Famous Arizonans Eltonites

Around 1976 Alice Cooper and Elton were friends and neighbours. Some members of Elton's band, like Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray or Kiki Dee collaborated with Cooper. When Bernie was apart from Elton, he wrote several lyrics for Cooper, for example "How You Gonna See Me Now?" where Bernie definated himself as a "hobo in the snow".

Alice Cooper was born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4,1948. He helped to shape the sound and look of heavy metal, and is seen as being the person who "first introduced horror imagery to rock'n'roll, and whose stagecraft and showmanship have permanently transformed the genre". His experience in the sanitarium, for an alcohol treatment, was the inspiration for his 1978 semi-autobiographical album "From The Inside", which Cooper co-wrote with Bernie Taupin.

Linda Maria Ronstadt was born on July 15, 1946 in Tucson, Arizona. Establishing her professional career in the mid-1960s at the forefront of California's emerging folk rock and country rock movements, genres which later defined post-60s rock music, Linda Ronstadt became the lead singer of a successful folk rock group, The Stone Poneys. Later, as a solo artist, she released Hand Sown ... Home Grown in 1969, considered the first alternative country record by a female recording artist.

Major criticism and praise involving Ronstadt's politics arose during a July 17, 2004 performance at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. Towards the end of her performance, as she had done across the country, Ronstadt spoke to the audience, praising Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Moore's documentary film about the Iraq War, and dedicated the song "Desperado" to Moore. Ronstadt's comments, as well as the reactions of some audience members and the hotel, became a topic of discussion nationwide; the incident prompted international headlines and debate on an entertainer's right to express a political opinion from the stage. Following the incident, many friends of Ronstadt's, including The Eagles, immediately canceled their engagement at the Aladdin. Ronstadt also received immediate telegrams of support from her rock 'n' roll friends around the world, such as The Rolling Stones, and Elton John.

The Story Behind "Into The Old Man's Shoes"

"I'm moving out of Tombstone, yeah with the sun behind my back
I'm tired of people talking of things that I lack
Ever since a week ago, the day he passed away
I've been taking too much notice of the things they've had to say

And all they say is you ain't half the man he used to be
He had strength and he worked his life to feed his family
So if that's the way it has to be, I'll say goodbye to you
I'm not the guy, or so it seems to fill my old man's shoes"

That beatiful country song penned by Bernie's pen, has its story in Tombstone. The boy he's talking about was moved to escape from comparisons to his heroic father.

Tombstone is the most famous of Arizona mining camps with its colorful history. Tombstone was the place were man lived fast and died quickly. Discovered by Ed Schieffelin in 1878, the mine went on to produce millions. One day in 1877 the prospector Ed Schieffelin stand in Camp Huachuca and he looked on the mountains in the northeast. The rich colors of the mountains looked to him very promised and he decided to go there and dig a little. He toll that to the soldier who stand beside him and the soldier warned him about Apaches who controlled the area, and he say to him "All you'll find in those hills is your tomb-stone". In February 1878 decided Schieffelin at go alone on the search after his fortune. He found a rich silver ore (on the place were he was hiding in two nights for Apache Indians and in the memory what the solders tell him, he registered the two lots: "the Tombstone" and "the Graveyard". He decided that his brother Al shall see the ore and check the ore value, so he traveled all the way to Signal (now ghost town about 170 mile in airline from Tombstone). Brothers returned together with Signal assay Richard K.Gird, who saw the ore value, and he over talked the brothers to bee theirs partner. On the way back Ed found two places more with silver ore and registered the lots as "Lucky Cuss" (he called him self that) and "the Toughnut" (he counted that will be "a tough nut to crack"). 40 million dollars in silver (value of 1.7 billion dollars today) was the result from those and others mines in the area between 1880-1886. Tombstone who flourished under the hunt of silver in the beginning of 1880 was known as one of the most notorious and violence towns, - here was silver the king, - but anyway so was a Tombstone the most nice and cultural town in the West.

West of the city, behind Tomb-stone graveyard is one pyramid looking stone monument who marked Ed Schieffelin grave place, who wished to be buried on the place were he hide in two nights for Apaches short before he found the big silver ore.

AllSongsList Got The Chance To Chat With A Great & Well-Known Artist: Old76

Dear Eltonites: it's my pleasure to count here with one of most talented people we could find in Eltonite's world. I really love his art, he's such a fantastic person, I've been privileged to chat a little with him and I am so happy. Please, everybody should get up to receive the only one, the giantic, the fantastic.... Old76!!!

