JOHN DENVER- PHILATELIC TRIBUTES

America and numerous other countries have honored the King of Rock, Elvis Presley on their postage. It seems curious that one of America's most famous folk singers, movie personalities, and political activists has not been honored by his home country, but only on foreign postage.

John Denver, American folk singer-songwriter and folk rock musician who was one of the top selling artists of the 1970's, has been pictured on a Nevis Island postage sheet. The Grammy and Country Music Award Winner, has his portrait featured on four postage stamps along with a large margin photo of a concert appearance. The African nation of Tanzania produced a 2003 issue not only features an artistic portraits of the artist on four postage stamps, but a margin painting with a detailed biography. Tanzania's accompaning souvenir sheet features of portrait of Denver with guitar and Rocky Mountains in the background.

These stamps are not just of interest to the thousands of fans who made him one of the most popular entertainers of the 1970's and 80's, but also to those who remember Denver for his efforts on behalf of world peace, championship of environmental issues, and humanitarian relief efforts.

It is close to nine years since Denver's tragic death and one can only wonder how long it will be before the U.S. Post Office honors his memory with a commemorative issue.