Country and Folk Music

Blog about history of country and folk music.

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Marty Robbins II


Marty Robbins

Marty, own name Martin David Robinson, was born was born in September 26, 1925, in the southwestern region of the United States, in state Arizona. Nickname of this state is rand Canyon State, but in Slovakia and Czech I think, most people know this state name from one famous comedy, western - Limonadovy Joe aneb Konska opera (Lemonade Joe). Unforgiven song - "Arizona, Arizona, that's all right men's zone". :O)

Marty became of 10 siblings. His childhood was formed by his father, who played on harmonica and also songs and stories, which his grandfather (Bob Heckle) spoke. But situation in family was very difficult, unhappilly his father was drunkard and it was main reason to divorce marriage. Marty interested in films of Gene Autry and his dream was to become singing cowboy too.

He left the family in age of 17-teen and sign on US Navy. All The Second World War he spent in Pacific and during this time he learned to play on guitar and to write songs.

After end of War, he left Army and started to play in clubs in Phoenix. During short time he had own TV show. One of his quests was also Little Jimmy Dickens. Jimmy was surprised of Marty and advice Columbia Records to sign exclusive contract with Marty Robbins. In 1952 studio released Marty's single Love Me Or Leave Me Alone.

Marty RobbinsThe third Marty's single (I'll Go On Alone) became No.1 of Country Hit-parade in 1953 and next record I Couldn't Keep From Crying was in Top Ten.

He was also few times on scene of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and from 1953 he started to be permanent member of it.
His next famous records were Pretty Words, That's All Right, Singing The Blues, Knee Deep In The Blues, The Story Of My Life, White Sport Coat, Teenage Dream, etc.

He triumphed on country scene and in same time he permeated to pop scene. You can see it on his records from 1958 She Was Only Seventeen and Stairway Of Love. His absolute famous song was El Paso.

In 1961 Marty recorded single Don't Worry. Next famous song was Devil Woman and brought him again to the top of Pop Hit-parades. In same year Marty recorded Ruby Ann. From that time Marty till his death, stayed only in country scene and brought other famous songs (Begging To You, Ribbon Of Darkness, Tonight Carmen, I Walk Alone, My Woman, My Woman, My Wife.

From 1972 Marty signed three years contract with Decca/MCA. From 1976 he recorded in Columbia Records again. He became on Top Ten with El Paso City and Among My Souvenirs.

You can also see Marty Robbins in movies as actor - The Gun And The Gavel, The Badge Of Marshal Brennan a Buffalo Gun. He showed in many TV shows and had a lot of concerts.

He had been known by kindness to fans. It's irony of destiny that in 1982 he brought new single You'll Never Get Out Of his World Alive. Only two months later, when his song named Some Memories Just Won't Die left Top 10, he died on heart attack.

Family life:

In 1948, Robbins married Marizona Baldwin and he dedicated her his song My Woman, My Woman, My Wife. They had two children - son Ronny (born 1949) and daughter Janet (born 1959). Both stay also in show business (daughter has a singing career in Los Angeles, son create records for recording studios Artic, Columbia, Epic), but they didn't achieve so large success as their father.

Marty Robbins was also very impassioned race car driver. He had show his passion also in movie, he played himself in Hell of Wheels.

Marty Robbins
Discography:

  • Albums
  • 1956  Rock'n Rollin' Robbins
  • 1957  The Song of Robbins
  • 1957  The Song of the Islands
  • 1958  Marty Robbins
  • 1959  Marty's Greatest Hits
  • 1959  Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs
  • 1960  More Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs
  • 1961  More Greatest Hits
  • 1961  Just a Little Sentimental
  • 1962  Marty After Midnight
  • 1962  Portrait of Marty
  • 1962  Devil Woman
  • 1963  Hawaii's Calling Me
  • 1963  Return of the Gunfighter
  • 1964  Island Woman
  • 1964  R.F.D.
  • 1965  Turn the Lights Down Low
  • 1966  Saddle Tramp
  • 1966  What God Has Done
  • 1966  Drifter
  • 1967  My Kind of Country
  • 1967  Tonight Carmen
  • 1967  Christmas with Marty Robbins
  • 1968  By the Time I Get to Phoenix
  • 1968  I Walk Alone
  • 1969  Singing the Blues
  • 1969  Country
  • 1969  It's a Sin
  • 1970  Story of My Life
  • 1970  El Paso
  • 1970  My Woman, My Woman, My Wife
  • 1971  Greatest Hits
  • 1971  From the Heart
  • 1971  Today
  • 1971  The World
  • 1972  Own Favorites
  • 1972  Bound for Old Mexico
  • 1972  All Time Greatest Hits
  • 1972  I've Got Woman's Love
  • 1972  Have I Told You Lately
  • 1972  This Much a Man
  • 1973  Marty Robbins
  • 1974  Good'n Country
  • 1975  Two Gun Daddy
  • 1975  No Signs of Loneliness Here
  • 1976  El Paso City
  • 1977  Adios Amigo
  • 1977  Don't Let Me Touch You
  • 1978  Performer
  • 1978  Greatest Hits
  • 1979  All Around Cowboy
  • 1980  With Love
  • 1981  Everything I've Always Wanted
  • 1981  Encore
  • 1981  The Legend
  • 1982  Come Back to Me
  • 1982  Biggest Hits
  • 1983  Some Memories Just Won't Die
  • 1983  Lifetime of Song
  • 1983  Twentieth Century Drifter
  • 1984  Long Long Ago
  • 1986  Christmas to Remember


