Monday, January 31, 2022

Elton rocks North Little Rock

 

The singer finally made it to North Little Rock on Saturday, performing for an adoring, sold-out crowd of 15,482 at Simmons Bank Arena.

John's "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour was originally scheduled to stop here on July 3, 2020, but the first wave of the pandemic scuttled those plans.

And things weren't looking too good last week, when the 74-year-old rocker, who was fully vaccinated and boosted, tested positive for covid-19 and postponed a pair of shows in Dallas. Reports were that Sir Elton's symptoms were mild, and though he seemed a bit frail the few times he moved around the stage Saturday night, his voice was in fine form.

Read the article here...


Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Elton postpones several Texas shows after testing positive for Covid


Sir Elton John on the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour 

Sir Elton John has been forced to postpone two concerts in Dallas, Texas after recently testing positive for the coronavirus.

 More here... 

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Elton John hits the ‘Billboard’ Hot 100 top 10 for the first time since 1998

 

Elton John returns to the Billboard Top 10 for the first time since 1998 with his duet with Dua Lipa "Cold Heart".

This week it moves from #20 to number seven on the Hot 100.  

“Cold Heart" is a mashup of four Elton songs — “Sacrifice,” “Rocket Man,” “Kiss the Bride” and “Where’s the Shoorah?” by the Australian dance music act Pnau. 

Read the article here...

 

 

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Elton scores the Christmas #1 in the UK

Elton John’s LadBaby Cameo Helps Him Outsell Himself For UK Christmas No.1

He also has had three #1's since October in the UK.

Read the rest here... 

 Elton John photo: Rocket Entertainment

Monday, December 27, 2021

Elton and Dua Lipa's "Cold Heart" is the Christmas #1 in Australia

Elton John and Dua Lip's "Cold Heart" (Pnau Remix) is the Christmas No. 1 in the land Down Under, where it clocks up five non-consecutive weeks at the summit.

Read the rest...

 Elton John

"Merry Christmas" by Elton John and Ed Sheeran reaches #1 on Billboard AC Chart

Ed Sheeran & Elton John’s ‘Merry Christmas’ Jingles to No. 1 on Adult Contemporary Chart. John achieves his record-extending 17th AC leader.

Read the rest...

Ed Sheeran & Elton John MERRY CHRISTMAS | Video Ufficiale


 

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

"Merry Christmas" on Billboard AC Chart at #2 and Hot 100 at #66

Ed Sheeran & Elton John MERRY CHRISTMAS | Video Ufficiale

 "Merry Christmas" by Elton John and Ed Sheeran is at #2 on the Billboard AC chart in it's third week.  It moves up 6 spots to number 66 on the Hot 100.

 

Monday, December 20, 2021

Elton John and Ed Sheeran on Jimmy Kimmel

Elton John and Ed Sheeran rang in the holidays in style on Thursday night (Dec. 16) on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a glittery, joy-filled run through their holiday single, “Merry Christmas.” The song, which dropped last week and immediately topped the singles chart in the U.K., is an upbeat, cheery ode to all the best things about the season.  Read the rest here.


Thursday, December 09, 2021

Elton John Returns to Pop Airplay Chart’s Top 10 After 27 Years

Elton John and Dua Lipa‘s “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)” rises from No. 12 to No. 9 on Billboard‘s Pop Airplay chart (dated Dec. 11), marking a record return to the top 10 for John.

Read the rest here...

Elton John and Dua Lipa "Cold


Monday, December 06, 2021

The Real Winner in 2021 Pop Charts? Elton John, 74, Has Two Major Hits in the iTunes Top 5

From ShowBiz411:

The Beatles are getting a lot of attention for their “Get Back” series.

Adele is everywhere.

Tony Bennett is 95 and doing a victory lap with Lady Gaga, and she’s got a hit movie.

But the real star of 2021 on the pop charts is none other than Elton John. Yes, Elton John, who is 74 years old, has a bad hip, and is trying to finish his farewell tour. Elton John is bigger than ever, friends. And I couldn’t be more excited.

Read the rest... 

