John Denver Spirit Award Statue. (Rob Rich)

New York City - On Tuesday, October 12, 2011, the John Denver Spirit Award was presented to Stewart F. Lane at a ceremony in Central Park. Presented by Karmen T. Dopslaff of The Starsong Foundation and JoLynn Long of JD Spirit, the award celebrates the legacy of the late singer/songwriter John Denver.

The Award was given to Broadway producer Lane for promoting the world renowned singer/songwriter Denver's music and the positive impact his music has made on society. Lane is the creator of "A Moment In Time," a new Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Denver, and an original story. A developmental reading of the new musical is planned for later this month in New York City. Lane is a five-time Tony award winning producer and a four-time Drama Desk Award winner. He is also an author, director, playwright and the co-owner/operator of the Palace Theatre in New York.

The Award ceremony included a performance of Denver's songs by Broadway leading lady Liz Larsen along with a dedication of a park bench in honor of the occasion. The John Denver Spirit Award, a bronze marquette of a statue was designed by Sue DiCicco.

Leah Lane and Elly Lane. (Rob Rich)

Previous winners of the John Denver Spirit Award include Terry Lipman (2009), Joe Henry (2008), Bill Danoff (2007), Erma Deutschendorf (2006), Kenn Roberts (2005), Hal Thau (2004), Tom Crum (2003), Kris O'Connor (2002).

One of the world's best-known and best-loved performers, Denver earned international acclaim as a songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian. Denver's career spanned four decades and his music has outlasted countless musical trends and garnered numerous awards and honors.

Denver contributed his talents to the benefit of many charitable and environmental causes and received numerous civic and humanitarian awards over the years. Fans responded to his heartfelt urgings about ecology, peace, and compassion that were consistently delivered in a gentle manner on his records and at live performances.

Denver died tragically in a plane crash on October 12, 1997. Today, millions of fans old and new enjoy the work of this extraordinary performer. His humanitarian work continues to strengthen our global village, and his dynamic celebration of life, spirit and nature is a powerful inspiration to us all.