1975 John Denver Heartbreak Hit Hid a Collaboration With a Crossover Country Superstar
John Denver was on a career high by 1975 when he collaborated with a crossover country superstar for a dreamy, unforgettable song.
The singer and songwriter, who had already scored four No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts by the midpoint of the '70s, was firmly established as one of the era's biggest names in music. By 1975, his growing crossover appeal helped open the door to unexpected collaborations that further expanded his reach beyond country audiences.
"Fly Away" was included on Denver's LP Windsong. While he provided all of the primary vocals, he was joined by Olivia Newton-John as a collaborator. At the time, she was known as a country star, but had begun to cross over into the pop music world.
American Songwriter reported that Newton-John joined Denver for the tune, providing harmonies and backing vocals. She went uncredited, likely due to the fact that she and the "Rocky Mountain High" superstar worked for competing record companies.
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Additionally, the pair performed 'Fly Away' together for Denver's 1975 Christmas special television show, John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas. The performance became a standout moment of the special, highlighting the easy chemistry between the two artists and the song's warm, uplifting tone.
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The two artists remained friendly, and Newton-John later recorded a cover of Denver's 1971 hit "Country Roads" in 1975. The rendition helped introduce the song to an even wider audience, further cementing its status as a crossover classic.
Smooth Radio reported that Newton-John honored Denver after his October 1997 passing by inducting him posthumously into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
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The entertainment outlet excerpted a passage from Newton-John's book Don't Stop Believin', where she claimed Denver was a spirit guide in her life, along with her parents, friends, and singer Karen Carpenter.
"I often feel as if they hover around me when I perform. They are my spirit guides who I ask to support me before every show, and they keep me strong. They're gone, but their love never dies."
Olivia Newton-John died in 2022. She was 73.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 8:12 AM.