Before I get to my question, I'd like to say that my wife and I attended the Seattle show and had the best time. The last and only other time we saw Arlo live was 13 years ago in a great little theater in Klamath Falls, Oregon. We were in Klamath Falls for a year and a half and Arlo's show was the highlight of our time spent there. We have been Arlo fans since we met in Spokane in 1973. But we're also huge John Denver fans, which brings me around to my question.

JD recorded City of New Orleans before Arlo on his Aerie album in 1971 and actually takes credit on the album as co-writer with Steve Goodman. Later in JD's career, he would make reference to having had an assocition with the song before Arlo, and in fact, was ticked off that Arlo had made a hit of it. Mostly tongue-in-cheek, I think.

Having most of Steve's and Arlo's live albums, and hearing their discussions of how the song was born, neither mentions any JD involvement. Am I missing something? This is a question I always wanted to ask John, but never got the opportunity. Bugs the crap out of me. Why would John Denver take partial credit for a Steve Gooodman song on his album, and then it's hardly ever spoken of again.

Love ya, Arlo. If you're out there, I'd love to hear your take on this JD mystery.

After I recorded the song I played it for John in LA at The Troubadour. His recording may have been released before ours came out.

adg

Thanks for the info ya'll. I had forgotten about JD's version. Didn't realize he did it before ADG tho...

I never even knew that John Denver made a recording of CONO!! I used to like John! I have his Christmas CD and remains one of my favorite holiday CDs!