Elton released the album Tumbleweed Connection, a #2 effort in the U.K. and #5 in the United States. This third release, also recorded at Trident Studios, features songs about one of Taupin's inspirations, the American West. Absent of hits, Tumbleweed Connection is nonetheless loaded with quality songs featuring evocative lyrics from Taupin and melodic compositions from John. This Top Track* tells the story of a fugitive who is finally caught, but instead of being proud of his reputation, the villain laments it in "Ballad Of A Well-Known Gun".
Like its predecessor and the album that followed, Tumbleweed includes superb string arrangements from Paul Buckmaster. Three tracks that we will hear, "Country Comfort", "Come Down In Time" and "Burn Down The Mission" were recorded during the Elton John sessions but saved for this album. Rod Stewart recorded "Country Comfort" on his album Gasoline Alley. Here is the original.
Two fixtures in Elton's backing band, bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson, appeared for the first time as the rhythm section on "Amoreena". Olsson had played on one of the tracks on the Empty Sky album in 1969.
"Amoreena" was later used in the opening credits of the 1975 movie Dog Day Afternoon with Al Pacino. This song tells the story of a young Confederate whose father was killed during the American Civil War. After putting his father to rest, the son takes up his father's gun to take his place on the battlefield and to carry "My Father's Gun".
Tumbleweed is decidedly melancholy. "Where To Now St. Peter?" is another brilliant tale about the death of a soldier who is passing over to the other side. We aren't told about which conflict felled the man, but from the other tracks on the album, Taupin likely was inspired to write it from the American Civil War.
In the superb "Come Down In Time", Bernie and Elton melt together into one, with John summoning the strength to sing each line as if it were his own words and his own feelings. His piano playing and his imaginative music got a lot of attention, but his emotive, interpretive and solid vocals, especially in his early years, must not be overlooked.
We saved the best song on Tumbleweed for last--the fantastic "Burn Down The Mission". The lyrics tell a basic story but their vagueness leave them open to personal interpretation. A poor community is oppressed by the greed and power of a rich man, and the protagonist is motivated to take action. Alas, however, he fails and must suffer the consequences, although he maintains his actions were justified.
This is one of Elton's most complicated pieces in which the key changes four times before returning to the opening key. He masterfully designed the music to complement the narrative with his slow piano introduction to introduce the character and tell his story. The middle section, much faster and featuring full instrumentation, is symbolic of the struggle that the hero has undertaken. Finally, after the struggle, the music returns to its basic beginning, representing the defeat of the hero.
But then, suggesting that the others have picked up the cause for which our hero fought for, the tempo again picks up at the end!
"Burn Down The Mission" is one of many Elton John works of art and such a fan favorite that Elton plays it often in concert.
John's live album 11-17-70 was recorded at A&R Studios in New York City. Elton and Bernie wrote the soundtrack to the movie Friends in 1971. Although it stalled at #13 in Canada and #17 on the U.S. Adult chart, it is another of his career best. Elton's work was nominated for Best Original Score from a Motion Picture at the Grammys.
"Michelle's Song" is also featured in the movie.
John released his fourth solo album, Madman Across the Water, in 1971. It was on this album that Elton and Bernie began to click as a songwriting team to be reckoned with.
This song, a simple character sketch about a family, is as relatable today as it was then. "Levon" is about three generations of the Tostig family: Alvin is Levon's dad and Jesus is his son. Each is a good man who wants the best for their son, and each wants their son to achieve more than they did.
Levon owns a fairly successful balloon company, but when Jesus looks at the balloons, he just dreams of becoming an astronaut. Levon is happy that Jesus wants to improve himself but privately disappointed that Jesus doesn't want to continue the family business. The theme is universal, but there isn't a father or a son who cannot identify with it. "Levon" initially peaked at #24. Proving it's worth and long-term relevance, "Levon" has now gone Gold.
Looking back almost 40 years later, it is hard to believe that "Tiny Dancer" peaked at #35. Some Elton John fans insist it is the best song he ever did. From the fact that the single now tops six million in sales, we agree that it is certainly one of his best--it ranks high in our list of The Top Unknown/Underrated Songs of the Rock Era*! This analysis by Rupert Lenz of Rateyourmusic.com captures the reaction of listeners very well:
It blew my ears off from the start,
There's a feel to it I can't describe,
especially when Elton's voice enters the
higher registers,
It's so damn cool.
