In 1985, John Denver decided to trade in his old hiking boots for a synthesizer and a high-tech recording studio. He was already a massive legend with eighteen albums under his belt at that point in his life.
This specific year was a huge turning point for the man who usually sang about mountain highs and country roads. He wanted to reach people in a brand new way that felt modern and fresh.
Most people did not expect him to sound like a shiny pop star on the radio. He is trying to bridge a gap between the acoustic music of the past and the flashy sounds of the future.
It is a quiet kind of boldness that only a true artist can pull off during a transition.
John Denver – Don’t Close Your Eyes, Tonight (1985)
People still talk about how this specific performance makes them feel deep inside today. One viewer shared that the music still hits home for him. Another fan stopped by the page to show some real love for that familiar melody.
He took that same feeling of romance and turned it into a massive visual production for the television screen.
This next step in his journey was about chasing dreams. He was ready to show the world a side of himself they had never seen on a ranch.
John Denver – Don’t Close Your Eyes, Tonight (Official Music Video)
This music video features a beautiful actress named Debra Kelly. You see John Denver walking through a story that feels like a big movie from a different era. The scenes look like a painting come to life and make the romantic lyrics feel even stronger than before.
John Denver’s journey from a simple folk singer to a global star is something we will never forget. Follow John Denver on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. There are so many more beautiful stories to find in his incredible life and his music still has the power to heal.