John Denver Talks About Rocky Mountain High

[Hunkola]

John always seemed white and nerdy to me ----- but now I recognize him as a truly gifted songwriter......a true American icon

[Deke101]

I grew up listening to John Denver on the radio. Many years later In my study of martial arts, I happend to be in an Aikido seminar in Colorado and had the priviledge to meet John Denver and even be thrown and pinned by him three times. I will never forget the experience. Thank you again, John. You are missed.

[DonTerhune1200cc]

John said he found his new home (Colorado Rocky Mtns) in 1970. I wonder what he'd think if he could see it now (41 yr later). Anyway, John was truly amazing. Anyone who never got into John should hit the Colorado Rockies while listening to his music. That's when the picture all comes together, ... & it's totally life changing. It stays w/ you for life. Just try not to let the overly developed areas hinder it if possible. (Speaking from personal exp).

[Richiefromcork]

Legend!. A song writing wizard. And so articulate. Saw a movie recently about his life. Made me read up a little more about him and his life,the world needs more inspirational people like John Denver.His songs are so passionate and have the ability to touch listeners in so many different ways.

[icepick1939]

John was unique. Regardless of time he spent with us he will be remembered. He lived and loved and wrote music about what he saw and what he felt.

Can you not ask more of any man. How lucky we are to have what he left behind.

Because we can replay it for the rest of our lives.

I think he would have been happy to know that we were here to do that.

[RobinsonBernston12]

Dnload the audio from this vid at searchripgrab doht cohm.

[lukethebladesmith12]

Johnny D with a beard!? hwat?

[DanskeSange]

@lukethebladesmith12 Yearh, the first time i've ever seen John with a beard.

[stonedrocker666]

when mr. denver passed, i was only a year old, and have heard of jihn denver till couple of years ago, he has had a great impact on my life, and has inspired me to sing and have my own way of music, and irony, my names john too. R.I.P. miss you mr denver

[scott13578]

John... your my hero, when i want to be big i want to be like you.

rest in peace!

[WannaKatana]

I miss you John

[acupofjon]

there's no sound... is it just me?

[1bol390]

@acupofjon I only hear it in my right speaker.

[acupofjon]

@1bol390 that was the problem! my right speaker is on the fritz! haha... thanks...

[1bol390]

@acupofjon you are welcome

[leadman22]

THE INTRO TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH MAKES ME THINK OF A MAGNIFICENT SOARING EAGLE FLYING THOUSANDS OF FEET HIGH IN THE SKY OVER THE ROCKIES ON BRILIANT SUNNY DAY.

[micmoable]

Wonder what part of Alabama he moved to?

[micmoable]

I didn't know he ever lived in Alabama---I love Alabama

[mizzzlizzz02]

geez, what a great guy.

[racecar007]

I just got back from a camping trip in NW Colorado for the Persied Meteor shower. As I was crossing the most beautiful meadow covered in wild flowers near Rabbit Ears Pass, I teared up due to the profound beauty. I had a Rocky Mountain High!!... so I checked out this video to find it was a camping trip during the Persieds that influenced John to write this song in 1970, the year I was born. Thanks for posting this! I feel a connection to John like never before... plus, I live in Denver!!

[thoughtsurfer1]

Shadows of the starlight are softer than a lullabye. That's great poetry.

[micmoable]

@thoughtsurfer1 I think so too

[Mr111tommy111]

What a Legend in our Lives and he stood for so much more than Music.He is my Inspiration.He Loved and tryed to make a difference in the World we live in.I'll see you soon John..

[comeon224]

I like him better when he's singing. 

[TheHarleyrulz]

One of the greatest songs ever written. John was a one of a kind.

[laobe66]

i first love JD when i heard this beautiful song"ROCKY Mt.HIGH" I'm foreign student at Coloradu U during early 80's ..i luv all your songs till today and still keeping LP and cassettes bought in USA>when is my next trip to Colorado ??

