
Feature Photo: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
John Denver’s journey into music began in Roswell, New Mexico, but it was the scenic mountains and vast skies of Colorado that defined his spirit and sound. Early in his life, Denver found solace in music, learning guitar at a young age and performing with local groups, steadily refining the distinctive, earnest folk style that would later bring him international acclaim. Initially adopting his stage name from the capital city of Colorado—symbolizing his deep connection to the American West—Denver soon moved to Los Angeles, diving fully into the burgeoning folk scene of the 1960s.
Denver’s breakthrough came as part of The Chad Mitchell Trio, where his warm, clear tenor voice first reached a wider audience. This exposure proved instrumental in launching his solo career, leading to his debut album, Rhymes & Reasons, released in 1969. His early work captured listeners with an honest simplicity, but it was his next album, Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971), that catapulted Denver into stardom. Driven by the iconic hit “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a heartfelt tribute to rural America, Denver secured his place in American musical culture.
Throughout the 1970s, Denver established himself as a consistent hitmaker, releasing a prolific string of albums, including Rocky Mountain High (1972), Farewell Andromeda (1973), and Back Home Again (1974). Songs like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” dominated the airwaves, blending thoughtful lyricism with irresistible melodies. “Rocky Mountain High” became such an emblematic song that it was later adopted as one of Colorado’s official state songs, highlighting Denver’s lasting cultural influence.
John Denver’s music resonated deeply because it captured universal themes—nature, love, family, and the human condition—with genuine sincerity. His albums, totaling over 30 studio releases, often celebrated the beauty and simplicity of life, a message reflected powerfully in both his lyrical imagery and musical arrangements. His ability to forge an emotional connection with listeners led to extraordinary global success, with Denver selling more than 33 million records worldwide during his lifetime.
Recognition for Denver’s musical contributions was extensive. He received numerous prestigious awards, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Country Music Association accolades. Specifically, Denver was honored with the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year Award in 1975, underscoring his cross-genre appeal. His music consistently topped charts across country, pop, and adult contemporary formats, illustrating his remarkable versatility.
Beyond the recording studio, John Denver was known for passionate advocacy in environmental and humanitarian causes. He founded the Windstar Foundation in 1976, aiming to educate and inspire people on sustainable living and environmental protection. Additionally, Denver used his platform to raise awareness on critical global issues, including hunger relief through his prominent involvement with the Hunger Project, highlighting his commitment to meaningful change beyond the music industry.
Denver also became a visible figure in international diplomacy, representing cultural exchange through music. Notably, his pioneering visits to the Soviet Union and China in the 1980s promoted peaceful dialogue and cultural understanding at a time of geopolitical tension. Denver’s unique capacity to foster goodwill through his music earned him significant respect beyond the entertainment world, marking him as a cultural ambassador in addition to a celebrated musician.
John Denver’s career tragically came to a premature end when he died in an airplane accident in 1997. His untimely passing was mourned globally, a testament to the enduring impact he had on fans and peers alike. Posthumously, Denver’s legacy continues to thrive, with ongoing recognition from music institutions, and enduring popularity through reissues and covers of his classic songs. In 2014, his achievements were formally recognized with a posthumous induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, ensuring his cultural contributions are forever preserved.
