The Eltonite's Day With... Jennifer Sundstrom!!!

Hi Eltonites, welcome to the Eltonites Day. I like this kind of interviews, I must admit. Interviewing an eltonite is very grateful for me: their thoghts, their experiences. Today I have the chance to have one of the kind. She is a wonderful human being first and foremost. And of course a top class Eltonite!! So please, stand up to receive the greatest Jennifer Sundstrom!!!

Welcome Jennifer, thanks for being here. Could you tell us, please more, who are you and where are you from?

Hi! My name is Jennifer Sundstrom and I am from Houghton, Michigan. I live almost as far North as one can in the state. Lake Superior surrounds us.

Great! When did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

The first time I consciously remember hearing Elton’s music was when I was about 10 years old. That’s when "I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues" was first out on the radio. I acquired the 45 rpm vinyl single around that time and played it to death. I still have it in a box, but doubt it’s in good shape! After that I continued to enjoy his music when I heard it on the radio and bought a couple more singles and some of his CDs such as "Love Songs" and "Greatest Hits: 1970 – 2002", but it wasn’t until I first saw him perform live that I really started buying as much of his catalog as I could. Of course, after buying all of the albums, I realized that I had heard and enjoyed his music way before the age of ten, but just didn’t yet know who he was!

Incredible, I have the same experience, my friend. And what was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been?

I first saw Elton perform live at the Red Piano show in LasVegas on March 31, 2008, and have been hooked ever since. However, this was something that almost never happened! My brother, sister-in-law and I had planned a short trip to Las Vegas months earlier, but didn’t have a specific agenda. About 2 weeks before we went, I was flipping through channels on the television and happened upon a rerun of Larry King interviewing Elton. In the interview Elton mentioned the Red Piano show. So after hearing this I checked online and found that he would be performing while we were out there, and we were lucky enough to get tickets. I came down with the flu an hour before my flight took off, but soldiered on. I was so miserable the entire time I was there except of course for the show. So, it almost never was. It must have been fate. I’ve now been to a total of 17 shows in 8 different states and 3 different countries over the past 4 years and have 5 more lined up as we speak. I’ll be seeing him next in Madison, WI, on March 22. Some good friends and I are seeing him solo in April and then Jody and I are going back overseas this summer and will see Elton 3 times in England. I’m so excited!

For you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

I don’t think any members of the band are replaceable, as each one is so different and extremely talented. Elton’s had several different lineups and all have had their strengths. Nobody can be replaced, but roles can be filled. I love the current lineup so much that I wouldn’t want to see any of them go. With the exception of the unfortunate and sad passing of Guy Babylon, the band has remained in tact since I’ve started seeing live shows and I’m thankful for that. I was lucky to see Guy perform live a few times and he is missed by many others and by me. Kim Bullard is doing an excellent job in the position Guy left. The addition of the girls and the 2Cellos has been very cool and exciting!

What would you do if you met Elton sometime? What would you talk about and which question would you like to ask him?

I know if I ever got to meet Elton, I would be extremely nervous but extremely excited. I’m not really sure what is left to ask him, but I would definitely want to thank him for all the happiness his music and shows have brought me and for all the things he does for humanity. I would also thank him for introducing me to great new friends that I’ve met through sharing a common love.

Which is your Elton item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you’ve got by having it?

I have several Elton items that are special to me. The top three are: 1.) my "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" yellow vinyl LP that Elton signed for me at my very first regular band show in Lubbock, Texas, 2.) my poster of Elton and Leon Russell from the Beacon Theatre debut of "The Union", which I have since had signed by Elton in Philadelphia on his birthday last year and by Leon in Milwaukee, WI, this past summer, and 3.) a personalized signed photo of him.

Wonderful! What have you done for Elton and, vice versa, what has Elton done for you?

Elton has a special place in my heart. His music brings me so much enjoyment and comfort. Elton has said many times that without the love and support and loyalty from us, his fans, he wouldn’t be here. So, what I do for him is exactly that. I attend shows when I can and support his music and theatrical endeavors. I also make contributions to the EJAF and have supported and helped out with LATWs.

What kind of place do you see for Elton John in the History of Rock Music?

Elton is a legend and will always be a legend. He’s one of the top rock piano players and has one of the best, most soulful voices I’ve ever heard. His place has been solidified.

And finally, could you tell me your five favorite Elton songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

This is a very hard question for me to answer. Even to limit my favorites to 10 would be tough. I love so many of his songs, but 5 that will always be up there for me are: Your Song, Come Down in Time, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Harmony and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.

Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I just want to say that the last 4 years of my life have been very enjoyable. I’ve been to so many places I never would have gone to see Elton perform and I’ve been blessed to meet so many great people through sharing a common love. Some have turned into best friends.

Oh, What do you remember about your days in Ireland, last June?

Last June, Jody Towles and I went overseas for the very first time. We traveled to both Ireland and England. We had such a wonderful time. We saw Elton and the band in Cork, Ireland, along with some very special people, fellow Eltonites: Paul, Kilian, Mary and Aine. They were so great to us and we will never forget the experience. The show in Cork was very different than in the US in that it was under a big circus tent, basically, and we were all packed on the floor like sardines for the entire show. Of course, all of us were right up front. The crowd was great! That was the show where something went wrong with Elton’s piano the very first note he played. We ended up hearing the intro to Funeral For a Friend three times by the time the issue was finally corrected! It was a great show! In England, we saw Leon Russell on his own with his band and got to meet him after the show! He was so nice and so appreciative of us and of Elton.

Thank you. Precisely, we have here two dear people, two dear friends that would love to surprise you. How could we define Jennifer as an Eltonite? So, come on, you have the word.

Paul Purcell, from Ireland: "First of all, Jennifer is one the nicest people you could ever want to meet. There is nothing but generosity, kindness and good humour flowing through her. Which makes her an ideal candidate to be an Eltonite. And because we both share this wonderful passion, this is how I came in contact with her. Which in turn led to the wonderful experience of meeting her and Jody last summer when they came over to see Elton here in Ireland. An event I will never forget. So enjoy this moment Jen, the spotlight is on you for a change!! It is an honour to call you my friend and fellow Eltonite. :-)".

Jody Towles, from Florida, US: "I must admit that In the 2 years since I've met Jennifer, I must say that her and I have grown very close. When it comes to all things Elton, she is truly my other half. We have been all over the U.S. together and we traveled to Europe on our first overseas trip. Its hard to put into words how much someone can truly enrich your life but to put it simply, she has. We've shared laughter together that is beyond compare, Two perfect understudies for a clown. She's a blast to travel with, and she has a fabulous shoe collection that rivals Elton. Thank you Jennifer for 2 amazing years and many shows. Hopefully, there will be many many more."

Paul, Jody, thanks so much for your collaboration and my best wishes for you both. You know how much I respect you, always it's a pleasure for me to be in touch. Well, Jennifer, my special guest, this your day. I have not words enough to express you my gratitude for being here, thanks so much for sharin', your time with us, it was a nice time for me to spent with you. I had so much fun, God bless you! Hope you like this song: this is for you:



Pictures courtesy of Jennifer Sundstrom

Stampin' Elton: The Collection

A schoolmaster from England, Rowland Hill invented the adhesive postage stamp in 1837, an act for which he was knighted. The result, called the Penny Black, was engraved the profile of Queen Victoria's head, and remained on all British stamps for the next sixty years. Before the Penny Black stamp ever existed, payment had to be taken in cash for every article to be posted and that had to be done in person at the post office. Hill's stamps made the prepayment of mail postage possible and practical. The first United States general issue postage stamps, stamps for distribution throughout the country, were prepared under authorization of the Congressional Act of March 3, 1847. Postmaster General Cave Johnson initially instructed the firm to use a portrait of recently deceased President Andrew Jackson on the 5-cent stamp and George Washington on the 10-cent denomination. Since then, many stamps have been issued around the world. Some of the most popular types have included sports figures, cartoons, national landmarks, nature images and, of course, celebrities: like Elton. A number of illegal stamps featuring Elton John are in circulation printed by private firms without the knowledge of the postal authorities of the countries concerned. Here's is a selection what Jack Rabbit found on every corner of the world.

