Elton John Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me Classical arr. Phillip Keveren, Piano Solo

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Elton John: The Rocket Man Who Lit Up the World

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is far more than a pop icon; he is a cultural force, a musical virtuoso, and one of the most successful and enduring artists in history. His career, spanning over six decades, is a kaleidoscope of flamboyant performances, timeless melodies, profound songwriting partnerships, technical brilliance, and unwavering humanitarianism. This article delves exhaustively into his life, artistry, and legacy.

I. Biography: From Pinner to Pinball Wizard

• Early Years (1947-1967): Born March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. Reggie Dwight displayed prodigious classical piano talent from age 3, winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at 11. However, the allure of rock ‘n’ roll (Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis) proved stronger. He joined blues bands like Bluesology in his teens, adopting the stage name “Elton John” (combining saxophonist Elton Dean and singer Long John Baldry).
• The Partnership Begins (1967-1969): Answering an ad by Liberty Records, he connected with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Their unique process – Taupin mailing lyrics, John composing music swiftly, often in under an hour – began. Early demos led to a deal with DJM Records. Their debut album, Empty Sky (1969), was promising but commercially quiet.
• Breakthrough and Superstardom (1970-1976): The eponymous Elton John (1970), featuring “Your Song,” catapulted him to fame in the US and UK. The 70s became an unprecedented whirlwind:
  • Prolificacy: Released a staggering 14 studio albums between 1970-1976, including landmarks like Tumbleweed Connection (1970), Madman Across the Water (1971), Honky Château (1972), Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), Caribou (1974), and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975).
  • Chart Domination: Seven consecutive US #1 albums. Countless hit singles: “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Daniel,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.”
  • Theatrical Performances: Defined by outrageous costumes (designed by Bob Mackie, Ray Brown, others), platform boots, and wild eyewear. His live shows were spectacles of energy and piano prowess (Dodger Stadium 1975 is legendary).
  • Band: The core trio with bassist Dee Murray and drummer Nigel Olsson, later expanded to include guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper, became one of rock’s tightest units.
• Challenges and Evolution (1977-1989): The relentless pace took its toll. Personal struggles, changing musical landscapes (disco, punk, new wave), and a period of creative inconsistency followed. Highlights included the disco-influenced Victim of Love (1979), the somber A Single Man (1978 – first without Taupin for an album), the comeback Too Low for Zero (1983 – reuniting with Taupin and core band), featuring “I’m Still Standing” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” and Sleeping with the Past (1989) with the massive “Sacrifice.”
• Resurgence and Maturity (1990-1999): The soundtrack to The Lion King (1994), featuring “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Oscar winner), and “Hakuna Matata,” introduced him to a new generation and became one of the best-selling soundtracks ever. Made in England (1995) and The Big Picture (1997) were solid successes. He publicly came out as gay in 1992 and became a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) in 1992.
• Knighthood, Stability, and Farewell (2000-Present): Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for services to music and charity. Continued releasing albums like Songs from the West Coast (2001 – critically acclaimed return to roots), The Captain & The Kid (2006 – sequel to Captain Fantastic), and The Diving Board (2013). Collaborated extensively with younger artists. His autobiography, Me (2019), was a bestseller. The biopic Rocketman (2019) chronicled his early life. In 2018, he announced the epic “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, one of the highest-grossing tours ever, concluding in 2023 after over 300 shows. He remains deeply involved with EJAF and continues occasional recording and special performances.

II. Music Style: A Genre-Bending Virtuoso

Elton John’s style defies easy categorization, masterfully blending diverse influences:

1. Piano Rock/Pop Foundation: His core sound is built around his dynamic piano playing, driving rhythms, and soaring melodies. He brought the piano back to the forefront of rock.
2. Classical Influence: His training is evident in complex chord voicings, sophisticated harmonies, countermelodies, and formal structures within pop songs (e.g., “Funeral for a Friend,” “Tonight”).
3. Gospel & R&B: Deeply ingrained in his vocal delivery (passionate, melismatic) and piano style (rich chords, rolling left hand). Tracks like “Border Song” and “Burn Down the Mission” pulsate with gospel fervor.
4. Rock ‘n’ Roll & Blues: The energy of Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard is channeled in uptempo rockers (“Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” “The Bitch Is Back”) and bluesy numbers (“Son of Your Father,” “I Feel Like a Bullet (In the Gun of Robert Ford)”).
5. Country & Folk: Particularly prominent in the early Taupin era (Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across the Water), featuring acoustic guitars, harmonicas, and storytelling lyrics (“Country Comfort,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Come Down in Time”).
6. Musical Theatre: His flair for drama and melody naturally extended to stage and screen. The Lion King songs are pure Broadway, and albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road have a theatrical scope.
7. Pop Craftsmanship: An innate gift for unforgettable, hook-laden melodies that transcend genre boundaries.

