Famous musicians attract a lot of attention. Most of the time, it’s in the form of adoration. Occasionally, it’s more negative. Perhaps the most severe form of negative attention a well-known artist can receive is an extensive FBI file. John Denver knew a thing or two about that kind of attention.
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Denver was reportedly closely monitored by the U.S. government. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver had enough dirt on his name to warrant an entire file. From mafia ties to protests to an attempted murder, discover everything inside the singer-songwriter’s FBI file below.
A Look Inside John Denver’s FBI File
Among the artists of his generation, Denver is perhaps the least likely to have a history with the FBI. His music was firmly focused on relaying the beauty of the natural world. I.e., not the kind of thing a criminal would be into. While Denver’s history with the bureau didn’t prove to be criminal, it remains a shock to fans nonetheless.
Denver’s track record with the FBI had flown under the radar until his name surfaced in connection with La Cosa Nostra, an infamous mafia organization. After an extensive investigation into why his name was attached to the group, he was cleared of any suspicion–but not before agents found a wealth of information hiding in Denver’s file.
Other Reports
The only report that can be attributed to Denver’s actions was his appearance at a 1971 anti-war rally. Denver isn’t the only artist to have an FBI file due to their involvement in a protest. Eventually, the bureau decided to let Denver off the hook.
“Since this affair is clearly political in nature, no coverage through established sources or informants contemplated unless positive evidence received of disruptive or destructive activity being involved herewith, the report read.
Elsewhere in Denver’s file is the story of a woman, calling from Germany, claiming that her mother’s boyfriend was traveling to Los Angeles with the sole purpose of killing Denver. Luckily, nothing ever came of these threats.
Ultimately, nothing in Denver’s file was particularly damning. However, with information being so readily available in today’s world, it’s often a surprise to learn about previously unknown aspects of artists from older generations.
(Photo by Tony Russell/Redferns)
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