Thursday, December 02, 2021

"Merry Christmas" from Ed Sheeran & Elton John set for 3AM premiere

The new Christmas song "Merry Christmas" from Elton John and Ed Sheeran is set for a Friday 3am premiere on YouTube. For those of you that can't wait until the morning here is the YouTube link.

 



Tuesday, November 30, 2021

"Merry Christmas" from Elton and Ed Sheeran out Friday

 


Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Cold Heart: "This track will get bigger...." from Billboard

Elton John, Dua Lipa and Pnau Crossed Genres, Eras and Continents For One of the Year’s Biggest Surprise Hits

"This track will get bigger, it's a mass appeal that connects with so many different types of people," predicts Alex Tear -- Vice President of Pop Music & Programming at SiriusXM.

 Click here for entire article on Billboard.com

 Elton John, Dua Lipa - 'Cold

Monday, November 08, 2021

"Cold Heart" hits #1 in Australia, another record for Elton.

 Elton John

 Cold Heart hits number 1 in Australia

Monday, November 01, 2021

Friday, October 29, 2021

Elton scores his 8th #1 album in the UK with The Lockdown Sessions

Sir Elton John

BBC News:  Sir Elton John hits number one with lockdown album

 


Monday, May 07, 2018

Restoration also being released on vinyl...

And now Restoration on Vinyl is coming as well... UPDATE: Red vinyl version available at Sound Of Vinyl website for $24.98.




Friday, April 27, 2018

Revamp on Vinyl

Revamp will be issued on vinyl on 6/22/2018.  EltonJohn.com shows the price at $30.00.  
Restoration can't be far behind.


Thursday, April 19, 2018

Revamp, Restoration and Diamonds in Top 40 of Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart



I'm back!

We'll see for how long...

This weeks Billboard Top 200 Albums chart has Elton's Revamp debut at #13,  Restoration is at #36 and the 2CD set Diamonds is at #37.  In addition Restoration is the #4 Country Album for the week.

In my opinion the country themed Restoration is the superior album of the two.  It is nice to see Elton with multiple offerings in the album chart.  I can't remember the last time that has happened.


Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Happy 69th Birthday Elton!


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Billboard: Elton extends his AC chart record as "Can't Stay Alone Tonight" bows at #27

Elton John extends his record for the most appearances in the nearly 53-year history of Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, as "Can't Stay Alone Tonight" enters at No. 27. The song marks his 70th entry on the ranking.

Read the rest here.


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Happy Birthday Elton! Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary editions out today...

goodbyeyellobrickroad.jpg
"Sir Elton John is often recognized by fans and critics more for his long string of classic singles than for his albums." Read the rest here.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Elton John Extends Record For Most Adult Contemporary Hits

Elton John Extends Record For Most Adult Contemporary Hits

Elton John pads his mark for the most appearances in the 52-year history of Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, as "Home Again" soars in at No. 21. The song marks his 69th entry on the ranking.

Elton John Extends Record For Most Adult Contemporary Hits


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Monday, April 08, 2013

Fall Out Boy - Save Rock and Roll w/Elton


Elton John live in Winston Salem - Rocket Man

Monday, April 01, 2013

Phil Ramone Remembered by Billy Joel, Elton John and Other Stars

Phil Ramone Remembered by Billy Joel, Elton John and Other Stars - The Hollywood Reporter:

Response to the news of the death of Phil Ramone was instantaneous on Saturday, as the Internet was filled with tributes and remembrances from his colleagues, collaborators and admirers, including Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Josh Groban and many more.

Phil Ramone - H - 2011

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Saturday, February 23, 2013

Elton John Previews New Album at L.A. Listening Party | Music News | Rolling Stone

Elton John Previews New Album at L.A. Listening Party

And the album title is back to "The Diving Board" but its release is pushed to September.

Elton John
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Friday, January 25, 2013

Yamaha concert tonight

News - EltonJohn.com:

Here's the link to EltonJohn.com to stream the Yamaha show.

