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.