III. Improvisational Licks and Piano Technique

Elton John is a remarkably fluid and inventive pianist, known for both composed parts and live improvisation:

1. Right Hand Runs and Embellishments: His solos and fills often feature dazzling scalar runs (major, minor, blues scales), arpeggios, and chromatic flourishes. Listen to the live intro to “Take Me to the Pilot” or the outro solo on “Rocket Man (Live).”
2. Blues and Boogie-Woogie Vocabulary: Deeply rooted in blues licks – bent notes, trills, walking bass lines under right-hand riffs (e.g., “Honky Cat,” “Bennie and the Jets” intro/vamp).
3. Gospel Piano Techniques: Aggressive left-hand octaves or chords providing rhythmic drive, right-hand chordal punctuations (clusters, tremolos), call-and-response patterns between hands. “Burn Down the Mission” is a masterclass.
4. Classical Ornamentation: Incorporation of trills, mordents, and rapid passagework reminiscent of Romantic piano literature, often adding grandeur (e.g., flourishes in “Your Song,” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”).
5. Rhythmic Drive and Syncopation: His playing is inherently rhythmic, often locking tightly with the drums. He uses syncopation brilliantly, pushing and pulling against the beat for excitement (e.g., “The Bitch Is Back,” “Philadelphia Freedom”).
6. Textural Variety: Shifts effortlessly from delicate, sparse accompaniment (“Candle in the Wind”) to thunderous, orchestral-style chords and runs (“Funeral for a Friend”).
7. Live Improvisation: Famous for extending intros, outros, and solos significantly in concert, reharmonizing sections and feeding off the band’s energy. Tracks like “Have Mercy on the Criminal” or “Tonight” often featured lengthy, exploratory piano excursions.

IV. Chord Progressions and Music Harmony: Beyond the Basics

John’s harmonic language, often under Taupin’s evocative lyrics, is rich and sophisticated:

1. Beyond Simple Diatonicism: While using strong I-IV-V progressions (e.g., “Crocodile Rock”), he frequently ventures beyond:
   • Extended Chords: Liberal use of 7ths (major 7th, dominant 7th), 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths, adding color and complexity. “Your Song” features lush maj7 and maj9 chords. “Tiny Dancer” uses beautiful 7th and 9th chords throughout.
   • Suspensions (Sus Chords): Creates tension and release effectively (e.g., the iconic opening sus4 chord resolving in “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”).
   • Secondary Dominants & Borrowed Chords: Frequently uses chords outside the key to create movement and surprise. “Rocket Man” uses secondary dominants (B7 leading to Em). “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” uses a poignant borrowed minor iv chord (Fm in C major).
   • Modulations: Skillfully shifts keys, often upwards for dramatic effect in choruses or final sections (e.g., “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”).
2. Complex Song Structures: While writing hits, he often employed less conventional forms:
   • Through-Composed Elements: Songs like “Funeral for a Friend” or “Tonight” evolve continuously without strict verse/chorus repetition.
   • Multi-Sectional Epics: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Madman Across the Water,” and “Captain Fantastic” are sprawling journeys with distinct movements and harmonic shifts.
   • Intricate Bridges: Often the harmonic and melodic high point of his songs, featuring unexpected chord changes (e.g., the bridge of “Levon”).
3. Vocal Harmonies: Arranged (often with producer Gus Dudgeon) with intricate, sometimes quasi-choral backing vocals, adding depth and texture (e.g., “Grey Seal,” “Harmony”).

V. Influences: The Roots of the Rocket Man

John absorbed a vast array of influences:

• Pioneers: Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis (piano energy, rock ‘n’ roll spirit).
• Classical: Frédéric Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff (romanticism, virtuosity, harmonic richness).
• Pop/Rock: The Beatles (songcraft, studio innovation), Bob Dylan (lyrical depth, folk influence), The Band (Americana feel, ensemble playing), Leon Russell (piano style, Southern rock/gospel blend).
• Soul/R&B: Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles (vocal phrasing, gospel intensity), Stevie Wonder.
• Singer-Songwriters: Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell (intimacy, sophisticated harmony).

VI. Legacy: A Titan of Music and Humanity

Elton John’s legacy is multifaceted and immense:

1. Commercial Supremacy: Over 300 million records sold, making him one of the best-selling artists ever. 9 US #1 albums, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles (2nd only to Elvis). 27 consecutive Top 40 hits in the US (1970-1996). Multiple Diamond, Platinum, and Gold certifications globally.
2. Artistic Influence: Revolutionized piano-based rock/pop. Inspired countless musicians across genres (Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Tori Amos, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay). His blend of virtuosity, melody, and showmanship remains a benchmark.
3. Cultural Icon: Defined 1970s glam rock with his outrageous stage persona. His flamboyant style challenged norms and provided visibility. Became a beloved global figure.
4. Humanitarian Giant: His work with EJAF has raised over $600 million for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education programs worldwide, saving countless lives. A powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
5. Enduring Relevance: Continues to connect with new generations through timeless songs, film soundtracks (The Lion King, Gnomeo & Juliet, Rocketman), collaborations, and his farewell tour’s spectacle. Knighted (1998), recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors (2004), a LEGO minifigure, and countless other accolades.
6. Songwriting Partnership: The John/Taupin collaboration is one of the most successful and enduring in music history, rivaling Lennon/McCartney.

