Fifty-two years ago, John Denver released his siren call to the charms of Colorado. And ruined everything. My latest commentary for NPR. WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED by PETER MOORE
I was wondering about the raining fire in the sky thing... is that a real thing (and if so, what is it??)? Or was it something John Denver came up with when he was high (on the mountain, of course!). Enquiring, um, minds, want to know. I promise your answer won't make me want to move to Colorado. I'm perfectly content with the woods of New Hampshire!
It was the night of the Perseid meteor showers when he was floating on Williams Lake. Not sure if anything stronger than endorphins were at play as the “fire” rained down. Also: I too am a big NH guy. I’m a member of the 4,000-footer Club!
(Also: I've now got two entirely unrelated tunes fighting with each other in my head, courtesy of both Strauss and Wagner! Wonder if the Valkyries ever rode The Blue Danube?!)
What was John’s fave snack when he was high? Just curious ….
Probably crunchy granola. But maybe Doritos.
Marshmallows to toast over the raining fire?
I was wondering about the raining fire in the sky thing... is that a real thing (and if so, what is it??)? Or was it something John Denver came up with when he was high (on the mountain, of course!). Enquiring, um, minds, want to know. I promise your answer won't make me want to move to Colorado. I'm perfectly content with the woods of New Hampshire!
It was the night of the Perseid meteor showers when he was floating on Williams Lake. Not sure if anything stronger than endorphins were at play as the “fire” rained down. Also: I too am a big NH guy. I’m a member of the 4,000-footer Club!
Yup!
No arguments, right? So I guess I should ignore the hatemail I’m receiving through KUNC!
Learned so much from this post, Peter!
(Also: I've now got two entirely unrelated tunes fighting with each other in my head, courtesy of both Strauss and Wagner! Wonder if the Valkyries ever rode The Blue Danube?!)
That’s the prime goal of my substack, as you know: Education! Happy to help. I’ll keep my eyes open for Valkyries and let you know if I see any.
Ulp! 🫣 Well, at least you’ll hear them coming! 😂