Broomfield, CO – 4/21/11 - John Denver was the first inductee to the new Colorado Music Hall of Fame (along with Red Rocks Amphitheatre) in a sold out benefit concert of 6,000 fans at the 1STBANK Center, celebrating his music and life, hosted by Olivia Newton-John on Earth Day Eve. All three of Denver’s children were present, including with his first wife Annie (of “Annie’s Song”) and his second wife Cassandra Delaney Denver.
Attendees included Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Bill V. Vidal and NASA astronaut Michael T. Good. Musicians included: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lee Ann Womack, Michael Martin Murphey, Richie Furay (of Buffalo Springfield and Poco), John Oates and many more, backed by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra in a special tribute performance.
Chuck Morris, President/CEO of AEG LIVE Rocky Mountains, remarked, “it was a memorable night that celebrated the great musical history the state has given the world and we look forward to growing this permanent exhibition in the years ahead along with future inductees.” A $50,000 check by Libby Anschutz Brown of The Anschutz Foundation was also presented to the University of Colorado Boulder Music School.
- Photo Credit: Phil Lobel © Lobeline Communications