1988

Grenada issued a set of eight $1 stamps featuring rock, pop and reggae stars Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie, Whitney Houston, Joan Armatrading, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley, all of whom have had more longevity than is usual in the ever-evolving world of music.

1995

The Tanzanian "Rock And Roll History" sheetlet collection countaining 9 value unmounted mint with music celebrities like Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson and Elton, covering all periods of rock between 50s to nowadays.

2000

Elton John in concert on 6 postage stamps - from Udmurtia, a Russian republic located in European Russia about 1300km east of Moscow and west of the Ural mountains.

Stamp printed in Turkmenistan shows USA stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, Madonna, Mike Myers, Chris Isaak, Michael Jackson, Elton John. As long as Jean Claude Van Damme, Bill Gates, Fidel Castro, Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2002

In February 2002 Australia Post released a SES sheetlet and CD pack with 4 songs from recent album, Songs From The West Coast, to commemorate Elton John’s ‘A Journey Through Time’ tour. Gift Pack included 10 Elton Personalized stamps. This special pack was sold in a specially designed flowwrapped cover/folder.

'Rock Legends: Elton John' pertaining to be from the Republic of Somalia. The stamp features Elton wearing his 1986 world tour outfits, although there's another version of sheetlet containing set of 4 values unmounted mint. These "stamps" is counterfeit, not valid for posting and has no investment value. Other celebrities are on the collection like David Bowie, Prince, or Michael Jackson, among others, as part of their Rock Legends series.

A fantastic sheet of 9 Mint Stamps to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 50th or Golden Jubilee, features Elton John, Prince William and Prince Andrew, Soccer Stars like David Beckham, the Beatles, the Royal Ship and more. They were released on Congo or Tadjikistan.

2003

Released in Malta, celebrating Elton's open-air concert in Floriana, Maltapost, as one of the sponsors, has been promoting a personalised souvenir sheet featuring four images of the entertainer, views of him as a young man and in some of his most memorable looks. It has no philatelic or postal worth, except an authentic Malta stamp valued at Lm1.50 reproducing the view of the Marsamxett side of Valletta from the Frama label set.

2004

Printed in Austria, the stamp joined Elton and Lady Diana. Sir Elton John performed at the annual Life Ball in Vienna, late May 15, 2004 and was back in June, again in Wien.



A limited collectors set issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau on 10th September 2004 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary concert performed at Victoria Stadium on Gibraltar's National Day, comprising of a first stamp mounted in a circular minature sheet & unopened card backing sheet with unique wrap-around presentation picture card featuring superb Elton image & concert info, a second stamp consisting of just the circular sheet plus a third stamp mounted on an official first day cover envelope, all housed in a unique presentation slipcase.

2008

Rock Stars like Elton John, Eric Clapton, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Jean Michael Love and more were released in Komi Republic, Russia, on a 8 Mint Stamps. They were not valid for postage, but they were extremely popular because of their lively and colorful designs.

2011

Sheet of 9 stamps, issued by Djibouti in 2011, displaying famous music stars. Featured celebrities shown include English rock singer-songwriter & pianist Elton John, British pop rock musician George Michael, English musicians from The Beatles John Lennon & Paul McCartney, English vocalist & lyricist Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin, lead rock vocalist from the Rolling Stones band Mick Jagger, Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, English glam rock musician David Bowie, and English progressive rock lead singer from the band Genesis, Peter Gabriel.

Another sheet of 6 stamps, issued this time by Guinea in 2011, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Princess Diana. Also featured on the sheet shown include Prince William, Prince Harry, Charles, Prince of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Grammy Award-winning English singer & pianist Sir Elton John.

Sources: Mary Bellis from about.com

Question 7 To The Experts Committee: Charlie Morgan

Welcome Eltonites, this is a new edition of the Committee Of Experts. Today the comittee has a very special guest. With six albums and five world tours, our man was Elton John's drummer for thirteen years. We could also find performances of him with Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Cher and the Moody Blues, to name a few. With over 150 album credits he has appeared on numerous international TV shows and movie soundtracks. You know we're talking about the greatest: Charlie Morgan!!! Charlie is one of the great musicians they had been as members of Elton's band and he's one of the most remembered. He's such a great guy, always kind with us, and we adore him so much. So this time, the committee is dedicated to him. The pretention is to make a “virtual” meeting together chatting with him, as a musician, as a former band member. So experts, thanks for being here, let's start, please. And what do you like most about Charlie?

"The skills as a musician", starts Sophiah Ko’i’kas, from Detroit, MI, a new member of the committee, thanks for coming. "The way he plays his drums. Charlie is a fantastic drummer. He plays the drums with energy and very well. He has a good humor. He played in Rio de Janeiro in 1995 and I love the sound of the way he played. I danced a lot", is adding Leila A. Santiago, from Brazil. Obviously we haven't met him, on a personal level, but Kimberlee Kemble, from Boca Raton, FL, has it clear: "What I've read about Charlie, he seems like a down-to-earth guy", while Vera Rio, from Brazil, is agree: "Charlie seems like a nice guy and accessible to his admirers. This will make unforgettable his passage as a musician of Elton John". Ahhh that's it! No one could say it better. "With all of his success and all the people he's worked with, he still calls himself a "freelance rock drummer." How refreshing!". Yes, Kimberlee: "And I must also say I like his sense of humor - his posts are hilarious!" Hahaha, definetely, he's sense of humour is well known.

But hey, experts, how do you value Charlie's work with Elton, while he was on the band? Kimberlee? "My favorite Elton John song that Charlie Morgan played drums on is a tie... Heavy Traffic (from Reg Strikes Back) and Paris (from Leather Jackets). Very different musically, but that just shows Charlie's range". Vera? "I believe that one of his best work was on "Reg Strikes Back" (1988). I particularly like: "Town of Plenty","Word in Spanish" and "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters". Experts, this time we have another member of the committee, he hosts Two Rooms Radio Show, a reference for Eltonites too. Mr. David Sigler, please, your turn: "I first became aware of Charlie's drumming on Nik Kershaw's album, The Riddle and was thrilled when he joined Elton's band in 1985. I think he represented a new style for Elton then and certainly served him well over the years. I like Charlie's straight forward, hard hitting style - songs like This Town, Goodbye Marlon Brando. But ballads always carried great timing such as Believe and Live Like Horses". Thank you.

"I've seen some videos from youtube though where he has played drums in Elton's band, and he obviously is a great drummer" explains Antti Honkasalo, an Eltonite who hasn't been an Elton fan for so long, but he's one of the most passionate fans. "During the 12 years he was in the band, Charlie had impressed his beat in Elton's songs. It was not easy because he was succeeding the longtime Elton's friend, the talented Nigel Olsson (who was removed as the drummer of the band during this period, making only a few featured on some albums of Elton). Charlie did very well, earned his place inside the Band and in the heart of the Eltonites", you have reason Vera Rio. "The drummer carries the beat of every song... very important" is adding Sophiah.

