Piano Man Steve's Blog

Sunshine On My Shoulders (John Denver) - Song Tutorial Masterclass

Mar 25, 2025

This 1971 tune from John Denver was a deep cut on his breakout album, "Poems, Prayers, & Promises", but was rerecorded for his first "Greatest Hits" compilation in 1973 and issued as a single.  It hit #1 in early 1974 and became one of his most enduring and recognizable songs.  I love playing this tune, and it's a great example of something you can use the "Heartbeat" feel with a few minor modifications and create a very effective facsimile very quickly.  I show you exactly how in the video below.

Enjoy the masterclass of this song, and check out John Denver's great master recording below. 

If you'd like to explore my piano method more deeply, my best students use my video courses and join me for conversation and twice monthly Q&A Livestreams in my private community...you can find it all HERE. Thanks.




If the video doesn't show above, use THIS LINK to see it on YouTube




If the video doesn't show above, use THIS LINK to see it on YouTube