Yamaha Concert Live Stream



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Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Elton John And Bernie Taupin Change Next Album Title to "Voyeur"

Elton John And Bernie Taupin Change Next Album Title to Voyeur

Elton John and Bernie Taupin will return to the studio towards the end of January to put together additional material for Elton’s upcoming album

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Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Bruce Springsteen MusiCares Tribute Draws Elton John, Mumford & Sons - The Hollywood Reporter

Bruce Springsteen MusiCares Tribute Draws Elton John, Mumford & Sons - The Hollywood Reporter:

2. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen will be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year during Grammy week with a tribute event featuring performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Elton John, Mumford & Sons and Kenny Chesney.

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

QA: T Bone Burnett on 'Nashville,' Elton John's Comeback and Retiring as a Producer | Music News | Rolling Stone

QA: T Bone Burnett on 'Nashville,' Elton John's Comeback and Retiring as a Producer | Music News | Rolling Stone:

The Elton portion of the RS article;

What's the current status of Elton John's The Diving Board record?
We're gonna record some more songs in January, I think.
Really?
I hope so. I can't – you know, you can imagine what [Elton's] schedule is like. But we're gonna go in at some point after the first of the year and do some recording. I think he's been writing some more tunes; he's written a whole suite of tunes for something else; he's been productive as hell, so I don't know. It's nice to have the luxury of time to be able to look over a piece of work and see how it wears with you.
Would this be the third time you guys have gone in to work on it and track?
It may be. We may have come in two or three different times. We did with The Union, for certain – there were three or four different spells of that one, so, yeah. The first batch of songs went incredibly fast and they were powerful, you know, it was an explosion! So, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Is it still gonna be a more raw, stripped-down affair?
Yeah, yeah. We're going in with the same guys; we're not retooling or anything like that, we're just keeping going.
Why do think it's the right time for Elton to do a record like that?
It was totally personal for me, because I was at the Troubadour – he did a week at the Troubadour that changed this town [Los Angeles] and changed the world, really. . . . [Former Los Angeles Times music critic] Robert Hilburn wrote a very eloquent piece on him and everybody in town went to see him because he was killer, he was just killing it. So they were talking, this was maybe the 20th-year anniversary of it, or 50th-year anniversary or whatever anniversary it was. [Laughs.]
I think 40th year.
Fortieth, yeah! And they were talking about it and I thought, "Let's just do that – let's just go in with a killer trio and do a rock & roll record." So [Elton] just went, "OK, let's go!" I don't know, maybe that's just where he's at, you know?
What's the extent of Raphael Saadiq's involvement?
So far he's just been playing bass like crazy, man. I'm looking for a place for him to sing; I hope he'll do a little singing, but so far Elton's done all the singing.
Well, he's good at that.
Yeah. [Laughs.]


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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Elton John, statesman - Bill O'Reilly

Elton John, statesman - Bill O'Reilly:

Singer and activist Elton John attends a meeting

 "Sir Elton John did an extraordinary thing last week. He praised President George W. Bush in an interview with the ABC News/Yahoo! Power Players series, reminding us in the process that there are still statesmen in the world. Cross-ideological kindnesses are so rare these days that John's remarks were downright jolting."

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Friday, June 29, 2012

So what do you all think of this latest project?  Elton vs Pnau



Thursday, May 31, 2012

Elton John "Doing Incredibly Well" After Health Scare, Says David Furnish - E! Online

Elton John "Doing Incredibly Well" After Health Scare, Says David Furnish - E! Online:

Sir Elton John, David Furnish


Elton John is back in business!
Last week, the 65-year-old singer was hospitalized due to a serious respiratory infection and forced to cancel a week's worth of shows. Fortunately, though, his partner, David Furnish, has told the BBC John is "doing incredibly well and recovering."


Read more: http://www.eonline.com/news/elton_john_doing_incredibly_well_after/319882#ixzz1wSE2s36t


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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Elton John treated at L.A. hospital for 'serious' respiratory infection - latimes.com

Elton John treated at L.A. hospital for 'serious' respiratory infection - latimes.com:

Eltonjohn


Elton John spent a day in a Los Angeles hospital for a "serious respiratory infection" that forced the premature end to the legendary singer's Las Vegas show.

