Posted on 10/22/2010 2:11:34 PM PDT by Reaganite Republican
Sir Elton John is a bright, talented, and strange man who often says the oddest things... but who most consider an all-time great, obviously. And if Elton John is still good enough for Rush... cool with me, I'll forgive him for what he said about Jesus, he's obviously a little confused- lol. Elton earned a few + points for standing up for Arizona, anyway...
And while the 80s' Candle in the Wind might not be my cup of tea, Elton also did much great early stuff besides the mega-hits that we all love like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie and the Jets, Someone Saved my Life Tonight, Your Song, Rocket Man, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting ... i.e. his cover of the Stones' Honky Tonk Women, etc.
In 1975, Philadelphia Freedom was released by Elton John -as "Elton John Band"- as a single. The song was written by Elton John and longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin as a favor to Elton's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King: King was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team. Recorded in the summer of 1974, the only song Elton and Bernie ever consciously wrote as a single. Taupin reportedly said, "I can't write a song about tennis"... and so he didn't. He also maintains that the lyrics bear no relation to tennis, Philly Soul... or even flag-waving patriotism.
Nonetheless, his words have been interpreted as patriotic and uplifting, and even though released in 1975, the song's sentiment, intended or not, meshed perfectly with an American music audience already gearing up for the country's bicentennial celebration in July of the next year.
The song was also dedicated in part to the sound of Philadelphia, especially the music of the Delfonics, producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and the Spinners and that group's producer, Thom Bell (and thus the Soul Train appearance)...
Elton John: Philadelphia Freedom- 1975
YouTube clip of Soul Train appearance -here-
More oldies/links at Reaganite Republican
Bernie Taupin lives with his family somewhere south - Simi Valley or some place close by. Races cars.
What kind of racing, like dirt track or...?
That he wanted to go to Venus?
There was that and I seem to remember something about St. Peter and a blue canoe. Frankly, the 70's are still a little hazy for me.
I’ve seen him in concert 4-times. One of the best performers ever. :)
I’m not sure. I saw him interviewed not too long ago and he made reference to racing, but I can’t find any info about it on line.
Elton, for all his talent, has said horrible things about Christians and has led a life of debauchery.
Talent does not absolve a life of sin.
He said Jesus “was a gay man”
Elton John is the greatest performer I’ve never seen... with the possible exception of Chuck Berry
Saw Sir Elton and Billy Joel in concert- great show. Have Yellow Brick Road, and Greatest Hits 1 on cassette, 8 track, vinyl and CD. Minor point- the “1980’s Candle in the Wind” was actually on GYBR with several other hits the author lists.
All downhill after Madman Across The Water.
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