What surprised you most, Kimberlee? "I really like Charlie's versatility. I was familiar with what he's done with Elton - and that shows his immense talent and range - but when I visited his web site (Manicdrums) and viewed his discography, WOW! I had no idea of the volume and diversity of his portfolio". Absolutely true. "As a top session drummer he played in so many styles over the years with a wide variety of artists. With that in mind, Charlie was more than well qualified to play in the Elton John band. As Elton's music has so many styles to makeup. Not to mention that at the end of the day he is a savagely good drummer!!" thanks for coming Paul Purcell, from Ireland, what else? "He stayed true to the sound on the records when playing live with Elton, which for me is very important. While at the same time putting his own stamp on it, which for any artist is important. On the albums he played on, he had a strong, punchy sound. You were never in any doubt that he was putting 150% effort into what he was doing! For me personally, he plays on possibly my favourite Elton/Bernie song of all time, Believe. So for that alone, his place will always be cherished by this Eltonite".

Well, let's welcome our guest: hello Charlie Morgan, an honour you could be here with us. Let me explain what the comittee of experts is about. Yes, this blogsite is nothing without Eltonites, me and Rabbit know. So, we're so priviledged to count with some Eltonites from around the world discussing about things related to Elton. I know it's impossible to have everyone here, and a lot of people deserved to be here. For this, in every question I am trying to have new people, new countries, and everything. So, people!!! Let's begin about our questions for Charlie. Who's gonna start????

Leila Avelar Santiago, for example: Charlie, what do you tell us about your work since you begin to play? How do you choose to play drums? And do you know to play other instrument? Thanks Leila, Brian Gold, from New York, US also is interested in such particular.

I actually started learning descant recorder when I was about 8, then piano at the age of 10. When I was 11, my family moved to Geneva, Switzerland, and I became friends with a group of kids that had a band. I used to hang out in the basement of one of the boys, and he had a drum kit. I sat down at the kit, and within an hour was able to play a basic rhythm. He told me I had a “natural feel” for drums. When I was 14, we moved back to England. A school friend phoned me one day and said he was putting a band together. He asked if I knew anyone at school that played drums, I said: “Ill do it!” The rest is history!

Thank you. Kimberlee Kemble: Do you have a drumming mentor/idol?

I have many mentor/idols: Ringo was my first hero. I discovered Heavy Rock, and listened to Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and John Bonham! I love the way Steve Gadd plays all styles. I always loved Jeff Porcaro's playing, too. I am also a big fan of Nigel Olsson - he changed the way drummers approached Rock/Pop music. His contribution is not to be under-estimated.

Antti Honkasalo, your turn: What kind of special techniques does you have in your drumming style, what kind of drum set you prefer to use?

I have always thought of my self as more a “feel” drummer than a “technique” drummer. I do have trouble with more technical styles of drumming. Nigel and I are similar in that way. But I have developed a technique over the years, especially with more practice as I get older!

David Sigler: How did you handle stepping into the shoes of Nigel Olsson in 1985 and did you feel awkward about that knowing fans devotion to Nigel?

When I first met Elton, it was on the sessions for “Ice on Fire” and I wasn’t aware that it was for anything other than studio sessions. By that time I was one of the top session drummers in the UK, and so I was used to getting phone calls from many top artists. But later, when Elton asked me to play Live Aid, I must admit I was more than a little bit nervous about filling Nigel’s shoes!

Antti Honkasalo, yes you could ask: I'd like to know how different are you when compared to other drummers that have been in the Elton John band. What are your strengths, what are your weaknesses (if you had any)?

Very difficult question! All I can answer is from my OWN perspective: I always tried to listen to what Elton was playing (and singing) and complement it to the best of my ability. I think it’s important to concentrate on showcasing Elton’s incredible talent, and less on showing off your own!

Mark Schmidt, from Wisconsin, US: What Elton songs do you think best showcase your style and are most proud of?

Ah! Well, I always loved playing “Burn Down the Mission” and “Funeral/Love Lies Bleeding” - I think these two songs are definitely the best “drummer” songs. But there are so many of Elton’s songs I loved playing. “Believe” for instance, is also a personal favourite of mine, and “If the River can Bend”

Kimberlee: What is your favorite Elton John song to play on (either one he recorded in studio or playing live)?

Impossible to say! I think I part-answered this on the question above! But I will tell you there was nothing quite like the first session I did with Elton. We recorded “Cry to Heaven” that day. What a magic moment!

Sure! Paul Purcell, you're ready: When you were recording with Elton, what was the hardest track you had to put a drum line down to, from a musical or technical point of view?

When we recorded “Paris” in Holland (1986). We did this as a complete rhythm section: even Jody Linscott was there. This song was unusual, because we had been playing it for a while on stage (before it was cut), and Elton was insistent about doing it as a “full band.”

Jim Oksen, from Arizona, US, your turn: How you liked working with Paul Buckmaster on Made In England sessions, compared to some of the other albums you collaborated? I really enjoy Buckmasters work and wondered how maybe Buckmaster influenced you on Made In England.

Paul became, and is still, one of my good friends. I love his genius. His orchestrations and arrangements have changed the way people used classical instruments in Popular music. He and George Martin (who I’ve also worked with) were the pioneers in that area. Paul worked so hard on complimenting what I had played on the drums. I noticed he used drum fills as rhythmic points for his arrangements. What a genius!

Kimberlee, please: What surprised you the most about Elton?

His passion for Motor Racing (as you might know, I have been a huge fan of Motor Sport, and also raced cars for 25 years). He and I could talk about Racing for days on end!

Vera Rio, this is your turn: In a huge schedule like the Elton's schedule with very little time between the shows, countries that succeed in short time,the musicians can know something about the cities where they are playing? You get some information before arriving in the places? Some cities stayed in your memory in a special way?

It is very hard for al the cities NOT to blend into one when you are spending, at most, a day or two in each place. but there are some cities that are special: Barcelona, Madrid, Milano, Sydney, London (of course).

Here's Sophiah Ko'i'kas: What’s the funniest thing that happened on stage with Elton? Dagmazyca Lakomy, from Poland, is also interested. I am sure there's plenty of anecdotes to share while playing live. Someone told me there's a longest song-ending in Elton's band history and you were involved. Charlie, What's the story?

In 1990, I came back to the band to tour Australia & New Zealand (I got a call while I was in Paris, playing a show at the Olympia. I drove back to London, packed my bags and got on a plane to Perth!!). My drum riser was quite narrow on that tour. My drum stool was normally less than 10cm from the back of the riser, and there were steps at the back for me to climb up.

When we played "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" I used to stand up at the end, to hit the cymbals, then sit down for the final big end. One night, I stood up and my stool fell down the back of the riser. Before my drum-tech could warn me, I tried to sit back down - into thin air! Lucky I rolled down the stairs backwards, finding myself at the bottom of the riser. In the meantime, Davey, Elton, Guy and everyone were still playing the end chord, waiting for me to cut them off with the big crash. They looked up at my drum kit and it was empty! Elton was looking around, confused, still playing the end-chord!!! "Where's Charlie?"

In the end, my drum tech picked me up, gave me a pair of drumsticks, and I climbed back up the steps, throwing my sticks at the cymbals to try and end the song. Elton couldn't stop laughing for several songs. And it took a few days for the jokes to stop!

Another question? Kimberlee: Do you think you'll record or tour again with Elton?

Who knows? I’d love to have the opportunity.

Oh, I would love to. What do you think of today’s music, Charlie? Which new talents would you like to present?

I love the more genuine artists. The performers that don’t have to rely on Lights & smoke to make their performance seem better: Adele, Amy Winehouse (poor girl), and of course all the “old school” performers I grew up listening to! It’s all about the music for me.

