidays. : )
@hx823
9 ай бұрын
Fil, it is very heartening to me to see a musician such as yourself that plays rock have such a look of pure enjoyment on his face when listening to music like this of my "era". And although I know your job is to analyze the songs that you feature in your videos, but I can't help feel that there are songs and performers that just touch a chord in you. John Denver is and was a singular talent as a singer/songwriter right from "Leaving On A Jet Plane" all the way through his career. I've always thought of him as one of the voices of my generation. It is an abomination and capital crime he has not been enshrined in the Rockhall. The way I listen to music now is basically something I learned from you and Rick Beato. From you, the vocal touches and vibrato (ala Judith Durham) and technical aspects like little Guitar fills (ala Gordon Lightfoot) and other little touches. Taken from us far, far too soon.
@tooter5250
9 ай бұрын
Wow and wow and wow. I saw him once live, only briefly, in 1971, and he filled a hall of many thousands with a voice full of power, clarity, and beauty. Goosebumps. Miss him.
@miketalcott5180
9 ай бұрын
Imagine growing up in the late '60s/early '70s with Karen Carpenter and John Denver hitting their peaks. The Prisoner Song is from his Rocky Mountain High album, which was a huge success after Almost Heaven. When *that* song first came on the radio people were crying, it was so good. And then we got Rocky Mountain High... wow. I really learned guitar from his "A Night With John Denver" album, and accompanying book (I learned my chords from the diagrams in the book). That is also a fantastic performance straight through. My dad finally heard John on Carson, maybe even that performance, and said, "I never really noticed that his voice is sooo good."
@DawnDavidson
9 ай бұрын
I did in fact grow up in those years, and John was one of my absolute favorite performers. Karen Carpenter as well, though I didn’t have her albums. There were some amazing groups and performers at that time. :)
@marbleman52
9 ай бұрын
@miketalcott5180....His double album A Night With John Denver was/is amazing: great songs, fantastic musicians and singers. The great Wrecking Crew drummer, Hal Blaine, was the drummer. John Denver's music was a huge part of my life in the 70's-80's.
@miketalcott5180
9 ай бұрын
@@marbleman52 Not a bad song anywhere on that album and fantastic performances that are, imho, better than the originals. The apotheosis of JD. My only complaint, as a Coloradan, is that he exquisitely spilled the beans about living there. “More people, more scars upon the land.”
@miketalcott5180
9 ай бұрын
@@DawnDavidson Yes. Add in Lightfoot, Croce, James Taylor, CS&N… pure ear candy. We were spoiled by the best.
@dcallan812
9 ай бұрын
he is that close its boggling. Such a great artist.
@ivannovotny4552
9 ай бұрын
One of my most favorite and talented - John Denver. Thanks Fil for awesome choice and analysis.
@toniearl3497
9 ай бұрын
Thanks for this analysis, Fil. I've never heard this song before - I only bought John Denver's albums Windsong (1975) and Spirit (1976) back in the day before I moved on to Queen. But I remember watching his Wildlife Concert on tv in 1995 and was amazed at how much better his voice was - mellower, smoother, more relaxed, still hitting the notes, maybe better breath control too - and it was great when he was young in the 1970s.
@katherinea.rodgers8366
9 ай бұрын
That was beautiful! Goodness he must have been very young being introduced by Johny Carson! His voice is just perfection. So glad you featured him again. He had many live performances so I hope you will treat us again. Thank, Fil. Happy New Year!
@miketalcott5180
9 ай бұрын
He was 29 in ‘72. I was actually surprised at how much older he was than I thought when I found out.
@michaelgeorge5436
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for making this. John's voice was truly incredible.
@DawnDavidson
9 ай бұрын
I don’t think I’d ever heard that performance (though I’ve certainly heard the song.) Thank you, Fil, for letting this one play all the way through before analyzing. :)
@StrangeHistoryX
9 ай бұрын
Good gosh, John Denver really was given the priceless heavenly gifts that only the gods could give to a mortal. He was amazing.
@shawnj1966
9 ай бұрын
John Denver had one of those voices that I've always described as, PURE, for some reason. It was just magnificent.
@KellyNellas
9 ай бұрын
John Denver is one of my fav! He was incredible. Thank you Fil!
@idankoos4156
9 ай бұрын
He had perfect pitch...in various ways: the ability itself,but also artistically-in finding the right tone, expression, colour, placement etc for the expression....ultra musical
@warrenny
8 ай бұрын
The earliest music that I heard as a child was John Denver. My father loved him and played his music....even long after he was famous.
@lindadescafano3749
9 ай бұрын
John Denver had so many great songs. I enjoyed this performance including the isolated vocals and your analysis as well. 😊🎸🎵
@M0odyBlue
9 ай бұрын
I was actually living in Monterey when his plane went down. It was stunning and horrendous. I always loved his music. It hearkened to a time when the dream of living in harmony with nature and each other was alive.
@classicrocklady6288
9 ай бұрын
So nice to see a new generation truly appreciate John's special abilities! Unfortunately, he was not by a lot of folks at the time. I always loved his music! Was privileged to see him twice, and, yes, live was just perfect. RIP John. You are missed...
@tailwheel65
9 ай бұрын
This might be my favorite John Denver song, but never heard a live version. So impressive.