  • singles
  • 1952  I'll Go on Alone
  • 1953  I Couldn't Keep from Crying
  • 1954  Pretty Words
  • 1954  Call Me Up (And I'll Come Calling on You)
  • 1955  Time Goes By
  • 1955  That's All Right
  • 1955  Maybelline
  • 1956  Singing the Blues
  • 1956  I Can't Quit (I've Gone Too Far)
  • 1957  Knee Deep in the Blues
  • 1957  The Same Two Lips
  • 1957  A White Sport Coat
  • 1957  Please Don't Blame Me
  • 1957  Teen-Age Dream
  • 1957  The Story of My Life
  • 1958  Just Married
  • 1958  Stairway of Love
  • 1958  She Was Only Seventeen (He Was One Year More)
  • 1958  Ain't I the Lucky One
  • 1959  The Hanging Tree
  • 1959  Cap and Gown
  • 1959  El Paso
  • 1960  Big Iron
  • 1960  Is There Any Chance
  • 1960  Five Brothers
  • 1960  Ballad of the Alamo
  • 1961  Don't Worry
  • 1961  I Told the Brook
  • 1961  Jimmy Martinez
  • 1961  It's Your World
  • 1962  Sometimes I'm Tempted
  • 1962  Love Can't Wait
  • 1962  Devil Woman
  • 1962  Ruby Ann
  • 1963  Cigarettes and Coffee Blues
  • 1963  Not So Long Ago
  • 1963  Begging to You
  • 1964  Girl from Spanish Town
  • 1964  The Cowboy in the Continental Suit
  • 1964  One of These Days
  • 1965  Ribbon of Darkness
  • 1965  Old Red
  • 1965  While You're Dancing
  • 1966  Count Me Out
  • 1966  Private Wilson White
  • 1966  The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
  • 1966  Mr. Shorty
  • 1967  No Tears Milady
  • 1967  Fly Butterfly Fly
  • 1967  Tonight Carmen
  • 1967  Gardenias in Her Hair
  • 1968  Love Is in the Air
  • 1968  I Walk Alone
  • 1969  It's a Sin
  • 1969  I Can't Say Goodbye
  • 1969  Carmella
  • 1970  My Woman, My Woman, My Wife
  • 1970  Jolie Girl
  • 1970  Padre
  • 1971  The Chair
  • 1971  Seventeen Years
  • 1971  Early Morning Sunshine
  • 1972  The Best Part of Living
  • 1972  I've Got a Woman's Love
  • 1972  This Much a Man
  • 1973  Laura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got)
  • 1973  Walking Piece of Heaven
  • 1973  A Man and a Train
  • 1973  Love Me
  • 1973  Crawling on My Knees
  • 1974  Twentieth Century Drifter
  • 1974  Don't You Think
  • 1974  Two Gun Daddy
  • 1975  Life
  • 1975  It Takes Faith
  • 1975  Shotgun Rider
  • 1976  El Paso City
  • 1976  Among My Souvenirs
  • 1977  Adios Amigo
  • 1977  I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)
  • 1977  Don't Let Me Touch You
  • 1978  Return to Me
  • 1978  Please Don't Play a Love Song
  • 1979  Touch Me with Magic
  • 1979  All Around Cowboy
  • 1979  Buenos Dias Argentina
  • 1980  She's Made of Faith
  • 1980  One Man's Trash (Is Another Man's Treasure)
  • 1980  An Occasional Rose
  • 1981  Completely Out of Love
  • 1981  Jumper Cable Man
  • 1981  Teardrops in My Heart
  • 1982  Some Memories Just Won't Die
  • 1982  Tie Your Dream to Mine
  • 1982  Honkytonk Man
  • 1983  Change of Heart
  • 1983  Love Me (w/ Jeanne Pruett)
  • 1983  What If I Said I Love You



  • Don't Worry


    El Paso City


    Big Iron


    Mr. Shorty


    Ghost Riders In The Sky

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    Marty Robbins I


    Marty Robbins

    Today is 27-th anniversary of death of one country icon - Marty Robbins (December 8, 1982). He emphasised unforgiven series of cowboy and Mexican ballads. He became to the Country Music Hall of Fame and his songs are still in hit-parades.

    More read in new post.


    Some famous songs:

    The Streets Of Laredo


    El Paso


    Ballad of the Alamo


    Feleena


    The Master's Call A Tribute To Marty Robbins

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    Sunday, September 20, 2009

    Back


    Hello everybody.

    Holidays finished and we all are back at job. I'm sure, somebody of us spent free days on romantic way or dream's islands (see up) with perfect person.

    My holidays were different, but also nice. I spent holidays on way. But perfect way, I think. I spent it in adventure parks in Europe, especially in Germany and Belgium. (And I recommend you Europa park in Rust.) But I don't like to write about parks. This blog isn't about that, but about music, especially in country and folk music.

    Last time I advertised Competition.

    It hasn't so response as I've waited, but never mind. I thought of it and prepared own list and here it is:

    .

    It isn't list what you've waited. These names are names of Czech bands and singers. Yes, they are my favourite. And also Bee Gees and ABBA, but it isn't Folk or Country, as you know.

    And what about American singers. I prefer John Denver.


    Rangers


    Jiří Grossmann


    Taxmeni


    Fešáci


    Waldemar Matuška

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    Wednesday, July 29, 2009

    Country Competition

    Country Competition




    During all history of country music, there are and were many famous singers and music bands.

    Everybody knows some hitparade in every kind of music, as well in Country music. Every year there is official competition - Grammy Awards. It is rating of professionals in more categories.

    Let's try to create some own TOP 5. Here are only four categories:


    • Singer - Man (Never mind if interpret is still alive or dead.)

    • Singer - Women (Never mind if interpret is still alive or dead.)

    • Music Band (Never mind if music band still exists or not.)