VII. Works: Beyond Albums

• Stage Musicals: Lestat (2005), Billy Elliot the Musical (2005 – music adaptation, hugely successful), Aida (1999 – co-composer).
• Film Scores: Friends (1971), The Lion King (1994), The Muse (1999), The Road to El Dorado (2000), Gnomeo & Juliet (2011), Sherlock Gnomes (2018), Rocketman (2019 – executive music producer).
• Autobiography: Me (2019).

VIII. Filmography (Key Acting/Appearances)

• Tommy (1975) – The Pinball Wizard.
• The Country Bears (2002) – (Cameo).
• Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) – (Cameo).
• Rocketman (2019) – Executive Music Producer (cameo in extended cut).
• Numerous documentaries and concert films (To Russia with Elton, Two Rooms, The Red Piano, The Million Dollar Piano, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road).

IX. Discography (Selective – Studio Albums & Major Live/Compilations)

• Empty Sky (1969)
• Elton John (1970)
• Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
• Madman Across the Water (1971)
• Honky Château (1972)
• Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973)
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) [Landmark]
• Caribou (1974)
• Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) [Autobiographical]
• Rock of the Westies (1975)
• Blue Moves (1976)
• A Single Man (1978)
• Victim of Love (1979)
• 21 at 33 (1980)
• The Fox (1981)
• Jump Up! (1982)
• Too Low for Zero (1983) [Comeback]
• Breaking Hearts (1984)
• Ice on Fire (1985)
• Leather Jackets (1986)
• Reg Strikes Back (1988)
• Sleeping with the Past (1989) [“Sacrifice”]
• The One (1992)
• The Lion King (Soundtrack – 1994)
• Made in England (1995)
• The Big Picture (1997)
• Songs from the West Coast (2001)
• Peachtree Road (2004)
• The Captain & The Kid (2006)
• The Union (with Leon Russell – 2010)
• The Diving Board (2013)
• Wonderful Crazy Night (2016)
• Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021 – Early demos)
• The Lockdown Sessions (2021 – Collaborations)
• Key Live Albums: 17-11-70 (1971), Here and There (1976), Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1987), One Night Only (2000).
• Key Compilations: Greatest Hits (1974), Greatest Hits Volume II (1977), The Very Best of Elton John (1990), Rare Masters (1992), Greatest Hits 1970-2002 (2002), Diamonds (2017).

X. Most Known Compositions and Performances

• Songs:
  • “Your Song” (Quintessential ballad)
  • “Rocket Man” (Sci-fi melancholic masterpiece)
  • “Tiny Dancer” (Beloved California anthem)
  • “Crocodile Rock” (Nostalgic 50s pastiche)
  • “Daniel” (Bittersweet travelogue)
  • “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Epic farewell)
  • “Bennie and the Jets” (Glam-funk stomper)
  • “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (Power ballad)
  • “Philadelphia Freedom” (Disco-tinged tribute)
  • “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (Autobiographical epic)
  • “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” (Heartbreaking ballad)
  • “Candle in the Wind” (Original Marilyn tribute; 1997 Diana version – best-selling single ever)
  • “I’m Still Standing” (Defiant comeback anthem)
  • “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues”
  • “Sacrifice” (UK #1 hit)
  • “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Oscar-winning ballad)
  • “Circle of Life” (Iconic opener)
• Iconic Performances:
  • Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles (1975): Two sold-out nights in iconic baseball stadium, peak 70s extravaganza.
  • Central Park, New York City (1980): Free concert for 400,000+.
  • Live Aid, Wembley Stadium (1985): Electrifying “Rockin’ All Over The World”/”Bennie and the Jets” medley.
  • “Candle in the Wind 1997” at Princess Diana’s Funeral: Profoundly moving global moment.
  • The Red Piano / The Million Dollar Piano Residencies (Las Vegas, 2004-2009, 2011-2018): Lavish, career-spanning shows.
  • Glastonbury Festival (Pyramid Stage Headliner, 2023): Triumphant UK farewell performance.

Elton John’s journey is unparalleled. From the prodigious child in Pinner to the global superstar in sequins, his music – a unique fusion of rock, pop, classical, gospel, and blues, delivered with virtuosic piano brilliance and Bernie Taupin’s evocative storytelling – has provided the soundtrack to decades. His flamboyant stage presence broke molds, while his profound commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS through EJAF cemented his legacy as a humanitarian giant. More than just hits and sales figures, Elton John represents the enduring power of melody, the thrill of performance, the depth of collaboration, and the impact of using one’s platform for immense good. He truly is the Rocket Man, a comet of talent and compassion whose light continues to shine brightly across the musical universe. His farewell may have been to the road, but his music and his mission remain vibrantly, powerfully alive.

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