John Denver (December 31, 1943–October 12, 1997) was an American singer-songwriter who wrote in the country and country pop genres and an extremely popular recording artist. He is remembered for a string of pops hits and his clean cut "All American Boy" image, making him popular across generations with girls, young women, and their mothers. His song "Leaving on a Jet Plane" was a huge hit for Peter, Paul and Mary. His fans were understandably surprised to learn of his later problems with alcohol and depression.
Denver was named Poet Laureate of the U.S. State of Colorado in 1977. He became a popular television personality, hosting both the Grammy Awards and The Tonight Show.
Denver was also noted for his cooperation with other artists. He sang Fly Away with Olivia Newton-John and Perhaps Love with Placido Domingo, with whom he became good friends. Domingo also recorded Follow Me and Annie's Song, one of Denver's most popular songs.
John Denver died in the accidental crash of a plane that he was piloting in 1997.