John became ill last weekend while performing his show, "The Million Dollar Piano," at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace, according to a statement on his website.

"This week the condition worsened, even with medication and rest," the statement said.


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Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Somehow I missed this...disappointing but hopefully worth the wait

Bernie Taupin :: Articles: "04.09.12

"THE DIVING BOARD" RELEASE RESCHEDULED

“The Diving Board” Release Rescheduled Due to promotional time frames and related marketing opportunities Elton & Bernie’s new studio album “The Diving Board” will not be released until February 2013.

“It’s disappointing that our new music won’t hit the streets sooner but in order to get things done right it makes sense to delay its release by a few months” says Bernie. “It’s no fun having to sit on something you’re truly excited about but hopefully our fans will understand and that eventually the wait will be worth it.” "

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Elton John planning second child

Elton John planning second child

Sir Elton John and David Furnish are planning to have another child via surrogate so their son will have a sibling. The couple became parents to 13-month-old Zachary on Christmas Day 2010, and have doted on the tot ever since.




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Friday, April 20, 2012

Elton John on the Band's Levon Helm: "Their Music Changed My Life" - E! Online

Elton John on the Band's Levon Helm: "Their Music Changed My Life" - E! Online:


The Woodstock generation and loyal fans of the Band mourn the tragic death of Levon Helm, who passed away today after battling cancer. And of those remembering the late musician is an artist who's become one of music's biggest names himself, Elton John.


Elton John


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Thursday, April 19, 2012

No. 37: Elton John, ‘Rocket Man’ – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs

No. 37: Elton John, ‘Rocket Man’ – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs:
Elton Johns Rocket Man is not the first classic rock song about a lonely dude drifting through space. Hell, it may not even be the best, although a debate on the merits of this track versus David Bowies Space Oddity (which, hint-hint, we just might see later on in the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs list) is a conversation for another day.


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Sunday, April 15, 2012

Rejuvenated Leon Russell returns to Knuckleheads

Rejuvenated Leon Russell returns to Knuckleheads


Leon Russell performs on Friday at Knuckleheads.
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Friday, April 13, 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Tracklist for "The Diving Board" revealed on Bernie Taupin's official site


Tracks are as follows:
  •   1. Oscar Wilde Gets Out
  •   2. A Town Called Jubilee
  •   3. Can’t Stay Alone Tonight
  •   4. My Quicksand
  •   5. Candlelit Bedroom
  •   6. The Ballad Of Blind Tom
  •   7. The New Fever Waltz
  •   8. 5th Avenue
  •   9. Mexican Vacation (Kids In The Candlelight)
  • 10. The Diving Board
See the rest here.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Elton to release The Diving Board in the fall.

Elton John cuts raw LP with T Bone Burnett

 In recent years, Elton John has returned to his musical roots – reviving characters from previous albums (The Captain and the Kid), recreating the rootsy vibe of his Tumbleweed Connection era (Peachtree Road), and cutting an album with longtime hero and early Seventies touring partner Leon Russell (The Union). With his just-completed new album, John revisits another storied part of his past – the piano-bass-drums trio format heard on classic early records like the live 11-17-70. The result, says John, is "the most exciting solo record I've done in a long, long time."

Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/elton-john-cuts-raw-lp-with-t-bone-burnett-20120315#ixzz1pl3Gbdfu

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Cameron Crowe's Elton John Documentary The Union To Premiere On HBO This Thursday

Cameron Crowe's Elton John Documentary The Union To Premiere On HBO This Thursday:

When thinking of musical unions between Elton John and someone else, Broadway fans might automatically think of Tim Rice, while music enthusiasts would likely think of Bernie Taupin. However, the Cameron Crowe directed documentary The Union chronicles a collaboration between John and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Leon Russell as they work together on their album, which shares a title with the film.
'via Blog this'

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Elton John to Madonna: Sync well at the Super Bowl | Detroit Free Press | freep.com



Elton John to Madonna: Sync well at the Super Bowl

Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John has some advice for Madonna in advance of her halftime gig during Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI: "Make sure you lip-sync good."
The "Rocket Man" singer said on "Good Morning America" Monday that outside of recent Super Bowl performances by the Rolling Stones and Prince he's never seen a decent Super Bowl halftime show -- "never ever."
Fans of John should expect to see him in a Pepsi advertisement Sunday with "X Factor" winner Melanie Amaro.


