John Denver Follow

In a career that has spanned more than two decades, John

Denver earned international acclaim as a songwriter,

performer, actor and humanitarian. Henry John Deutschendorf

Jr. began his career in the 1960s as an aspiring folk

musician in the clubs of Los Angeles. The son of a U.S. Air

Force officer, John took his performing name from the

premier Rocky Mountain city in the state where he

eventually made his home.

Denver's first major break came when he was chosen from 250

other hopefuls as lead singer for the popular Mitchell

Trio, with whom he sang for two years. His songwriting

skills were noted when Peter, Paul and Mary recorded his

"Leaving On A Jet Plane," which became their first Number

One hit.