    • Song (during all rich country history)


    Please write it to comments under this post. Everybody can nominate 5 nominees for each category.

    The contest will be close after 2 month and results will be published asap.

    In the end, there will be evaluation and one of the voting will have his link on this site for 4 months.

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    Monday, June 1, 2009

    Waldemar Matuska IV

    Matuska

    On Saturday, the country world lost one of his members, the famous and memorable singer Waldemar Matuška.

    He won recognition by his low and flannelly voice. Death cause was pneumonia and heart failure. He died on Florida, May 30, 2009, aged 76.

    Matuska

    His success in 60-teen became with song Suvenir. As one czechoslovak agency wrote about him: "he has hoodlumy sex appeal, beard, evil-eyes and sparkle by energy, he was oposite of his show-business college Karel Gott". And Waldemar said: " I m type of vagabond, tramp and singers".

    Matuska

    Maybe it is destiny, but this weekend I was on one country action. Some friends met, played guitar, sang. We played many songs of him. It was shock to came home on Sunday evening and got to hear that bad news.



    Quit Quittin


    Quit Quittin






    Waldemar, Walda, will always of my heard. For ever.

    Matuska

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    Sunday, February 1, 2009

    Brian Vander Ark

    Brian Vander Ark

    Somebody of you will know him as lead of music band named The Verve Pipe.

    Brian was born in June 19, 1966, in Holland, Michigan. In US of course, as most of country singers. The first time, when he felt guitar, he was 8 years old. After leaving of US Army he started to join with music band His Boy Elroy (he played on guitar) and later with Johnny With an Eye. He stayed there to 1992 when he leave to band The Verve Pipe. There Brian played with his brother Brad Vander Ark (bassist) and Donny Brown (drummer).

    The first great success came in 1997 with single The Freshmen and the lead single of band named Never Let You Down (from album Underneath) came in 2001. This single was one of the Top 50 Most Played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio in same year.

    The first solo album Brian released after two years, in May 2003. The name was Resurrection. Next album came only after three years, again in May, 2006 (Maybe May is happy month of Brian :o) ) named Angel, Put Your Face On.

    Brian Vander Ark

    You could see him also in the films. For example :

    • in Rock Star (2001), (as bass player), his song Colorful was used at the end of the movie.
    • in Road Kill (as director Matthew Leutwyler)
    • in Dead and Breakfast (he composed the musical scores)
    • and in Unearthed (he composed the musical scores)
    .
    In 2008, Brian signed a contract with recording studio named Second Motion Records. This studio released his first two solo albums Resurrection and Angel, Put Your Face On and also his new album Brian Vander Ark.

    Family: Brian was married with his girlfriend Michelle when he was 18 years old and they had a son named Joshua Vander Ark. After his coming from US Army, they divorced.
    Now Brian is married to folk singer Jenna Land, who performs under the name Lux Land. They have a daughter together.

    Discography:

    • Resurrection (2003)
    • Within Reach (2004)
    • Live At Eddie's - Bootleg (2006)
    • Angel, Put Your Face On (2006)
    • Lawn Chairs And Living Rooms - Bootleg (2007)
    • Brian Vander Ark (2008)
    • Brian Vander Ark: Live at Aquinas College (2008)

    Whiter Shade of Pale


    Freshmen


    Hero

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    Billy Craig

    Billy Craig

    In this post there are used also information which were send me by Billy Craig.

    Billy was born in small town Big Rapids, in Michigan, US. He was the second youngest child of nine kids.

    The first experiences with music he got very early, when he watched and listen his older siblings - brother and sister. When he was seven years old, his mother bought him his first guitar. From that time, he had unforsaked it. In his eight years, he started play with his older brother. In the same year, he won the Eastern Michigan Battle of the Bands and gained more fans.

    From childhood, he has had many shows, he has played with players, who were much older than he.

    Later he established his own music bands, playing jazz, country and rock. He played in front of many thousands people in all USA. He played also abroad included Scandinavian countries - Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

    Bill was featured in two radio show named Country Legends in the Making and The American Collection with his last CD This Side Of Somewhere. This CD was prepared two years and was recorded in legendary Sun Studio (This recording studio is the birthplace of rock & roll, launching household names like Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and U2's Rattle and Hum . . .).

    Billy Craig

    In present time, he is one of the hardest working artist in this business, his radio presence is growing in states and abroad too. He prepare the new project, with 18 new songs, which will come in spring time.

    His music is being played on country stations in the USA from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Maine, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, Florida and around the world including Canada, Ireland, England, Australia and New Zealand.

    Stations include, off the shores of England Radio Caroline, Radio Logan (Down Under) 101FM, My Country 105.9 FM Australia, Oamaru Heritage Radio 88.3 & 107 fm, 98.1FM Raglan Radio New Zealand, WORLD.FM, 1.FM Absolute Country Hits, Country Music USA, K94 New Country, LA’s Hot Country, Arizona’s Pure Country and Arizona’s Pure Country Canada as well as Detroit’s 99.5 The Wolf Country, Constant Country KRS, The Right Country Radio Network, FunSeekers Radio Network which includes WCON, WDMG, WHIE, WKLY, WTRP, WKUN, WMTM, WCOH, WTWA, WIMO, WGAA, WHEP, WSFC, WCVP, WPCC, WCLE, WBRY as well as WCTH , WDYN, WMME, WATZ, WQTE, WWBR, WGDN, WBWC, WCRC, WRBC, WFDU, WCEF, WCYO, WRVK, WDXE, WNKX, WVIM, KEIF, KVLG, KBUK, KYTE FM, WOYS, WOCY, KSOC and CHFX and the list is growing as America and the world discover this exciting new artist

    Unfortunately I can't offer you any video, I was able to find nothing.

