Thanks to Crazy Sam for today's questions!! You can join the fun HERE!
Annie's Song
Saturday 9: Annie's Song (1974)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) 50 years ago this month, we were all listening to John Denver rhapsodize about nature. He singles out walking in the rain as a particularly lovely experience. Do you enjoy walking in the rain? Nope. Sorry. Not even a little.
2) Denver wrote this song on a ski lift in Aspen. He clearly relished the ride, but ski lifts are problematic for those who suffer from acrophobia, or a fear of heights. Acrophobia plagues approximately 5% of Americans. Are you one of them? No, I am not afraid of heights.
3) John Denver recalled that this song just came to him as he looked down on the beauty of nature. Can you recall a time when something you saw in nature touched your heart? Every time I see a rainbow. One sight I will never forget was from the plane on our way to Italy. We were above the Italian Alps and looking down, there was a river that looked crystal blue, winding through a valley. Caught my breath it was so beautiful.
4) Wildly successful here in The States, John Denver's popularity didn't extend to the United Kingdom. In fact, "Annie's Song" was his only major hit. But it was a big one. Denver's version reached #1 in 1974 and then in 1978 James Galway hit #1 on the UK charts with an instrumental version. Do you have a favorite instrumental recording? One of the most fun to play, for me, was Buglers' Holiday. I was one of four trumpets that played it during a high school band concert. I smile every time I hear it now. We were not as good as these folks (not even close!), but it was fun.
5) John Denver's first-ever guitar, a gift from his grandmother, was displayed at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Have you visited a museum yet this summer? If not, do you have plans to? I have been to the Polk Museum of Art a couple of times.
6) In addition to the guitar, Denver also played the violin (or "the fiddle," as he called it). If a genie appeared to magically enable you to play the instrument of your choice, which would you choose? Piano.
Let's look at the summer of 1974.
7) Elizabeth Berkeley was born. She's best known as Jesse on the Saturday morning teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. What Saturday morning TV shows do you remember fondly? Looney Tunes Cartoons.
8) Hall of Fame pitcher and Cardinal great Dizzy Dean died. How is your baseball team doing this summer? Joe's team was the Phillies. I don't like baseball very much and haven't been following any of the teams.
9) The biggest summer movie was The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. What's your favorite Burt Reynolds movie? The Longest Yard was good and so was Smokey and the Bandit. I'm not a big Burt Reynolds fan.
To the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
I loved Looney Tunes
ReplyDeleteI liked John Denver and really liked this song. Your description of that view of the Italian Alps sounds so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI tried the trumpet and got nowhere with it, but I do play piano - so you do the trumpet and I'll take the piano. :)
Smokey and the Bandit - I loved that one too!
I recall flying above the clouds at sunset with the clouds below us....all pink and puffy... Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteRain doesn't bother me. I much prefer it to bright sunshine and this oppressive heat. I even rode my motorbike for 9 hours in a Tropical Storm between South Carolina and home. I looked like a prune by the time I got home. I was so waterlogged. *lol*
ReplyDeleteJohn Denver is still one of my favorite song writers and singers. It was so sad when he passed away so tragically. I still enjoy Looney Tunes too. I'm such a big kid.
Hope your day is wonderful! 💙
Yes, Looney Tunes! Silly, but 40-some years later I still miss the Tweety Bird pillow my little son gave me that I accidentally left in a Ft. Worth hotel room.
ReplyDeleteI can't say why, but I was never a fan of Burt Reynolds.
I really enjoyed this clip; thank you for sharing!
There is so much beauty out there in the world. That is why I would like to be able to travel more. Loved your answers! Have a nice weekend. ♥
ReplyDeletehttps://lorisbusylife.blogspot.com/
I sure loved John Denver and his songs, Terri. Rainbows never fail to take my breath away, too.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend!
Cool answers, wishing you a beautiful weekend, Terri.
ReplyDeleteI think this is the first time I ever listened to this song completely, paying attention to the words. I mean, I remember the song, but back in 1974 I was busy with two little boys and hubby was going to grad school, and so much was going on that I never had to time to let John Denver's music fill up my senses. My senses were full of family and life. Oh, yes! Looney Tunes cartoons will always be a favorite. Much better than the stupid non-funny cartoons they have today. And yes, rainbows are always one of those beauties that I am thrilled to see! Great answers. Thank you, Terri.
ReplyDelete