John Denver
Riders into the Sunset
by: Jason Sattler
Singer-songwriter John Denver, one of the best selling
country-music artists of all time, died suddenly and tragically on
October 12, 1997, when his experimental plane crashed into the
Pacific Ocean. Born Henry John Deutschendorf, he chose the
stage name Denver, and came to typify the breezy charm of
the Rocky Mountains.
His first nationwide success was as a songwriter. His song,
"Leaving on a Jet Plane," as performed by Peter, Paul, and Mary
was a #1 hit in 1967. He went on to record four platinum and
twelve gold records, and became a star on television and in films
during the 1970s. Songs from this era..............................................