Artist:Elton John
Song:Rocket Man
Album:Honky Chateau
I'm sure it might surprise some to see a pop singer like Elton John here. I haven't been a fan for years but I did like some of his early albums especially Honky Chateau. He was born Reginald Dwight Mar. 25, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He began playing piano at age 4 and studied at the Royal Academy Of Music as a teen. He was a member of the group Bluesology which became the backing band for Long John Baldry. He auditioned for Liberty Records and they hooked him up with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Dwight changed his name to Elton John after Bluesology sax player Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. The two were hired as staff songwriters by Dick James Music. At first they wrote for others but John started performing his own music and hired Gus Dudgeon to produce the album Elton John. UNI Records picked it up in the US and Your Song was a top ten hit. Honky Chateau was his first album with his regular touring band in 1972 and was number one for five weeks. Rocket Man hit #6 on the pop singles chart. The song is very similar in many ways to David Bowie's Space Oddity. I think Honky Chateau is a great album. Elton John recorded a lot in those days and was very successful. Things slowed down when John & Taupin's relationship went sour in the late 70s. The two have reunited over the years but Elton John continues to be very successful on his own. I don't think his music has been very interesting since the mid-70s. Here's a video for Rocket Man by Elton John.
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