News reports today said that Elton John is in a private London hospital recovering from an E-coli infection and influenza. Tour dates in the US, where he was to appear with Billy Joel, have been postponed. Get well, Elton ...
Reginald Dwight was one heck of a talented musician. His unorthodox approach brought a style to Rock and Roll that was unheard of before. I was hooked on his music while in high school. I even continued to enjoy it after he outed himself, an action that caused a close friend, Craig Thompson, to freak out - as Elton had been his favorite and the realization that he was 'gay' (not the word that Craig used!) devestated him. It was funny to watch.
I lost interest in his music after he split with Bernie Taupin, his lyrical author. The music, his appearance, his act - all grated on me - but never spoiled the memory of his early efforts. I haven't had much use for his musical efforts since the split, except for the 'Candle in the Wind' redo he did for Princess Diana.
My Top Five Favorite Elton John Songs:
1) Tiny Dancer
2) Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
3) All the Girls Love Alice
4) Madman Across the Water
5) Candle in the Wind
Here is a sample of his early efforts, one of my favorite Elton songs. Even though it is an obvious exercise in lip syncing, the music itself is great. How many people could take piano, steel guitar, and a full orchestra and fold them successfully into a Rock and Roll song? "Tiny Dancer" ......
Hah! Caught you .... how many of you out there are playing 'air keyboard'????
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3 comments:
Nice choices, some of my favorites too.
you do know that his "split" with bernie taupin was just for a few months back in the late 70's, right? that they've been writing together as usual since then?
Yeah, they got back together off and on, but it was never the same. The magic of the early years was gone for good .....
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