American folk singer John Denver was an artist in the most genuine sense of the word – he used his craft to change the world. A songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian, Denver was not only one of the most beloved entertainers of the 1970s but a leading advocate of global causes until his tragic death in 1997. Songs such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders" garnered him critical acclaim while simultaneously catapulting his gentle message towards the earth, peace, and compassion to the masses. It was this ardent and steadfast love of nature that came to identify John Denver as "The Poet for the Planet." Earning three American Music Award honors and two posthumous Grammys, Denver was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.