Take Me Home, Country Roads (1971) 9/28/20

In 1970, Bill and Taffy Danoff were driving to a family reunion when they decided to pass the time by writing a song about the impressive scenery along the way. Bill initially thought about naming the song “Massachusetts,” but he felt the title wasn't musical enough—and besides, The Bee Gees had had a hit by that title in 1967-68.

His thoughts then turned to West Virginia where he had friends and fans from his early days as a performer, so he and Taffy decided they'd write about the wonders that state had to offer.

After they returned home to Washington, DC, they kept working on the song, but before they could finish it, they had a gig to play. Bill & Taffy's group, Fat City, was opening for a new artist named John Denver during a two-week run at DC's Cellar Door Club.

The Danoffs and John became instant friends, and after their very first show, they decided to head back to Bill & Taffy's place for a little “after gig” party. On the way, there was an accident, and John broke his thumb.

Turned out it was a LUCKY break. When he finally got to Bill and Taffy's, they played him the song they were working on. It still needed a bridge—and a title. (Taffy wanted to call it “Rhododendron,” but couldn't make it work lyrically.) Finally, they decided the title should be “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” (Well, at least Taffy got the Rhod-Road part in there!)

The Danoffs told John they were planning to sell the song to Johnny Cash...but John pleaded with them to let him have it.

So they did...and the three of them finished the song. It was recorded and released in 1971, (credited to “John Denver with Fat City”), and not only became a “Great Song of the '70s,” but of all time!

In the US, it went to #2 on the Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.In Canada, it reached #3 on the Top 40 and #5 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. In 1998, The song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Dozens of artists have covered the song over years, including Olivia Newton-John, Ray Charles, Lynn Anderson---and the oddest one of all: Hawaii's Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.It was John Denver's first big hit, and many people consider it his signature song. It was definitely John's first “Great Song” in a decade FULL of “Great Songs!” As for Bill and Taffy Danoff, they moved on. Fat City eventually changed its name to The Starland Vocal Band, and had another “Great Song:” a little tune called “Afternoon Delight,” which we highlighted back on August 22. https://cuuuk8.wixsite.com/mysite/post/afternoon-delight-1976-8-22-20

“Take Me Home, Country Roads: A “Great Song of the '70s!”

John Denver with Fat City:

And just for fun, here's Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: