Elton John

Patriotic Assembly Song of the Week

"Semper Paratus"
The Official Song of the U.S. Coast Guard

Musician of the Week

Sir Elton Hercules John

Monday

"Mr. Frantic"

Sir Elton Hercules John is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 38 gold and 31 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Since launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has over 4,000 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit.

Elton John was named Reginald Kenneth Dwight when he was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. His father was a member of the Royal Air Force and also played trumpet in a band known as the Bob Millar Band. His parents were always buying records and exposing the young Reginald to a variety of music.

So, it is no wonder that, at the age of 3, Elton was already playing piano. At the age of 7, he started taking piano lessons. At the age of 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, which he attended on the weekends.

John wanted to become a pop star! His father wanted him to do something more “sensible”, such as become a banker. Much to his father’s dismay, John dropped out of school at the age of 17 to follow his dreams. He started playing and writing music for a band called Bluesology. He changed his name to Elton John, and has used that name ever since.

Listening Example: "Mr. Frantic" from Bluesology

Today’s listening example is a song from Elton’s first band, Bluesology. This song was recorded in 1966. It was written by Elton John. This fast paced, bluesy song is about a man who is frantic, which means wild with emotion, because of his love for a woman!

Other songs from Bluesology

Tuesday

"Your Song" By Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Elton John’s best friend is Bernie Taupin. They have worked together for many years creating some of the the world’s most beloved music.

In 1967, Reggie (AKA Elton), answered an advertisement in a British magazine. Liberty Records needed a song writer. Ray Williams was the manager for Liberty Records at the time.

Little did he know, Bernie had answered the same ad. After mailing lyrics and music to each other, they finally met in late 1967 and recorded the song “Scarecrow” together. This became the first in a line of very successful musical collaborations between the two.

Listening Example: "You're Song"

It is said that Elton would spend about an hour writing lyrics for a song, then pass those lyrics off to Bernie. Bernie would spend about half an hour writing the music for the lyrics. If he didn’t like the lyrics he would just throw them away and ask Elton for more. Today’s listening example is the first hit single ever created and recorded by dynamic duo. “Your Song” is a love song about a man who wanted to give the love of his life the whole world, so he wrote her a song.

Wednesday

Elton's Closet

It is no surprise that Elton John has a big, fun personality. He likes to reflect that personality, as well as his creative side, through his clothing.

Photos from the following this Rolling Stones article.

Listening Example: Interview from the Today Show

In this interview from the Today Show, you will see a lot of Elton’s clothes that he is selling in order to raise money for his AIDS foundation.

Thursday

Elton John's "Broadway" Career

Elton John wrote several songs for the Disney movie “The Lion King.” He was nominated for a Tony Award (a theatre award) for Best Original Soundtrack for “The Lion King.” He also won a Grammy award for “Circle of Life” from that movie. But, did you know he wrote musicals as well?

Elton John wanted to extend his musical talents in a different direction. That is when he met Tim Rice. Tim Rice worked with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on musicals such as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Evita.” Together, Tim and Elton wrote Aida.

This musical is based on the Giuseppi Verdi opera and tells the dramatic love story between Radames, the captain of the Egyptian army, and Aida, the captured Nubian princess.

Billy Elliot the Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay. The plot revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes.

Listening Example: "Born to Boogie" from "Billy Elliot the Musical"

In this scene from Billy Elliot the Musical, you will meet Billy and see the moment when he realizes that he can dance better than he can box.

Friday

Interesting Facts

Did you know that Elton John is a huge football fan?! Not American football, but what we call soccer. In fact, he loves soccer so much he bought an entire soccer team: the Watford Football Club. Although not as active a member as he was in the beginning, Elton still helps the team out today through fundraising efforts and as a member of their board.

The year 1997 was an eventful one for John, marked by both triumph and tragedy. He lost two close friends, Britain’s Princess Diana and Italian designer Gianni Versace, under tragic circumstances. On the other hand, his tribute single to Diana, “Candle in the Wind 1997” – which was produced in one day – became a phenomenal success that helped the whole world in its grieving. It sold more than 33 million copies, becoming the biggest single in history, and raised over 20 million pounds (roughly 30 million U.S. dollars) for the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fund.

Listening Example: "Candle In the Wind 1997"

Today’s listening example is that beautiful song, “Candle In the Wind 1997”, that he and Bernie Taupin wrote for his dear friend Princess Diana. This video is from the Princess’ funeral in 1997. Notice Elton’s face as he is singing. You can feel his sorrow in his music, and see it on his face. Start at 1:00