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    Tuesday, December 9, 2008

    Amy Speace

    Amy Speace

    Few days ago I got e-mail which ask to write something about popular folk singer Amy Speace.

    Unfortunatelly I have to tell you, I wasn't able to find many information about her. That's why I use all info what were sent by Marios P - visitor of blog. Thanks a lot.

    She was born on February 8, 1968 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA as Amy F. Speace.

    On her new album Songs for Bright Street, New York-based singer/songwriter Amy Speace demonstrates why she's quickly become one of her adopted hometown's most celebrated emerging artists. Possessing a commanding voice, a distinctive melodic sensibility and an uncanny knack for nailing complex emotions in song, Speace makes music that's both illuminating and effortlessly accessible.

    From the rustic rush of Step Out of the Shade to the bittersweet lilt of Water Landing to the gentle acoustic intimacy of "Two," Songs for Bright Street's 12 original compositions (plus a slyly countrified reading of the Blondie classic "Dreaming") showcase Speace's unique gifts, offering catchy Americana with indelible hooks, sharply observed lyrics and a gritty urban edge. Among those impressed by her sassy songcraft is legendary folk-pop songstress Judy Collins, who chose Songs for Bright Street to release on her new Wildflower label.

    Amy Speace has already won a loyal grass-roots fan base, thanks in large part to live performances that merge warmth, humor and emotional immediacy, and to a tireless touring schedule that's already taken her across the United States. She's also won considerable critical acclaim, with The Village Voice observing that Speace is "taking her Americana away from twangy contemplation toward tangy confrontation" and noting that she's "not another of those breathy would-be child poets, but a real singing writer of songs." Time Out New York stated, "Amy Speace plays sweet, twangy folk music with a clear voice and an innocent vulnerability," while The Nashville Scene noted that she "balances wry humor with open-hearted honesty." And renowned Nashville critic Robert K. Oermann, writing in Music Row, dubbed her a "new star."


    Amy Speace

    She is young but she has already released three albums:


    • Songs for Bright Str... (2006)
    • Fable (2002)
    • Edith O (1998)



    Top Tracks by Amy Speace:

    • Restless - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Restless - Amy Speace)
    • Two Ships - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Two Ships - Amy Speace)
    • Home - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006,Home - Amy Speace)
    • Rosalie - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Rosalie - Amy Speace)
    • I Know It Well - Amy Speace (5. februára 2002, I Know It Well - Amy Speace)
    • Arizona 160 - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Arizona 160 - Amy Speace)
    • Fairytale - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Fairytale - Amy Speace)
    • Step Out Of The Shade - Amy Speace (May 6, 2006, Step Out Of The Shade - Amy Speace)
    • Double Wide Trailer - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Double Wide Trailer - Amy Speace)
    • Two - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Two - Amy Speace)
    • Can't Find A Reason To Cry - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Can't Find A Reason To Cry - Amy Speace)
    • Right Through To Me - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Right Through To Me - Amy Speace)
    • Row Row Row - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Row Row Row - Amy Speace)
    • Dreaming - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Dreaming - Amy Speace)
    • Make Me Lonely Again - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Make Me Lonely Again - Amy Speace)
    • The Real Thing - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, The Real Thing - Amy Speace)
    • Shed This Skin - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Shed This Skin - Amy Speace)
    • Not The Heartless Kind - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Not The Heartless Kind - Amy Speace)
    • Water Landing - Amy Speace (May 16, 2006, Water Landing - Amy Speace)
    • The Morning After the Ball - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, The Morning After the Ball - Amy Speace)
    • Fallen - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Fallen - Amy Speace)
    • Seven Year Itch - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Seven Year Itch - Amy Speace)
    • Transatlantic Conversation - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Transatlantic Conversation - Amy Speace)
    • Idle Hands - Amy Speace (February 5, 2002, Idle Hands - Amy Speace)


    Weight of the World


    Double Wide Trailer


    Step Out Of The Shade

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    Sunday, November 9, 2008

    Creator of Country Anthem VIII - John Denver

    John Denver

    Filmography of Johny Denver

    Feature and Television films:


    • Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973)
    • Sunshine (1973) (TV)
    • Sierra (1974) (TV Series)
    • The New Land (1974) (TV Series)
    • The Bears and I (1974)
    • Sunshine (1975) (TV Series)
    • Oh, God! (1978) - John Denver, starring
    • The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979) (Starring TV, song "Rhymes and Reasons")
    • Rocky Mountain Holiday (1982) (Starring TV - John Denver & the Muppets)
    • The Christmas Wish (1986) (Starring, song "Love Again")
    • Son-In-Law (1993) (song "Thank God I'm A Country Boy")
    • Mimi wo sumaseba (1995) (song "Take Me Home, Country Roads")
    • The Rock (1996) (song "Leaving on a Jet Plane")
    • My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) (song "Annie's Song")
    • Armageddon (1998) (song "Leaving On A Jet Plane")
    • Final Destination (2000) (song "Rocky Mountain High")
    • Take Me Home: The John Denver Story (2000) (TV) (songs)
    • The Wedding Planner (2001) (song "Annie's Song")
    • Catch Me If You Can (2002) (song "Leaving on a Jet Plane")
    • A Song's Best Friend (2004) - John Denver, starring

    Production:

    • Higher Ground (1988) (TV) (co-executive producer)
    • John Denver & the Muppets: Rocky Mountain Holiday (1982) (TV) (producer)
    • John Denver: Music and the Mountains (1981) (TV) (producer)

    Writing:

    • Take Me Home: The John Denver Story (2000) (TV) (book Take Me Home )

    Television:

