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Denver's win as entertainer of the year in 1975 raised hackles

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Today's Morning Edition music is from "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver, which was No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 40 years ago Thursday.

Denver enjoyed a big year in 1975. He had a string of hit records, his televised concert special won an Emmy and he was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year.

However, a lot of country music purists didn't think Denver deserved the honor. Charlie Rich, who won the year before, was asked to present the award to his successor. After seeing the card that revealed Denver was the winner, Rich took out his lighter and lit the paper on fire.

https://youtu.be/qXgiCr-V9HM