Foxfire Suite by John Denver (1991)

This is an old song of John's from his Different Directions CD (1991). Unlike so many of his previous songs which long became worldwide hits, and several becoming legendary; this particular one is one which I seriously doubt the masses know exists. As John's career waned in the late 70s, and seemingly died (for the most part) thereafter, there are some songs that were beautifully crafted during that "downtime" (some of which have been shared on YouTube) and are either poignant or airy.

This is amongst my favorites, because you listen to it and feel that same feeling as "Country Roads." in a different kind of way (the songwriting is more sophisticated). To me, it's an "outdoors" kind of song with a kind of bluegrass instrumentation contained within, and set in a bucolic setting with fall foliage. You can just see Olaus and Mardy Murie dancing to this.

I want to say that this was written posteriorly to the movie that John appeared in with Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy (Foxfire, 1987), but I'm not entirely sure the two have anything to do with each other.

All in all, it's difficult to describe the imagery that the song brings, and is something each listener needs to experience for themselves. I decided to use a single image from Carolina that I found on the internet, because the song is a suite, is 9 minutes long and the amount of photos needed to assemble would be quite huge and I wanted to upload this as soon as possible. Enjoy!

1. Spring Is Alive
2. You Are
3. Whisper The Wind
4. Spring Is Alive (reprise)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John
• Denver
• Carolina
• bucolic
• nature
• country
• foxfire

[ChefHannah715]

what insterment does he play in this song?

[jrssjdca]

The liner notes don't state song by song who the musicians are. They're listed at the beginning. John is attributed as "lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin" so figure that he plays the guitar and a little bit of the mandolin.

[jdstillshines]

This song can also be found on JDs 3-CD set called, "John Denver in Concert" where JD plays this song with a symphony orchestra which makes it truly amazing. Either way, it's one of my favorite songs and thanks for posting it!

[jrssjdca]

You're welcome, and it's one of my favorites as well!

[mezellenjohnson2753]

I find it hard to pick one of John's songs as a favourite, I love them all. He gives peace to an aching heart and joy to the soul. The world would be a far better place if more people were as gentle and loving as he. Heaven has a very special person there, we are lucky we had him for the time we did. I only wish that I had been able to see him live, one wish that was never possible sadly. My life is happier for having his music in it, what a wonderful legacy he has left us.

[cAtKitty47]

+1 ... John's music and gentle ways could help us all become people of peace.

[jmldspt]

I commented this so many times before but I have to say it again. How can anyone neglect the inspiring quality of John Denver's music? Since the first time I've heard it, I just cannot stop! :)

[dwindstar57]

Great song! Then again most of his are. I like the way you said only the one picture to focus on the message........I use his music as my form of meditation......have to have it to get through each day............. He is such a wonderful teacher! May be gone in body, but will NEVER be gone in spirit!!!

[RazzleDazzleCG]

17ciderqueen I would love to chat some time. I have only bean a JD fan for 8 years but I think even though I didn't know of him while he was alive I still have wonderful memories of his music and how it has changed my life. I would love to read about some of your memories of his music as well.

[turntablesihs008]

Damn my generation neeeds more music like this!!!!

[17ciderqueen]

Hello Everyone!! I've entered John Denver Heaven! My name is Chrissie Sidwell , and I have been an absolutely avid John Denver fan,since I heard " Matthew" in  1973 . It is such a buzz for me to find other DEVOTED JD fans. Everyone wants to take the p... ,coz I love JD, but the MAN is a LEGEND. I've loved watching the old BBC shows(THANK YOU MICHAEL) It's a dream come true for me !! I presume you are all American. I am a Irish woman , living in England, as TRUE JD FANS, can we chat? Slainte

[Dunhorse2003]

This is by far my favorite. My farm is named Whisper Wind after I heard this song the first time. Those almost look like rhododendrons on Roan Mountain NC