Today, as we gather to celebrate what would have been John Denver's 80th birthday, it feels like the perfect time to look back on the life and legacy of this extraordinary artist and human being. John, born on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico, captured the hearts of millions with his music and his deep love for nature and humanity.

Now he walks in quiet solitude the forests and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky…”  

This week, the John Denver estate is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his beloved song, Rocky Mountain High. The title track from his 1972 album is officially recognized as a state song of Colorado as of 2007. It was written while Denver was camping in the Rocky Mountains during the Perseid Meteor Shower, expressing his love and wonder for his adopted state.

The 50th Anniversary reissue of John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High album and song is out today on limited edition blue vinyl by Windstar Records and Secretly Distribution. Order and purchase exclusive merchandise HERE.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the beloved Rocky Mountain High album and song will be reissued on limited edition blue vinyl by Windstar Records and Secretly Distribution on September 16. Pre-order and purchase exclusive merchandise HERE.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the beloved Rocky Mountain High album and song will be reissued on limited edition blue vinyl by Windstar Records and Secretly Distribution on September 16. Pre-order and purchase exclusive merchandise HERE.

For the first time, newly discovered lyrics by John Denver will see the light of day on Earth Day, April 22nd, thanks to the esteemed Americana band Railroad Earth. The celebrated band wrote music to the unseen lyrics, unearthed by the late artist’s estate. The tracks will be available on a special 7 inch vinyl being sold at music retailers as well as digitally.

The John Denver Estate marks the twentieth anniversary of Denver’s untimely death on October 12 with a slew of new releases and programs including a new single, an album release, two museum exhibits and new availability of Denver’s 1994 autobiography.

On a paradisiacal Denver day for a special concert celebration, John Denver’s former band mates and his friends gathered along with the versatile Colorado Symphony to pay tribute to the Poet Laureate of the state at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. There was a large screen visible with John Denver often singing to an enduring older crowd often singing along.