Charlie, I really love your website http://www.manicdrumsproductions.com/, now rebuilded, specially the studio blog. What could you remark about this site?

I rebuilt this site to attract more customers to my “on-line sessions” business. I do a lot of drum tracking for people all over the world, now.... all from my studio here in Nashville, Tennessee.

And could you explain a little bit about your future projects, please, Charlie?

I am actually looking around for a regular live project to be involved with, but I am also spending a lot of time promoting the on-line session business. it seems this is the way of the future: doing drum tracks for people in countries all over the world, from the comfort of my own house! But I would also love to do another top-level world tour!

Oh, once you said: “It's possible that dreams can be built on promises. But real life needs to be built of sterner stuff”. Why is that really so?

Well, dreaming of great things is important, but there comes a point when you have to actually get up and DO what you dream. It is important for people to follow their dreams. So many of us are frightened of failure: so much so that they keep dreaming without acting on it. Fear of failure is probably the single biggest factor in preventing people from doing things.

Well, that's the end of the committee of today. We will have question number 8 very soon, so be ready experts!!! Charlie, it was an incredible experience to be with you, thanks for sharin' your time with us, again, you're a superb artist and best human being. Thanks to the experts this time you came here. I would like to apologize if I missed someone, it was not my intention to do, in case I did. Charlie, we prepared this question number 7 at Xmas time, and I asked my experts to send their wishes to you. The wishes of a happy Xmas and happy new year for you and your family succeed. I would like to finish with what Brian Gold sent for you: "Keep making new dreams, and keep making them come true!". So, as Vera Rio said: We wish you a 2012 with health, success and lots of joy! Oh, Dagmazyca Lakomy, you could close the committee of today with your wish? "I wish you a bear hug from Elton ;)"

* Jack Rabbit would specially thank to two dearests friends: Sophiah Ko'i'kas and Melanie Vandegrift. Without them this couldn't have been possible. Thanks by heart, ladies, I love you so much.

Pictures courtesy of Charlie Morgan

Mansfield: The Magic Of Peter Pan!

Fantastico! Incredibile! Some people seems touched by God! He decided to pay homage to his idol singing his songs, playing the piano like him, dressing as close as him. A live tribute to Elton. "The magic of Bernie's and Elton's works takes place every time I get the stage whispering such words like "It's a little bit funny.." or "Hold me closer tiny dancer"", he likes to explain; "in that instant the magic explodes". The magic explodes today too. He is ready to deliver an extraordinary performance with a percussionist. So, Eltonites, first, welcome to 2012 AllSongsList year. Just I thought I had to invite someone very special for this ocasion. So please, a standing ovation for this talented boy: Giuseppe Franco, "Mansfield"!!!!

Thanks so much for the acceptation, really an honour to have you here. Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood, Giuseppe? How it was growing up in Messina, Italy?

I was very shy. You wouldn’t believe but I was. I’d divide my childhood into two great periods. The first one, in which I did what every single child is supposed to do : playing soccer, tennis , studying, watching cartoons etc.. The second period, when I was 11 years old, was a very strange and melancholy time. Due to the loss of my grandfather I loved so much, I became more and more shy and hermetic. At that time my friends were cds. Music became my best friend. Although it might seem quiet depressive a childhood like that (lol) I miss the tenderness of that time. I feel like Peter Pan.

Great! And when did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

It was in 1997. Candle in the wind and Lady Diana’s Funeral. Elton’s voice moved me. The first album I bought was “The Big picture”. Since then I tried to buy everything about Elton and now I have a huge collection.

And why Elton?

Well, I love piano and eccentricity and he’s the perfect mixture of both.

What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been?

The first time I saw Elton in concert was in 2000, “An evening with Elton John solo” in Brescia, June 20th. He wore a yellow suit and I remember perfectly the feelings of that evening. I cried during “The greatest discovery”. I couldn’t believe to be in front of my idol. And I got my first (of six) autographs after Crocodile Rock. As Elton sings in the “Union”, “A dream come true”.

As we said before, you’re a great collector, with a nice selection of items. But which is your Elton's item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you´ve got to have it?

It’s very hard to say. I’m concentrating on the international vinyl versions of Empty sky. Probably this is the part of my collection I love much.

I am pretty sure you’re a die hard fan of music charts. Is that so? In your mansfield altervista website I learn Elton’s chart successes all over the world, in Hungary, Finland, Brazil. What surprised you most about Elton’s chart results?

Elton’s chart results are very strange. When he used to have success in America he didn’t have in the rest of the world and vice versa. Only in the time which goes from 1992 since 1997 he had success both in the USA and in the rest of the world. Nowadays it seems Elton’s come back to the origins. As you know “The Union” had a good success in America and not in the other countries.

Oh, why do you hate “Leather Jackets” song? It’s Elton’s worst song, almost for you?

I don’t like it so much but I don’t hate it. I think the worst songs are “I’m your robot” and “Li’l ‘frigerator”. I can’t stand them.

How did you decided to become an Elton tribute artist? I saw a video of you playing an awesome rendition of “Wonderful Tonight”, by Eric Clapton. Do you like to play other artists?

Yes I really like playing other artists like Clapton, Lou Reed, Beatles, Pink Floyd. I even played “Will you still love me tomorrow” in one of my latest concert (not tribute show). I obviously decided to become an Elton tribute artist just to pay homage to Elton and because I’m very good at this. All of my friends told me my voice sounds like Elton’s voice of the first 70s.

How do you choose the set list and which songs become a part of the set? Any obscure song, you play? Do you specialize in a particular Elton era?

Apart of a few friends, like Andrea Grasso (you probably know), who are fans of Elton, I have to play for a general audience who knows only the greatest hits.
But I always prepare a set list similar to Elton’s ones. And I always play some obscure and not well-known songs every time. Some examples ? “Lady what’s tomorrow”, “Where to now St. Peter”, “Roy Rogers”.

Andrea, a true eltonite too! Wow!!! And which song is harder to sing? Some you tried and finally dropped? Some you were surprised about audiences reaction?

Songs like “Sorry seems to be the hardest word” , “Your song” or “Rocket man” have always got beautiful audience reactions. The people remain silent when I play songs like “Sixty years on”, “Tiny dancer” or “Border song” because they don’t know them. But I enjoy playing them.

You are doing all different type of shows: "An evening with Mansfield", a solo piano show, "Mansfield & the Jets", playing with a band. But now you’re ready to debut a show with a percussionist. Explain us please, a little bit, what you are preparing. It will be a kinda live show as Elton and Ray Cooper did? You will sing first and then added the percussionist? Something you could share with us?

First of all I’m not Elton and Roberto is not Ray Cooper :) . I think it’s impossible to reproduce perfectly the “Elton & Ray” shows, which I consider the best shows in Elton’s career. They are two brilliant and incredible artists. But I will do my utmost. The show begins with three songs I play on my own “Your song”, “Sixty years on” and “Sorry seems to be..”. Then Roberto’s percussions will join me. The set list features “Roy Rogers”, Don’t let the sun go down on me”, “I don’t wanna go on with you like that”, “Border song”, “Sacrifice”, Where to now St. Peter” and many others. The audience will enjoy the show.

Sure!! Explain to us a bit about the Jets, the band you perform with.

One of the “jets” has moved for another city in the north of Italy so there’s just one “jet” left eheh. I have to search for a new one. But I have to say I had a great time with Roberto La Fauci (the missing one..) and Roberto Mento. They are excellent musicians.

You have your own songs too. Which is the sequence in your way of composition? Do you have a lyricist?