And his piano...the strings...
the guitar licks...
the way that bass and drums wave the rhythm...
somehow loose but just tight enough to
make it soar...
It's just magic.
"Rotten Peaches" is a grand, anthemic piano ballad that is complemented by a Gospel choir (the Cantores em Ecclesia Choir) and features Rick Wakeman of Yes on the Hammond organ. It is the tale of a prisoner, holding onto a long-lost love, a relationship lost because of his crimes, a relationship he's pining over although it's already gone.
"Goodbye" is the conclusion to the album, a simple ballad that mixes well with the more-complicated musical compositions of "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer".
Davey Johnstone plays the great mandolin on "Holiday Inn", a glimpse into life on the road for Elton and Bernie.
The title song is another of Elton's best and Ray Cooper, who would play on several projects to come, makes his first appearance on an Elton John song.
Putting yourself in the role of a composer, imagine being handed a sheet of paper with the lyrics of this song by Bernie Taupin. We don't know if the song is about anyone in particular, nor if the person, who is in a mental institution, belongs there or not. And Taupin's line "Is the nightmare black or are the windows painted" is one of his best from one of the great lyricists of all-time.
If you haven't heard some of these songs, that is what this site exists for--to possibly expose you to some music you will cherish forever. Much more to come from Elton John!
We have tried to give you the "error rate" of ranking throughout this music spectacular, to point out ranges in which the artists are close and there is room for error. The Top Three, however, are miles ahead of everyone else...#3 is way, way ahead of #4, #2 is way ahead of #3, and #1 is way, way ahead of #2. These are the definitive Top Three Artists of the Rock Era, beginning with #3!
(Editor's note: We love featuring comments from listeners on YouTube and hope you love reading them. For the top 3, you get 100 of the best comments and one can find thousands of superlative comments on his music. Enjoy.)
"Bernie lines them up and Elton executes them to Purrfection."
"Two words to describe Elton John: Sheer brilliance! He gives the masters (Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, etc.) a run for their money!"
"Elton's run of sustained greatness is mind-boggling. So many great albums one after the other. Nothing like getting me my Elton fix. Man."
"He is incomparable."
"Elton John the legend...an impeccable career."
"Sir Elton John is a living legend and an International Treasure ❤"
"It is such a pleasure to see these comments with people just joining together and appreciating this incredible music that stunned and thrilled us in the 70s. Elton is truly a musician for the ages. Bernie Taupin is the other half of this beauty."
"I truly believe this man is amazing. He touches the hearts of all ages."
"This man is a legend . Bernie's songs will never die.. love all his songs. Elton john is the man and his legacy keeps rollin.. thank you Elton john for the amazing memories."
"Nigel Olsson on drums. Dee Murray on bass. Davey Johnstone on guitar, Elton on piano, and Bernie on lyrics. It’s hard to imagine how talented these guys were."
"Hand in hand went the music and the rhyme."
"No one is old or young if they listen to great music like this."
"I never get tired of listening to 'Captain Fantastic' and 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. Over and over again. Not to mention various other hits and songs not very well known."
"Elton John has always been my favorite. I love him and his music. He is one of a kind."
"Elton and Bernie are a gift from God to music aficionados."
"It was Taupin's lyrics that reached the heart, THE soul of me. Elton's music coloured it, and emphasised each phrase..."
"He is amazing...colorful and talented beyond belief!! ROCK ON EJ."
"His gift is rare. He's amazing! He touches my heart with his music."
"Love me some Sir Elton. He’s one of the greatest."
"Elton produced a lifetime of miraculous stuff."
"God blessed Elton & Bernie from day one - so thankful I lived during "their era" of awesome music."
"Elton (and Bernie) define greatness. But there was a helluva' band back there as well."
"Fantastic music, but it's not just the great songwriting - fantastic playing by a great band."
