Inaugural Class Induction
2011
April 21, 2011
Legendary pop superstar John Denver was inducted to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in a special benefit concert celebrating his music and life on Earth Day Eve, April 21, 2011 at 1stBank Center. The stellar evening featured performances of notable John Denver hits by host Olivia Newton-John, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lee Ann Womack, John Oates and former collaborators Bill Danoff of the Starland Vocal Band (co-writer of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”) and John Sommers (writer of “Thank God I’m A Country Boy”). Famed composer Lee Holdridge led the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra in a special tribute performance. Notable environmental activists also joined the stage in a commemoration of John Denver’s long life dedication to the environment. Joining John Denver in the hall’s freshman class was Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
INDUCTEES:
• As music fans everywhere know, John Denver will always be associated with the Rocky Mountains and the city of his adopted name. During his 1970s heyday, he was one of the top five selling recording artists in music history.
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a naturally formed, world-famous outdoor venue just fifteen miles west of Denver, is recognized for its star-studded concert roster, natural acoustics and ambience.
Photos top to bottom—Gov. John Hickenlooper, Jesse Belle Deutschendorf, Anna Kate Denver; John Oates, Olivia Newton-John; Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band); all-star finale.