[fan825]

Thank you.

[robi2000]

i love it . RockyMountainHigh was inspired while John was taking a leak in the woods

[PerryFanElite]

This man was my first musical love. I'd save my lunch money every day to be able to buy his albums until I had every solo album he ever had...then I'd have to wait seemingly endlessly until something new came out. I was every bit of 12 years old, but I loved this man...He wrote and sang about things that mattered. He was and always will be a national treasure and he'll always be here through his music. He's still greatly missed.

[goldenrisingsun]

God bless you John.... for you brought peace and joy into my life through your meaningful songs... you will always be remembered....

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video!!!

[Carpx11]

Great job! I miss John

[diamondznruzt]

I wish I could have told him what his music means

[1bol390]

@diamondznruzt You just did ! And his Fans and Friends will remember!

[earlymusicus]

I miss John Denver so much! I miss his spirit, his voice, his music, and his songs that said so much. More than ever, the Earth needs his voice now. Pax vobiscum, John!

[blzbug242]

Thank you John.

[chrisbannisterone]

Just perfect, creates a mood that only John was capable of doing

[rainierclimber1]

I recognize that John , like most people that big, had some personal struggles in his relationships etc...but he always seemed like a really very nice person. When he left us it was the only time I actually felt a real sense of loss over the death of someone I never really knew personally. He was the greatest pure singer ever recorded. And thanks to Youtube Ive come to see he was really a very accomplished guitarist. We miss you John...very much

[calvinnewspaper]

@rainierclimber1 Me too, kinda like someone you'd like to have as a next door neighbor or a friend.

[harperusa]

It's interesting to note that he wrote this song in 1970, the "Summer of his 27th year" and in the Summer of this song's 27th year, 1997, the final note of the song of John Denver's life was written. I miss John Denver and the likes of John Denver but yet I am so grateful for his contribution and the fact that life, though tumultuous, is deep and meaningful.

[margareticonfeti54]

i love john denver. he went way too soon :'(

[RodneyAHampton]

Rest in peace John Denver.

[Tom6093]

Iv'e never been to the Rockies. Lame !!!!!!

[wyatttindall]

@Tom6093 If you ever get to visit, you'll know. Moved here about 20 months ago and love it.

[AnalgesicBalm]

Shame on you.

[Tom6093]

I got a negative one for not going to the Rockies ?

How lame is that ?

[emisarre]

John Denver, Friend of All Plants and Animals

[LucidDream]

Awesome guy.

[windridr66]

Thanks for this wonderful post. Happy New Year from Oneonta, Alabama

[northzona]

Thanks for this post mrmanok!  Ahhh....

My younger brother almost lost his life when Rocky Mountain HIgh was popular. I remember looking out the window on the 2nd floor of the Tucson Medical Center one morning. The sun was coming up. These words were singing in my head. I was crying...as I am now. It was called a miracle my brother lived.

Thank you John Denver. Rest in peace. See you on that Glorious Reunion Morning.

[cocatwoman7]

gosh, he's been gone for over 12 years now-hard to believe. I first saw John in concert in 1975-Norfolk Va. , my father took me. The BEST concert by far of ANY concert I've seen. I've lived in Colorado now for 19 years-I thank God I made it here and I just love it. whenever I see an eagle, I think of John -...RIP my friend

April in Colorado

[birthdaymatt]

Great Video...thanks for posting.

[Nirad007]

i love the line "he was born in the summer of his 27th year, comming home to a place he's never been before"

the last part is kinda oxymoronic no????

[DobermannX2]

No, it's not.

Dig deeper for the meaning.

[Nirad007]

well to me it seemed like it but i kinda understand it

[ben909ben]

it means when he first went to the rockies at the age of 27

he felt he was truly "home".

I've felt the same way

[VivaLARaza31]

Once I got lost up in the So. Calif. Santa Ana Mountains and I just thought of his beautiful music and suddenly I started to feel more relaxed and soon I found my way back home.

