Imagine being one of the most famous singers in the world and wanting to leave Earth behind. In 1986, NASA almost let that happen. Out of many people, John Denver was a finalist to fly on the Challenger space shuttle.
He was not just a guy with a guitar. He was a real pilot who passed every hard physical test the government gave him. He wanted to see the mountains from the stars. He even lobbied NASA for years to let him go into orbit. Even though he stayed on the ground, his heart was up there in the clouds. This dream led to a performance of “Annie’s Song” that felt like it reached across the whole universe.
John Denver – Annie’s Song (Live at the London Palladium)
People who watch this today still feel a big lump in their throats. One viewer said that his voice is like a warm hug from a long time ago. Another person mentioned that they always cry when they hear how pure he sounds. It is hard to find anyone today who can sing with that much peace.
While he was singing about the beauty of life, he was also getting ready for a huge change in his career. He started to show the world that he could do more than just play music.
He took a big risk and became an actor in a famous movie called Oh, God! This was a turning point for him because he had to prove he was more than a singer.
John Denver Interview – 1984
In an interview from 1984, he sits down to talk about his life as an actor and a man. He speaks about his friend George Burns and what it was like to play a regular guy chosen by a higher power.
He explains how he wants to bring people together through his art. Fans love his honesty about his struggles.
Follow John Denver on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to keep his spirit alive. He was the secret hero we all needed.