The "Mile High City" has a terrific live music scene steeped in tradition. We hope our community members in Denver, Colorado, enjoy these local music suggestions.
Blasts From the Past
Up until 2007, there was some debate over the state’s official song. John Denver’s iconic “Rocky Mountain High” got the official nod over Merle Haggard’s “Colorado.” Now the state has two official songs, the first being “Where the Columbines Grow.”
Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr., singer John Denver embraced the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver with a rare passion. After his death in 1997, his ashes were scattered over the mountain range. His folk-based hits include “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” among others.
Paper Bird was a six-piece band led by powerful female vocalists who had a knack for vintage sounds and embraced diverse genres. They gave a nod to the state with their rendition of “Colorado” that had folks thinking Soggy Bottom Boys.
Denver’s past greats also include Earth, Wind & Fire, Sugarloaf, and Firefall.
Present Music Stars
It’s easy to scroll the music charts for contemporary hits. But Slim Cessna’s Auto Club has developed a cult-like following. The outfit was formed in 1992 by Slim Cessna—formerly of the Denver Gentlemen—and Jay Munly, among others. The revival-like shows play out dark, apocalyptic lyrics against a high-energy sound. Some call them Southern Gothic. Others call them one of Denver’s best-kept secrets.
Other Denver music stars posting hits and touring include The Fray, with radio winners such as “You Found Me” and “Over My Head.” One Republic ranks among the nation’s more popular groups after charting with their debut album, “Dreaming Out Loud,” in 2007.
The Lumineers are crushing the new folk wave and “Ho Hey” has become an anthem of sorts. Other popular contemporary music icons from Denver include DeVotchKa, Flobots, and Pretty Lights, among others.
Denver Music of the Future
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are making hay with their album “In Memory of Loss." Rateliff is reportedly from Missouri but trekked to Denver to do missionary work at age 18.
We hope our Denver Place community members enjoy these music suggestions. If you or a friend would like more information about our Denver apartments, call us today.