I had a lyricist, in London, who used to send me the lyrics by mail. I found it very easy to put music on the lyrics. But when I write my own song I don’t follow a sequence. I write the music and the lyric at the same time. I know it’s probably wrong and not professional but I follow my sensations.

That's it, then! I like “Rain”, but I am absolutely in love with “Deeply”. What’s the story behind this song?

I wrote both music and lyric of these songs. “Rain” talks about madness and I was inspired reading Emily Dickinson. “Deeply” is about one of my love stories which ended badly years ago. Now I consider “zero-nothing” the subject of that story but I like the song. I did a great job :)

Right! You put music into Bernie’s “Dogs in the kitchen” lyrics. It’s not quite difficult to imagine the responsability to wrote that, but you did a superb job. Doing that, was it as difficult as I suppose?

You think? Thanks ! I don’t how it sounded in the version I did, ahah. There are many things I’ve done in the past I can’t remember. And “Dogs in the kitchen” is one of them. Neither I do have my own version. lol

I highly recommend your website, that’s on http://www.eltonjohntribute.it/ What could we find there?

Photos, news, and the tube-channel with my performances. You can also find me on Facebook : EltonJohn Tribute.

Apart from music, which are your interests? What you like to do with your off time?

I read Stephen King and I really love Horror cinema. I study at University, English and Spanish languages and literatures.

What kind of place do you see for Elton John in the History of Rock Music?

The top-3 with Beatles and Evis.

Oh, finally, your favourite top 5 Elton John songs, in running order, please, for my all songs list?

Oh my God, what I difficult question! I will try !

Indian sunset
Tonight
One more arrow
Goodbye
Roy Rogers

Thanks! Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

We are a great family. God bless you all! Keep on loving this World which is falling down.. Let’s fight all together against homophobia and racism. None of us is God, so we can’t decide not even judge someone else’s life. I believe in a World in which people are called by name and not by sexual orientations.

Well, thanks so much to our guest. Mansfield, it was so nice doing this interview with you, very interesting. The Weekend Of Mansfield just began. Eltonites, for those who can, don't miss the live performance of Mansfield with percussionist Roberto Mento. Where? The Room. Via I Settembre, 98123 Messina, Italy. When? Saturday, 28th January, 2012 at 9:30pm.

Thanks !

You're welcome, have a nice day, and let the magic explode! Don't miss that Eltonites, believe me, don't miss! Meanwhile, check out this. Ciao!!!


Mansfield And The Jets

Pictures and video courtesy of Mansfield

Celebrating Xmas Time With... Stjepan Hauser!!!!

Hi Eltonites!!! Welcome to the Christmas series in AllSongsList. There's no better way to celebrate Xmas time with special guests, talking about their careers, about Elton. The first guest is one of the last musicians to debut on Elton's band. He's so young but he has a long list of awards and prizes. Along with his croatian friend, Luka Sulic, they surprised the whole world with their ability to cover some of the most famous tunes of pop and rock music with their own style. As you maybe guess, we're talking about cellist Stjepan Hauser, our guest of the weekend. But we could not leave Jack Rabbit alone with all of that responsibility, so I thought about inviting one of the eltonites we could find out there, so thanks Paul Purcell for being here and for your help. Ok, we will have Stjepan here in a few minutes, what we could say about him, Paul? "Its great that he and his colleague Luka are in the band at the moment. They are so talented and bring great enthusiasm to proceedings". True! "As Paul Buckmater did a lot of Elton's orchestral arrangements over the years and he himself being a cellist, it's like Elton has gone full circle". Certainly it is. "When you hear Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Holiday Inn and the other songs with his arrangements in concert now, they are creating a sound that only those string instruments can produce. And allbeit on a smaller scale, its like the full orchestral sound that those records wonderfully had. Plus you have added a fuller, more dramatic sound to newer songs, especially Gone To Shiloh, which now sounds out of this world live. So this years tour has been very enriching for all us diehard Eltonites!!". Oh, yes, absolutely, Paul.

Well, everything is ready. We first interview him before the Las Vegas shows, and found Stjepan so excited about the new experience. After that and before the Australian tour, Stjepan talked with Jack Rabbit about the experience. As a Xmas gift for us eltonites, the doors of AllSongsList are all wide-open, more than ever, to receive the unique, the sensational... Stjepan Hauser!!!!!

Welcome Stjepan, so wonderful to have you here, thanks for coming. Let's start then. Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood? And how it was growing up in Pula, Croatia?

I have only the most beautiful memories from my childhood, my parents are very special people and their way of life and thinking is extraordinary. They liked adventures so I spent most of my time in nature and by the seaside! First time I started walking it was on the rocks by the sea, so when I came to the city I couldnt really walk on the straight normal streets! Music and arts was always the most important in my family, so I was influenced since early childhood.

That's fantastic! What attracted you to cello? Was this the first instrument you learned to play?

I was really little when I first heard it on the radio, and as soon as I heard it I could feel very special vibe, sound was so gentle and warm, like a human voice, and I knew straight away this is the only instrument I want to play!

Who are your musical influences? I am a Jacqueline du Pré admirer. She once said: "Playing lifts you out of yourself into a delirious place”. Do you feel the same way?

Jacqueline du Pre was my biggest influence in my high school days, I was completely obsessed with her. She was extraordinary, her power of expression was so natural and touching it made me cry. Later on I was influenced by Shafran and Rostropovich.

What kind of training do you think cellists should be getting at this time?

Cellists, and classical musicians in general should listen and be influenced by all kinds of music and arts. For example, I learned more from people like Elton about music than from most of the cello teachers.

Cello is actually the only instrument that you play entirely while sitting down. How this fact phsychologically influences a cellist in a performance?

Cellist has to find the most comfortable and natural way while playing the cello, and they have to be relaxed. Sometimes it is very boring for me to seat down all the time, so I started more and more often standing up on concerts and even walking on stage! I would like to create a special belt that I could be completely mobile while playing!

You worked with and impressed the most revered cellists such as Mstislav Rostropovich. And you were one of the last students he taught. What surprises you most about him?

He was truly a living legend. His charisma, experience and knowledge were something else! His friends were most influental musicians of 20th century such as Shostakovich, Prokofieff and Britten... Thanks to him cello repertoire expanded and became a proper solo instrument. Meeting him, it was a dream come true.

Why the transition between the classical music to the modern pop-rock music? Your adaptability in a wide range of musical styles is admirable, and your Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” is on the top views of youtube really.

When playing only classical music on cello, you use only one aspect of using the instrument, but cello can do so many amazing things and I felt it is a crime just to use it for one sort of thing. Cello can sound like a violin, like guitar, double bass, percussion... It can rock so hard and be the coolest instrument, and I simply wanted to show to the world what cello can do and use all its possibilities! And now when I am young and full of energy and adrenaline I feel like I wanna rock all the time! Also, we love all the great music, music is universal and the only thing that matters is emotion and message of the music. No one can convience me that movement from for example Chopin is deeper or more meaningful that some U2 song.

Other genious master, Elton John, went crazy after hearing your music. And he met you. Can you tell us about that meeting? And what is Elton like on a personal level?

Elton is the most generous and nicest person you can meet! We played already 30 concerts together and became a close friends. Can’t wait to continue touring with him in September!

Have you been an Elton fan before? Remember the first time you heard Elton’s music and what moves you to buy his music, in that case?

He is a living legend, an icon and everyone knows his legendary songs!

He asked you and Luka Sulic to join forces on his summer tour. What it will consist this collaboration? What type of music you will offer to the audiences? And what do you thought first about the offer?