"The range of Reg is incredible. Blues-funk-rock-pop-country with golden lyrics. One of a kind artist!"
"Elton John and Bernie Taupin are brilliant."
"The Elton John Express was firing on every cylinder: Elton & Bernie's songwriting, Elton's vocals and piano playing, Davey Johnstone on lead guitar, Dee Murray on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums."
"The guy could do no wrong. Pure genius."
"There isn't a soul who can listen to his music and not recognize the genius."
"So incredibly talented. Loved you Elton from way back."
"This wizard of music brought me and countless other's through some of the most challenging and eventful times of my life. I salute him and a few masters of our time. Live on great king live on."
"Elton John is one of the greatest music artists period, full stop!!!"
"Elton John you will never know how much you saved my life over and over again."
"He is absolutely brilliant, a magician at work."
"Bernie Taupin wrote as a poet- timeless and visionary. And Elton John was the most incredible pianist and performer, and I thank them both for the music that saved my life."
"Elton is the master of his craft."
"Truly a MADMAN on the keyboards."
"Elton and Bernie were magic together."
"Brilliant. Captain Fantastic is at his very best with his trusty genius Bernie.T at his side. Thank-you guys."
"Sir Elton John is one of those rare talents...his songs are lovely melodically as well as lyrically ( thanks to Bernie Taupin)."
"Love the way Elton can belt out a killer rock song, then sing a love ballad so lovely it makes you cry.
"I’ve always been so impressed with Elton’s piano playing. He makes it look so effortless."
"Elton John has the most beautiful voice in the world!!!! He had it when he first started in the 1970s and he still has it!!! Great artist who can also play the piano for the ages!!!! "Complete talent!!!"
"Elton John is the single greatest musician in the history of the world! No one else can compare. His songs bring about so much emotion in me."
"One of the greatest songwriting teams ever: Bernie Taupin & Elton John."
"Simply the best- none better than the brilliance of Bernie and Elton. I adore him- always have and always will."
"This amazing man is among the absolute best, absolute beyond words AWSOME musicians to ever live. Thank you Elton John. Wow... Just wow. Thank you."
"Love everything John/Taupin did..they were a great pair."
"Timeless music."
"Bernie Taupin and Elton John--one of those musical combos that fell out of heaven."
"It must be amazing to know, that if people are still around, and listening to music in 300 yrs, your music will loved just like we love the Masters from the past. And of course Sir Elton John can make that claim..."
"Elton is one of the few remaining musical greats left. Protect him at all costs...."
"How wonderful life is while Elton John is in the world."
"The songs from this period in Elton's career, just as he was on the road to super-stardom, but not quite there yet...they just sound so fresh and the tones are so rich. The core band of Elton, Nigel, Dee, and Davey created a sound that was pure magic. Elton, Bernie, and the band wrote and played like they had something to prove from 1970-73, and it was spellbinding."
"Amazing. The songs they wrote, just pure creative wonders."
"Only Elton and Bernie can penetrate your soul and take you on a beautiful trip you will never forget. Two geniuses."
"He has so many songs that are timeless. HE is timeless."
"This man is a gift from God to mankind."
"Elton John is a genius!"
"Holy crap, a couple of genius composers... give me the chills, amazing talent."
"Damn, I'll tell you what man; Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote a whole bunch of just killer great songs.".
"Elton relied on Bernie Taupin to send him pages of various verses written out in the style of songs. Words on paper. Elton picked the verses in song that inspired him. He heard music accompanying those words. Taupin was vital to Elton's tremendous success, but I always imagine how great Taupin must have felt after he wrote down words on a page, mailed them to Elton, and then heard what Elton did with them singing those words with music It must have been a magical, terrific feeling for Taupin."
"This man is so beautiful! His voice is by far the best I've ever heard! Thank you Elton John for being the lovely sound my ear and soul get to enjoy and cherish always❤"
"Elton is and will always be a musical Genius !!!!!! He is and always will be an icon!!! His music, lyrics have touched billions of people .. He is truly gifted...A one and only!!!! His music has gotten me through allot of difficult times in my life!!!"
"Very impressive, spirit soaring music, Thanks Sir Elton, and Bernie Taupin. Remarkable!!!
