Although he was born in New Mexico, and was given his first guitar when his family was living in Tucson, Arizona, John Denver made Aspen in Colorado his home. He talked and sang a great deal about the town, and the state. His enthusiasm made people see it through his eyes, as the most beautiful place on earth.
In songs like Starwood in Aspen, Aspenglow and Rocky Mountain High, John Denver brought this Rocky Mountain community to life. He sang of cathedral mountains, silver clouds, the forest, the streams and a clear blue mountain lake. Denver's songs made you want to be there, in his sweet Rocky Mountain paradise.
A few years after his tragic early death in October, 1997, a commemorative park was created in Aspen, to remember one of the most well-liked of the town's many famous celebrity residents. Walk down towards the river and, near to the Rio Grande Park, the almost-hidden John Denver Sanctuary opens up. In a city this would be a peaceful retreat, but Aspen is pretty peaceful most of the time anyway.
In the John Denver Sanctuary, rolling grassy mounds contain huge granite rocks. Step closer and you see that carved on the rocks are the lyrics of some of John Denver's best-loved songs. If you are a John Denver fan, the Sanctuary is an incredibly moving place. Even if you don't know or care for his music, it still has a beautiful serenity about it.
The John Denver Sanctuary is only small, and easily missed. yet it is one of Aspen's most appealing spots. Fans gather there in October every year, on the anniversary of his death, to celebrate his life and music.
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Donna Dailey - Donna Dailey is an award-winning travel writer & photographer. Her work appears in newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks ...
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