Complete List Of John Denver Songs From A to Z
- (You Dun Stomped) My Heart – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- 60 Second Song for a Bank, with the Phrase “May We Help You Today?” – Aerie – 1971
- A Baby Just Like You – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- A Country Girl in Paris – Higher Ground – 1988
- A Little Further North – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- A Wild Heart Looking For Home – Dreamland Express – 1985
- African Sunrise – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Alaska & Me – Higher Ground – 1988
- All of My Memories – Aerie – 1971
- All This Joy – Higher Ground – 1988
- Along for the Ride (’56 T-Bird) – One World – 1986
- Amazon (Let This Be a Voice) – Different Directions – 1991
- American Child – Autograph – 1980
- Amsterdam – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Ancient Rhymes – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- And I Love Her – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Angels from Montgomery – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Ann – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Annie’s Song – Back Home Again – 1974
- Annie’s Song – Love Again – 1996
- Anthem-Revelation – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Around and Around – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Aspenglow – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Aspenglow – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Autograph – Autograph – 1980
- Away in a Manger – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Babe I Hate To Go – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Baby, You Look Good to Me Tonight – Spirit – 1976
- Back Home Again – Back Home Again – 1974
- Back Home Again – Love Again – 1996
- The Ballad of Richard Nixon – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- The Ballad of Spiro Agnew – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- The Ballad of St. Anne’s Reel – Autograph – 1980
- Berkeley Woman – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Berkeley Woman – John Denver – 1979
- Bet on the Blues – I Want to Live – 1977
- Blow Up Your TV (Spanish Pipe Dream) – Aerie – 1971
- Blues My Naughty – John Denver Sings – 1966
- The Box – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Boy from the Country – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Bread & Roses – Higher Ground – 1988
- Calypso – Windsong – 1975
- Carolina in My Mind – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Casey’s Last Ride – Aerie – 1971
- Catch Another Butterfly – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Chained to the Wheel – Different Directions – 1991
- Children of the Universe – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- The Chosen Ones – Different Directions – 1991
- The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Christmas for Cowboys – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Christmas for Cowboys – Love Again – 1996
- Circus – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- City of New Orleans – Aerie – 1971
- City of New Orleans – All Aboard! – 1997
- Claudette – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Come and Let Me Look in Your Eyes – Spirit – 1976
- Cool an’ Green an’ Shady – Back Home Again – 1974
- Country Love – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Coventry Carol – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- The Cowboy and the Lady – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Cowboy’s Delight – Windsong – 1975
- Daddy, What’s a Train? – All Aboard! – 1997
- Dance Little Jean – Autograph – 1980
- Dancing with the Mountains – Autograph – 1980
- Darcy Farrow – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Darcy Farrow – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Daydream – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Deal with the Ladies – Higher Ground – 1988
- Dearest Esmeralda – I Want to Live – 1977
- Don’t Close Your Eyes, Tonight – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Downhill Stuff – John Denver – 1979
- Dreamland Express – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Dreamland Express – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Dreamland Express – Love Again – 1996
- Dreams – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Druthers – I Want to Live – 1977
- The Eagle and the Hawk – Aerie – 1971
- Eagles and Horses – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Earth Day Every Day (Celebrate) – Earth Songs – 1990
- Easy, on Easy Street – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Eclipse – Back Home Again – 1974
- Eleanor Rigby – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Eli’s Song – Spirit – 1976
- Everyday – Aerie – 1971
- Falling Leaves (The Refugees) – Higher Ground – 1988
- Falling Out of Love – It’s About Time – 1983
- Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning) – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Farewell Party – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Fire and Rain – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Flight (The Higher We Fly) – It’s About Time – 1983
- The Flower That Shattered the Stone – Earth Songs – 1990
- The Flower That Shattered the Stone – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- The Flower That Shattered the Stone (Reprise) – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Fly Away – Windsong – 1975
- Flying for Me – One World – 1986
- Follow Me – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- For Baby (For Bobbie) – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- For You – Higher Ground – 1988
- For You – Love Again – 1996
- Forest Lawn – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- The Foxfire Suite, Spring Is Alive, You Are…, Whisper the Wind, Spring Is Alive (Reprise) – Different Directions – 1991
- Freight Train Boogie/Choo Choo Ch’boogie – All Aboard! – 1997
