HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17

(By Delegate Wright)




Commemorating the passing of John Denver, a folk and pop musician most recognized in this state for the hit single "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

Whereas, John Denver was born as "Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr." on December 31, 1943, in Roswell, New Mexico. He later took his performing name "Denver" after a Colorado city, the state he eventually made his home; and
Whereas, John Denver began his career in the 1960's as an aspiring folk musician in the clubs of Los Angeles; and
Whereas, John Denver performed as lead singer for the popular Chad Mitchell Trio for two years. His songwriting skills first became known when Peter, Paul and Mary recorded his "Leaving On A Jet Plane" which became the groups first number one hit; and
Whereas, John Denver began climbing the charts as a solo artist when he wrote and recorded "Take Me Home, Country Roads", a song which began with the words "Almost Heaven, West Virginia" and reflected the beauty of this state; and
Whereas, John Denver has since recorded 14 gold albums and 8 platinum albums in the United States alone; and
Whereas, John Denver''s music clearly reflects the conscious of a concerned citizen, a man working for the improvement of the quality of life for all persons not only environmentally, but also socially and politically; and
Whereas, John Denver supported and founded several charities across the world, including, The Hunger Project, Windstar Foundation, The National Wildlife Federation, Save the Children, the Cousteau Society, Friends of the Earth, and The Human/Dolphin Foundation. Denver''s latest project was referred to as ""Plant-It 2000""", a plan that urges people all over the world to plant as many trees as possible before the year 2000; and
Whereas, John Denver was honored with numerous tributes and awards, including, Favorite Music Performer, People's Choice Award, AGVA Singing Star of the Year, Yamaha Music Award, and the 1993 Albert Schweitzer Music Award; and
Whereas, John Denver's talent did not end with music. He was also recognized as an actor. His movie debut "Oh, God!"" which also featured George Burns, was a solid hit. However, the television special ""John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together"" is recognized by all as a true classic; and
Whereas, In a career that has spanned more than two decades, John Denver has earned international acclaim as a songwriter;, performer,; actor,; and, above all, humanitarian. He was a true figure dedicated to world peace and the elimination of hunger; and
Whereas, John Denver was also known for two passions, flying and outer space. It was his passion for flying that claimed his life when his private plane crashed one hundred yards off the shore of Monterey Bay on October 12, 1997, in San Francisco, California; and
Whereas, It was on the day of his passing, htatthat the famous words to his first hit song as a writer ""Leaving On A Jet Plane"" brought new meaning to fans all over the world; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West VirginiaHouse ofD Deleatesgates:
That the regret is hereby expressed by the members of the House of Delegates at the passing of John Denver; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates be hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to his children.