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Monday, January 23, 2012

Mr. Kraft, ‘Elton John is on the line for you’

Mr. Kraft, ‘Elton John is on the line for you’:

FOXBORO  As Robert Kraft was holding the new-fangledLamar Hunt trophy as AFC champions and talking about his late wife being the heavenly force that blew Billy Cundiffs 32-yard field goal wide left, he was handed a cell phone.
Its my pal Elton John, Kraft announced, after hosting Aerosmiths Steven Tyler in his owners suite as the Patriots beat the Ravens, 23-20, to advance to Super Bowl XLVI.
Hello, Elton! How are you my friend, Kraft said. Youre so kind.

'via Blog this'

Monday, January 09, 2012

Murdoch Was Angry Over Sun’s Elton John Story, Inquiry Hears - Businessweek

Sounds like he was angry over the false story and not the money paid, which is the implication in the Guardian headline.

Murdoch Was Angry Over Sun’s Elton John Story, Inquiry Hears - Businessweek:

Jan. 9 (Bloomberg) -- News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch took a hands-on approach to his U.K. newspapers, the Sun tabloids former editor told an inquiry into press ethics, recounting Murdochs reaction to a story about Elton John.

Murdoch was angry about the Sun paying a 1 million-pound ($1.54 million) settlement to the pop singer over a false news story in 1987, the inquiry heard today from Kelvin MacKenzie, who edited the Sun from 1981 to 1994. The story wrongfully claimed Elton John had paid for sex with underage rent boys.

'via Blog this'

Elton John to pen personal story about AIDS | Reuters

This could be interesting...

Elton John to pen personal story about AIDS | Reuters:

(Reuters) - Elton John will write a personal account of his life during the AIDS epidemic, including his friendship with Queen frontman Freddie Mercury who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1991 aged 45.

The "Rocket Man" musician founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation around 20 years ago to raise funds to help fight the disease, and proceeds from "LOVE IS THE CURE: Ending the Global AIDS Epidemic" will go to the charity.

'via Blog this'

Friday, January 06, 2012

Elton John on gnomes, lost songs and Justin Timberlake - chicagotribune.com

Interesting article...of course they screw up on one minor thing referring to the video for "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" but aside from that a good read.

Elton John on gnomes, lost songs and Justin Timberlake - chicagotribune.com:

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

New album: Elton John Working with Bernie Taupin and T Bone Burnett

Elton John Working with Bernie Taupin and T Bone Burnett


Elton John who has revamped his old Rocket Records label through a new business, the Rocket Music Entertainment Group, with artists James Blunt, Lily Allen, Leon Russell and Ed Sheeran has said hell begin his new album with T Bone Burnett next January.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

HBO will air Elton John-Leon Russell documentary 'The Union' | Tulsa World

HBO will air Elton John-Leon Russell documentary 'The Union' | Tulsa World:


By KIM BROWN World Scene Writer
Published: 6/7/2011 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 6/7/2011 6:42 AM

HBO Documentary Films has acquired the rights to the film 'The Union,' which follows the musical collaboration and friendship between Elton John and his longtime idol, Tulsa's own rock legend Leon Russell.

According to various entertainment trade magazines and websites, such as Variety and Deadline, HBO plans to debut the documentary in January 2012. The film premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

Directed by Cameron Crowe, the Oscar-winning writer and director of 'Almost Famous,' the film documents the musicians as they record their joint album, 'The Union,' which was released in 2010 and produced by T Bone Burnett."

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Elton, David and Zachary


Thursday, December 16, 2010

Elton wins, Leon Russell elected to Rock-n-Roll Hall Of Fame

Leon Russell was elected to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame today and he can mostly likely thank Elton for the honor.  If not for Elton the Hall probably would not even had nominated him.