    • Philadelphia Folk Festival (1971) (TV) … Himself
    • The Midnight Special - Episode dated 19 August 1972 (1972) TV Episode … Himself
    • John Denver: Live at Red Rocks (1973) Televised Concert … Himself, Starring
    • The John Denver Sho" (1973) TV Series … Himself
    • McCloud The Colorado Cattle Caper (1974) (TV) Deputy Dewey Cobb Performer: 'Guess He'd Rather be in Colorado'
    • Doris Day Today (1975) (TV) … Himself
    • Rocky Mountain Christmas (1975) (TV) … Himself
    • The Merv Griffin Show
    • John Denver and Friends (1976) (TV) … Himself
    • The 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1976) (TV) … Himself – Co-host
    • Van Dyke and Company
    • The John Denver Special (1976) (TV) … Himself
    • Carpenters Very First Television Special (1976) (TV) … Himself
    • Sinatra and Friends (1977) (TV) … Himself
    • The 20th Annual Grammy Awards (1978) (TV) … Host
    • The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song (1979) (TV) … Himself – Performer: 'Rhymes & Reasons'
    • The 21st Annual Grammy Awards (1979) (TV) … Himself – Host
    • The Muppet Show
    • The 3rd Barry Manilow Special (1979) (TV) … Himself
    • John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together (1979) (TV) … Himself – Host
    • The John Davidson Show
    • The Tomorrow Show
    • John Denver with His Special Guest George Burns: Two of a Kind (1981) (TV) … Himself
    • John Denver: Music and the Mountains (1981) (TV) … Himself
    • John Denver: Live at Red Rocks (1982) Televised Concert … Himself, Starring
    • John Denver & the Muppets: Rocky Mountain Holiday (1982) (TV) … Himself
    • The 24th Annual Grammy Awards (1982) (TV) … Himself – Host
    • The 25th Annual Grammy Awards (1983) (TV) … Himself – Host
    • Salute to Lady Liberty (1984) (TV) … Himself
    • In Concert at the Met (1984) (TV) … Himself
    • The 27th Annual Grammy Awards (1985) (TV) … Himself -Host
    • Liberty Weekend (1986) (TV) … Himself
    • Farm Aid '87 (1987) (TV) … Himself
    • 'Limbo' episode of "Magnum P.I." (April 15, 1987) (TV) ... Song "Looking for Space"
    • Julie Andrews: The Sound of Christmas (1987) (TV) … Himself
    • Christmas in Aspen (1988) (TV) … Host
    • The 15th Annual American Music Awards (1988) (TV) … Himself
    • The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts (1988) (TV) … Himself
    • NBC Nightly News
    • The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (Episode dated 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990)
    • The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson (1990) (TV) … Himself
    • Aspen (1991) … Himself
    • Montana Christmas Skies (1991) (TV) … Himself
    • America Comes to Graceland (1993) (TV) … Himself
    • John Denver: The Wildlife Concert (1995) (TV) … Himself
    • Today (Episode dated 1984, 1986, 1991, 1996)
    • John Denver: A Portrait (1998) (V) … Himself
    • Nature (Episode 1998)
    • John Denver: A Song's Best Friend" (2004) (TV Movie/Documentary) (songs) … Himself, starring



    Follow Me


    Let Us Begin


    The Eagle and the Hawk


    Sweet Surrender


    12 days of Christmas

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    Creator of Country Anthem VII - John Denver


    John Denver

    I love this song and I think it's one of the most beautiful song for ever.


    Perhaps Love - John Denver & Placido Domingo


    Perhaps Love - John Denver & Olivia Newton-John


    Placido Domingo Rolando Villazón: Denver's "Perhaps Love


    Perhaps Love -- Live at the Met


    John Denver - Making of Perhaps Love

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    Creator of Country Anthem VI - John Denver


    John Denver

    Filmography of Johny Denver


    • RECORDING AWARDS
      • ASCAP TOP HITS
        • 1969 – Leaving On A Jetplane
        • 1971 – Follow Me, Take Me Home, Country Roads
        • 1973 – Rocky Mountain high
        • 1974 – back Home Again
        • 1975 – Calypso, Fly Away, I’m Sorry, Thank God I’m A Country Boy
        • 1976 – Looking For Space
        • 1977 – Baby You Look Good To Me Tonight
        • 1978 – How can I Leave You Again
        • 1981 – Take Me Home Country Roads (re-release)

      • Platinum Albums (1 Million Sold):
        • Back Home Again
        • Poems, Prayers and Promises
        • Rocky Mountain High
        • John Denver’s Greatest Hits
        • An Evening With John Denver
        • A Christmas Together (John Denver and the Muppets)
        • I Want To Live
        • Spirit

      • Platinum Singles:
        • Take Me Home Country Roads
        • Gold Albums (1/2 Million Sold):
        • Rocky Mountain High
        • Farewell Andromeda
        • Aerie
        • Windsong
        • Back Home Again
        • Rocky Mountain Christmas
        • Poems, prayers and Promises
        • John Denver’s Greatest Hits
        • An Evening with John Denver
        • I Want To Live
        • A Christmas Together
        • Spirit
        • Somedays Are Diamonds

      • Gold Singles:
        • Sunshine On My Shoulders
        • Back Home Again
        • I’m Sorry
        • Thank God I’m A Country Boy
        • Annie’s Song
        • Perhaps Love (with Placido Damingo)

      • Canadian Gold:
        • John Denver’s Greatest Hits
        • A Christmas Together

      • Australian Gold:
        • Rocky Mountain Christmas
        • An Evening With John Denver
        • Windsong
        • Rocky Mountain High
        • John Denver’s Greatest Hits
        • Poems, Prayers and Promises
        • Back Home Again
        • Higher Ground

      • German Gold:
        • The Best of John Denver

        In 1981, John received a special RCA Award for his album “ John Denver’s Greatest Hits”, which sold in excess of 20 Million copies in the United States alone, and is still one of the largest selling albums in the history of RCA.