So, Who are you OLD76 ?

I am a Rocket Man, not the man they think I am at home... Well, seriously, my name is Walter V and I am from Belgium. I lived the past 51 years in Belgium and since the existence of the Elton John Forum, I started to learn another Elton John fan, who is probably more crazy about him than myself.. Mostly everyone, let's say the 'older' EJ forum generation, knows I'm talking about 'suezq'. Since the beginning of this year we're living together in Arizona USA.

When your interest in art began and why did you chose Elton as your inspiration?

My interest in Art started already when I was a young boy, making drawings, painting, collages were my thing. I followed Art lessons and Art history lessons later, but I didn't have much time for it as I also had a busy job at the Brussels Belgian airport being a cargo agent.

My father is also a very gifted landscape painter and he also taught me a couple of things.

I really started to draw in 1988 and over the years I made over 1300 Artworks, if you want to call it that way, in all kind of (mixed) media.

Why Elton John? I have been a fan from him since the early seventies. He participated once in 1970 at the Knokke Music contest, even before he went to the USA I saw something in him although I didn't realize that at the time. Some years later when ROCKET MAN came out, I realized that it was HIM that I saw that day on the television, so my interest grew from day to day.... But it took a few years more to buy the first record of him, GREATEST HITS I, because in the previous years I was a poor boarding school student. That was in 1976, and therefore I chose my nickname on the Elton John Forum to be 'old76'. I also remember that I once had the album GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD in my hands, but I didn't buy it at that time because my favorite song ROCKET MAN was not on it....

For my artwork I didn't chose him... it HAD to be him. I was so obsessed (in a positive way) with his music and Bernie's lyrics that I had to bring them over on drawing paper, my personal view how I saw the songs. I listened and taped them over and over again, and while I was making my drawings I listened to his music mostly. Some songs and lyrics are very personal, some I try to create my own meaning of them on paper.

Over the years, I made (roughly) 600 drawings and paintings about the Elton John Songs. This September-October I made a lot of collages too.

Which period of Elton's life do you prefer, cause you find it more interesting, in artistic terms ?

In Artistic terms I personally like to draw Elton mostly with his 1979 look, f.e. when he was in Russia... but I have drawn him in all his different periods. It doesn't matter. The nineties look, 1992-1999, I wasn't crazy about that, but I have done him too then... The Seventies Elton I like the most, and the 2000's Elton too. To express on paper a song I don't have to draw him, I just try to express my meaning about the song, and if anyone else sees something else in it, well, so be it, and that is perfectly fine for me. In fact I like that.

However, this year I have drawn him more than ever before... He was (roughly) in more than 50 percent of my works.

Has Elton known your job? Do you send him some of your piece of arts ?

The answer of both questions is ... from 1988-2007 NO and NO again. It was all personal, I did it for myself as a sort of hobby after a long day's work at the airport.

But it all changed a little bit in 2008... when I met Suezq.

We handed some of 'old76' prints to Elton on stage to sign and he noticed it. Later a lot of other forum members got some old76 prints signed and went to different concerts with old76 drawings in their T-shirt...

I also made a Birthday card for his 61st birthday, which was presented to him with his favorite flowers, in Las Vegas. Forum members Mary and Nancy organized that all with great success and they have become very good friends of us.

Later there was the Australian LATW event and forum member Erol the Kid gave Elton on stage the Artwork that I especially had made for this event. Elton showed it to the crowd.

Later on I made some poster drawings for Mary for her Orlando LATW. By this way I want to express that she is really one of the greatest Elton John fans in the world in true heart and soul.

Are you interested in other artists too ?

Yes, I am a MARK KNOPFLER (DIRE STRAITS) fan, too. I've seen them a few times in concert, as they performed before at the Rock Werchter Festival ground a few times. ROCK WERCHTER is Europe's most popular and best festival and I saw over the years a lot of great artist performing there like PInk Floyd (I'm a fan here too), Rolling Stones, Sting, R.E.M., Bob Dylan, David Bowie and even Michael Jackson, to name a few....

By the way, I live(d) at appox. 1 mile from the Werchter Festivalground.

Finally, also Elton performed in Werchter last year July and ofcourse I was there too. I was a little bit disappointed that he didn't sing JUST LIKE BELGIUM.... LOL, Elton.

