CHAPTER :
John Denver, Starwood in Aspen
With entries from:
Jan Slater   —   9 years ago

I am from Australia and when John first came on the radio here I was suffering very deep depression, to the point of wanting to take my own life. I was having a really bad day this day and I heard John Denver on the radio, there was something about his voice that made me stop and listen. I went and got myself the only tape they had out here in Australia of John's and played it while sitting out in the bush every day. I also learnt a lot about John, one being that he was born the same year and month as me and only 6 days apart and that he suffered depression as well. I learnt that he loved to take photos just like I do, he owned an Appaloosa horse as I did and that as a child he moved around a lot just like I did and always felt out of place at the different schools we went to. So I listened to him every day and I did meditation to his music., this was the only thing that I believe to this day, saved my life or today I would be dead. He was someone very special and very loving and I will never forget him as long as I live. I have listened to John from that very first day and I still do today over 40 years later, some times he still gets me through the day.
Also 39 years later, I got to go to Aspen where John lived, I felt the magic that was there and I can now understand why John loved it so much. I went to his amazing Maroon Bells where he loved to hike, Oh what a special place that was. I even got the chance to go to a private Ute Blessing of a Peace Pole and little did I know it was John's Peace Pole being moved from Windstar, I would love to think that John may have had something to do with that. Plus I had my best friend with me from Fort Bragg CA, it doesn't get any better then that and we will return to Aspen. There will never ever be any one like John again, well not in this life time any way. If I could I would have loved to have thanked him face to face. I love him as much today as I did over 40 years ago.....thank you, Jan

  • 12988 |
    Linda - 9 years ago
    Hi Jan, it's a wonderful thing that someone like John, who you never had the privilege to meet, was able to do this for you. I'm so glad that you found him - and he you - when you needed someone so badly. Keep him in your heart and soul and he will keep you safe. Thanks for sharing your story.
       -   view 0 replies    -   hide replies
  • 12715 |
    Jan - 9 years ago
    Hello Linda, thank you for your message, John has been such a huge part of my life and I will always have him with me no matter where I am or where I go. When I found John I was in a very bad state, but just listening to him sing such wonderful songs and his magic voice, that got me thru' my bad times. I do and always will love John and hope to one day to meet up with him in another world, I am an artist and I wish I could share my painting of him with you. Thank you again.
       -   view 0 replies    -   hide replies
Joann Eichinger   —   9 years ago

I have been a John Denver fan as long as I can remember. I love his various styles on the different albums. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to see him in concert, except through his variety specials on television. Visiting the John Denver Memorial in Aspen is on my bucket list. I have not ever been to Denver, or anywhere else in Colorado, but given the opportunity I would move there without hesitation. John Denver died the day after my birthday and I cried for days. I think the thing that amazed me the most during that terrible time was how people who had always criticized him, or made fun of his music, suddenly raved about what a brilliant song writer he was. Too bad they didn't recognize his talent when he was alive. May you Rest in Peace, JD.

  • - just now