"These 2 are unbelievable."
"What a master. My God. A true artist is he."
"Sir Elton John, by far, surpasses anyone during my lifetime, sheer genius, he is, what a damn fine man, musician."
"Elton and Bernie together are pure magic, man!! Pure magic."
"One of the greatest songwriting teams in the history of the English language."
"He always put his heart and soul in his live performances."
"Bernie Taupin, lyrical genius. Reginald Dwight amazing singer and pianist."
"The spirits were moving, the energy of the universe converged. Elton and Bernie turned their music into the soundtrack of our souls.
"I am always amazed that Elton could turn out so many classics in such a short period of time."
"Fantastic live performances. Shows what truly great musicians are able to do outside a studio."
"He is the most incredible human being. So much inspiration. So much he went through and is still amazing us."
"Utterly timeless. It is an honor to listen to him."
"I've listened to Elton John's music for years. But now, I'm in my 50's these songs are affecting me differently. So much depth. I'm hearing them all again as if they were brand new."
"Elton John is a gift to the people on this planet."
"Listening to even just a sample of his nearly unparalleled catalog made me realize how talented he is. Just incredible."
"Bernie and Reggie (Elton) were imperial pop and rock wizards ruling together"
"These songs will be as remembered as Mozart and Beethoven."
"Elton and Bernie...perfection...pure and simple..."
"Yes indeed, thank God your music's still alive! Thanks for all the music and great lyrics you two! XXX"
"Unbelievable talent. Bernie and Elton, excellent."
"Elton and Bernie are geniuses."
"The voice of Reg and the genius of Bernie Taupin is epic and why Elton has been on the radio consistently for 50 years. GOAT !"
"Mr Taupin's fantastic poetry, and Mr Reg's REAL music!"
"Elton John is a living legend. What an awesome talent this man has."
"I thank God for creating Elton John. I'm hoping I can see him in concert once more before I die."
"Serious master at work, he is incredible.
"His contributions to the music world are priceless."
"This man's music is wonderfully timeless!"
"Sir Elton is an amazing artist."
"Elton's first seven albums are CLASSIC. the man is too tremendous for words."
"Genius, absolutely."
"Bottom line...Elton is a gift from the universe. I just want to thank him for tapping deep into my soul with every song he sings."
"Composer, performer, singer of another planet. Sublime."
"Bernie Taupin is an amazing writer and Elton is one of the best musicians of all time."
"I'm so glad I grew up in the Elton era, I saw him live, and his music will amaze millions in the future...forever enjoyed..".
"The best music ever. Thank you Bernie and Elton!"
In a twist of fate, this legendary artist and performer went from an aspiring rock & roll performer who couldn't record his own songs to one of the brightest stars the world has ever seen. Concerts during his greatest years featured a piano-playing madman wearing every type of wild exotic costume known to man. These days, we just call him Sir.
Reginald Dwight was born on March 25, 1947 in Pinner, Great Britain but was raised by his grandparents. He went to Pinner County Grammar School until he left to pursue a career in music at the age of 17. Dwight's father was a trumpet player in the Bob Millar Band that played at military dances. Dwight was inspired by rock and roll albums that his parents brought home, from artists such as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Haley & the Comets.
Reginald began playing piano at his grandmother's house at an early age and could soon play by ear. He began taking lessons at the age of seven, and he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London at the age of 11. In a hint of things to come, while at the Royal Academy, Dwight played back like a "gramophone record" a four-page piece by George Frideric Handel after hearing it for the first time, according to an instructor!
Dwight studied at the Academy for five years and also took lessons privately to supplement his learning. His parents often argued and divorced when Reginald was 14. His mother married Fred Farebrother, who was far more supportive of Dwight's musical ambitions, and the family moved into an apartment building known as Frome Court. It was there that Reginald wrote the songs that would launch his career.
Dwight got his start playing piano at the Northwood Hills Hotel at the age of 15. In 1962, Reggie and his friends formed the group Bluesology while Reggie also worked for a music publishing company. Before long, Bluesology was opening for acts such as the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In 1966, Bluesology supported Long John Baldry at the legendary Marquee Club.
