Denver, John

John Denver (1943-1997) was a popular country-folk singer-songwriter of the 1970s and was also known for his work as an actor, activist, and humanitarian. His popularity brought him to many different places including the Harrah’s Lake Tahoe property, where he performed along the likes of Frank Sinatra and hosted events like the Celebrity Ski Classics.

John Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf in Roswell, New Mexico on December 31, 1943. In 1967, after dropping out of Texas Technical College, he won a spot on the Chad Mitchell trio which helped jumpstart his career. Eventually, he came up with the John Denver stage name and began to work as a solo artist. Denver released various albums between the 1960s and 1970s and enjoyed substantial commercial success.

Throughout the 1970s, John Denver performed all over the country, including Harrah's Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada. In early 1976, John Denver had produced a television special called John Denver and Friend, where he showcased a series of musical acts alongside Frank Sinatra. Later that same year, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe scheduled another performance with the two artists called A September to Remember. In 1984, John Denver hosted the annual Celebrity Ski Classics in partnership with Bob Beattie’s World Pro Skiing Tour and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. It was a made-for-television event in which big name celebrities would race with professional athletes. There was also a professional race for cash, which was funded through various sponsors. For the duration of the week, John Denver would perform at the hotel and at the end there would be a private show for those involved. Another highlight was a party at Bill Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Villa where many artists would participate in sing-alongs.

John Denver’s untimely death came October 12, 1997, at the age of 53 due to an aviation accident.

Sources:

Delong, William. “Music Legend John Denver Illegally Piloted An Experimental Plane — And Never Came Down Alive.” All That’s Interesting, February 4, 2019. Accessed May 27, 2020. https://allthatsinteresting.com/john-denvers-death

Pearce, Jerry. “The Sinatra File: A Denver to Remember.” NewzBreaker, October 3, 2016. Accessed May 27, 2020. http://www.newzbreaker.com/2016/10/03/the-sinatra-file-a-denver-to-remember/

Sinnot, Michael. “The Roots of Racing series: The power of celebrity.” VailDaily, January 16, 2015. Accessed May 27, 2020.

https://www.vaildaily.com/news/the-roots-of-racing-series-the-power-of-celebrity/