    • INTERNATIONAL RECORD SALES
      • AUSTRALIA
        • GOLD (Over 20,000 units sold):
          • Spirit
          • Rocky Mountain High
          • Author
          • John Denver Live
          • An Evening With John Denver
          • Greatest Hits Volume 2
          • Windsong
          • Poems, Prayers and Promises
          • Back Home Again

        • PLATINUM (Over 50,000 units sold):
          • Greatest hits Volume 2
          • Back Home Again
          • Some Days Are Like Diamonds


      • GERMANY
        • GOLD (Over 250,000 units sold):
          • Great Successes (a release of Greatest Hits Vols. 1&2)

        • PLATINUM (Over 500,000 units sold):
          • Great Successes


      • UNITED KINGDOM
        • GOLD (Over 100,000 units sold):
          • An Evening With John Denver
          • Rocky Mountain High
          • Windsong
          • Back Home Again
          • Live in London
          • Best of John Denver

        • PLATINUM (Over 300,000 units sold):
          • Back Home Again
          • Live in London
          • Best of John Denver
          • MUSIC & WRITING AWARDS





    Calypso


    Poems Prayers and Promises...


    Back home again

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    Creator of Country Anthem V - John Denver


    John Denver


    Discography:


    • Studio Albums:
      • 1969 – Rhymes and Reasons
      • 1970 – Take Me To Tomorrow
      • 1970 – Whose Garden Was This?
      • 1971 – Poems, Prayers and Promises
      • 1972 – Aerie
      • 1972 – Rocky Mountain High
      • 1973 – Farewell Andromeda
      • 1974 – Back Home Again
      • 1975 – Windsong
      • 1976 – Spirit
      • 1977 – I Want To Live
      • 1979 – John Denver
      • 1980 – Autograph
      • 1981 – Some Days Are Diamonds
      • 1982 – Seasons Of The Heart
      • 1983 – It's About Time
      • 1985 – Dreamland Express
      • 1986 – One World
      • 1989 – Higher Ground
      • 1990 – Earth Songs
      • 1990 – The Flower That Shattered The Stone
      • 1991 – Different Directions
      • 1997 – All Aboard!

    • Live albums:

      • 1975 – An Evening With John Denver
      • 1976 – Live in London
      • 1995 – The Wildlife Concert
      • 1997 – The Best of John Denver Live
      • 1999 – Live at the Sydney Opera House
      • 2001 – Christmas in Concert
      • 2002 – The Harbor Lights Concert
      • 2007 – Live in the U.S.S.R.

    • Specialy albums:

      • 1975 – Rocky Mountain Christmas
      • 1979 - A Christmas Together
      • 1982 – Rocky Mountain Holiday
      • 1990 – Christmas, Like A Lullaby
      • 1998 – Forever, John

    • Compilation Albums:

      • 1973 – John Denver's Greatest Hits
      • 1997 – John Denver's Greatest Hits, Volume 2
      • 1984 – John Denver's Greatest Hits, Volume 3
      • 1994 – The Very Best Of John Denver
      • 1996 – The Rocky Mountain Collection
      • 1997 – Celebration of Life aka Love Again aka The Unplugged Collection
      • 1997 – Country Roads Collection
      • 1998 – The Best of John Denver
      • 2004 – Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits aka A Song's Best Friend
      • 2006 – 16 Biggest Hits
      • 2007 – The Essential John Denver
      • 2008 – Playlist: The Very Best of John Denver

    • Singles:

      • 1971 – Take Me Home, Country Roads
      • 1971 – Friends With You
      • 1972 – Everyday
      • 1972 – Goodbye Again
      • 1972 – Rocky Mountain High
      • 1973 – I'd Rather Be A Cowboy
      • 1973 – Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)
      • 1973 – Please, Daddy
      • 1974 – Sunshine on My Shoulders
      • 1974 – Annie's Song
      • 1974 – Back Home Again
      • 1974 – Sweet Surrender
      • 1975 – Thank God I'm a Country Boy
      • 1975 – I'm Sorry / Calypso
      • 1975 – Fly Away (with Olivia Newton-John)
      • 1975 – Christmas for Cowboys
      • 1976 – Looking for Space
      • 1976 – It Makes Me Giggle
      • 1976 – Like a Sad Song
      • 1976 – Baby, You Look Good To Me Tonight
      • 1977 – My Sweet Lady
      • 1977 – How Can I Leave You Again
      • 1978 – It Amazes Me
      • 1978 – I Want To Live
      • 1979 – What's On Your Mind
      • 1979 – Garden Song
      • 1980 – Autograph
      • 1980 – Dancing With The Mountains
      • 1981 – Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone)"
      • 1981 – The Cowboy And The Lady
      • 1982 – Perhaps Love (with Placido Domingo)
      • 1982 – Shanghai Breezes
      • 1982 – Seasons Of The Heart
      • 1983 – Wild Montana Skies (later with Aselin Debison)
      • 1984 – Love Again" (with Sylvie Vartan)
      • 1985 – Don't Close Your Eyes, Tonight
      • 1985 – Dreamland Express
      • 1989 – And So It Goes (with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)



    John Denver Remembered - 10 years gone


    Medley


    Grandma's Feather Bed

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    Creator of Country Anthem IV - John Denver


    John Denver

    Next years weren't so good for John's career. He started to embark upon humanitarian causes, also to help to save wild animal' life, made friendship with ecological organizations.


