Did you know that the most famous song about West Virginia was written by people who had never even been there?
In 1970, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert were driving down a curvy road in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Bill started playing with the words “country roads” while Taffy drove the car.
The songwriters thought about using Massachusetts. But the name did not fit the beat of the music. They tried West Virginia and it sounded like a dream.
John Denver heard the tune and knew it was a hit. He stayed up all night with them to finish the lyrics.
The Secret History of a Country Classic
People stayed on their feet for five minutes just clapping and cheering. One viewer said that hearing the story of how it was made makes the song feel even more special. Another person mentioned that they always thought it was a true story about a mountain man.
That wild night in Washington D.C. changed everything for the three friends. They went from writing in a small apartment to standing on the biggest stages in the world.
John Denver, Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert Live in 1973
When they stood together on the BBC stage, the harmony was perfect. Taffy hit the high notes while John strummed his big twelve-string guitar. You can see the smiles on their faces as they look at each other.
John Denver had a way of making every person in the room feel like his best friend. He showed us that music is a bridge that carries us all back home whenever we feel lost.
Follow John Denver on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to keep the music playing. His journey reminds us that home is wherever the music takes you.