BITTERSWEET, Ky. — I remember as a teenager in the 1970s, much of the country music air play was more like country rock or country folk. I’m not complaining about it; in fact, some of my favorite songs came from one or more of these musical blends.

 

Growing up in a small town, there weren’t many live venues to attend, but one of the larger churches in the community held a coffee shop for youth after every football game. It was there I would be introduced to much of this country  blend, including some of John Denver’s hits performed by our resident local performer, a teenager himself.

My point is, John Denver had many great hits and was as country as they came at that time.

His look was country, his lyrics were about the simple life and love and the great outdoors and his persona was that of a country boy.

And, in case you didn’t know or had forgotten, one of his biggest hits was titled “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” I always loved that song, as I did most of his music.

Denver would become one of the biggest stars of the day, and his fame brought him into the acting trade, as well. “Oh, God!” was one of my favorite movies.

In addition to his career, Denver was a fierce advocate for the environment. Much of his music had some connection to the world around us. “Rocky Mountain High” was another one of my favorite songs.

And who can forget “Take Me Home, Country Roads?” I think one of the reasons I liked Denver so much was the fact that I really liked that time in my life when I was discovering my own musical abilities.

His music provided many cover songs for myself and most local garage bands.

Life seemed much simpler then. And Denver’s music just seemed to go well with it. Plus, he made flannel shirts quite popular.

Thanks to satellite radio and channels that play only ’70s music, I run across a John Denver tune quite often and I’m transformed back to a time when my hair was long, my voice was strong and country boys liked me had the world by the tail.

Denver died much too young, in a tragic aircraft accident, but his music still lives. There is an official John Denver website and tributes and honors are still bestowed on this great star 20 years after his death.

Thanks, John, for being an influence so many years ago, and for taking me back to a simpler time every time I hear one of your songs.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.