Fate intervened at this point and paved the way for a legendary songwriting duo. Dwight noticed an advertisement in New Musical Express from Ray Williams, A&R manager of Liberty Records, asking for songwriting talent. Elton pursued the opportunity and received an envelope of lyrics written by Bernie Taupin, who answered the same ad. John took the lyrics home, wrote music for them, and sent it to Taupin.
The two songwriters, each needing the other to be successful, met and wrote their first song, "Scarecrow". Both Elton and Bernie moved into Elton's parent's house and began to work. Shortly after, Reggie Dwight began going by the name of Elton John after two members of Bluesology, saxophonist Elton Dean and lead singer Long John Baldry. He legally changed his name to Elton John in 1972.
But even though they now had the framework, they had to find someone who believed in them. Elton and Bernie joined DJM Records in 1968 as staff songwriters and wrote material for other artists over the next two years. This is the period of paying dues that would be the subject of the classic album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, which you will hear later. Their greatest success to this point was a song they wrote for Lulu, "I Can't Go On (Living Without You)", which the British singer sang for the Eurovision Song Contest.
In 1969, John signed a recording contract with Uni Records and recorded the album Empty Sky at a DJM Records 8-track studio.
Guitarist Caleb Quaye and drummer Roger Pope, two members who would later join his regular band in his early years, played on many of the songs on the album.
Elton today points to "Skyline Pigeon" as the first song that he and Bernie "got excited about". EJ recorded the song with minimal production and played a harpsichord and organ on the song. It was later re-recorded with a full arrangement and released as the B-side to the single "Daniel".
"Making the Empty Sky album still holds the nicest memories for me, because it was the first, I suppose," John later recalled. "We used to walk back from the sessions at about four in the morning and stay at the Salvation Army headquarters on Oxford Street," he explained. [Producer and DJM staffer} Steve Brown's dad used to run the place and he used to live above it."
Although the album doesn't contain classic songs that the world knows, it was a promising effort, providing a glimpse into the genius of both John and Taupin that would take full flight in the mid-70's. Also, unlike many of the debut albums released by many of the famous songwriting partnerships (Lennon/McCartney, Page/Plant, Jagger/Richards, for example), Elton and Bernie wrote every song on the album. We also want to feature the title song.
The following year, Elton recruited Gus Dudgeon to produce his self-titled album, and that was a key move. The artistic promise of Empty Sky led to more freedom on EJ's sophomore effort, and Elton hired Paul Buckmaster to provide the lush string arrangements on the album. Those who discovered Elton several years later will be surprised to learn that this is one of his best releases.
The single "Border Song" attracted some airplay and is worth featuring here. Taupin's lyrics only included two verses and Elton felt it needed a third, so he made a rare lyrical contribution in that department. Elton told Elizabeth Rosenthal for her book His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John "Border Song" was about the alienation that country boy Bernie felt when he was in London. "Border Song" enjoyed just one week on the Billboard Hot 100, and although his debut was short-lived, Elton would go on to place songs on the chart every year for the next 25.
John recorded the album at London's Trident Studios. Early Elton John songs are among his best, as evidenced by this underdeveloped but still amazing track. Neither EJ nor Bernie to this day can explain what the lyrics mean, though Elton has said he believes Bernie was inspired by the science fiction books he was reading at the time. It contains elements of betrayal, danger, and bold leaps into the unknown. As cryptic as the lyrics are, Elton's musical creation is masterful, and Buckmaster's arrangements appropriately send the song to the sky, as the title suggests--"Take Me To The Pilot".
Tony Burrows, notable for singing lead on three of The Top One-Hit Wonders of the Rock Era* ("Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" with Edison Lighthouse, "My Baby Loves Lovin'" for White Plains and "Beach Baby" with the First Class), is among the backing vocalists on the song. "Take Me To The Pilot" was released as a single with this song on the flip side. Both received airplay, but when DJ's preferred this one, it became the A-side. Its beginnings are humble but show the pure genius of both Taupin and John.
