Back in the day with only a few tv stations, no cable or internet, Jacque Cousteau's TV specials brought the world of the Oceans life into our living rooms. We learned to understand and love whales, seals, etc. So many of us back in the day held Jacque Cousteau in very high regard, just as Denver did

He wrote this as an ode to Jacques Cousteau, who was well-known as an ocean explorer and conservationist. Calypso was the name of his boat. Great song!

Calypso is such a beautiful song. John was a big admirer of the brilliant oceanographer, Jacque Cousteau and his work. This is his homage to him and his vessel, The Calypso and her crew. I sure do miss him. 🥰

The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a TV show starting in 1968 and lasted for 9 seasons. I watched it all the time. The Calypso was his vessel. It was a great program and very educational about all things oceans. John Denvers tribute to him. Beautiful song!

Jacques Cousteau invented the modern scuba gear. Prior to that divers used bulky hard hat equipment that did not allow much mobility with air supplied from the surface to the diver below through an air hose. He was also a marine researcher who traveled the oceans on Calypso his ship. They invited John Denver to sail on it one time and he was so inspired by the adventure he wrote this song onboard. I remember seeing the TV special of his journey and he played this song for the crew at the end of the show with just his guitar. It was epic. I wish they still did TV like that these days!

Such a beautiful song. Back in the day we didn't have everything at our fingertips electronically. As a land locked Okie, Jacque Cousteau's special would bring the ocean, whales, dolphins, and the deep blue sea in all her glory to my living room. I love this song!

JD was/is a National treasure. We lost an amazing talent but we have his whole song catalog to keep us happy. No auto tune. Just pure talent. And it just dawned on me that only people of a certain age will know what Calypso is. Jacque Cousteau was a researcher of all things ocean related. He used to have television specials, everyone loved them. His boat was called Calypso.

Jacques Cousteau was a legend back then and John Denver wrote the perfect song to celebrate him.

I am so glad to hear John Denver's "Calypso". It honors both the author and the subject. Jacque Cousteau was a marine biologist from a time when we still valued science and learning. I miss both of these gentlemen. The music that was made and the knowledge that was gained improved mankind.

Thank you so much. I am in tears. I haven't heard this in decades. John Denver and Jacque Cousteau made the world a better place.

John’s falsetto reaches the heavens on this one. What a rousing ending.

John Denver was a special spirit we were blessed with to have him share his gifts with the world.

Thanks for choosing this one today. It left me in tears. I miss the days when music was about something, by people who cared about things in the wider world. RIP John Denver.

Jacques Cousteau was a PHENOM in the 70's. I recall watching literally hundreds of shows featuring him and the Calypso.

To those of us who grew up in the late 60s, early 70s; we spend each week watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. We got to see the amazing under sea Adventures with the man and his crew. So when Denver sang about the Calypso; you felt every line. It's more than just a song; it's an experience and memory of my youth. I feel sorry for anyone who can't relate as I do. Both these men are gone now, and the world is a bit sadder for the lost

John was a lover of nature and exploration,as well as an early conservationist.Of course John Denver could sing the phonebook and we would all happily listen...🎙🎶😊

I got goosebumps just seeing the title of this. I used to watch Jaques Cousteau’s amazing series every weekend about his ocean exploration. And the Calypso, his ship. This song is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you so much for doing it.

The bell that is heard throughout the song is the actual ships bell from Calypso. Jacque Costeau pioneered the way for modern oceanographers.

Im a hard rocker but John Denver songs always get me right in the feels

That last minute or so of yodeling is one of, if not the, most majestic passages in pop music ever.

One of John's Best. Massive tribute to Mr. Jacques Cousteau. An amazing man.

John Denver was about mother earth. Friends with Jacque Cousteau loving the oceans, and the sky. John Denver loved being a pilot, and wanted to experience space flight. He helped develop a program where citizens could go into space. He didn't get to go but wrote a song "They were flying for me" in honor of the Challenger crew.

I was listening to this the other day. John Denver was an American treasure and this is one of my favorites. He could so easily bring a tear to the eye.

For some reason I didn't think much of this song when it first came out and I was a John Denver fan. Then I saw him sing it live in concert and just said "Wow, I get it!". John Denver was so great!!