So, yes, I make also drawings about other artist's songs.

Which products could we find in your exposition? And what we have to do to buy one of your works ?

Most of my drawings are music related... but I have also made a lot of drawings concerning my travels through Southeast Asia, and it's a little bit funny, but even these drawings I always try to give a music related theme, from Elton or other artists...

If you are interested in some artwork, just contact us via our www.old76.net website. This website is created by my wonderful partner Sue who stands behind me in everything I do and is a true motivation to go further with the things I am doing. Without her, I wouldn't be the same today.

And there is also flickr.com where you can find some of my Artwork and also Suezq's artwork, who is also a beginning but talented watercolor artist.

Finally, could you tell us, please, in running order, your five favourite Elton John songs and why they are special for you?

Through the years I have drawn a lot of EJ songs... some are more special than others. You could say that for almost every EJ song there is something I can find back in my own life....

ROCKET MAN
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
I'VE SEEN THE SAUCERS
HEALING HANDS
SO SAD THE RENEGADE

A special attention also for YOUR SONG, because it is my partner Suezq's favorite and it has now a special meaning for both of us.

Wow!!!! Really I am happy to had you here. It was nice for me and I feel so fortunate. Thank you very much, by heart. Would you want to add something more for the eltonites here?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed. Your website is fantastic!

If anyone is interested in seeing more of my artwork, please visit my website at www.old76.net

I strongly recommend it, of course, people!!!!

Jack Rabbit In Munich: The Fan Convention

When I took the plane to Munich, I couldn't imagine that I would spend one of the most beatiful weeks of my life. What's a fan convention? well, a get together where we could met another eltonites and talk hours and hours about Elton (really it's hard to do it in my homeplace, lol). Stephan was the leader of a well-organized fan convention. We went to Hard Rock Café to lunch and began to explain our histories about Elton. Everybody had one at least. I understood that we simply love Elton, we are so loyal to him, we adore him. I met people from Japan, Sweden, Ukraine, Switzerland, Spain (of course), France, Israel and Germany. I remember all of them very well, although I didn't had the chance to speak with all of them individually. Also all wore a pin from Hercules and another pin about I-Don't-Know-What-Blogsite-It-Was-Talking-About, some friki eltonite should give them. Ahhhh!!!

I still feel the nervous sensation when we went together to the Munich Olympia Halle. Elton was in a good mood and obviously in form. After his lengthy explanation about how he had crossed out the last verse to "Daniel", everybody was laughing about that, and an surprised Elton said "God, your English is soooo goooood". And after the Rocket Man video, Elton joked with the audience and asked them a question: "You know, that wasn't really me in the movie. Was it a) Michael Schumacher, b) Barack Obama or c) Justin Timberlake?". That delighted the audience, everybody was laughing too. All the videos are beatiful and David LaChapelle did a wonderful job, what the video of "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" impressed me. I was waiting that, trying to imagine how LaChapelle would explain Elton's suicide attempt; yes, that surreal situation in the line of one of bests Woody Allen's films: the man prpearing the pillow, opening windows, opening the gas oven and putting his head inside. I really liked the "Believe" video too and the fantastic "PinBall Wizard" one. My God, the Red Piano it's rally an spectacular show.

Set List:

Bennie and the Jets
Philadelphia Freedom
Believe
Daniel
Rocket Man
I Guess That's Why They Call They Call It The Blues
Someone Saved My My Life Tonight
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Tiny Dancer
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Candle In The Wind
Pinball Wizard
The Bitch Is Back
I'm Still Standing
Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
Your Song

I was so sad because Victoria and Elizabeth couldn't bring the flowers they bought for Elton. And I hear somewhere other people had plans to give a present for Elton without success (you know what I mean dears!!!)

And I couldn't forget three wonderful people I met. They gave me a fantastic weekend, they were so amazing, so friendship and so beatiful. I danced with them and I sang with them all the songs like I never did. I finished exhausted buy happy. That's what it counts for me. My best wishes to them and I really wish I could have a new chance to be at their side other day. Ferran, Brigitte and Anna: since that, you always have a place in my heart. Thank you for being as you are.

The Eltonite's Day (XLIII): Ladies & Gentlemen, here we have the fantastic... JumpUp!!!!

