John Denver (December 31; 1943 October 12; 1997); born Henry John Deutschendorf; Jr.; was an American Country Music folk singer-songwriter and folk rock musician. One of the most popular artists of the 1970s; he recorded and released some 300 songs; about half composed by himself. He was named Poet Laureate of Colorado in 1977. Songs such as -Leaving on a Jet Plane- (1967); -Take Me Home; Country Roads- (1971); -Rocky Mountain High- (1973); -Thank God I-m a Country Boy- (1974); and -Calypso- (1975) are popular worldwide. Denver has been referred to as -The Poet for the Planet-; -Mother Nature-s Son- (based on The Beatles song he covered) and -A Song-s Best Friend-. Also performed with Placido Domingo.John Denver (December 31; 1943 October 12; 1997); born Henry John Deutschendorf; Jr.; was an American Country Music folk singer-songwriter and folk rock musician. One of the most popular artists of the 1970s; he recorded and released some 300 songs; about half composed by himself. He was named Poet Laureate of Colorado in 1977. Songs such as -Leaving on a Jet Plane- (1967); -Take Me Home; Country Roads- (1971); -Rocky Mountain High- (1973); -Thank God.