Calypso was the ship of Jacques Cousteau. I remember watching Cousteau TV specials when I was young. We had never seen anything like it. Unless you were a diver, you didn't really have access to see the wonders of the oceans. John Denver was involved in the conservation movement and he did a special with Jacques, this song was from that TV special. If you can find any of Cousteau videos I highly recommend them!

"The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau". You kids cannot imagine watching this show in the 70s and marveling at the world he showed us. He and Sir David Attenborough are ICONS of preserving our beautiful natural world.

Jay &Amber, you'll love his "Take Me Home, Country Roads" !!!

Full body goosebumps as soon as the bell first rang !!!

This beautiful song is a tribute to French naval officer, famous oceanographer, filmmaker author and co-inventor of the aqualung, Jacques Cousteau and a tribute to his vessel, Calypso. Sadly, Calypso was rammed by a barge in 1996 and sank.

Jaques Cousteau, his crew and his ship the Calypso were on my family’s TV every week! Their adventures and exploration of the oceans was so cool to watch for a landlocked boy like me! Thanks for choosing this song!

He did this song in Seattle years ago and he did it without any backing... Just John and his 12 string guitar! Just as majestic if not more!!!

Thank you for honoring the incomparable John Denver.

This song is...was...and will always be my favorite JD song! 💙

This song is majestic! I'm glad you have now experienced it. Such a beautiful tribute to Calypso and Cousteau's adventures "Fly Away" is another wonderful song by John. It features Olivia Newton-John singing backup and it's fantastic.

He did this song like a sea chantey. I love this song and John Denver too.

Thank you. I welled up the minute I heard the bell ring. Mr. Denver wrote this song very much in the "Sea Shanty" style, completely befitting the legacy and the gift to mankind that was The Calypso and her wonderful crews!

This was a tribute to Jacques Cousteau. He visited Jacques on his boat Calypso & was inspired to write this song, which he did in 15 minutes. A true talent who's very much missed.

SO BEAUTIFUL!!! LOVE John Denver!! SO MISSED! RIP, John Denver - you were ONE OF A KIND!! ...and, MAGICAL!!

As a HUGE John Denver fan I am so glad you reviewed this song. Over the years John improved as an artist. This song is a great example. His voice became a little more mature and he was hitting notes that weren't in the 1975 original. He re-recorded the song in 19 90 for the album Earth songs. That is a great version too. However the note he hits at the end are drowned out a little bit by the orchestration. I recommend to Jay and Amber to listen to that version and also to listen to the version here on KZfaq from a solo concert he did in Russia in 1985. Just search Calypso live Russia. It's just John and his 12 string guitar and the notes he hits in this version will send chills down your spine!

Thanks for choosing this tune. John's songs always had a way of transcending the aches, pains, and worries of life.

John's music got me through some rough times in the 70s. ♥♥

Back in the day with only 4 channels, Jacques Cousteau & Marlin Perkins showed us the world. ❤ John Denver was such an incredible songwriter. The fact that he was able to put so much into this song lyrically, but it has a sea shanty vibe to it. You can see the guys when they come ashore, sitting at the bar holding mugs of beer, swinging them as they join in the chorus. "Aye Calypso..." (As a side note, if you appreciate dry humor, Bill Murray made a film that was sort of a parody of Cousteau & his work. It's called The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The cast is incredible, and there was a lot of deeper messages to the movie, but tldr for here. And if you watch it, pay attention to what the guy with the guitar is playing.)

This song is beautiful,John Denver’s voice and music always makes me feel I’m somewhere safe and loved🩷

It's one of my favorite John Denver songs. In fact, it's my favorite song of his.

The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau was a staple on TV in my living room growing up. Back in the days of 1 TV set, 4 VHF, and 2 fuzzy UHF channels. Great documentaries with no agenda, just teaching and learning. Cousteau was also co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung, SCUBA tank.. great tune, great memories

Like many of my generation, I',m a ''58 model - but born on islands in the South Pacific - New Zealand - Jacques Cousteau was like Walt Disney - a part of our Sunday TV viewing and opened my eyes to the wealth of life surrounding our shores. Thanks for this great one by JD!

