September 19, 2025      —–     Chart #316

Howdy, music-loving friends!

This week we’re boarding a flight of pure nostalgia with a song that’s taken off more times than a well-loved 747. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is one of those tunes that just about everyone can hum along to, whether you first heard it around a campfire or on the radio as you packed your bags.

Let’s start with the man behind the melody: John Denver himself wrote this gem back in 1966. Originally titled “Babe, I Hate to Go,” Denver penned the song with that signature mix of heartfelt longing and gentle optimism. He first recorded and released it on his own album Rhymes & Reasons in 1969. But here’s the kicker: it was Peter, Paul and Mary who really sent it soaring up the charts. They recorded their version a little earlier, releasing it in late 1967, and by 1969, it was a bona fide hit. Peter, Paul and Mary’s rendition climbed all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1969. Meanwhile, Denver’s own version also found a place in listeners’ hearts, becoming a staple of his live performances and a beloved classic in its own right.

So what makes this song so enduring? Maybe it’s that bittersweet blend of farewell and hope—knowing you’re leaving, but promising to return. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to hug your loved ones a little tighter before you head out the door. Whether you prefer John Denver’s gentle croon or Peter, Paul and Mary’s harmonious take, there’s no denying this tune has earned its wings.

So next time you find yourself humming along and thinking about journeys near and far, just remember: great songs never really land. They just keep on flying.

Keep Rockin’,

Stan Bradshaw