Tribute to the Music of John Denver with Layne Yost

layneyost2017-2Layne Yost pays faithful tribute to the timeless, still-popular music of John Denver with a “Tribute to the Music of John Denver.”

Jon Shimoda plays bass to accompany Yost’s pure vocals and guitar playing in this homage to the music and the man. They capture the simple soul of Denver’s music. Woven within the music are stories that give insight into Denver’s life and legacy.

Denver is best known for songs like, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” along with other hits. A common theme in his lyrics was his enjoyment of the natural world. He was one of the most popular and best-selling acoustic artists of the 1970s, and his songs were hits on several charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, country and western, and adult contemporary. He earned four platinum albums and 12 gold albums during his career.

Yost started playing music at the age of 14, motivated by the desire to entertain campers
around bonfires at a summer camp. By college, Yost was playing a variety of venues in the Chicago area and covering most of his schooling costs through his music. While in college, Yost saw Denver at McCormick Place in Chicago. Although each concert was very different, Yost was struck by the close connection Denver made with each and every member of the audience. He felt transported back to the times he was sitting around the campfire years before, sharing songs with good friends. This is the feeling Yost brings to his Denver tribute concert – an intimate and connected evening with good friends.

Playing upright bass, Shimoda grew up around Detroit, Michigan. Since high school, he has played in a number of different musical groups in Chicago and recently in Eau Claire, Wis. Shimoda’s bass is a perfect compliment to Yost’s vocals and guitar.

“Layne’s got a John Denver voice, all sweet, pure and true. He’s a delight to listen to.”
–The Scene: Music and Events in The Chippewa Valley