One day, Bernie was having breakfast at the home of Elton's parents and got an inspiration. He immediately grabbed a piece of paper and began to quickly jot down those thoughts, the lyrics that would eventually become one of the signature songs for the songwriting team.
"The original lyric was written very rapidly," Taupin told Farout magazine, "on the kitchen table of Elton's mother's apartment in Northwood Hills in the suburbs of London, if I recall, on a particularly grubby piece of exercise paper." Bernie then took the coffee-stained lyric sheet to Elton and, sitting in the living room, came up with the melody in 20 minutes.
John opened for Three Dog Night for several shows and that supergroup recorded the song for their album It Ain't Easy. After recruiting bassist Dee Murray and former Spencer Davis Group drummer Nigel Olsson, Elton made his concert debut at the Troubadour, which was a launching pad for so many artists in those days on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. EJ had apparently earned a lot of respect from Three Dog Night, for they refrained from releasing the song as a single to let Elton enjoy the success.
The second single from the album found its way to #8 in the U.S., springboarding Elton into the limelight and launching his career. Reaching a peak of #3 in Canada, #7 in the U.S. and #8 in the U.K. and selling over four million copies, "Your Song" is one of The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era*.
Olsson and Murray
The success of "Your Song" enabled the album to reach #4 on the Album chart in the U.S. and #5 in the U.K. If Empty Sky showed promise, and it certainly did, this album exuded brilliance. Keep in mind while listening to "The King Must Die" that Elton was 23 at the time and Bernie was just 19 when they wrote this.
Buckmaster's arrangements are prominently featured in this next haunting song. Elton poured his heart into this track with gut-wrenching vocals. The lyrics tell a depressing tale of a 60-year-old man whose main reason for living was being a soldier, which has now been taken from him. And, it seems, he didn't really enjoy being a soldier in the first place. But it is in the genius of Elton's music that one finds hope, as Christine Schoenwald writes on Medium.com:
Block out the words for a moment and
listen to the music, but not just with your
ears but with your whole body - feel its
journey.
The very beginning sounds like
buzzing, slowly progressing in loudness
but then dips back down until it almost
goes silent. Is it mirroring the dark
night of the soul or the stillness before
action is decided upon?
Gradually, other instruments like violins
join in and continue as the vocals
start. The music is lowered and acts
as a foundation as the lyrics are sung.
It's the story of the music that
resonates with me as it mirrors the
ups and downs of life and how we
have to get back up when we fall and
keep on going.
The song may be titled "Sixty Years
On", but there are messages about
hope, longevity, and perseverance
at any age in the music. It's the
sounds of the instruments, the
rhythm, and the tempo fluctuations
that reveal the song's soul.
Insightful words about a master's painting of a masterpiece, with the beautiful harp opening leading into Buckmaster's orchestration--"Sixty Years On".
Elton was nominated for Best New Artist, Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Male Vocalist at the Grammy Awards. The Greatest Discovery" tells a wonderful story of a young boy meeting his brand new baby brother for the first time.
There are many reasons to listen to YouTube, but Elton fans were pleasantly surprised to find this insightful comment posted by Buckmaster four years ago before his death in November of 2017.
That's Diana Lewis playing the beautiful,
poignant, improvised Moog solo. At the
time, the only synthesizer available was
the Moog Modular, which consisted of
four boxes about the size of medium
suitcases, and a 61-note keyboard.
At my request, producer Gus Dudgeon
and I got permission from Dick James to
rent it from George Martin's AIR Studios.
It was the only model that I knew of in the
whole of the U.K. - and of Europe, had
heard of it being used on some
recordings George had been doing, and
had become enthusiastic about its sound.
It was of course monophonic i.e., only
one note at a time could be played. The
keyboard had a ribbon across the top,
which Diana played with her left hand, to
create those wonderful glissandi and the
natural vibrato.
Diana helped lift this beautiful song to
heights none of us imagined. The
excellent (totally analogue) reverb was
applied, live, right there during Diana's
one take, by engineer Robin Cable.
Hienton is a small village on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England, although the Hienton in the song is likely something from Bernie's imagination, perhaps based on the village. Enjoy "First Episode At Hienton".
That's some prime early stuff so far, and we have much more planned in Part Two!
