Not surprising to those of us old enough to remember that era, but still shocking that someone who was the antithesis of violent revolution would come under FBI scrutiny.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about Denver’s talent. I recall seeing a video years ago of a stadium of people singing Country Road - and it wasn’t in the US. I also recall thinking at the time that Denver was perfectly cast as the decent grocery store manager in “Oh God!” with George Burns. And I was terribly saddened when he died, far too young, and people around the world grieved Denver’s passing.
The question you ask at the end of this has a simple answer, Jon, though it's an unpalatable one. Simply put, those who are in a position to do something about it are too scared of having all of their dirty laundry that the FBI has in their files being released to public view.
I have some familiarity in the areas of foreign policy and intelligence, as well as a couple of real life encounters with the FBI and another government agency when first in college in the 1970’s - nothing serious, but concerning to me at the time.
Anyway, I can tell you that the TV sitcom “Get Smart” starring Don Adams, and the characters Boris and Natasha from “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” cartoon show, very accurately depict the competence, effectiveness, and level of intellect of the FBI and many of its agents.
My introduction to John Denver was in the Spring of 1969, before he was nationally known. I was a Senior in High School, and went on a trip with the ski club to Snowmass at Aspen where John Denver and the Miners were performing in the local bar. Since we were all too young to be admitted to the bar, he agreed to perform a solo concert for our group on our last day at the resort. He performed alone, accompanying himself on the guitar, and sounded great! Entertained us for about 90 minutes straight; his last number was “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane,” which I had never heard. He wrote it, but this was before Peter, Paul and Mary had a hit with the song.
Fans of the ‘60s folk scene may have been familiar with the Chad Mitchell Trio. When Chad Mitchell himself wanted to retire, the two remaining members auditioned hundreds of hopefuls before deciding on John Denver to replace Chad Mitchell. The new trio performed and recorded with John Denver as “The Mitchell Trio.” This of course was even before John Denver and the Miners at Snowmass
Denver’s voice was a little nasal for my taste, but his songwriting was superb. Check out “Annie’s Song,” lovely tune and exceptional lyrics (available on YouTube; sorry I don’t know how to attach!).
Not surprising to those of us old enough to remember that era, but still shocking that someone who was the antithesis of violent revolution would come under FBI scrutiny.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about Denver’s talent. I recall seeing a video years ago of a stadium of people singing Country Road - and it wasn’t in the US. I also recall thinking at the time that Denver was perfectly cast as the decent grocery store manager in “Oh God!” with George Burns. And I was terribly saddened when he died, far too young, and people around the world grieved Denver’s passing.
Denver left us too early.
Correction - Take Me Home, Country Roads
The question you ask at the end of this has a simple answer, Jon, though it's an unpalatable one. Simply put, those who are in a position to do something about it are too scared of having all of their dirty laundry that the FBI has in their files being released to public view.
You're not wrong.
Hoover was playing that game years ago, we know. And I have doubts that it's changed very much
Best way to stop the domestic spying is to dismantle the spy agency.
Amen
I have some familiarity in the areas of foreign policy and intelligence, as well as a couple of real life encounters with the FBI and another government agency when first in college in the 1970’s - nothing serious, but concerning to me at the time.
Anyway, I can tell you that the TV sitcom “Get Smart” starring Don Adams, and the characters Boris and Natasha from “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle” cartoon show, very accurately depict the competence, effectiveness, and level of intellect of the FBI and many of its agents.
This is sad but hilarious.
My introduction to John Denver was in the Spring of 1969, before he was nationally known. I was a Senior in High School, and went on a trip with the ski club to Snowmass at Aspen where John Denver and the Miners were performing in the local bar. Since we were all too young to be admitted to the bar, he agreed to perform a solo concert for our group on our last day at the resort. He performed alone, accompanying himself on the guitar, and sounded great! Entertained us for about 90 minutes straight; his last number was “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane,” which I had never heard. He wrote it, but this was before Peter, Paul and Mary had a hit with the song.
Fans of the ‘60s folk scene may have been familiar with the Chad Mitchell Trio. When Chad Mitchell himself wanted to retire, the two remaining members auditioned hundreds of hopefuls before deciding on John Denver to replace Chad Mitchell. The new trio performed and recorded with John Denver as “The Mitchell Trio.” This of course was even before John Denver and the Miners at Snowmass
Denver’s voice was a little nasal for my taste, but his songwriting was superb. Check out “Annie’s Song,” lovely tune and exceptional lyrics (available on YouTube; sorry I don’t know how to attach!).
What an experience. It's no wonder you still remember all the details these many years later.
Our official think tank, The Long Hill Institute, Has posited a law, here in late-stage democracy Everything eventually reduces to its absurd.