John Denver is the most successful American songwriter and folk rock artist in history. He has recorded over 300 vocal compositions. Almost all of the songs became hits. He was engaged in social activities, acted in films.
Biography
John Denver's real name is Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. He was born on December 31, 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico. The family moved frequently, as John's father was a military pilot. The new cities did not frighten the boy. He quickly mastered, grew up active, inquisitive, but there were difficulties in communicating with peers.
The grandmother through the mother's side instilled in the child a love of music. At the age of 11, John learned to play the guitar. It was his favorite musical instrument. He did not part with him until the end of his life.
Despite the craving for creativity, the guy wanted to get a serious education, he entered the Texas Technical University. Later he began performing in clubs. Then the stage name was invented - Denver. The student chose this name in honor of one of the states of Colorado.
Career
In 1964, John dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles, where he became a member of the Chad Mitchell Trio folk group. The once popular band was on the verge of disbandment at the time, but Denver helped attract new fans. The trio returned to active tours.
In 1969 Denver went on a solo voyage. In the same year he presented his first album. It was called Rhymes and Reasons. Many songs quickly fell in love with the audience. The song "Leaving On a Jet Plane" has gained popularity all over the world.
In 1971, John becomes one of the most influential, famous artists. His records are sold in millions of copies. It took the singer 3 more years to become the most sought-after musician in the United States.
John is the author of 14 gold, 8 platinum albums. Having reached the peak of his career, he begins to write songs less and less. He is fond of filming in films. The directors speak of Denver as a talented actor.
Since 1980, the artist has been more active in social activities, joining the ranks of environmentalists. John has repeatedly admitted that it is nature that gives him strength, inspires him to fruitful work.
In 1986 Denver organized large-scale tours in China and the USSR. A year later, he gives a concert in favor of the victims of the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. He increasingly appeared where support was needed. John did not just donate his work, he charged the audience with positive energy. Those who were lucky enough to attend the musician's concerts said that he was an incredibly open and radiant person, after communicating with whom they wanted to live and develop.
In 1994, John released an autobiography. And after 3 years a pleasant surprise awaited him. He was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
On October 12, 1997, fans were shocked. Denver was in a plane crash. The plane under his control fell into the Pacific Ocean. It was an experimental flight. The artist died at the age of 54.
