JD Memories

If you have a special memory of John that you would like to share, especially if you were lucky enough to meet him, please email it to the club. Please include any photos you may have.

Gregory Wilson

John’s final concert in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 5th 1997 was when I turned 17, October 5th is my birthday. I am going be 29 this year. I met John when I was a year younger, during the summer at the PNC Bank Art Center in Holmdel, I was in the 8th row from the stage, got to meet him back stage after the show.

Greg.

Iris Lambka

I owned a condo on the slopes in Snowmass in the early 70s and I recall seeing John many times teaching his Zak (then about 3 yrs old) how to ski.

One day my daughter and I were in the Aspen Book Store and John was at the counter ordering books to be sent out as Xmas gifts. When we walked in he was ordering for Dinah Shore. We stopped and chatted. My daughter Melanie was about 14 yrs of age (she was born in 1961) so that must have been 1975. My daughter was so nervous she couldn't say a word. John looked just like his photos.

I have lovely Thank You's on John Denver stationery for gifts we sent him and Annie and the kids over the years. My favourite is a ceramic pot – I had an artist make one for me and one for John. It is atop my refrigerator.

Iris.

Bob Phillips

My favorite John memory would take place on Labor Day Weekend in Aspen. As a former resident, I was blessed to gather my friends, and go up Ajax, (Aspen Mtn,) and John and friends would be there, basically hanging out, talking Windstar, and being happy. They were very basic of times, when John was around town and Aspen was still easy. Also, Christmas, when we would see John singing away with the Aspen Choral Group, dressed of course in olde British Garb of Carollers past.

God Bless, Bob Phillips

Susan Leaver, New Zealand

The direction of my life changed in October 1975.

The previous year, Carol and I had spent endless hours listening to John Denver's 'Back Home Again" album pondering on the lyrics and who was this man these words were coming through.

In October 1975 John appeared with his band at the Western Springs speedway ground. I was seated around three foot from the stage mesmerised by this lad with the tanned face and light blond hair who sang that nothing in life is that important and so encouraged me to "surrender" to life itself.

He also sang of relating inwardly and outwardly connecting with the natural world around him and I realised my dream of obtaining status in the business world was hollow compared to communing with and experiencing nature.

In June 1992 I lived in Australia and had been visiting Sydney. John and I were on the same plane travelling to Brisbane, and John organised for me to attend his Brisbane concert. The experience was wonderful but different. I no longer hung on to his every word. I simply agreed with every line he expressed.

Love, Susan Leaver

Sheila Dix, UK

Can't say, as I am sure many people can that I met John off guard but did get to see him perform twice at the Apollo Manchester. The first time many years ago I did go to the back door after the show and was lucky enough to meet him. For me it was a wonderful experience. We shook hands and exchanged a few words, me mainly saying what a pleasure it was to meet him. He just had that special touch and a way of making you feel special too! A totally magical moment for me.