Sunshine on My Shoulders (1974) 11/17/20

John Denver wrote today's “Great Song of the '70s” in Minneapolis...near the end of winter.

He was certainly in a melancholy mood, but he was also inspired by the fact that spring was just around the corner, and he'd be able to go outside and feel the warmth of “the sun on his shoulders once again. Makes perfect sense!

“Sunshine On My Shoulders” was originally released in 1971 on his “Poems, Prayers and Promises” album, and in early1973, it was the B-side of “I'd Rather Be a Cowboy,” which stalled at #28 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.

With the Vietnam War nearing its end, “Sunshine” took on some metaphoric significance for many people, so it was re-tooled and re-released as an A-side. In early 1974, the song went to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 AND the Adult Contemporary Charts, as well as the Canadian Top 40! On Canada's AC Chart, it just missed the top at #2.

The song was so well received, it inspired a made-for-TV movie and later a series (both called “Sunshine”), starring Cliff DeYoung as the husband of a woman dying of cancer.

In 2000, the song was also used in “The John Denver Story,” a biographical film, starring Chad Lowe. As John was taking his glider out for the test flight that led to his tragic death, the song was used to underscore the scene. Talk about melancholy! :(

“Sunshine On My Shoulders:” A “Great Song of the '70s.”