The Life and Tragic End of All-American Singer John Denver

Denver and educator Tom Crum established the Windstar Foundation near Aspen in 1976. The nonprofit promoted environmental education, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conflict resolution, and cooperation among communities.

Windstar gave Denver a permanent base for advocacy beyond benefit concerts and public speeches. Its programs encouraged visitors to consider how individual choices affected the planet and other people. The foundation strengthened his standing as Colorado’s most visible environmental celebrity, and the state soon granted him an unusual cultural honor.