[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     MOURNING THE PASSING OF HUMANITARIAN, ENTERTAINER JOHN DENVER

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I mourn a friend and associate. The 
passing of singer-songwriter John Denver, over the Columbus Day recess, 
leaves a void in the world of humanitarianism and compassion.
  I first met John Denver when we were working to create a Presidential 
Commission on World Hunger and the both of us were subsequently 
appointed to that commission by President Jimmy Carter in the 1970's. 
As a result of that commission's final report, I introduced legislation 
establishing a Select Committee on Hunger in the Congress. John Denver, 
along with our mutual friend the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, 
was instrumental in lobbying for the successful adoption of that 
legislation. Subsequently, the three of us often conferred regarding 
the problems of hunger and starvation throughout the world, but also 
the environment and the problems of nuclear proliferation.
  All of us who had the honor and privilege of working with John Denver 
recognized his involvement with ecological concerns and his heartfelt 
love of humanity. His work on behalf of hunger in the late 1970's and 
early 1980's was significant, along with that of Harry Chapin, in 
shining the spotlight of public opinion on the problems of 
malnutrition.
  In the mid-1980's, many performers in show business received 
publicity for their fundraising efforts on behalf of world hunger. We 
must not forget that these successful efforts would not have been 
attempted, yet alone achieved, were it not for the courageous, trail-
blazing activities of both John Denver and Harry Chapin.
  The December 20, 1976 issue of Newsweek magazine noted that ``People 
write him letters from hospitals telling how listening to `Take Me 
Home, Country Roads' or `Poems, Prayers and Promises' has stopped 
convulsions or cleared up depressions. A long-distance swimmer 
navigated the shark-infested Cook Strait of New Zealand by singing 
Denver songs as she counted her strokes. In Lockport, NY, a woman 
regained her spirits after a mastectomy by listening to Denver songs 
all day--especially `Sweet Surrender'.''
  Those who are familiar with John Denver's work are not surprised to 
learn of the amazing impact it has had on so many lives. His gift of 
expressing empathy and sincere concern were perhaps his greatest 
contributions.
  John Denver has left us with a legacy of goodwill and also of quality 
entertainment. From his platinum recordings, to his appearances on the 
silver screen and television, he delighted and inspired audiences 
worldwide. Throughout his career he selflessly shared the spotlight 
when working with such stars as George Burns, Placido Domingo, Itzhak 
Perlman, and Kermit the Frog. Like his humanitarian efforts, his 
singing, writing, and acting talents will be missed by many.
  He started his career with three guitars, an old Chevrolet and less 
than $200 to his name. From such humble beginnings, John Denver rose to 
be counted among the brightest of America's stars. We will all be 
poorer from his loss.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me in continuing to support the 
causes championed by John Denver and in extending condolences to John's 
three children, Jessie Belle, Anna Kate and Zachary, to the rest of his 
family, and to the millions of people whose lives were touched and 
influenced by this remarkable humanitarian.

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