Oklahoma musician Leon Russell chosen for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The National Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced their 2011 class on Wednesday and Oklahoma music legend Leon Russell is one of the inductees.
The big names announced for the 2011 inductees were shock rocker Alice Cooper and crooner Neil Diamond.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Rolling Stone's Best Albums of 2010: Elton and Leon at #3

Rolling Stone has put out its best albums of 2010 and Elton and Leon not only appear on the chart but RS has installed "The Union" as the third best album of the year.  And even with this honor RS still finds a way to show Elton the back of their hand...

Two rock giants, one largely forgotten, rekindle a friendship and make music that ranks with their best. Producer T Bone Burnett delivers his most spectacular production in memory, filled with shining steel guitar, chortling brass and gospel-time choirs. Ultimately, it's Russell's voice that shines brightest, drawing on the entire history of American popular music in its canny, vulnerable, knowing croon.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Elton and Leon nominated for Grammy

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

For a collaborative performance, with vocals, by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.

Airplanes, Part II
B.o.B, Eminem & Hayley Williams
Track from: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray
[Rebel Rock/Grand Hustle/Atlantic]

Imagine
Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare
Track from: The Imagine Project
[Hancock Records]

If It Wasn't For Bad
Elton John & Leon Russell
[Decca]

Telephone
Lady Gaga & Beyonc
Track from: The Fame Monster
[Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope]

California Gurls
Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg
Track from: Teenage Dream

Friday, November 12, 2010

Meet the woman in "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"

Classic Elton John song mentions Euless woman

JOYCE MARSHALL/Special Contributor


12:00 AM CST on Friday, November 12, 2010

By PRESTON JONES / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

EULESS – For most, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is just another classic rock song.

Even though the lyrics of 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' aren't exactly flattering, Linda Hannon says she's not angry. 'There's no bitterness there,' she says.

For Linda Hannon, it's a pointed reminder of a very turbulent, confusing and painful time in her life.

In the summer of 1970, Hannon (then going by her maiden name, Woodrow) was engaged to a struggling musician, sharing a flat in London's East End with him and his collaborator and supporting all three of them with secretarial work. She had been in the relationship for nearly two years, but less than a month before the nuptials, Hannon's beau returned home late – around 4:30 a.m. – from a night of drinking with friends and told her it was over.

"I was devastated," Hannon, 66, says now, perched politely on the edge of her couch in her home in a quiet Euless subdivision.

The musician who got away was Reginald Dwight, best known to the world now as Elton John.


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Billboard week 2 @ #6, week 3 @ #10, I'm impressed...

I was expecting "The Union" to plummet on the charts in its second week.  I assumed all the Elton and Leon fans bought it week one and that it would drop probably out of the top 20.  Well boy was I wrong.  It comes in at #6 for week two.

And now week three has just been released and its at #10.   Whoo Hoo!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Elton and Leon debut at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart

Impressive....

Sugarland and Kings of Leon's sets are two of seven new entries in the top 10 this week. Following them at No. 3 is Elton John and Leon Russell's collaboration album, "The Union" (80,000), and at No. 4, Rod Stewart's "Fly Me To The Moon" (79,000).
For John, it's the legend's highest charting set since 1976's "Blue Moves" peaked at No. 3. John last reached the top 10 with the greatest hits set "Rocket Man: Number Ones" in 2007, when it debuted and peaked at No. 9. And, with "The Union's" 80,000 start, it marks John's best sales week since December 2002, when "Greatest Hits 1970-2002" shifted 108,000 over Christmas week. (Also impressive: "Union" earns him his highest frame for a studio effort since "The Big Picture" bowed with 101,000 at No. 9 in 1997.) As for Russell, he last went higher with the No. 2 set "Carney" in 1972, which spent four weeks in the runner-up slot. It's his highest charting set.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Speaking Clock Revue review in The Boson Globe

When I read crap like this I just shake my head;
[About Elton/Leon's set] While bold, their six-song set often felt out of step with the rest of the show, built on the notion that you cant have too much of a good thing. That left songs such as Gone to Shiloh (with a cameo by Allman) and Monkey Suit overstuffed, featuring the full house band, a horn section, four powerhouse soul sisters wailing behind them, plus the dueling pianos. The ear simply didnt know where to tune in.