[bvaughn777]

he was a Shaman, a medicine person, a healer - he healed us with his music. He took EST, which is now The Landmark Forum. Beautiful energy. Thank you, John Denver.

[mojo82]

you know, I always liked him as a kid. His music is healing and I didn't know it. This video explains a lot. When I first saw a bald eagle in Mid-Michigan in 1984, i thought of john Denver.

[theincredibleiannune]

I miss John and Kermit I mean Jim Henson they were good freinds

[rednsugar]

Always get a chill of pure happiness and complete contentment when I hear "Rocky Mountain High". That song is one of the reasons I moved from the mid-west to Colorado. Have made many a camping trip into Poudre Canyon and it is a staple to play John Denver around the campfire late at night. It really completes my idea of a perfect camp out. I miss you John and would of liked to hear your more recent thoughts and ideas about one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[fordfactoryracing]

wow amazing

[okrabay]

he was such a great guy.

[dcpolaris2]

I had the pleasure of seeing John in concert when I was a teen (in the 70's)...his music has always touched my soul...I still can't believe he's gone...by the way, I love the beard :)

[Nirad007]

i wish i had seen him in concert i am 18so i never had the chance but my grandpa absolutely loves him so he got me into him, i don't like country except for John D. and johnny C.

[jamie2628]

jamie2628-I would have loved to be one of John's friends when they were there on the Rocky Mountains watching the "Rainin' fire in the sky."

[s09msimms09]

taught my 4th graders that meaning of "know you'd be a poor man if you never saw an eagle fly" after our class saw an eagle soar right in front of us - amazing lesson that wasn't in the curriculum!

[AmazingKip]

***weeps*** We miss you John. Maybe in heaven, you will fly without ever so much as touching the ground.

[MENBUTTONS]

Anyone who can share their gifts as John shared his, can be the voice of God, and in just a small way, touch the lives of many.

[janter101087]

I went to Colorado on an Outward Bound trip in 1978 based on my love of John's music. I can remeber driving to work in 1997 and I was now 37 years old and I heard John was dead. I pulled off the road and cried like a baby. John Denver you were and are one of my heros, oh and I know you were a flawed human just like me, I miss you man.

[bodaciousvette]

I was the same age as you when I heard the bad news.... I grew up here in Colorado and once in a while you would see John driving around in his Porche. I remember that morning all too well. It was on every station and I just couldn't believe he was actually gone. He will always be remembered and loved for all the love and warmth that he brought to this world. He's been on my mind a lot and his anniversary was just 2 weeks ago.

RIP John, you will never be forgotten.

[habbadou]

I saw him in a blue Jeep heading into Aspen from Maroon Bells.

[CHANCHOXXI]

hermosa música

[TheJanice777]

This video is incredibly moving and I feel like John is a lovely & loving friend and I never got to tell him how much he meant to me!

[TheJanice777]

John Denver was so awesome and this clip is extraordinary! I have loved him since I was a child and it is a shame that God took him away from us so young. I will always love him and hope to meet the beautiful man inside & out - John Denver - in Heaven some day!

[Elaine0100]

JD's talent was a blessing gift from God to all of us who understands the message.

[ashirly]

Difficult to see about middle but he is displaying a guitar strap I beaded him when I was fourteen years old. I looked for years to see a picture of him using it. Was on a guitar he kept at home...I was told by Graham Nash. So for years I search in vain and never see it. Then I sit down to watch this video for the first time on my birthday, only to discover that he decided to don it for his only autobiographical video ever made. So of course I cried. Denver was always full of surprises for us :)

[irishgeal1]

what a great singer and a lovely person.

[prmass1]

I went to the john denver memorial located in aspen last year. Very moving.