- Friends with You – Aerie – 1971
- The Game Is Over – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Garden Song – John Denver – 1979
- The Gift You Are – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Gimme Your Love – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Golden Slumbers/Sweet Sweet Life/Tremble If You Must (Version II) – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Goodbye Again – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Gospel Changes – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Got My Heart Set on You – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Grandma’s Feather Bed – Back Home Again – 1974
- Gravel on the Ground – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- The Harder They Fall – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Heart to Heart – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Here There And Everywhere – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Hey There, Mr. Lonely Heart – One World – 1986
- High, Wide & Handsome – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Higher Ground – Higher Ground – 1988
- Hitchhiker – Spirit – 1976
- Hold On To Me – Different Directions – 1991
- Hold on Tightly – It’s About Time – 1983
- Homegrown Tomatoes – Higher Ground – 1988
- How Can I Leave You Again – I Want to Live – 1977
- How Mountain Girls Can Love – Autograph – 1980
- I Can’t Escape – One World – 1986
- I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- I Remember Romance – It’s About Time – 1983
- I Remember You – One World – 1986
- I Want to Live – I Want to Live – 1977
- I Watch You Sleeping – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- I Wish I Could Have Been There (Woodstock) – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- I’d Rather Be a Cowboy (Lady’s Chains) – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- I’m In The Mood To Be Desired – Dreamland Express – 1985
- I’m Sorry – Windsong – 1975
- I’m Sorry – Love Again – 1996
- I’ve Been Working on the Railroad – All Aboard! – 1997
- If Ever – Dreamland Express – 1985
- In My Heart – Autograph – 1980
- In My Life – John Denver Sings – 1966
- In the Grand Way – Spirit – 1976
- Isabel – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Islands – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- It Amazes Me – I Want to Live – 1977
- It Makes Me Giggle – Spirit – 1976
- It’s a Possibility – One World – 1986
- It’s About Time – It’s About Time – 1983
- It’s Up to You – Back Home Again – 1974
- Jenny Dreamed of Trains – All Aboard! – 1997
- Jessie Dreamed of Trains – All Aboard! – 1997
- Jimmy Newman – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Jingle Bells – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Jingle Bells – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Johnny B. Goode – John Denver – 1979
- Joseph and Joe – John Denver – 1979
- Junk – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Last Hobo – All Aboard! – 1997
- Last Train Done Gone Down – All Aboard! – 1997
- Late Nite Radio – Windsong – 1975
- Leaving on a Jet Plane – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Leaving on a Jet Plane – Love Again – 1996
- Let It Be – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For?) – One World – 1986
- Life Is So Good – John Denver – 1979
- Like a Sad Song – Spirit – 1976
- Lining Track – All Aboard! – 1997
- The Little Engine That Could – All Aboard! – 1997
- Looking for Space – Windsong – 1975
- The Love of the Common People – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Love Again – One World – 1986
- Love Again – Love Again – 1996
- Love Is Everywhere – Windsong – 1975
- Love Is the Master – One World – 1986
- Matthew – Back Home Again – 1974
- Minor Swing – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Molly – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Mother Nature’s Son – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- The Mountain Song – Autograph – 1980
- Mr. Bojangles – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- The Music Is You – Back Home Again – 1974
- The Music Is You – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- My Old Man – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- My Sweet Lady – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Never a Doubt – Higher Ground – 1988
- The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Nothing But a Breeze – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Oh Holy Night – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Old Folks – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Old Train – All Aboard! – 1997
- On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe – All Aboard! – 1997
- On the Road – Back Home Again – 1974
- On the Wings of a Dream – It’s About Time – 1983
- On the Wings of an Eagle – Autograph – 1980
- One World – One World – 1986
- Opposite Tables – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Paradise – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Pegasus – Spirit – 1976
- People Get Ready – All Aboard! – 1997
- Perhaps Love – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Perhaps Love – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Perhaps Love – Love Again – 1996
- Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Poems, Prayers and Promises – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Polka Dots and Moonbeams – Spirit – 1976
- Ponies – Different Directions – 1991
- Postcard from Paris – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Potter’s Wheel – Different Directions – 1991
- Prisoners – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Raven’s Child – Earth Songs – 1990
- Raven’s Child – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Readjustment Blues – Aerie – 1971
- Relatively Speaking – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Rhymes & Reasons – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Ripplin’ Waters – I Want to Live – 1977