Hello Eltonites!!! This week will be The Fan Convention Event in Munich. That's the Germany Week, of course. I thought to bring on someone very special. We could read his thoughts and comments about Elton on the boards. He has good sense of humour... please, eltonites, stand up to receive... the fabulous... JumpUp!!!

Welcome to allSongsList. Could you tell us, more, who are you and where are you from?

Many boardmembers know me via the name JumpUp in Hercules, Eltonjohn.com and in eltonjohnfan.de. I am 17 years old and live in germany.

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

Well, I am playing piano and then you don't have any chance, but to notice Elton John. He has done so much in music business, that you just "fall" over him when you play this instrument

OK! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Have you even been front row? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him?

The first concert was in Löwenstein (Klein Heubach) in Germany. It was a really nice location, in a village with just a few hundre inhabitants. I was at the front from (actually I had middle-class tickets, but after the stage rush I stood in the front). The next time I will see him in Munich at the Red Piano show. But more important than that, there will be the Hercules Fan Convention, which I will attend. Beside from Elton I have seen Curt Bisquera, his drummer in 2000 live and talked with him on a music fair. Also I have already been to the lion king in Hamburg. I were recently in New York City, there I wanted to attend the Previews of Billy Elliot, I have bought tickets, but unfortunattly the show had been cancelled, so that's all I have seen of my "idol".

Ahh, before I forget, a friend of mine is a drummer (not really famous, but he has already been dining with Ray Cooper.

Wow!!! Recently we knew about Elton's new projects for the following year, and it was a surprise to see ho much Elton is in form, preparing concerts with Orchestra, with Billy Joel or Ray Cooper, and, although we couldn't expect it, he was again thinking about releasing a new album... What kind of album could you expect and what kind of shows he should give, including the format of the show and the most-wanted set list?

A most wanted setlist would be for me Indian Sunset in it, such a great song. But more than a new album I wish that the old concerts to be released. Sometimes Elton's company gives us parts of the Wembley 84 concert, but I'd like to have the full concert on DVD with great sound. Apart from Wembley 84 there is also Central Park 1980, Dodgers Stadium 1975, Australia 1986 which are not released yet. These are so great concerts, but instead of them we get things like: Greatest Hits 1, Greatest Hits 2, Love songs hits, Rocket Man Hits, Greatest Hits 1970-2002 and so on and so on. This is just moneymaking, which I don't really appreciate.

I want to see Elton performing with Billy Joel, and even better would it be if he takes Ray Cooper in the the band again, playing together with John Mahon would be nice to see. Anyways, I surely don't hope it will be a Hip Hop album, this would just be some Victim of Love all over again.

Which Elton’s appearance on a TV show you remember most, and why?

I watched the tv total thing, it's on youtube, there elton sings a stupid germany song in duet with the host: Here you can have a look at it: http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=t_C5Oqmo4Bw

Thank you!! Could you see Elton’s concerts on TV? And some interview with Elton?

I have seen the Red Piano Broadcast, and I get some english channels, so I could watch Me Myself and I, Into the actors studio and the Diana concert.

Right. 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?

I'd like to have something signed by Elton on a concert, sadly he didn't sign things in Löwenstein, but maybe in Munich...

We hope so!!! You will go to the Fan Convention, then? What do you expect from this meet-event and what would be a dream to come true?

I really like the idea of having this Convention, there will be many international people who I will meet and of course, lots of Elton John fans. A dream would be? Hmm, the Red Piano will be cancelled and instead of that we get a solo concert, which lasts longer. I am not a fan of that show, because I don't definy a show when we're having a screen on the stage and some blown figures.

Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton John’s songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, please?

I always see this on this blog, but I don't have such a list, I can't choose the 5 best Elton's songs, I am sorry. All songs are just to good.

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

Please release old concerts on DVD!!!

Oh... I found something... "/Jumpup has no Homepage"... has not?

If you click on that link, you see it is just some funny thing, nothing serious^^.

Thanks a bunch, JumpUp. Really a pleasure to chat with you. I get funny doing this interview with you, it was an enjoyable and worth experience for me.Thank you. Take care. See you in Munich to the Fan Convention event.

See you too, take care...

