John Denver

Acting

John Denver

Born 1943-12-31 · Roswell, New Mexico, USA

Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, activist, and humanitarian, whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singer. After traveling and living in numerous locations while growing up in his military family, Denver began his music career with folk music groups during the late 1960s. Starting in the 1970s, he was one of the most popular acoustic artists of the decade and one of its best-selling artists. By 1974, he was one of America's best-selling performers, and AllMusic has described Denver as "among the most beloved entertainers of his era". Denver recorded and released approximately 300 songs, about 200 of which he composed, with total sales of over 33 million records worldwide. He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning 12 gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Calypso", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders". Denver appeared in several films and television specials during the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado, which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot who died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash while flying his experimental Rutan Long-EZ canard aircraft.

Acting credits

The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson poster
6.8

While the Muppets prepare a tribute to the late Jim Henson, they learn about the life and career of the renowned puppeteer/film maker.

The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson

1990

Oh, God! poster
6.4

When God appears to an assistant grocery manager as a good natured old man, the Almighty selects him as his messenger for the modern world.

Oh, God!

1977

The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years poster
6.1

For the first time in their careers, all the Muppets (except the ones that couldn't make it, like the Doozers, Gorgs and most of the Fraggles) have gathered together in one place to celebrate their thirtieth anniversary and honor the one who brought them together: Kermit the Frog (and by doing so, Jim Henson).

The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years

1986

Aspen poster
6.2

A former mining town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen is now better known as a winter playground for wealthy holidaymakers. Against the majestic landscape, visitors relax while locals toil around them.

Aspen

1991

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together poster
7.1

In this beloved holiday classic, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets join the singer for a heart-warming Christmas celebration, with traditional carols as well as lesser-known holiday songs.

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together

1979

Higher Ground poster
6.3

Set against the awesome backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, a disillusioned FBI agent decides to retire and join his buddy running an air frieght business. When his friend is murdered and unjustly branded a bootlegger, the former agent sets out to clear his friend's name.

Higher Ground

1988

Doris Day Today poster
6.5

America's sweetheart Doris Day offers songs and sketches with some of her famous friends in this smash hit television special from 1975. John Denver and Day sing a few entertaining duets, and funnyman Tim Conway joins in on a couple of skits. Then, Rich Little impersonates some of Day's legendary co-stars, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Jack Lemmon. Songs include selections from Love Me or Leave Me, Teacher's Pet, Calamity Jane and more.

Doris Day Today

1975

No artwork available
NR

An odyssey of a biplane once owned by John Denver.

Rainbow Rider

2024

The Leftovers poster
7.0

A close-knit group of orphans and their father-figure, Max, try to keep their home from being shut down. Helping them out are a single mom and the elderly butler from Max's aunt's mansion, where Max grew up.

The Leftovers

1986

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2 poster
NR

This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 years of Bob Hope Specials and the many celebrities that appeared on them The clips begin with his very first special, for Frigidaire, on April 9, 1950 and putting his way through the years to 1975

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2

2001

No artwork available
NR

Music man John Denver shares the stage with classical music’s esteemed stars, Beverly Sills, James Galway, and Itzhak Perlman, in scenic Aspen, CO.

John Denver: Music and the Mountains

1981

Foxfire poster
7.2

Annie Nations and her husband Hector loved their life together in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but when Hector dies, Annie has to decide if she can handle the wilderness on her own.

Foxfire

1987

Walking Thunder poster
6.5

In the 1850's, a young boy and his family on their way West become stranded in the Rockies. With the help of a local mountain man, a Sioux medicine man, and a legendary bear known as "Walking Thunder," the boy learns to become a man, and his family's survival is secured.

Walking Thunder

1995

John Denver - Thank God I'm A Country Boy Live In Australia 1977 poster
NR

Thank God I'm A Country Boy Live In Australia is a 1977 concert from John Denver's tour Down Under and features some of his greatest hits including Rocky Mountain High, Annie's Song, Take Me Home Country Roads & Thank God I'm A Country Boy

John Denver - Thank God I'm A Country Boy Live In Australia 1977

2009

The Christmas Gift poster
5.6

A widowed New York City architect and his young daughter take a Christmas vacation and end up in a small mystical town in Colorado where everyone believes in Santa Claus.

The Christmas Gift

1986

No artwork available
NR

Filmed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence anchored in the Hudson River, this variety fundraiser aimed to raise money for the reconstruction and restoration of the Statue of Liberty.

Salute to Lady Liberty

1984

Rocky Mountain Christmas poster
8.5

Watched by over 65 million on its premiere, John Denver hosts a musical Holiday special with guests to coincide with his first holiday album release. The show takes place and is filmed in Aspen, CO inside a clear bio-dome.

Rocky Mountain Christmas

1975

Jacques Cousteau: The First 75 Years poster
9.0

Documentary about the life of explorer Jacques Cousteau.

Jacques Cousteau: The First 75 Years

1985

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1 poster
NR

This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 years of Bob Hope Specials and the many celebrities that appeared on them The clips begin with his very first special, for Frigidaire, on April 9, 1950 and putting his way through the years to 1975

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1

2001

Sinatra and Friends poster
7.0

Sinatra and Friends was a television special that aired on April 21, 1977. Featuring contemporary artists such as John Denver and Natalie Cole, as well as Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Loretta Lynn, Leslie Uggams and Robert Merrill, Sinatra performs duets of standards in different styles such as folk and disco in addition to each singer performing solo.

Sinatra and Friends

1977

Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special poster
9.0

An all-star cast celebrates George Burn's 90th birthday and showcases highlights in Burns' career.

Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special

1986

Julie Andrews: The Sound of Christmas poster
7.0

Julie Andrews joins John Denver, Placido Domingo, and The King's Singers for a Christmas journey through time in the city of Salzburg, Austria. Written and sang with many references to "Sound", the journey takes individuals to the many filming locations and haunts that are personal to the cast with music interludes along the way.

Julie Andrews: The Sound of Christmas

1987

The 3rd Barry Manilow Special poster
7.7

Manilow's third special include hits, skits, and a special appearance by John Denver.

The 3rd Barry Manilow Special

1979

Montana Christmas Skies poster
10.0

This 47-minute, 1991 CBS television special finds John Denver joined by friends Clint Black, Katy Mattea, and Patty Loveless on Montana's Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Images of Denver on horseback, traversing the wide open plains and herding and roping cattle are interspersed with more intimate looks at Denver, Mattea, Black, Loveless, and other friends gathered for an old-fashioned sing-along in a rustic barn.

Montana Christmas Skies

1991

Behind the camera