[viannethechocolatier]

john denver makes me proud to be a colorado native. he done me proud to beliving in such a magnificent state of beauty. the mountains are perfection. john denver...rocky mountain high its fate with the name. rip

[AndrewSteinMusic]

I miss John so much. He's been such a terrific inspiration to me in so many ways. He was only here on Earth for a short time, but that time was such a blessing that I'll never take for granted.

[deckens123]

home is always home. people, they will never undstand, who didnt left home!!

[deodato2]

I agree with one of the earlier posters, it's a bit lonelier of a world without John Denver in it...what an immense loss of talent and good naturedness that terrible day he left us... :( may he rest in peace

[vollrathj]

these new yahoo singers now have no right to be called one in comparason with john d...what voice he had hu! im also into airplanes...makes more sad

[CashPresley32]

Hey dude, does there have to be fighting here?

[XxgrayfoxXXX]

ive never been to the rockies but me and my dad go to the appalachains every year and he plays this song i love it

[ECWnWWF]

I always thought this song was referring to another kind of "high"...I mean he sometimes appear like a hippie. and I'm sure he's been that kinda "high" before.

[cevert9]

John was a phenomenal talent with his words and music. I miss him very much. The world lost such a great environmentalist and humanitarian. MickeyLove01....he did NOT take his own life. You are an IDIOT! People like you have no purpose.

[Snotslinginretard]

His commentary totally explains why he was special. Aside from being a good guitar player and song writer, He had the ability to take it all in and express it. Something we all have if you just take the moment, slow down, and appreciate whats around you.

[colin1262]

life is a little lonelyer without you in it John... You are missed greatly... may you be in peace wherever you are..

[MickeyLove01]

Denver took his own life

[mountainDreamer]

you just love to come and piss people off dont you? get lost.

[MickeyLove01]

Don't cry about it fool.

[bigwillietheb]

what are you talking about? he died in a plane crash

[MickeyLove01]

He crashed the plane on purpose.

[LawrenceErnie]

I've never seen a photo of Maroon Bells that does it justice to being there and seeing it with the naked eye. The beauty is beyond words.

[mtsthelensgirl]

This was a fantastic chance to hear John himself tell how he came up with those wonderful lyrics and see what a great guy he was. He will never be forgotten!

[sondheimfan1]

Rest In Peace John... you will forever and always be missed... good night John, God bless

[themeans2anend]

I met John just after he put out the movie "Rocky Mountain High",he was an incredible person.He is and will always remain the greatest celebrity I ever met!!

Peace, B :)

[TSM8088]

May we all find our way home...

[sportsportsport]

His lyrics are beauty personified.

[freddyscot]

superb! thanks for posting this,theres not many songs that bring a tear to my eye but some of his songs are just so ....intense . and boy would I love to visit the rockys, but they are 5000 miles away from London

[SeeDeeMoe]

I hope you get there soon. The Colorado Rockies are one of the most wonderful places I've been. Just walking in the solitude at 10,000 feet brings something into your soul that I don't experience anywhere else. It probably sound strange, but John Denver seems like a friend I never got a chance to meet.

[matthewjdenn]

I second that.

[Fallennyte]

I miss the Rocky Mountains more than I love living on an island. There's just no other place like 'em

[asianwatcher]

I live in Michigan and go through Colorado on my trips to California. I've taken that trip countless times and am STILL amazed at the beauty of the place each time I make that trek.

[AgainstTheWind001]

....comin' home to a place he'd never been before....

Isn't it funny how that makes so much sense to some, even if they haven't ever been to their home.

[JMC01644]

EXCELLENT Video...5 stars are not enough! R.I.P. Dear Sweet John Denver. May you be singing in Heaven!

[arianarosie1]

omg hes died???

[linearfunctions]

john d one of the best ever

[withoutmercyuk]

wow, first time I ever heard this song. Im glad he is on record talking as well as singing. nice bloke - big loss ;-(

[Corrieanne]

What a moving experience that must have been!...To see the Perseid meteor shower up in the mountains, away from ANY interfering artificial light! The Perseids came & went last week & I was outside watching, as I do every year but w/o the benefit of an endless sky and being encircled by total darkness. I'm looking forward to Nov. and the Leonids' shower! What an awesome display they put on a few yrs. back! Thanks John, for filling us in on that interesting bit of your bio but moreso...your MUSIC!