Deutsch Books About Elton

Paperbach: 256 pages
Publisher: Fackelträger-Verlag; 1 edition (October 2003)
Language: Deutsch
Price: 7,93 €
ISBN-10: 377164304X
ISBN-13: 978-3771643041
Product Dimensions: 30.4 x 22.8 x 2.4 cm

Sir Elton John is indisputably the most successful of the superstars of rock music: In the past 34 years, in nearly every year, he has brought out an album. The eccentric Englishman so far sold more records than Elvis Presley or the Beatles. This living metaphor for the extraordinary, have composed or recorded more than 500 songs, during the past three decades of almost continuous global success celebrated - with at least 60 hits in the Top Forty and 43 best-selling albums. The internationally respected Biografer Judy Parkinson characterized sensitively a multifaceted picture of the private and public person of Elton John, with numerous brilliant photos will be rounded down.

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Lübbe Publishing Group (1986)
ISBN-10: 3404610857
ISBN-13: 978-3404610853

The Fanzine: a Time To Remind

First issue was published in June 1988. “For some of the headlines, we simply cut out words and letters from newspapers and magazines and put them together in a new order” explained Stephan Heimbecher, the Hercules coordinator, “Issue number 5 was the first to be prepared with the aid of a computer”. The different items of merchandise they produced: the calendars, coats, umbrellas, shirts and even a very special collection of 50 copies of switch watch, constitute a valuable collectors items now because they are sold out. And the fans get-together, like the one they planned for this weekend, a chance to meet other eltonites aroud the world while they all come to see an Elton concert, among others activities.

Tell me romantic, but the times when I receive the Hercules fanzine or East End Lights fanzine are sadly gone. That was the only way to get information about Elton, in the pre-internet-era. Now our access to the information about Elton is much easier and instantanely. That’s an advantage, of course. But those little pieces of art, the printed pages and the have-to-arrive-now envelope is part of our collective memories. I guess that should be sadly for the team and everything has to evolve, but let me today pay my little homage to all of them:

to Stephan, who met Elton at his house in London in April 1997

to last Hercules editor Tammi Law, who met Elton during an after-show party at Wembley Stadium, after the Summer Of 84 concert, while Elton was very drunk and took her to see his car parked.

to Holger Wagner, then contact with the German record company, and met Elton in 1994 when he asked him to play “Live Like Horses” live on his Royal Albert Hall shows, what he finally did.

Elton John New Song Is Called "The Drover"

Elton John had writing a love song for Baz Luhrmann's epic movie "Australia". On the special edition of Sydney's Time Out magazine that was edited by Sir Elton John, it featured an interview with Luhrmann. Elton asked him if he need any of his songs for Australia soundtrack and Baz replied: "Well there is a scene in the film involving a crocodile…".

This romantic drama from Baz Luhrmann ("Moulin Rouge"), which is set in pre-World War II Australia, stars Nicole Kidman as an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch, and Hugh Jackman as the cattle driver who helps protect her property from greedy English cattle barons.

With Elton in Sydney for the opening of the musical Billy Elliot, it was a perfect opportunity for the singer to discuss what he might contribute to Luhrmann's film. He and his partner David Furnish visited Luhrmann's set in Sydney and watched the film's leading lady Nicole Kidman at work in the studio, filming a ball scene set in a stunning recreation of the lush gardens of Government House in Darwin. When the couple walked onto the set, the film's band burst into Crocodile Rock in their honour.

Film Benefit gala at The Museum of Modern Art, which honored the award-winning work of director, producer, and screenwriter Baz Luhrmann, raised $948,000 for the Museum’s collection of film. The gala dinner in the Museum’s Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Atrium featured a distinctly Australian theme in décor and menu. Elton John entertained the benefit’s guests with “Your Song” and “The Drover,” his new song from the movie Australia.

The Trailer On:
http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie/australia.1/

Famous Germanish Eltonites

Michael Ballack (born September 26, 1976 in Görlitz, Saxony) is a German footballer. A midfielder, he is the current captain of the German national team, and plays club football for Chelsea in the English Premier League. In all the teams he has played in, he has always possessed the number 13 shirt. In 1995, Ballack earned his first professional contract, thanks to his performances in the role of central midfielder. He was dubbed the "Little Kaiser," in reference to Franz Beckenbauer, who was nicknamed "The Kaiser." His professional debut came on August 4, 1995, on the first day of the new 2. Bundesliga season. Chemnitz lost the game 2-1, against VfB Leipzig. Michael Ballack got a big surprise at his dream wedding when Elton showed up for a surprise performance. Elton flew in especially for the occasion on a private jet and helicopter to perform for the 200 guests. "It was my biggest wish, that Elton John would come," says Ballack. Elton entertained the crowd for almost two hours, playing romantic fan favourites like "Rocket Man" and "Candle in the Wind". The pop legend then topped off the super show by singing a song he had composed especially for Ballack! Elton John said: "Michael, you are my favourite player in the English premier league. You are welcome in my home any time."