One of John's most gorgeous, lush songs. Great pick

We never missed "The Undersea World of Jacques Couteau"! WONDERFUL STUFF! This song is such an appropriate homage to him, his ship, his crew, his life's work and passion. Thank you. I know I suggested this at least once. Love you guys! ❤

An incredible voice, an incredible talent. R.I.P. John and Jaque ❤🙏

It’s been a minute since you guys had John Denver on the channel, I’m glad you reacted to Calypso. One of my personal faves is “Looking for Space”. If you’re looking for another song from JD, this would be a good one 😁

You've done so many of John Denver's song, but I just realized you haven't covered my favorite, "Take Me Home, Country Roads". He was a new version of folk country. Such an iconic voice and sound.

I love this song of John Denver, he had so many great songs in the 70’s. 💜💜

Jacques Cousteau and his ship, the Calypso, were very well-known and popular when this song came out. They were frequently on TV regarding their explorations and John was certainly all about appreciating the environment as his hits about W. Va. and the Rocky Mountains show.

One of the most beautiful songs ever, with very meaningful lyrics.

My favorite John Denver song! Denver spent time sailing on the Calypso and was inspired to write this song. Denver was quite the environmentalist.

Such a wonderful song for us to enjoy for so long now. Thanks, Mr. Denver!

John Denver was an exceptional lyricist as he made his songs "come to life!" Thanks for posting this one, Jay and Amber!👍

Loved John Denver and adored Jacques Cousteau and the specials we watched as kids. My favorite Denver song.

I saw John Denver perform sometime around 1985. This is the song that I remember most as he had the audience come in to join on the chorus. It was absolutely beautiful, I'll never forget it. Probably my most favorite concert and I've seen a lot of shows!

I'm visiting my mother in Dallas right now and the public television station here played a 1974 John Denver concert a couple of days ago. As y'all know, he is as good live as in the studio, and it was also great seeing the laidback, friendly, cool-dressed seventies audiences and the film clips interspersed of Denver and friends hiking through beautiful natural landscapes. It really made me miss that time period.

A beautiful song with an evocative sound that makes even this Missouri boy feel like he's sailing on the mighty ocean.

Beautiful vibe everytime he sings

The ship Calypso was sunk in Singapore when a barge hit her in 1996. I almost cried when I heard the news. Jacque Cousteau was heart broken when he heard about it. He started the process to raise the ship and have her restored. However, he passed away in 1997. However his wish was granted, but it took 20 years, due to legal issue and fund raising, but Calypso is sailing again and I'm grateful to all those who decided she was important enough to rescue. She was so beloved by folks of my generation...almost everyone back in the 1970s knew of this ship, thanks to Cousteau's t.v. show and John Denver guest staring on it, and then writing his hit song about the ship.

I feel this is an overlook song from John Denver. It's an amazing tribute to a great Man and his ship and crew.

One of my favorite John Denver songs… thanks for doing this reaction.

Jaques Cousteau was an absolute legend. Such an amazing man and so sad that after all the incredible work he did, the oceans and seas are still suffering because people refused to listen. John Denver was such an underrated talent. I always loved his music and am so happy that people now can appreciate him.

Calypso was a World War II era mine sweeper ship that was converted into a research vessel. Jacque Cousteau used it for marine research. I remember him appearing on National Geographic many times and a few times John Denver was on the show with him. As a child this was the first adult contemporary song I took notice of. My dad played John Denver Greatest Hits Vol 2 in the house many times. I became familiar with all the songs but this was my favorite. Being into ships, I also had a plastic model kit of the Calypso. It was very detailed and came with a couple sharks; diving cage; 2 or 3 submersibles; and a small helicopter to land on Calypso's helipad. If you pay attention to the slide show, you can see photos of Calypso and its submersibles.

The John Denver song I always made sure to play on the first day of Spring for decades is The Eagle and the Hawk. It just gives me a feeling of rebirth and freedom. Calypso is very much like that one.

I can listen to John's voice anytime. It's like hearing an old friend.

Oooh, finally! I've been recommending this song for what seems like ages! Glad to see it finally getting a listen!

Both men were so very special in their time and what they gave us!

To hold those notes as long as he did; phenomenal.

The Jacques Cousteau show was a staple on TV back in the day! We learned so much....and didnt realise we were learning. Beautiful show!!! RIP John Denver, Jacques Cousteau and Calypso and crew!❤

Not only my favorite John Denver song, but one of my favorites ever. Always brings a tear.