    John Denver was married twice. The first his wife was Annie Martell. Annie was the subject of his song Annie's Song. Both adopted two children, boy Zachary and girl Anna Kate. Zachary was subject of song A Baby Just Like You and Merry Christmas, Little Zachary.

    In 1982 John divorce with Annie and in 1988 he married Cassandra Delaney, Australian singer and actress. They had daughter Jesse Belle. This marrage wasn't so long, only 5 years. They divorced in 1993. John Denver reconciled to his first wife Annie. They became friends.

    John Denver

    It was bad day for all country scene. October 12, 1997. In that day John Denver piloted his aircraft. This A Long-EZ aircraft was experimental aircraft, which was designed by Burt Rutan in 70's. John had many experiences with piloting. John died in aircraft accident near Pacific Grove, California.

    John was cremated with his first guitar - Gibson guitar- which had been given to him by his grandmother and which accompanied him during his all life.

    Unfortunately John is death, but his songs with gentle melodies, are still famous. He accompanied himself on 12-strings guitar. His look was immuntable - western shirt, blue eyes, blond hair. HE was typical outdoor person, who loved life in the nature. His favourite color was green, favourite flowers were wild flowers. He lived in Rocky Mountains, in Aspen, Colorado. About this place, he wrote famous song Rocky Mountains High. The other his song Take Me Home, Country Roads became the Country Anthem and became to Songwriters Hall of Fame. Song Leaving On A Jet Plane was used in movie Armagedon.


    During life, John Denver acquired a lot of Awards (Grammy, American Music, Emmy, etc.).

    List of Awards:
    1974 - Album of the Year (Academy of Country Music Awards)-Back Home Again
    1975 - Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special (Emmy Awards)-An Evening With John Denver
    1975 - Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist (American Music Awards)
    1975 - Song of the Year (Country Music Association Awards)- Back Home Again
    1975 - Entertainer of the Year (Country Music Association Awards)
    1976 - Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist (American Music Awards)
    1976 - Favorite Country Male Artist (American Music Awards)
    1976 - Favorite Country Album (American Music Awards) - Back Home Again
    1997 - Best Musical Album for Children (Grammy Awards)-All Aboard!
    1998 - Grammy Hall of Fame Award (Grammy Awards)-Take Me Home, Country Roads

    Other recognition:
    · Poet Laureate of Colorado, 1977
    · People’s Choice Award, 1977
    · Carl Sandburg’s People’s Poet Award, 1982
    · NASA Public Service Medal, 1985
    · Albert Schweitzer Music Award, 1993
    · Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, 1996
    · Rocky Mountain High declared state song of Colorado, 2007
    · Ten Outstanding Young Men of America, 1979

    Calypso


    Medley


    ...Poems Prayers and Promises...

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    Saturday, October 18, 2008

    Creator of Country Anthem III - John Denver


    John Denver

    In 1969 he started his solo career and recorded his first album named Rhymes and Reasons in RCA Records (recording studio). The album hasn't huge success, but one song from this album became a number one in the same year. It was song Leaving On A Jet Plane.

    In the next year he realised two albums, named Whose Garden Was This? and Take Me To Tomorrow. Although these albums were not as successful as those that followed, they would all be certified gold by the RIAA, and would later be considered some of his best work.

    Next year and new album. It was Poem, Prayers and Promised. There was the famous hit and country anthem Take Me Home, Country Roads. From that time, Johny's career grew up and brought hit by hit.

    In year 1972 was recorded his first Top Ten Album. Very famous song fromthat was Rocky Mountain High. It could say, this period was very rich of hits.There were Sunshine On My Shoulders, Annie's Song, Back Home Again, Thank God I'm Country Boy, Calypso, Sweet Surrender.

    Why was he so succesful? What was the key of his popularity? They were many appearances on TV shows. His look with long blond hairs, western shirts with ornaments, etc, it was new image and made him very photogenic person - pop star. Denver made his own show, music special named Rocky Mountain Christmas. This show was watched by many millions people. Live concert An Evening With John Denver won the Emmy. From Muppet Show where John was many times visitor, there began the friendship with Jim Henson.

    In 1977 John tried his historionic career in the movie Oh, God!. Year 1975 brought award to him (Country Music Associoation).

    John Denver developed not only his singer's career, but started also wiht charity. In 1977 he co-founded The Hunger Project ("It is non-profit charitable organization incorporated in the state of California. The Hunger Project describes itself as committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. In thirteen countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, the organization claims it implements programs that mobilize rural grassroots communities to achieve sustainable progress in health, education, nutrition and family income." More information - Wikipedia) and cooperated with this organization until his death. He made song with this theme, named I Want To Live. John Denver also cooperated with UNICEF ("United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, which was created on December 11, 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II. Its programs emphasize developing community-level services to promote the health and well-being of children." More information - Wikipedia).

    In 1982 John changed his image - he cut his long hair, he left the glassed and chose contact lenses, he started to work to promote political ideas. He promoted campain of Jimmy Carter. He symphatized with Democratic Party. During 1980's he critized Reagan Administration and also American Conservatism and Congress. From this period became folk rock ballad Let Us Begin (What Are We Making Weapons For), The Ballad of Richard Nixon, The Ballad of Spiro Agnew.



    Leaving on a Jet Plane


    Annie´s Song


    Rocky Mountain High

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    Creator of Country Anthem II - John Denver


    John Denver

    I remember that time, when I heard John Denver's songs the first time. It was in the night on Saturday, by radio in my room on school hostel. I was in bed and listened program of regional radio. Every Saturday was devoted to some country or folk singer. That day it was John Denver. I know the song Take me ome, Country roads, in Czech (by Michal Tučný) and English version, but I didn't know, who sang it in original or who is author of that. I should tell you, ussually it doesn't matter for me, who sang or composed or wrote the songs. For me, it's important if I like it or don't. The song Take me home, Country roads was only one songs by John what I knew in that time. On that Saturday, I listen about 20 songs and I liked it so much.

