Mama Cass Elliot and John Denver, ‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’, 1972

August 19, 1972 John Denver hosted the premiere episode of The Midnight Special. This late-night musical variety series was unique because most of the musical acts performed live instead of lip-synching to pre-recorded tunes.

In this video from that first episode John welcomes Mama Cast Elliot who waxes on about the importance of voting and joins John for a powerful duet of his song ‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’ made famous in 1967 by Peter, Paul and Mary. Although both performers are no longer with us we can remember their incredible talents in this six minute clip. Enjoy!

You can listen to music from John Denver, Mama Cass, The Mamas and the Papas, Peter, Paul and Mary, and other musicians from the 60s & 70s on Dusty Discs Radio.