I love love love this song, its so cool and makes you feel like you're on the waves in the ship!!! The yodeling is WONDERFUL! Love john denver!❤

Every time I hear a John Denver song it reminds me all over again how much I miss this amazing artist and humanitarian. I've always loved this song, always watched the Jacques Costeau specials on tv. What treasures to the world they both were.

Always a fan of this song and the famed story behind it!

I saw him in a small venue here in boise idaho. Every song he spent a few minutes explaining why it was written. This one was from time spent on the calypso.

One of my favorite songs and the oceanographer was famous for showing us so many firsts.

This composition is utterly beautiful and magnificent even without the equally beautiful lyrics.

As a child ,I looked forward to the Jacque Cousteau television specials. They were amazing! When John Denver sang this song I could feel that childhood joy returning. The adventures were amazing.

This is one of my favourites of John Denver's. My absolute favourite is Looking For Space from the same album, Windsong.

Don’t close your eyes. The video is part of the story. It’s his tribute to Jacque Cousteau, his crew and ship Calypso.

❤ John was so pure in his delivery & production. The strings in this song wow

I'm not part of your paying fans, but I have watched you guys for years now. I love the reactions along the journey you have taken. I believe you've seen enough to appreciate a song we boomers and some gen'x-ers can appreciate and connect to. "Life is a rock, but the radio rolled me."

Gorgeous! I miss the musicianship of those days. The integrity, artistry and talent of John Denver is hard to match. Thank you for your appreciation and respect when you showcase his talent. I love what your doing. You two are a joy to watch! :) How about GALVESTON by Glen Campbell!

Your love of nautical songs plus your love for Billy Joel equals a reaction video to Billy Joel's "Downeaster Alexa"!!

John is one of my three biggest influences because of his activism. His song Rocky Mountain High was censored on the airwaves because it was misinterpreted as a drug reference. In 1985 he testified along with Frank Zappa and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider in Senate committee hearings in opposition to the Parents Music Resource Center's campaign for parental advisory labels on records containing violence, drug references or sexually explicit lyrics. He regularly testified in House and Senate budget hearings urging Congress to give more money to NASA.

I grew up listening to John Denver. He has such a great voice.

This is one of my all-time favorite John Denver songs. I haven't heard it in such a long time but it still sounds just as good as it did back when I heard it for the very first time.

Love John Denver! You have to play his most iconic song...Take me home country roads.... love your channel!

An amazing song. Glad you finally got to it. Denver is missed.

Such an incredibly beautiful & poignant song, it moves me to tears. If John & Jacques were alive today, they would be absolutely devastated at the state our beautiful planet is in ❤️🌏

I remember hearing this as a child here in The Bahamas, on an AM radio station. Wonderful

It’s among my favorite JD songs! Calypso was the ship Jean Cousteau sailed on many years ago- my mom watched his show when she was younger. It’s a beautiful song and I’ve loved it for years! Great choice of songs!! ❤

One of the best although there are no bad J.D. songs. He did a TV special about Jacque Cousteau and his ship the Calypso. The song was done for that. They became good friends. Most of those photos are of and from the Calypso. Cousteau was one of the inventors of our modern-day dive equipment as I recall. Another similar J.D. song is the "Eagle and the Hawk"

When he would play this is concert it would bring the house down. It was always the highlight of every show he ever did.

Wonderful song from John Denver honoring Jacques Cousteau and his ship The Calypso. He was a marine biologist and conservationist who taught us about his world. The quote shown over one of the slides in the video sums it up. "To live on the land we must learn from the sea." Unfortunately most people never learned. We used to watch The Undersea World Of Jacques Cousteau when I was kid and teenager. It brought an amazing new world right into our living rooms. Calypso created a perfect mood for this song with John's amazing voice and the musical arrangement. My suggestion for your next John Denver song is Take Me Home, Country Roads. It is the one that got me interested in him.

I was fortunate enough to see John Denver perform many songs, including this one, in Hawaii many years ago. He was so well liked, so warm to the audience. The girl I attended the concert with has been my close friend for 10 years and my wife for 34 more after that. And yes I watched the shows from Jacque Cousteau. During the song they had blue and green wavy lights play across the stage as if we were aboard the Calypso. She was not super interested in the song until he began to sing.

John Denver was one of the earliest celebrity conservationist. His gentle manner helped bring people along. The Cousteau family continues the works related to the oceans today through charitable organizations like The Oceans Future Society. Jacques died in 1997 and the world lost an amazing man.