    John Denver was the most popular folk singer and songwriter of the 1970s. He was born on December 31, 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico as Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr..

    His father was Henry John Deutschendorf, Sr., the Air Force officer and flight instructor. John grew up near airport and airplanes. Maybe that's why he liked flying so much. But it's important to tell he had had some troubles with his father.

    When John was years old boy, he received accoustic guitar. It was present by his grand mother. He started to learn during the time on college at local pubs. In the same time he adopted this next famous surname "Denver" (from the capital city of his favourite state).

    In 1964 he leaved the University (Architecture at Texas Tech University) and went to Los Angeles, California, where he sang in folk pubs. One year later, he started with music folk group The Chad Mitchell Trio. Later band renamed to The Mitchell Trio and then Denver, Boise, and Johnson (the names of band members: John Denver, David Boise and Michael Johnson).

    Thank God I'm a Country Boy


    Sunshine on my shoulder


    The Strangest Dream

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    Monday, October 6, 2008

    Creator of Country Anthem I - John Denver

    John Denver

    I think nobody is her who have never heard this legendary song, which became the Country Anthem. I know, everybody knows the name of it. Yes, you're true. It's Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver.

    I don't know how many translation this song has, but in our language it's known as Veď mě dál cesto má and this song is sung by many singers and also near every campfire and country festivals.



    That's why, here it is:
    TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS
    Written By John Denver, Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert

    Almost Heaven, West Virginia
    Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
    Life is old there, older than the trees
    Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze

    Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
    West Virginia mountain mama
    Take me home, Country Roads

    All my memories gather 'round her
    Miner's lady, stranger to blue water
    Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
    Misty taste of moonshine teardrop in my eye

    Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
    West Virginia mountain mama
    Take me home, Country Roads

    I hear her voice, in the mornin' hour as she calls me
    The radio reminds me of my home far away
    And drivin' down the road I get a feelin'
    That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

    Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
    West Virginia mountain mama
    Take me home, Country Roads

    Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong
    West Virginia mountain mama
    Take me home, Country Roads

    Take me home, Country Roads
    Take me home, Country Roads

    Take me home, Country Roads


    Take me home, Country Roads


    Take me home, Country Roads


    Take me home, Country Roads (1983 - in Japan)


    Take me home, Country Roads (by Pavel Bobek - legend of Czechoslovakia music scene)

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    Sunday, September 21, 2008

    Heavenly sound from the Grand Ole Opry III - Patsy Cline

    Patsy Cline

    Black day came on March 5, 1963. She returned from benefit show, which was at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kansas. Her last song in this show was I'll Sail My Ship Alone. It's irony of destiny, that Dottie West invited her to returned back with her and her husband Bill by car. But Patsy wanted to be asap with her children and that why she used airplane. It was in forest near town Camden in Tennessee, the airplane crashed at 6:20 p.m., only 90 miles from the Nashville.

    Patsy Cline died in her 30 old. There were also Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas. There were no survivors. Loretta Lynn, her very good friend came to know this horrible message in the morning from radio. It was great loss for all Country World.

    Patsy Cline was buried in her hometown of Winchester, Virginia, at Shenandoah Memorial Park. In the forest near Camden there was erected the bell tower to the memories of Patsy with help of Loretta Lynn and Dottie West. The bell plays hymns daily at 6:00 pm, the hour when her death. Many item, which were found in the place of airplane crash, were donated to The Country Music Hall of Fame.

    After death the sale of the records didn't stop. Singles of Sweet Dreams of You, Leavin' On Your Mind and Faded Love came the greatest hits of 1963, the songs When You Need a Laugh and He Called Me Baby in 1964 and song Anytime in year 1969.

    Patsy had inspired many country singers, such as Loretta Lynn, Reby McEntir, Sylvie. Loretta Lynn did homage to Patsy by her album I Remember Patsy in 1977.

    In 1973 Patsy was elected to The Country Music Hall of Fame. In 1985 there was produced the movie about her life, named Sweet Dreams: The Life and Times of Patsy Cline by HBO/Tri Star Pictures.

    Discography:
    During her live were released these albums:
    1957 Patsy Cline
    1961 Patsy Cline Showcase
    1962 Sentimentally Yours

    Charted singles:


    • 1957 Walkin' After Midnight
    • 1957 A Poor Man's Roses (Or a Rich Man's Gold)
    • 1959 Cry Not for Me
    • 1959 I Fall to Pieces
    • 1961 Crazy
    • 1962 Who Can I Count on
    • 1962 She's Got You
    • 1962 Strange
    • 1962 When I Get Thru' With You
    • 1962 Imagine That
    • 1962 So Wrong
    • 1962 You're Stronger Than Me
    • 1962 Heartaches
    • 1962 Why Can't He Be You
    • 1963 Leavin' On Your Mind
    • 1963 Sweet Dreams (Of You)
    • 1963 Faded Love
    • 1963 When You Need a Laugh
    • 1964 He Called Me Baby
    • 1968 Anytime
    • 1980 Always
    • 1980 I Fall to Pieces
    • 1981 Have You Ever Been Lonely" (w/ Jim Reeves) 5
    • 1982 I Fall to Pieces" (w/ Jim Reeves) 54
    • 1999 There He Goes


    A Tribute


    Remembering Patsy Cline


    How Can I Face Tomorrow


    I've Loved and Lost Again


    A Bottle Of Wine and Patsy Cline


    Pick Me Up On Your Way Down

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