@marytompkins9268
9 ай бұрын
Love watching your analysis of John Denver, it’s always great to see someone who appreciates it and can explain so clearly
@dc5046
20 күн бұрын
What I love about John Denver is how he effortlessly plays his acoustic guitar while singing in perfect pitch. Beautiful voice.
@dipdo7675
9 ай бұрын
Most of the “younger generations” today have no clue how huge John was!!
@ChuckHackney
2 ай бұрын
Or how to sing.
@cathyortiz1280
9 ай бұрын
❤ John Denver! Great singer/songwriter! He loved nature so became very involved with the environmental movement. I esp love "Fly Away," a duet with Olivia Newton-John.
@Antaios632
9 ай бұрын
My mother loved John Denver, so I got a good strong dose of him early in life. I can't really say I'm a *fan* per se, but he was a great songwriter and performer.
@MissezPremiseHello
9 ай бұрын
Omg I love this song. Always one of my favorites. I miss John Denver.
@mariestriegler1109
9 ай бұрын
Great song! On the album version John sings the low and high voices together on the last chorus. Thank you for highlighting my favorite artist of all time❤
@pammickle3935
9 ай бұрын
I never heard this song before. He certainly had a beautiful voice! And the feeling his singing exudes is when he slides in and out of exact tune. I learn a lot from your analysis. Thank you.
@helenchin1309
9 ай бұрын
Thanks, Fil, for all your brilliant musical analyses; I always learn so much and am grateful for the wide range of artists and music that you cover. And thank you for yet another wonderful appreciation for John Denver. I am proud to say I was and still am a super fan of his music; I always turn to his songs as they were such a part of my life. From the 1970s, my best friends and I were fortunate enough to have seen John perform live countless number of times from huge arenas such as Madison Square Garden to more intimate outdoor stages. John Denver and his talented band never gave a bad performance. (PS: One live performance I particularly will always remember is when he sang solo at a charity benefit in the majestic Saint John the Divine in NYC, where his strong voice reverberated wonderfully throughout the cathedral.) Sadly, one of my friends has passed away now due to cancer, and I often think of her when I listen to John’s music or watch taped performances by him on KZitem. Good memories continue to sustain me as I grow older…. Watching this video now on New Year’s Eve. Best wishes to Fil (“Rock!”) and all his supporters for the coming year, and may good music continue to nourish our spirits.
@stephennowicki7158
9 ай бұрын
Great analysis!
@Guardducks
9 ай бұрын
John was just belting out these notes on this song, he was strong to the point I never realized until now. Good video Fil, good video.
@chuckpoore
9 ай бұрын
As great as this performance is, I heartily recommend The Eagle and the Hawk. Simply one of the most powerful vocal performances I have ever heard, and he regularly did it live in his concerts. It was on the live album Evening with John Denver. I don't know if there is a video of it, I haven't looked, but it was incredible.
@folkmusic99
9 ай бұрын
I think it is on the Wildlife Concert video from 1995.
@buffybrown1619
9 ай бұрын
I saw John Denver in 1972 at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. The only other musician with him was a fellow playing upright bass. It was a magical evening. I saw Carole King around that time as well. It was Carole on piano and Charles Larkey on upright bass. Another excellent concert.
@lyndiepanitz4431
9 ай бұрын
I LOVE your smile when the performers excel. Makes me smile too
@latheofheaven1017
9 ай бұрын
Hi Fil. Have you ever examined The Wailin Jennys? I absolutely love their a capella version of The Parting Glass. Their voices are so pure and sound so pitch-perfect, it has crossed my mind that they might have tweaked the album version. But I've seen them live in a small London venue when at the end of their show, they stepped past the microphones to the edge of the stage and sang TPG without amplification. They were just as pitch-perfect in three-part harmony - and the whole audience held its collective breath throughout, not wanting to miss a thing. Absolutely stunning. There's a video on their channel of them singing the song (into mics) if you haven't seen it. 'Live Performance - The Parting Glass' posted in 2007. Maybe a good candidate to examine?
@barbie19604
9 ай бұрын
I agree with others. He is such an amazing singer, songwriter, humanitarian; I love 💕 his music. And always have… SUCH a gem of a man!
@MichaelCouvillion
9 ай бұрын
Live, while playing guitar (wonderfully, also), and working the audience, and with probably less than ideal monitor setup. An amazing performance.
@reddragonready
9 ай бұрын
I feel John is quite underestimated these days, nice to see a video on him! Also..... still hoping you will do a video on Cecilia Bartoli, Helene Fischer or Glennis Grace...all of whom can and do sing live I believe ( well Cecilia I am 100% sure)
@paulboucher806
9 ай бұрын
A great vid as ever, you do have an exceptional artist here who sings seemingly without effort and evidently precisely. I feel spoilt!
@DiMac43
23 күн бұрын
First, I want to thank you for playing the entire song through before the analysis. It warms my heart to see you smile during these performances. Your videos are the absolute BEST when it comes to delving into reviewing the vocals etc. and I'm SO glad I found you. I grew up listening to John Denver in the 70s and still have a deep appreciation for his music to this day. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this.
@edgillis4686
9 ай бұрын
Vocal that accurate, while playing a guitar… in front of live audience…. = TALENT !
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