This commenter hits it out of the park;
The show was fantastic. Mr. Reed, you are seriously wrong about the Elton/Leon set. It sounded amazing from where I was sitting. The drive of all of those fantastic (Neko was right--where are you going to find a better band?) musicians was like thunder on Monkey Suit and Hey Ahab. Such an expansive sound and all of it brilliantly played. Allman's performance was very poignant. Frail from his recent surgery, thanking the the donor of his liver and nervous but sincerely glad to be there. Them there Secret Sisters are going place, I'm telling you. The weak link in all of this was Mellencamp who plays with what comes off as what looks like a serious chip on his shoulder about something. What that something is is anyone's guess. And the songs? No better or worse than the rest of his catalogue. But then there was Elvis, Neko, that band! All of that--AND--Jeff Bridges. Just a great night.

The rest of the review can be found here.

Some videos from the show, pretty good quality;

The Speaking Clock Revue - Gregg Allman - Floating Bridge

The Speaking Clock Revue - Jeff Bridges

The Speaking Clock Revue - Gregg Allman & Neko Case - Midnight Rider

The Speaking Clock Revue - Leon Russell & Elton John - If It Wasn't For Bad

The Speaking Clock Revue - Leon Russell & Elton John w/Gregg Allman - Gone To Shiloh

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Cry, baby!

Elton John - Sir Elton Wept Over Russell's Albums - Contactmusic News

Sir Elton Wept Over Russell's Albums

SIR ELTON JOHN decided to resurrect the career of LEON RUSSELL after breaking down in tears while listening to the Sixties legend's old albums.

Russell met John in 1970 when he went to see one of his early shows in Los Angeles, and he invited the British singer to be his opening act on a handful of dates in New York.

The Rocket Man's career skyrocketed while Russell decided to take a hiatus, and largely faded from the spotlight.

But John decided to reach out to Russell last year (09) with plans for a collaboration to thank the veteran star for changing his life.

Russell recalls, "He said he'd been listening to some of my records, and he's just started crying because I'd meant so much to him and hadn't never done enough for me. I said, 'Well, you've been busy.' He said, 'Not that busy. Would you like to make a record?' So that was it."

The duo has co-written and recorded an album, The Union, in which they share vocals and play their pianos together.








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My review...

First there were the solo piano versions from Elton of "Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody)" and then "Gone to Shiloh" captured at recent concerts and posted on YouTube. Then we heard the first official studio version of one of the tracks, "I Should've Sent Roses" which was played on BBC radio and distributed over the internet.

After hearing these tracks I was left feeling somewhat, well, unimpressed.

I thought "Gone to Shiloh" and "I Should've Sent Roses" were rather dull. I did like "Never Too Old" and thought it had promise but did not think it was a must listen track but just ok.

Of course in between the leaking of those tracks came the official first single released to radio "If It Wasn't For Bad" and I loved it.  With this track my hope for the album was restored.  But I was still worried.

Now having listened to "The Union" several times on NPR's First Listen I can honestly say it is everything it has been hyped up to be.  Elton and Leon Russell have created a collection of music that has something for everyone.  Elton seems full of energy and Leon sounds like he never left the scene.  The production from T-Bone Burnett is terrific and similar to what he did with Robert Plant and Alison Kraus on Raising Sand although here with a bit more edge to it.

Elton's vocals sound much better to my ears then anything he has done recently.  Gone is the annoying habit of emphasizing the last syllable of certain words ("Pretty eye-DAH, pirate smile-AH, you'll marry a music ma-NAH!") and what sounds like yelling on some of the more up-tempo tracks.  He still emotes more than he used to but to a lesser extent on this album. Ballads like "Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes" "The Best Part of the Day" and "When Love Is Dying" showcase Elton's vocals (is his voice getting deeper?) and he sounds wonderful.

