BIO TOM BECKER: As a teenager, Tom’s fondness for the music of John Denver brought him to pick up the guitar and follow in the footsteps of his “mentor”. By his early 20’s, he was well on his way, becoming a member of The New Christy Minstrels, touring the world with the group that John Denver worked with years earlier. Soon, Tom’s original songs became a regular part of the group’s performances. After leaving the New Christy Minstrels, Tom moved to Nashville, where he began a successful career as a songwriter. Among his most cherished songwriting accomplishments, his John Denver-inspired song, “Sailor”, was selected as the Official Commemorative Song for the Navy Memorial dedication in Washington, DC. Other artists Tom has worked with include: Ray Charles, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gregg Allman. In recent years, Tom began to feel that John Denver’s music and message were more important than ever. “In this time of environmental concerns, and Americans’ efforts to simplify their lives, it seems that John Denver’s music and message are even more relevant today, yet you rarely hear his music on the radio anymore.” Tom decided to continue John’s legacy, assembled a band and put together a show that will inspire both long-time Denver fans, and those who may be less familiar with this music. Universal themes of home, family, love and nature, including several of Tom’s own original Denver-inspired songs create the framework. Personal anecdotes and observations from his career in folk music create a warm, humorous and uplifting experience. The gentleness of the wind through the Aspen trees, and the majesty of the Rocky Mountains -- getting back to the basics never felt so good. .