Denver, John

John Denver - The Wildlife Concert

Self-professed "singer of the American West" John Denver shines in this heartfelt, 1995 live concert to benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society. Favorite songs such as "Rocky Mountain High," "Wild Montana Skies," and "Fly Away" are moving and gain fresh perspective from brief comments by Denver. Lesser-known songs like "Eagles and Horses" and "You Say the Battle Is Over" celebrate the spirit of animals and nature while underlining the importance of preservation. Succinct interview clips express Denver's commitment to nature: exploring man's basic hunger for the wild, the dichotomy between the uncultivated and the city, and the power of the individual to effect preservation and change. Striking though brief footage of wild animals like horses, eagles, penguins, and elephants in their natural habitats serve as bookends to the presentation. The Wildlife Concert is a reflective and moving musical celebration of the American West. --Tami Horiuchi

A Song's Best Friend - John Denver Remembered

Take Me Home - The John Denver Story (Biopic)

Whatever one thinks of John Denver's music, this 2000 biopic is an effective, emotionally compelling drama that's hard to shake. Chad Lowe may not look or sound all that much like the late, Colorado troubadour, but his tender performance as the idealistic and troubled singer-songwriter pulls at the heart with unexpected vigor. Based on Denver's autobiography of the same title, the film begins in the mid-'60s, when the rising star embarked on a solo career much to the chagrin of his military father (Gerald R. McRaney) and the delight of his new wife, Annie (Kristin Davis). The story of Denver's fame and success is thoroughly covered, but so are behind-the-scenes details about marital strain, Denver's growing alcoholism and curious isolation, and his interrupted dream of developing a world-class retreat for environmentalists. This is a real paradox: a sad tale of a man whose natural high kept so many hurt and doubting people going. --Tom Keogh

Chad Lowe and Kristin Davis star in this gripping drama about the life of John Denver, which features 15 of Denver's original recordings. From the turblence in his marriage to the spiral of destructiveness that nearly destroyed him, it's a whole different look at an American icon. Special DVD features include A John Denver Discography and Filmography, interactive menus an scene selection, and John Denver in his own words and lyrics.

Best of the Muppet Show - Harry Belafonte / Linda Ronstadt / John Denver

The emphasis is on music in this lively minicollection of episodes from The Muppet Show, but that doesn't mean the late Jim Henson's creative genius goes on holiday. Linda Ronstadt, at the height of her popularity in 1976, belts out her hit "Blue Bayou," though accompanied by Henson's delightful swamp critters. Gentle eco-warrior John Denver has no shortage of lovely nature songs, yet nothing tempers the rage of Miss Piggy, forced to share Kermit with Denver on a camping trip. In a classic Muppet showstopper, this DVD includes Harry Belafonte joined in a Guinea folk song by breathtaking African masks, which move and sing in a moment of true television magic. Brian Henson (Jim's son) introduces all three episodes with some shared memories; the most touching includes footage of Belafonte singing that same Guinea song, years later, at a joyful memorial for Jim. --Tom Keogh

John Denver and the Muppets - Rocky Mountain Holiday

The late John Denver was obviously a favorite collaborator of Kermit and company. Not only did the mellow singer-songwriter appear on the Muppets' celebrated television series in the 1970s, he hosted a Christmas special with the Henson gang, and, on another occasion, led them on a rare, fresh-air excursion in Rocky Mountain Holiday. It's a cute, unexpected idea: The celebrity outdoorsman takes the extended Muppets family up, up into the scenic Rockies, for a happy afternoon of fishing in crystal lakes followed by a night of camping in lush meadows. There are plenty of jokes along the way (Rowlf the dog seeks a wall socket for his TV set), happy moments of kite-flying and tromping along trails (yes, the Muppets go hiking), and lots (lots!) of songs, including a "Happy Trails" duet between Denver and Miss Piggy. A unique and pleasurable entry in the Muppets canon. --Tom Keogh

In this musical variety special, John Denver and Jim Henson's Muppets go on a summer camping trip to the Rocky Mountains. As they hike, Denver and the Muppets enjoy the Colorado scenery and mountain wildlife, share stories, sing songs, and reminisce about their fun experiences and misadventures. Starring musical star John Denver, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppets gang! Directed by puppet master, Jim Henson. Features 16 classic songs.

Learn to Play the Songs of John Denver DVD#2

Learn To Play the Songs of John Denver- DVD#1

DVD-Learn To Play The Songs Of John Denver #3

The first two volumes of this series have met with such enthusiasm from guitar playing fans of John Denver that it became clear that we had to continue with a third lesson. Pete Huttlinger's comprehensive understanding of John Denver's music, and his ability to communicate techniques to learning guitarists, have inspired innumerable players and have made these among Homespun's most successful instructional products.

For this lesson, Pete has selected seven of the John Denver guitar arrangements most requested by fans of his previous DVDs. He teaches the arpeggiated intro and rich chords of Calypso; the powerful strumming patterns of "Spirit" and "The Eagle and the Hawk;" the flatpicking riffs and bass lines to "Matthew;" the intro and fingerpicking patterns to "Dreamland Express" and "Poems, Prayers and Promises;" and the classical-sounding accompaniment to "Today."

Throughout the lesson you'll gain many insights into the musical mind of John Denver, as well as the special sounds and compelling voicings that make these guitar arrangements simple to play and yet uniquely beautiful. Complete your collection of these popular DVDs and have fun playing this timeless music.

John Denver - Montana Christmas Skies

Christmas specials with John Denver have been a favorite holiday tradition with families for years. This 47-minute, 1991 CBS television special finds John Denver joined by friends Clint Black, Katy Mattea, and Patty Loveless on Montana's Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Images of Denver on horseback, traversing the wide open plains and herding and roping cattle are interspersed with more intimate looks at Denver, Mattea, Black, Loveless, and other friends gathered for an old-fashioned sing-along in a rustic barn. The interaction between singers is warm and personal and lends a feeling of holiday warmth to powerful songs like "Christmas for Cowboys," "Christ Child's Lullaby," and "Someday Soon." The second half of the special offers a glimpse of Native American traditions, especially focusing on the children of the Fort Belknap Reservation, along with a live concert performance and additional performances in the barn. A children's choir joins Denver in concert versions of fun Christmas songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells." Especially moving is Denver's delivery of the ballad "I Want to Live." Denver's ruminations about the changing demographics of the American family and his insights into friendships new and old, the beautiful plains of Montana, and his plea to reach out to others strike a sentimental chord and provide a Christmas message worth pondering through the years. --Tami Horiuchi

Clint Black • Kathy Mattea • Patty Loveless Christmas For Cowboys • 'Til Santa's Gone (I Just Can't Wait) • Someday Soon • Christ Child's Lullaby Wild Montana Skies • Potter's Wheel • Grandma's Feather Bed • Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer • Away In A Manger • Jingle Bells • I Want To Live • Feelings Of Love • A Change In The Air

Learn To Play the Songs of John Denver: Lessons 1-3