We play together with him 13 song as well as open every of his shows with our stuff! Cello really fits well in his songs as many of his songs have signature strings parts, and especially those slow songs like Your song, Sorry seems to be the hardest word, we do it only with him on piano and cello, it adds extra dimension, it sounds so intimate and romantic.

Together with the Slovenian violinist Lana Trotovsek and Japanese pianist Yoko Misumi, you are a member of renowned The Greenwich Trio. It was described by legendary cellist Bernard Greenhouse as the "New Beaux Arts Trio". Then, how could you describe this excellent and award-winning band? And how many gigs do you have in your agenda?

Well we played together hundreds of concerts every year, and were all the time together but now after all this chaos started with Luka we had to stop for the moment, but I hope to get together again one day, they are both incredible musicians and best friends and chamber music is something I really miss!

What would you like the future to have in store for you?

I would like to attract as any people as possible to the cello and great music, especially kids who are listening rubbish at home!

Apart from music, which are your interests? What you like to do with your off time?

I love walking long distances, unfortunately there is no time for that anymore..

Oh, finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, where I tried to find the best of his songs ever?

I love Your Song, Sacrifice, Funeral for a friend/Love lies bleeding, ...

The Million Dollar Piano Shows began in Las Vegas with great reviews. There was Ray Cooper with the band too, the background vocalists. Which are your first thoughts of that shows?

Vegas was amazing! Shows and choice of songs were great, stage and lighting extraordinary, the best so far, and audience was very enthusiastic! Elton was very happy with the shows, he said himself it is the highlight of his career! At the moment we are touring and opening for him in Europe, and will be touring with him until Christmas in Ukraine, Russia, Slovenia, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia,... After we finish touring with him we have our own shows in Croatia, Japan and Korea!

Thanks so much, Stjepan. It has been an awesome experience to be here with you. I wish you all the best in the future, in your career. I also wish you a Happy Xmas, with joy, tenderness, and happiness. Paul? I wish you Stjepan and your family a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year too. Thanks so much to you Paul, for your help. Do you want to add something else, Stjepan?

I wish Marry Christmas to all the Eltonites and looking forward to seeing them on some of the future shows!!

Magnificient!!! Thanks so much, we really appreciate your words. But before you go, here's somebody you know very well, an adorable person, who wants to say something about you:

Lana Trotovsek, musician: "Stjepan's playing is so natural, interesting, beautiful, passionate, innovative and warm. All these things are reflection of who he is, his personality. I played with Stjepan for 5 years. It was the most amazing experience; it made me think about music in a different way and made me into the musician I am today"

Thanks by heart, Lana for being here on Stjepan's Xmas time. Eltonites, the Xmas series will go ahead. Meanwhile, let me recommend this fantastic album as a Xmas gift for who appreciates the music. The album contains unique arrangements of Rock and Pop anthems, plus a few surprises. Features 'Use Somebody', 'With Or Without You', 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and many more. Available on amazon.com

Unforgettable People (LI): Stjepan Hauser

"The Magician Of The Cello" was born in 1986 in Pula, Croatia, where he started his elementary music education. During his education in Rijeka, he had many performances and he won many competitions and awards, becoming the youngest member of The Rijeka Philharmonic Orchestra, at the age of 16, playing as a soloist. Stjepan Hauser has worked with and impressed the most revered cellists such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Bernard Greenhouse, Heinrich Schiff, Arto Noras, Frans Helmerson, Ralph Kirshbaum, Philippe Muller, Thomas Demenga, Young-Chang Cho, Valter Despalj, Reinhard Latzko, Karine Georgian, Roel Dieltiens and Alexander Ivashkin to mention a few. He completed his undergraduate studies with Natalia Pavlutskaya in London and postgraduate studies with Ralph Kirshbaum as a Dorothy Stone Scholar in RNCM in Manchester and with Bernard Greenhouse in the USA. In October 2006 he was the only cellist chosen to perform in the gala concert at Palazzo Vecchio, Florence for the late Mstislav Rostropovich, who was most impressed by this young artist.

Together with the Slovenian violinist Lana Trotovsek and Japanese pianist Yoko Misumi, Stjepan is a member of renowned The Greenwich Trio described by legendary cellist Bernard Greenhouse as the "New Beaux Arts Trio". These three phenomenal talents joined forces in August 2006 and their breathtaking chamber music making gains the approval of audiences and critics. The trio won series of first prizes in the international chamber music competitions. The Greenwich Trio have also collaborated with conductor Barry Wordsworth and international viola soloist Rivka Golani.

Hauser is laureate of UK's most prestigious international competitions and awards such as: PLG Young Artists Auditions, J & A Beare Solo Bach Competition, NYOS Staffa Award, Philharmonia Orchestra- MMSF, ESO Young Soloist Competition, TWIYCA, Marlow Concerto Competition, Frankopan Fund Award, MBF Music Education Award. His meteoric success started in January 2011, after uploading a cello version of Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson on youtube, together with his Royal Academy of Music fellow, cellist Luka Sulic. Within just a few weeks, video received over 5 million hits and became huge viral sensation. In April 2011 Stjepan and Luka signed contract with Sony MASTERWORK. Their debut album "2 Cellos" came out in July 2011. Among many pop and rock hits, the album feature those by Guns N Roses, Kings of Leon, Trent Reznor and U2.

"Sir Elton John went crazy after hearing our music", said Stjepan Hauser with satisfaction. Elton John called Stjepan in person and invited him and Luka to join him on his European tour this summer, expanding the experience to his Las Vegas Million Dollar Piano Shows and last Australian tour dates. “They are amazing! Their ages combined are younger than anyone in the band.” exclaimed Elton, referring to Sulic and Hauser. “People don’t know what the cello is capable of – this is what we wanted to show,” said Hauser at his turn. And that's what they're doing when they're playing their own stuff first as the opening act of Elton's shows, then punching the string arrangements of Elton's early hits like "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" as band members. A dream come true.

Some Other World, Featuring li'l'Elton

Some other's world is magical. Wayne Martin has been creating a wide range of puppets for his spectacles. So we have fairies, frogs, dogs, clowns, witches, traditional and seasonal stories... everything in its splendor. All available for seasonal promotions, festivals, schools, theatres, parties, etc. We will try to present here some of the characters, not all of them, because there are so many, but a brief selection. Also we could have a taste of "I Want Love", Wayne's twenty-four inch tall hand puppet, an extraordinary piece courtesy of Wayne and Marilyn Martin. So, this is Wayne's world, the magic world.

Frosty, Rudolph, Elmer Elf, Suzy Snowflake, Peter and Penelope Penguin, dancing candy canes and Martin's trademark juggling Christmas Tree who breathlessly lights up and illuminates the way for the jolly old elf himself, are the perfect choice for the Christmas holidays.

“Halloween Hijinks" is a fun and frightful puppet show with lot of surprises, and appearances by Frank & Drac, Boo-Boo the breakaway ghost, Punky Punkin, Felina Witch, with a compliment of scarecrows, skeletons, and monsters, all performing unique tricks for the screaming audiences.

The Easter Bunny himself is joined by a trumpet jazz playing bullfrog, a classical singing "Diva Chicken", Eggbert Easter Egg, The Little Bald Bunny, break dancing flowers and many others are all on parade in this fast paced, family oriented, musical spectacular.

The classic Brothers Grimm fairytale is magically presented utilizing gorgeous hand, rod, string and shadow puppetry in this colorful musical production. Hansel, Gretel and of course the wicked old witch are all "on hand" along with a few surprise guests.

