John Denver walked into a Colorado basement club in 1970 with a plan to record Mr. Bojangles. He did not know he was already too late. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band beat him to the punch and claimed the song for their own. Most artists would be furious to lose a top ten hit to a rival group. Denver did the opposite and chose to celebrate their success instead.
This video shows how the moment was a massive turning point in music history. Denver sat in a dressing room. He knew that his own path was about to change in a much bigger way. This interaction proved that he was a man of character before he was a star.
Jeff Hanna Tells The John Denver “Country Roads” Story
People who witness this story today are still shocked by his reaction. One viewer said that Denver had a heart of gold for being so kind. Another person mentioned that his grace in that moment is why we still love him.
Losing that song was actually a blessing in disguise for Denver. While the other band enjoyed their hit, Denver reached for his guitar to show them something new. He did not need to sing someone else’s words anymore. He was busy writing ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ right there in the dark.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Mr. Bojangles (1971)
The world eventually saw him perform his own hits. He stood on stage with total peace and shared his soul with millions. He went from being a singer to a successful songwriter.
John Denver created a feeling of home for everyone who listened. His journey from a missed hit to a global legend is a lesson in staying true to yourself. You should follow John Denver on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to hear more of his timeless music.