logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2022
56m 14s

John Denver: Death of the Sunshine Boy

iHeartPodcasts and CBS News
About this episode

The utter sincerity of his songs ("Country Roads," "Rocky Mountain High") endeared John Denver to fans worldwide and helped make him one of the biggest stars of the 1970s. But the easy-mannered mountaineer with the dutch boy haircut and granny glasses was often dismissed as shallow or corny. The longing in Denver’s voice was real, though, and twenty-five years after his passing, the singer’s music and message continue to resound. Mo visits Aspen, Colorado to meet Denver’s former wife Annie Denver and close friend Tom Crum and talks with music writer Bill Flanagan.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Dec 2024
Death of a Name | Reviving a Mobit
What do you think will be the top baby names of 2025? Will "Mildred" make a comeback? What’s in a name…that makes it popular to one generation, and downright ugly to the next? From "Bertha" and "Layla" to "Reagan" and "Katrina," history shows us that politics, pop songs and news ... Show More
42m 5s
Dec 2024
Marlene Dietrich Goes To War | Reviving a Mobit
We’re celebrating the birthday month of the iconic Marlene Deitrich by revisiting a special episode from the "Mobituaries" audiobook. Marlene Dietrich cemented her status as a Hollywood legend with a series of iconic performances that flouted traditional women's roles and ignited ... Show More
13m 7s
Dec 2024
Sammy Davis Jr.: Death of the Entertainer | Reviving a Mobit
This week, we’re celebrating the birthday of the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. by revisiting a special Mobit. From the age of three Sammy Davis, Jr. did it all better than anyone else - singing, dancing, acting, even gun spinning. Mo talks to friends and family about what drove him t ... Show More
50m 15s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2020
John Denver: A Folk Singer, a Sniper and America’s Darkest Day
(This is a bonus April Fools’ episode of Disgraceland that is satire and not true crime.) John Denver was a one of the biggest stars of the Seventies. His easy listening mainstream folk and his squeaky clean, environmentally friendly image made him a favorite in homes all across ... Show More
1 h
Oct 2024
This Moment in Music History for 10-17-2024
On October 17th, 1991, Tennessee Ernie Ford, a celebrated American singer and television host, passed away at the age of 72. Ford was best known for his hit recording of "Sixteen Tons," a song about the hardships of coal mining, which topped the Billboard charts in 1955 and sold ... Show More
1m 39s
Dec 2024
We Get High With Keith Urban
Keith Urban has plenty to say about the making of his new album, “High,” and the tour he’s launching in 2025 in support of the new record. He talks about his early days playing in cover bands in Australia, how he was finally able to move to Nashville, where he got his love of cou ... Show More
46m 34s
May 2019
Johnny Cash: Pills & Playing With Fire
Johnny Cash took no shit. He was a total original. Could maneuver that big baritone around a ballad or a rave up like nobody’s business. He also burned down a national forest, crashed cars, overdosed, was arrested for drug trafficking, and was obsessed with June Carter. Their lov ... Show More
35m 5s
Sep 2024
Keith Urban Live From Hollywood
Country superstar Keith Urban joins Rob Lowe live from the SiriusXM Garage studio in Los Angeles to discuss their first concerts, getting to Nashville, their sobriety journeys, Keith’s new album, and much more. Plus, Rob and Keith answer questions from fans about their marriages ... Show More
48m 21s
Dec 2024
Elton John & Brandi Carlile (Extended) | Xmas & Chill
Americans are ready to shake up some tired Christmas traditions, Stephen looks into some cold weather dating trends, Canada’s prime minister has become deeply unpopular with the public, and England may run out of Guinness due to its surging popularity with a new generation of fem ... Show More
44m 38s
Aug 2024
Richard Marx
The “Right Here Waiting” hit-maker opens up about the 14 number ones he’s penned and the grateful life he leads. He takes it back to his early days when Lionel Richie called Marx’s family home (!) to encourage him to make the move to LA, and Kenny Rogers bought his song when Marx ... Show More
1h 14m
Jun 2024
Ep. 25: Michael Ray on Florida, Hunting Alligators, and Country Music
This week Dan and Reid Isbell host hit-making artist Michael Ray out in God’s Country. Ray shares his thoughts on keyboard warriors, how Joe Diffie impacted his life, and how he mentally recharges from life in the spotlight. He shares some crazy alligator-hunting stories from his ... Show More
1h 9m
Mar 2022
Elton John
Dua Lipa’s friendship with Elton John needs no explanation – look only to the charts to see how the whole world has embraced their hit 2021 single, “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” – but listeners of this week’s At Your Service will now get a coveted seat at the table while the pair tal ... Show More
48m 15s