A vibrant collection of characters include Derf the homeless street man, Ross the balloon blowing Pierrot, "Grand Turk" magician and the caricature of Frank Sinatra all complete with a cast of over thirty beautifully crafted and costumed 'large-scale' hand puppets and marionettes, vignettes of human emotions and fantasy, are set against a backdrop of dramatic lighting and theatrical effects with no age or language barrier: "I like to use music so, there is no language barriers" he likes to explain.

And don't forget Li'l'Elton. And ideal entertainment for both adults and children, and of course counting eltonites. Elton's music is universal, we know, and believe me when I say it's so fun to see Elton's alter ego, it's so magical. Wayne develops a great show with Elton, the piano is not missing, not even the tantrums, and li'l' Elton also sings, so we could ask no more.



More info, http://www.waynemartinpuppets.com/shows.htm
pictures and video courtesy of Wayne and Marylin Martin

Wayne Martin: An Exceptional Mastery Of Puppetry Skills (Part One)

Today it’s a very exciting day. I am sure that, when you were a child, you had a lot of dreams to fulfill. Almost me: I had mine. But it’s hard to follow your dreams, and not much people could say they reached their child purposes. But the man over here did. He has an amazing life, a kind of tale story. A tale with princess, frogs, witches, dragons... and Elton! He created his own Elton. All of them are part of his magic world. His professionalism and affable personality have made him a joy to watch. He recreates a spectacular and colourful performance, outstanding for all ages. Eltonites, welcome to the weekend of the illusion, the weekend of fantasy, the weekend of dreams!!! Everybody, please, get up, stand up to receive the magnificient and incredible: Wayne Martin!!!!!!!

Hi Wayne. I would like to thank you effusively for your acceptation to be here. It’s really an honour. We were talking about childhood, so the question is easy: Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood, Wayne? And how it was growing up in Cincinatti?

My favorite childhood memory is Christmas Eve when I was 4 years old and my mother and grandmother made me a hand puppet witch as a gift from Santa! The puppet was based on a television puppet character named Hattie the Witch, who was created and performed by legendary Cincinnati, Ohio puppeteer Larry Smith (Who would become my mentor just a short time later). Thankfully the moment was all caught on film by my father that Christmas; me walking into our living room and finding her there. I was so excited to have my own Hattie puppet that I refused to remove her from my hand. Apart from eating and bathing I would keep her on my hand all the time, even sleeping with her still on my hand. Within several weeks my index finger became infected from being inside her rubber head and not getting any air. I had to be taken to the doctor several times to have the finger lanced and to receive antibiotics and as soon as it healed I put her right back on.

Hahahaha It’s nice!!! Well so it seems this was the way you get into Puppeteering, isn’t it? Were you already inspired by puppet shows or ventriloquism?

I saw Hattie the Witch on television when I was three years old and was fascinated not only by Hattie but also the many other puppet characters that Larry created. He had an early morning show televised at 8am weekdays and then he would also appear at 9am daily on the famous "Uncle Al Show" (which would go one to become the longest running children's series in the world, before Al's retirement in the mid 1980's) and a third daily program televised at 5pm. This was the late 1950's and early 1960's and the heyday of live TV! These programs were all produced out of Cincinnati, Ohio and at various times ran on the networks across the U.S.A. So I would sit in front of the TV just waiting for Larry's shows, watching the other programs in-between his and acting them all out using my puppets.

This was before receiving my Hattie and my puppets consisted of suckers that I had received "Trick-or-Treating" on Halloween the year before. People would cover suckers with white paper napkins and draw ghost faces on them and hand them out as treats. Instead of eating mine, I used them as "rod puppets" (i.e., Puppets on sticks) to act out all of the TV shows I'd watch. I also made some puppets of my own out of paper bags, socks and anything I could find around the house.

I also began to discover other puppets on television such as "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" created by puppeteer Burr Tillstrom, Bil Baird ("Snarky Parker Show" as well as "Charlemagne Lion" who co-hosted "The Today Show" for a while and who later created the famous puppet scene "The Lonely Goatherd" in the motion picture "The Sound of Music") the Paul Ashley Puppets and Jim Henson's Muppets "Rowf the Dog" on "The Jimmy Dean Show." All but Paul Ashley, who I never met, would become good friends of mine. Twenty some odd years later I would even work with Jim Henson on his "Muppets Take Manhattan" movie.

“(...) Being picked on, harassed, beat up and ostracized by classmates and my peer groups at various times for being “sissy” and “playing with dolls””. You said in an interview with Paul Eide. It’s terrible to see how some kids could be so unjustice. I guess that your parents and grandmother support meant everything for you. I admire the way you followed your dream with faith. No one could say that, maybe other could have turned it down.

Many children go through a "puppet stage" in their youth, but very few follow through with it. Peer pressure is terrible and whenever a child is interested in something that is outside of what is considered "the norm" it is very difficult. Gifted children interested in any of the arts (dance, theatre, music, etc.) are all faced with a very difficult road during their school career and only those that are truly passionate about their calling follow it through. I've known a couple of very talented individuals who possibly could have gone on and had successful careers as puppeteers, but they just couldn't handle the pressures and chose "to be like everyone else."

That’s a pity, really.

In the late 1970's I was hired by a man living in a very small midwest town to open for the Henry Mancini Orchestra whom he had also contracted to play. I didn't understand why he had hired me, let alone Henry Mancini to play this little town. Turns out he had spent twenty years of his life as a trumpet player touring the world with several of the leading great jazz bands of the era. He quit music at the urging of his friends and family to get married and raise a family. He went on to work for a large corporation and became a multi-millionaire. He told me this story after my performance and admitted that he viewed it as the biggest mistake of his life. He loved his family and the life they created, made more money and had more security than would ever have been possible as a musician but said he missed performing terribly and if he had it to do over, he'd never have quit. Hiring entertainers and paying for it out of his own pocket once a year, was the only way he could still be a part of the arts in this little town where culture was nonexistent and where he felt frustrated and unfulfilled. I have often thought of him during tough times and it's been all I needed to continue on.

I was also fortunate that my parents were always supportive of me. My parents worried about me being able to make a living and didn't understand show business at all, but they recognized my talent and saw my passion and thankfully they always encouraged me.

Did you have any special training or classes for this art?

I majored in art at college but I never had any formal training as a puppeteer, per se. My training came from watching puppets on TV and seeing as many live puppet performances as possible.

It was a few months after receiving my Hattie puppet that my dad took me to see Larry Smith perform live in person at a local department store. To see his TV puppets up close and in color for the first time (Remember, televisions were black and white at this time) just blew me away! I was very shy and only four, but I walked right up to Larry and introduced myself after his performance that afternoon, showing him my Hattie puppet and asked him dozens of questions. My father was in shock (as was Larry) but both saw my passion and when I was ten years old, Larry began recommending me for all of the smaller shows, that he didn't have time to do. I had gone professional when I was eight, but with Larry's recommendations, my career really took off. It became so big and so fast that in 1970 when President Richard Nixon's wife Pat came to Cincinnati on official business, I was the one hired as her entertainment. I was a few months shy of my 12th birthday and there I was on the front page of the mornings newspaper pictured alongside the presidents wife!

I'm also gifted with a photographic memory and I could see a puppet show live and take one look at the puppets up close back stage and be able to go home and figure out the stringing and animation on my own. I would also watch Larry build some of his puppets as well as the Muppets and others through the years. The person who taught me the most though was Judy Heiken of the "Heiken Puppets." Judy and her husband are now retired but I've known them since the mid 1970's. Judy is a wonderful puppet builder and sculptor and worked in many different mediums during her career. Watching her create was my true college. She has also made numerous molds for me over the years and continues to do so when I need her help, even in her retirement.

