1969 Song of the Day is- “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul and Mary. Written in 1966 by a then unknown named John Denver- the single by Peter, Paul and Mary became their biggest and final hit- topping the Billboard Hot 100 the week of December 20th, 1969. Denver wrote the song during a layover at an airport. Denver said that sometimes it took him months to finish a song- but this one only took a couple hours. The original title- on John Denver’s ignored 1966 album John Denver Sings album- was “Baby, Please Don’t Go.” Producer Milt Okun talked him into changing the name of the song- and Peter, Paul and Mary recorded it on a 1967 album. It wasn’t released as a single until 1969 though. During their career Peter, Paul and Mary had a dozen Top 40 hits- from 1962-69. I have a friend- the same one who said that “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats is his all time favorite song- says that Peter, Paul and Mary is one of his favorite acts. His favorite flavor of ice cream is vanilla. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Years later Denver took action against New Order-claiming the guitar break on their single “Run 2” closely resembled “Leaving On A Jet Plane.” The case was settled out of court. Someone must have pointed that out to Denver I can’t imagine him listening to New Order…. or New Order listening to John Deutschendorf.
slicethelife 
The lyrics and PP&M’s voices made this song special, even with a few cheesy lines in the chorus. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it.
I like their version over Denver’s that is for sure!
Me too!
I love this song as much for the harmonizing as anything else. I’m probably in a minority, but I love John Denver’s music. Surprised to hear he wrote it.
I like John Denver. Not fanatical but I like him… A friend of mine- the same one who loves PP&M- worked years ago at one of those big music sheds they have put up for concerts across the country- he worked security. Denver was playing there one evening. He was there early and went for a run- when he came back to the gate the fella who was working wouldn’t let him in because he had no ID. My friend saw what was going on and went over and gave the OK “This is John Denver- let him in”– Denver laughed about it- that the fella didn’t know who he was… can you imagine some others? I can think of a few who would have probably wanted him fired. Hi there- Diana Ross.
How could anyone who lives in the USA not recognize John Denver or Diana Ross??? Someone who lives in a cave I guess. Great story, Hans.
OH i mentioned Diana Ross- as one of those divas- who workers at the places she plays are told they are not allowed to even look at her.. if you do she will flip out.
what????????? probably just as well they don’t then….