Darren Coggan may look like John Denver and sound like John Denver, and on both counts that’s a happy coincidence.
The acclaimed Australian performer celebrates the life and music of John Denver in The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver, an uplifting tribute to one of the most inspiring artists of our time – for one-night only on the Gold Coast at HOTA on July 25.
Renowned as one of Australia’s finest storytellers and a multi-award-winning artist, Coggan takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through Denver’s timeless catalogue, performing classics including Take Me Home, Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Annie’s Song, Perhaps Love, Thank God I’m a Country Boy, Calypso and Leaving on a Jet Plane.
“I’m not impersonating John Denver, though,” Coggan says. “None of my shows are impersonations. It’s me honouring the music.”
He has done this with several artists including Cat Stevens, now Yusef Islam, whom Coggan met in London after the superstar heard about the show honouring his music. His critically acclaimed production, Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story, has inspired audiences in the most prestigious theatres around the world, including sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
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In September 2017, Coggan performed the Cat Stevens show to standing ovations across the UK on 18 of the world’s grandest stages, including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic and Manchester Bridgewater Hall. Meeting the artist was a treat but sadly he will never get to meet John Denver, who died in a plane crash in 1997.
‘He filled the room with love and seemed to have a personal connection with every single person in the audience. I thought that’s what I want to do’
“But I have been a fan of John Denver’s for as long as I can remember,” Coggan says. “In fact, the very first songs I learned to play on the guitar at age six were John Denver songs. He was the reason I wanted to become a country singer-songwriter.”
Coggan vividly recalls seeing Denver perform live as a teenager.
“I was 13 and living in Wagga Wagga and we went to Canberra for his concert,” he recalls. “It was just John on stage with his guitars and a voice full of sunshine. He filled the room with love and seemed to have a personal connection with every single person in the audience. I thought that’s what I want to do.”
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Denver’s first major break came in 1965 when he beat 250 hopefuls to become the lead singer for the folk group, the Chad Mitchell Trio. He launched his solo career in 1969, releasing his debut album Rhymes & Reasons.
Shortly after, Peter, Paul and Mary recorded Denver’s song Leaving on a Jet Plane, pushing him into the mainstream spotlight. Throughout the 1970s, his wholesome, nature-focused folk-pop anthems made him a global sensation, earning him numerous gold and platinum records.
Denver’s influence on 1970s music is often compared to the cultural impact of Frank Sinatra in the 1940s, Elvis Presley in the 1950s and The Beatles in the 1960s. Blending folk, pop and country, Denver’s songs of love, home, hope and harmony continue to resonate across generations.
“John’s timeless songs and his messages of love, peace and understanding are just as important today as when they were first written,” Coggan says. “And he was spruiking and championing the environment long before it was cool.
“He was a real nature lover. His music brings people together and I hope audiences leave feeling uplifted and inspired by these beautiful, enduring songs.”
As for the fact that Coggan happens to resemble John Denver, well, that’s just an added benefit. Admittedly, he probably does look like Cat Stevens or James Taylor or any of the other artists he pays tribute to in his shows.
But the John Denver connection is special, and he has been touring this show around the country, with the Gold Coast the next stop on the road.
He’s a country boy singing the songs of a country boy. Thank God.
The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver, HOTA, Gold Coast, July 25, 7.30pm, $65 plus booking fee.
hota.com.au/events/the-poems-prayers-and-promises-of-john-denver
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