Fantastic! How do you make a puppet? Could you speak a little bit about the process of creating a puppet? And do you remember the first puppet you created?

I don't remember specifically the very first puppet I made. It would have been a paper bag or a sock. For the first several years I would come up with the ideas and my mother and grandmother would make them for me. After a few years though it started to become too involved and time consuming for them so somewhere around the age of ten or eleven my grandmother taught me how to use the sewing machine and I was off on my own.

I work with hand puppets, rod puppets and marionettes as well as humanettes (Large costume/body puppets) and most all are made out of Celastic.

It's a long process and each puppet takes anywhere from seven days up to a couple months to complete. I start with either a photograph or sketch a life-size drawing of the puppet I wish to create. From that I build a form using chicken wire, styrofoam, foam rubber or more times than not, sculpt it in clay. I then make a 2 or 3 piece plaster mold of this structure. When the plaster dries I take the pieces off the structure. The mold is then soaked in water over night. The following day the mold is lined with a release agent and it's ready for the Celastic.

Celastic is a discontinued heavy-felt like material that when soaked in Acetone becomes pliable and hardens into a very rigid plastic. Celastic and Acetone are both toxic and the German manufacturer that made Celastic discontinued its production in the mid 1980's. My American supplier let me know in advance and I bought all that he had and have managed to buy out the supplies of two other retiring puppeteers over the years. There are many new products on the market that younger puppeteers now use out of necessity, but none are as durable nor meet my needs as does Celastic. I've said time and again that whenever my supply runs out, I'm done building. And I'm serious.

I tear the sheets of Celastic into squares, dip them into the Acetone and then place them into the molds. Celastic dries within an hour or two and I remove the now hardened plastic pieces from the mold and place them together using additional Celastic squares. When these dry the head is ready to be animated (Eyes, eyebrows, mouth etc., made to move) Using a razor blade these are cut out and then put back in place with typewriter springs. (Animation is tedious, time consuming and hardest part to do correctly of the entire process) I then cover the entire head with wood putty and allow it to dry overnight. The following day this is sanded down to the desired smoothness required for the particular character and it is then ready for painting and wigging.

This entire process is repeated for making hands, feet and body and is then costumed.

Right! When you finally learned how the puppets actually worked, was there anything that most surprised you?

Just how time consuming and expensive it was.

Hahahaha sure, understandable! You worked as principal manipulator for Heiken Puppets and in feature films with Jim Henson's Muppets, for example. Over your time spent working with Henson, what are one or two of your more memorable moments?

I first met Jim Henson at a Puppeteers of America convention when I was around twelve years old. Like I had done with my mentor Larry Smith years before, I walked right up to Jim and introduced myself. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and a true genius. He was also terribly shy and speaking with him one-on-one could sometimes be difficult due to this shyness. But he was always very kind to me and told me to call him if I needed anything and to keep him posted on my career. Now he was probably just being nice to this precocious 12 year old kid when he said to "call him" but I took him literally and did call him a number of times. He would always get on the phone and answer all of my questions and he even wrote me a lovely letter once in those early years thanking me for some remarks I had made regarding one of the early Muppets TV specials.

In 1982 I produced "The Magical Christmas Of Michael J. Peabody" my Emmy Award Nominated holiday television special that was syndicated around the U.S. in 1982 and again in 1983. Henson saw it and asked me to come to New York to work on a project. That project turned out to be "The Muppets Take Manhattan." This was at the height of Muppetmania and was great for my career. As it was one of the very few Muppet projects actually produced in America during those years, (Most were being produced in Canada and the UK) I did not have an opportunity to work with him again until 1990 when his company asked me to assist on a new TV series "The Little Mermaid." They had already shot a pilot episode based on the characters from the Disney movie and Disney had ordered an entire seasons worth of episodes. Two days later Jim died suddenly and that was one of the many projects that were dropped.

What kind of skills do you need to succeed? And what do you find most rewarding about your work?

Puppetry is the one art form that truly incorporates all of the other arts.

Language Arts
Storytelling
Visual Arts - (Puppet design and construction; Sculpting, painting, etc.)
Dance
Drama Theatre
Science – (Gravity, tension and balance are all key rolls in how puppets are used by the puppeteer)

It's also most importantly a business. Someone once said "Show business" is 10% show and 90% business. And if you expect to make a full-time living at it, you better be able to approach it as such. I have never had any other job apart from being a puppeteer. I formed my company in 1966 at the age of eight and went professional. By my mid teens I was working full-time and thanks to my dad who always made a point of reminding me that I had to make money at it if I was serious about this as a career, I always approached it as such.

What I have found most rewarding is the feedback I receive from performing to a live audience. I also love the lifestyle its allowed me and the people that its allowed me to meet, (Including Elton John) and to work with and become friends with. Its opened many, many doors for me and given me a lifetime of experiences and travels that I never would have had without.

“Each program features a cast of beautifully crafted and costumed hand puppets and marionettes”. Your shows are not only for kids but for all ages. Also you toured US, Canada, Europe and Australia. What type of shows are you programming? And what’s the difference between a show with puppet, or a marionette or hand puppets? Do you create your own stories?

My touring act is a one-man musical variety presentation that incorporates hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes (Marionettes or "string puppets" are my favorite) and on occasion shadow puppets as well as humanettes. I prefer musical variety as opposed to stories because it allows me to utilize all of these different styles in one show and I'm personally bored by most "story" type shows I see and find them tedious to perform over and over again. Well-known stories are easier to market to theatres and schools so I do occasionally offer stories such as "Hansel and Gretel" or "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" when needed, but even with these I usually tag on a short variety show at the end. When audiences see my variety show they love it and by performing mostly to music I avoid language barriers and am able to entertain all ages. I want to entertain the parents every bit as much as the kids and thats what makes my act unique and successful.

I've also done educational videos and a lot of TV work and oftentimes these will be story related (Either familiar tales or specifically written original story-lines for the given project) and these are usually done using Hand puppets (i.e., Glove or mouth puppets) similar to the Muppets, as these work best on camera. On stage I prefer to work marionettes and they make up about two-thirds of my live touring act.

The term "Puppets" is all inclusive. Marionettes, Rod, Shadow, etc. are just names given to differentiate styles of puppetry, but they are all puppets.

And you created li’l’Elton. Why the reason of this character and what does the film “I Want Love” consists of?

I've made a number of Elton John puppets over the years. Most all have been marionettes for my touring act. The little film I made of "I Want Love" came about by happenstance. I was working on an educational television project and had built a series of "Anything Puppets." These are hand/mouth puppets that you can temporarily apply different eyes, hair, noses, etc., holding them in place by double-faced tape, velcro or pins, creating different characters as needed. It's the way I approach most of my film work. Unlike my live touring act where each puppet will go through a thousand or more performances and everything must be sewn or glued permanently in place and be made to last, TV and film you only need the puppets for the shoot. So I make these to use over as different characters as needed.

One of the characters for this project was a little over-weight boy. One night my wife walked into the studio and upon seeing him observed he looked like Elton. Several days later there was a lull in filming and I just started fulling around with the character. By simply removing his eyes and replacing them with a pair of my own eyewear I had on that day and slapping a Versace logo on and old dancers jacket and then adding an actual Elton John earring that came with a Bob Mackie designed costume I own from Elton's 1986 tour, he truly became, as you call him, lil' Elton. I quickly spliced together a 60 second soundtrack from two different EJ recordings and we shot the film in one take! It was just a lark, but it turned out well and became a hit with members of Elton's organization as they became aware of its existence.

(To Be Continued)