Shanghai Breezes - John Denver (1982) 8/23/23

The '70s were quite a decade for John Denver: hit after hit, millions of of albums and singles sold, TV specials and guest appearances, movies, extended tours, etc...

The man was extremely busy for 10 straight years, so it was only natural that when the '80s came around, he lightened his schedule and turned his attention to several special projects and humanitarian pursuits, many involving natural resource and environmental conservation.

John still toured a bit and released a few albums and singles here and there, but his main focus was elsewhere.

That said, his last big hit was released in 1982: the simple, yet beautiful "Shanghai Breezes."

John was visiting Shanghai and was starting to feel homesick, when he realized that the sun, the moon, the stars, and even the breezes were the same no matter where he was.

That simple thought gave birth to a song that went to #1 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in both the US and Canada.

It was John's last #1 song...and the last to appear in the Top 40.

Note: The flute solos were performed by Jim Horn, a member of the legendary group of studio musicians called "The Wrecking Crew." During his long career, Jim has played woodwinds for everyone from The Beatles and Beach Boys...to The Rolling Stones, Carpenters. and Tom Petty--just to name a small handful.

1982's "Shanghai Breezes" by John Denver: One last "Great Song" from a legendary singer--and so much more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90B97dk_6O8

Tomorrow: Duran Duran breaks through.