JOHN MARTIN SOMMERS

my name is Cliff Sandifer. I became musician thanks to music of John Denver. I was 19. I became exposed to the talent of John Sommers via John Denver being in his group. By connections I got back stage after a Denver concert and met John Sommers and the other fellas in his band. this was 1975. I also met others Starland Vocal Band, Weisberg and Dick Kniss. later years I met John Sommers at the Pitkin County Bluegrass fetival and told him casually I was quite a fan of his talent. Thank God I'm a Country Boy ignited my desire to become better on the fiddle. It sounded quite fun to be able to play. meeting him amongst the crowd in the tent in Aspen this was 1981. He was gracious. I was delighted with his 'humanity". I found out he was also part of "The heart of the Rockies" duo with Twirp Anderson. And thanks to You Tube I was able to see video of him in John Denver tribute shows with Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert and witness John Sommer's agility with fiddle. I formed the opinion that John Denver would not have had his " sound" had he not had John Sommers and Steve Weisberg' contribution to his band along with the other musicians. Learning of John Sommers passing was indeed a mortality strike. He was indeed a musical hero to me. RIP John Sommers.

My condolences to everyone. We shared music, stories, he helped me with my girls and my cd. See you in heaven John. Until then, will pray for all.

I am just a J D. fan but I met John sommers after concert 1975, and in Pitkin county colorado at a bluegrass fest. He was a mentor instrumentalist to me. I think he helped Denver achieve his "sound". And a good songwriter. Rip country boy .

Thank God for that Country Boy. Gave a lot of happy to a lot of people all over the world with that great song.