Elton's more recent up-tempo tracks have left much to be desired. I was not expecting a lot from the tracks "Hey Arab" and "Monkey Suit" having been disappointed all too often in the past, especially after not being impressed by the 30 second clips posted on iTunes and Amazon. Happily these are two of the best up-tempo tracks Elton has written and recorded in a very long time.  They both come off as very natural, not forced as some of his recent "rockers" have sounded.

It's amazing to me how well Leon's vocals mesh with Elton.  These are two singers whom I never would have expected to team up, much less produce such a fantastic album.  Leon shines on the tracks I mentioned as well as "If It Wasn't For Bad" "A Dream Come True" "Hearts Should Have Turned To Stone" and the very moving "The Hands of Angels."

And kudos to the musicians that play on the album as well. I was interested in how the album would sound with a different band and T-Bone Burnett's production and I was not disappointed.  I especially love the Pedal Steel guitar on "Jimmie Rodgers Dream."

Ironically two of my favorites are "Gone to Shiloh" and "Never Too Old (To Hold Somebody).  These songs work so much better with a full band and as duets with Leon. Neil Young's appearance on "Gone to Shiloh" in my opinion elevates the song from very good to a classic. He owns the second verse and very nearly turns the track into a Neil Young song.  If Elton and Leon appear on the Grammys next year this is the song they should perform, hopefully with Neil Young as well.

So after all of my consternation about the new album I am now extremely happy by this union of Elton and Leon.

Cry, baby!

Elton John - Sir Elton Wept Over Russell's Albums - Contactmusic News

Sir Elton Wept Over Russell's Albums

SIR ELTON JOHN decided to resurrect the career of LEON RUSSELL after breaking down in tears while listening to the Sixties legend's old albums.

Russell met John in 1970 when he went to see one of his early shows in Los Angeles, and he invited the British singer to be his opening act on a handful of dates in New York.

The Rocket Man's career skyrocketed while Russell decided to take a hiatus, and largely faded from the spotlight.

But John decided to reach out to Russell last year (09) with plans for a collaboration to thank the veteran star for changing his life.

Russell recalls, "He said he'd been listening to some of my records, and he's just started crying because I'd meant so much to him and hadn't never done enough for me. I said, 'Well, you've been busy.' He said, 'Not that busy. Would you like to make a record?' So that was it."

The duo has co-written and recorded an album, The Union, in which they share vocals and play their pianos together.


Elton gets "Elton!" on Sirius/XM for a one week run...

Elton John gets spotlight in limited run channel on satellite radio
A seven-day channel devoted to the music of Elton John will kick off Oct. 15 to celebrate the release of Elton John and Leon Russell's new album, "The Union."

The channel, called "Elton!," will feature music from throughout Elton John's career and interviews with friends like T-Bone Burnett, who produced the new album, and longtime lyric collaborator Bernie Taupin. Guest DJs, such as Robert Downey Jr. and tennis star Andy Roddick will also play some of their favorite Elton John music. The channel will also include music by Leon Russell, plus an interview with John and Russell conducted by director Cameron Crowe.
 
The limited-run channel will launch on Friday, October 15 at 3:00 pm ET and will run until Friday, October 22 at 3:00 am ET on SIRIUS channel 33 and XM channel 27.


"When I first came here, it was such a loving country. It's never been in a more horrible place. This is not the America I love..."

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Rolling Stone Review of The Union: 5 Stars (really?)

The Union by Elton John and Leon Russell | Rolling Stone Music | Music Reviews

5 Stars

David Fricke

2010 10 19

The Union is a rare gesture in a dying business: an act of gratitude. Elton John repays a long-standing debt of inspiration to Leon Russell — particularly the rowdy merger of soul, country and gospel rapture Russell perfected as a writer, pianist and arranger on 1969 and '70 albums by Joe Cocker and Delaney and Bonnie — by putting Russell in front of a classy big band, on his first major-label album in a decade. "Your songs have all the hooks/You're seven wonders rolled into one," John sings, ever the fan, in "Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes."

Read the rest here.


Monday, October 11, 2010

First Listen: The Union

Take a listen to the whole album at NPR.org.