John Denver Later years and humanitarian work
 In subsequent years, Denver had a lower-profile career. He had a few more U.S. Top 30 hits as the 1970s ended, but nothing to match the success he enjoyed earlier. As his career slowed down, Denver focused more on humanitarian and sustainability work. He worked extensively on conservation projects and helped to create the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Denver made public expression of his acquaintance or friendship with ecological-design researchers like Richard Buckminster Fuller and Amory Lovins, from whom he said he learned much. He also founded his own environmental group, the Windstar Foundation. Denver had a keen interest in the causes of and solution to hunger, and visited Africa during the 1980s to witness first-hand the suffering caused by starvation and to work with African leaders towards a solution.
In 1983 and 1984 Denver hosted the annual Grammy Awards which are presented by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). The 1983 presentation was noteworthy as for the show's finale, Denver was joined on-stage by folk music legend Joan Baez. Baez and Denver lead an all-star version of Blowing In The Wind and Let The Sunshine In. They were joined on stage by such diverse musical icons as Jennifer Warnes, Donna Summer, and Rick James.
Denver testified alongside Frank Zappa and Dee Snider on the topic of censorship during a Parents Music Resource Center hearing in 1985. His appearance and music sharply contrasted with those of his musical counterparts. Denver also toured Russia in 1985, met with Communist Party luminaries at every opportunity. Denver's 11 concerts in the Soviet Union were the first by an American artist in over 10 years, and marked a very important cultural exchange, which culminated in an agreement to allow other western artists to perform in the USSR. He returned two years later to perform at a benefit concert for the victims of the Chernobyl accident. In October 1992, he undertook a multiple city tour of Communist China, shaking hands and meeting with Communist Party leaders through every city. Denver also released the Homegrown CD of his greatest hits to raise money for charities helping the homeless.
1991's Different DirectionsIn 1994, he published his autobiography, Take Me Home. In 1996, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his legend status was ensured.
In early 1997, Denver filmed an episode for the Nature series, centering on the natural wonders that inspired many of his best-loved songs. The episode contains his last song, Yellowstone, Coming Home, which he composed while rafting along the Colorado River with his son and young daughter. [citation needed]
When his career as a musical icon slowed down and his humanitarian work picked up its pace, Denver had two incidents involving driving under the influence of alcohol. In 1993 he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired, and a 1994 incident ended with a hung jury in 1997 when his defense argued that a thyroid condition rendered the alcohol tests unreliable.
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