[ianshann]

Was very glad when they finally officially made this the second state song of Colorado.

October 12, 1992 R.I.P.

[grunion72]

Hey 1992 ? I think you mean 1997

[ianshann]

oops your right! lol i think i wrote that at like two in the morning

[mzvsplace]

I lived in the south, GA and MS for 44 years and finally came home when I moved to Durango, CO a year ago. This song says it all for me too! The beauty of this state can't be beat! Love riding the motorcycle in the mountains. I moved from 40 ft. above sea level to over 6600 ft. and ride up to 13,000 in a matter of minutes. You should experience the Rocky Mtns at least once in your life and you'll see heaven on earth!!! xoxo

[plcoomer]

Hi folks,

I'm a songwriter and just posted a new song here on youtube. Please come take a look.

Thanks

Coomer

[enidangel]

I love John Denver. What a man, what a voice.!! I miss you.

[lefties43332]

thx john

[PaulM678347]

What a great songwriter and performer he was. He is one of the most underrated songwriters of that era.

[sharib515]

Thank you so much for posting this. I too have camped on the Maroon Bells near Aspen during the Persied Meteor shower, while working with Windstar. A life changing event for all. John will live forever in his music.

[TAZRIO8]

What a great singer and talented songwriter John was. Thank you for post.

[TexarkanaBraveheart]

you know in some videos ive noticed that John Denver and Steve Irwin,had a slight resemblance

[pweidmann]

yeah i was thinking the same thing

[soldierrlc]

i remember watchin this on Sky TV, the Biography channel. I was touched by what JD actually wrote his songs about. I get the feeling he started his song with either love/hatred then towards the end of the song, he releases his emotions and you hear the quality of what his songs really mean. A true country/soul legend.

[jinkyman]

"I Agree John Denver To me Was One Of, If Not The Best Singer Songwriter Of All Time"

[ezrinjem]

Wish you were still with us, John. Godspeed.

[onespirit1]

Thanks so much for posting this! How wonderful to hear John sing the song that has brought such joy to so many millions of people across the globe. Thanks again.

[godwhyisthistaken]

cool

[Ashiman12]

I adore this song. When I was 13 or so, my family and I moved to Colorado and I felt the exact same way. Like I was home. Beautiful state. Beautiful song. Great man.

[ruantengyi]

he would in his 60s if he was laive today!

[TheJake3]

In that case i am coming home.....thank you John :)

[wildwaterblues]

He was really singing about insects in Rocky Mountain High, I found this out from a huge fan!

[auntyjin]

so sweet, yet so sad, I get choked up every time I hear John's songs

[goldhat3]

Beautiful song and guild guitar. I saw him play this song and guitar at a concert at Purdue in 1974. Just the best ever.

[pnutbutrncrackers]

"Rocky Mountain High" is a true masterpiece. I know that word is overused, but not in this case. I'm a proud Coloradan, and I still love to hear RMH on the CD player whenever I'm driving through the Rockies. No better song for it (I do like the studio version better, though, than the live one in this clip).

I didn't always agree with JD's political positions, but I too love nature (& my homestate in partiular!), and will always treasure his best music.

[toolbox58]

We were driving through the mountains west of Denver around 1972(june) And didnt want to leave..His song had just came out on AM radio

[purplepurple1]

Nice background info -- and nice to hear JD's explanation of the song, too. Sure do miss the guy.

[keithly2]

I had a homecoming like John's. I suppose you would call it an epiphany.How I wish I'd had the talent to express it so beautifully. Don't you wish you could say the same?

[ozmarty]

Thankyou so much for posting this. It is (and he was) brilliant.