Elton John, The #3 Artist of the Rock Era, Part Four

 

(Continued from Part Three)

 

Elton released this Taupin song about a science-fiction Rock band, told from the perspective of a fan speaking to friends Candy and Ronnie, who had seen the group.   Bernie told Esquire he saw the band as "a prototypical female rock 'n' roll band out of science fiction."  The audience sounds are from a show Elton did at the Royal Festival Hall.  "Bennie And The Jets" has sold over four million copies, #1 in both the United States and Canada.

 

Here is the heartfelt tribute to Marilyn Monroe written by Taupin but Bernie says the message can apply to many stars who died prematurely.  "[It was about] the idea of fame or youth or somebody being cut short in the prime of their life," Bernie said.  "The song could have been about James Dean, it could have been about Montgomery Clift, it could have been about Jim Morrison...how we glamorize death, how we immortalize people."  

"Candle In The Wind" flew to #5 in New Zealand and reached #11 in the U.K.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road has exceeded eight million in U.S. sales and 30 million worldwide.  The lyrics to this song, "Grey Seal" are open for misinterpretation.  Taupin, who we know can write clear messages in his lyrics, says that with this one, even he does not understand them but they work.

 

Like "Grey Seal" above, "Harmony" also attracted tons of airplay.  Many thought it should have been a single, but it was the B-side to "Bennie And The Jets".  "We could have taken singles off that album for years," Elton said.

 

Roy Rogers, who Elton said was one of his childhood heroes, was a famous singing cowboy, a star on Hollywood as well as on radio and television, and his name was recognizable throughout the world until his death in 1998.  Taupin of course loved the Old West, so Rogers was someone both agreed would make a good subject for a song.  Here is their tribute to him.  

The fast-paced "Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock 'n Roll") is one of the best rockers on the album.  In the last chorus, Elton sang "Your sister can't surf but she can rock and roll," a tribute to the Beach Boys.

Taupin's lyrics are great, and the ever-dependable Nigel Olsson does a great job, but the cry in that guitar of Johnstone's elevates this to another level--"I've Seen That Movie Too".

 

"This Song Has No Title", perhaps fitting the narrator's unfinished life, is another standout track.

 

The two pieces of this song were recorded separately.  The intro instrumental was composed by Elton with music he would want at his funeral. The whirling wind and subtle organ introduction set the tone of mortality.  Engineer David Hentschel's ARP 2500 synthesizer kicks in and as the song picks up energy, Davey Johnstone's guitar is featured.  The tone then turns into a frenzied battle between Elton's piano, Nigel Olsson's percussion and Johnstone's guitar.  

The second part of the song then kicks in with Bernie's lyrics describing what the hectic rock & roll lifestyle does to relationships.  Elton often chose this brilliant piece of songwriting to open his concerts.  Never released as a single, "Funeral For A Friend"/"Love Lies Bleeding" is one of the great accomplishments in Bernie's and Elton's careers.

Elton formed his own label, Rocket Records and signed acts such as Neil Sedaka and Kiki Dee.  But he signed an $8 million contract to continue recording his own music with MCA.  

EJ released the album Caribou, his third consecutive #1 in the U.K. that also went to #1 in the U.S., Canada and Australia.  The project was named after Gus Dudgeon's ranch in Colorado where the album was recorded.  

 "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" was the opening single featuring backing vocals by Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys and Toni Tennille (who soon would enjoy success of her own as the Captain & Tennille).  It hit #1 in Canada and #2 in the United States and was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys.

 

This song results from one day when Elton was in a bad mood, complaining about everything.  Bernie's wife Maxine heard him and said, "Uh-oh, the bitch is back."  Bernie thought it to be a great title for a song and started putting together the lyrics.  "The Bitch Is Back" was a #1 smash in Canada and #4 in the U.S. and has sold over one million copies.  Dusty Springfield sang backing vocals on the track while Denny Pickett played the fine sax solo and the great horn section from the Tower of Power contributed on both singles.

In 1974, EJ released the compilation album Elton John's Greatest Hits.  The #1 blockbuster album on both sides of the Atlantic (#1 for 10 weeks in the United States and #1 for 11 in the U.K.) has now sold over 17 million copies in the U.S. alone and 24 million worldwide.  

 

John teamed up with John Lennon for Elton's remake of the Beatles' "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", another #1 in both the U.S. and Canada, #2 in Australia and New Zealand and #3 in the U.K. and John's third consecutive Gold record. The Beatles gave permission to record their songs....almost never. That they gave it to Elton speaks volumes for his greatness, and their trust in him.

Elton returned the favor by helping out Lennon on the #1 "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night". 

 

Caribou was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.  The Tower of Power mentioned above also lent their talents to and shine brightly on this solid album track--"You're So Static".

Elton was still rolling down the fast lane.  We are just getting started in our chronicling of his fabulous career.  Join us for Part Five!