- River of Love – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Rocky Mountain High – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Rocky Mountain High – Love Again – 1996
- Rocky Mountain Suite (Cold Nights in Canada) – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Rusty Green – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Sail Away Home – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- San Antonio Rose – Spirit – 1976
- San Francisco Mabel Joy – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Season Suite: Fall – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Season Suite: Late Winter, Early Spring (When Everybody Goes to Mexico) – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Season Suite: Spring – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Season Suite: Summer – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Season Suite: Winter – Rocky Mountain High – 1972
- Seasons of the Heart – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- Seasons of the Heart – Love Again – 1996
- Shanghai Breezes – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- She Won’t Let Me Fly Away – Aerie – 1971
- Shipmates and Cheyenne – Windsong – 1975
- Silent Night, Holy Night – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Silver Bells – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Sing Australia – Higher Ground – 1988
- Singing Skies and Dancing Waters – I Want to Live – 1977
- Sleepin’ Alone – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone) – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Somethin’ About – It’s About Time – 1983
- Song for the Life – Autograph – 1980
- Song of Wyoming – Windsong – 1975
- Songs of… – John Denver – 1979
- Southwind – John Denver – 1979
- Spirit – Windsong – 1975
- Starwood in Aspen – Aerie – 1971
- Steel Rails – All Aboard! – 1997
- Sticky Summer Weather – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Stonehaven Sunset – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Sunshine on My Shoulders – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Sunshine on My Shoulders – Love Again – 1996
- Sweet Melinda – John Denver – 1979
- Sweet Misery – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- Sweet Surrender – Back Home Again – 1974
- Take Me Home, Country Roads – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- Take Me Home, Country Roads – Love Again – 1996
- Take Me to Tomorrow – Take Me to Tomorrow – 1970
- Tenderly Calling – Different Directions – 1991
- Thank God I’m a Country Boy – Back Home Again – 1974
- Thank God I’m a Country Boy – Love Again – 1996
- Thanks to You – The Flower That Shattered the Stone – 1990
- Thirsty Boots – I Want to Live – 1977
- This Old Guitar – Back Home Again – 1974
- Thought of You – It’s About Time – 1983
- Till You Opened My Eyes – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Today Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life (Sugacity) – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- To the Wild Country – I Want to Live – 1977
- Tools – Aerie – 1971
- Tradewinds – I Want to Live – 1977
- Trail of Tears – Dreamland Express – 1985
- Tremble If You Must – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- True Love Takes Time – One World – 1986
- Two Different Directions – Different Directions – 1991
- Two Shots – Windsong – 1975
- Waiting for a Train – All Aboard! – 1997
- The Way I Am – It’s About Time – 1983
- We Don’t Live Here No More – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- What Child Is This – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- What One Man Can Do – Seasons of the Heart – 1982
- What’s on Your Mind – John Denver – 1979
- What’s That I Hear Now? – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Whalebones and Crosses – Autograph – 1980
- When I Was A Cowboy – John Denver Sings – 1966
- When I’m Sixty-Four – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- When Will I Be Loved? – John Denver Sings – 1966
- Whispering Jesse – Higher Ground – 1988
- Whispering Jesse – Love Again – 1996
- Whiskey Basin Blues – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
- White Christmas – Rocky Mountain Christmas – 1975
- Whose Garden Was This – Whose Garden Was This – 1970
- Wild Flowers in a Mason Jar (The Farm) – Some Days Are Diamonds – 1981
- Wild Montana Skies – It’s About Time – 1983
- The Wings That Fly Us Home – Spirit – 1976
- Windsong – Windsong – 1975
- Windsong – Love Again – 1996
- Wooden Indian – Poems, Prayers & Promises – 1971
- World Game – It’s About Time – 1983
- Wrangle Mountain Song – Spirit – 1976
- Wrangell Mountain Song – Autograph – 1980
- Yellow Cat – Rhymes & Reasons – 1969
- Yesterday – John Denver Sings – 1966
- You Say That the Battle Is Over – Autograph – 1980
- You’re So Beautiful – John Denver – 1979
- Zachary and Jennifer – Farewell Andromeda – 1973
Albums
John Denver Sings (1966): 13 songs
Rhymes & Reasons (1969): 16 songs
Take Me to Tomorrow (1970): 10 songs
Whose Garden Was This (1970): 11 songs
Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971): 12 songs
Aerie (1971): 12 songs
Rocky Mountain High (1972): 12 songs
Farewell Andromeda (1973): 11 songs
Back Home Again (1974): 12 songs
Windsong (1975): 12 songs
Rocky Mountain Christmas (1975): 17 songs
Spirit (1976): 12 songs
I Want to Live (1977): 11 songs
John Denver (1979): 11 songs
Autograph (1980): 13 songs
Some Days Are Diamonds (1981): 10 songs
Seasons of the Heart (1982): 11 songs
It’s About Time (1983): 10 songs
Dreamland Express (1985): 11 songs
One World (1986): 11 songs
Higher Ground (1988): 12 songs
Earth Songs (1990): 3 songs (2 new songs + 12 previously released songs)
The Flower That Shattered the Stone (1990): 12 songs
Different Directions (1991): 9 songs
Love Again (1996): 16 songs (1 new song + 15 previously released songs)
All Aboard! (1997): 15 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Top 10 John Denver Songs
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