Claudia Schiffer was born in Rheinberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which is a small town 15 km northeast of Duisburg. She is the daughter of Gudrun and Heinze Schiffer, a lawyer. Schiffer said that she was popular in high school, but felt socially overshadowed by the other girls in her class. She has revealed that because she was so tall, she became very shy and did not want to be noticed. She was also subjected to jealousy by others as she came from a wealthy family that was well-known locally. Schiffer became fluent in French and English. She completed her education and then began to work as a model. She flew out to Paris for a trial photo shoot and soon after she appeared in the cover of French Elle after being well received in Paris. After several other magazine appearances she quickly achieved supermodel status when she was selected by Karl Lagerfeld to become the new face of Chanel. Schiffer went on to become a world-famous supermodel, becoming instantly recognizable with her blue eyes, blond hair and tall figure, now standing at 5ft 11.

Born November 22, 1967 in Leimen, Germany, Boris Becker was the redheaded teenager that took the world by surprise in 1985 by winning Wimbledon - then the youngest male ever to win a major at 17 years, 7 months. He was the first German champion and the first unseeded player to win the Men's Singles Championship. In 1986 he successfully defended his Wimbledon title, stopping Ivan Lendl in the final. At 6 feet, 3 inches, Becker's game featured a big serve, heavy groundstrokes and penetrating volleys. A crowd favorite at Wimbledon, he reached the finals seven times in 10 years (1985-'95). In the 1995 Wimbledon semifinal, he defeated Andre Agassi from a set down and behind 2 service breaks to win 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-4, 7-6(1). But in the final, he couldn't overpower another young American, Pete Sampras. He was also a guest at the English civil-partnership ceremony of Elton John and David Furnish.

The Eltonite's Day (XLII): One of the greatest eltonites of the world... Mário Marinato

This Sunday we have an special guest. He's from the country we have been talking this week, of course. And he's one of the greatest. He's thoughts, he's comments about Elton, cleverly constructed and interestingly explained: Mário Marinato. Welcome to allsongslist and thank you for the acceptation.

But first... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

I'm Mario Marinato, from a city called Cachoeiras de Macacu, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. I'm a systems analyst and writer, having already published two books. I'm 28 years old, just married and, inspired by Elton John's work, I'm studying to play the keyboard.

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

It all started when I first saw the movie The Lion King, two years after its first release. By that time I was 16. I loved the songs and when I discovered that there was a soundtrack available to be bought, I got my copy as soon as I could. When I took the cd to my job, a coworker said he had an Elton John album at home: it was the Love Songs compilation, from 1995. We listened to it and I enjoyed it so much that I bought this one too. A few weeks later the same guy borrowed another Elton John album from a friend: this time it was The Very Vest of Elton John, from 1990, which I enjoyed even more and bought it too! A few months later The Big Picture was released and then I grabbed my copy. Until today, it remains as one of my favorite albums.

In 1997, inspired by the sad happening with Diana and the huge success of the Candle in Wind 1997 single, a Brazilian TV channel aired two special programs showing dozens of Elton's clips, which, of course, I watched. Then, there were two clips that really thrilled me: the first one was Believe, because that was a song that I liked when it was released but I never cared about who sung it. The other one was the Your Song version from the 1986's Australian Tour. I really loved the way Elton John changed the song on the last verses and I knew that I had to watch the complete concert. A couple of months later I managed to watch the full video from that show and then I realized that Elton John was the thing I wanted to hear for the rest of my life.

Since then, my love and admiral for his work have only increased. I think he's a great pianist, musician, singer, showman and composer. There's no other artist whose songs move me so much. He's got so many albums, so many songs, and I rarely dislike one of them. I like listening even to Victim of Love, which is an album many people regard as his worst.

Wow!!! 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?

Well, in fact there are two things that make me happy to have: the first one is my The Lion King Soundtrack album. I really love it and I would never lend it to anyone. The other one is the deluxe box of the Elton 60 DVD, which I bought from Amazon.com, because here in Brazil only a simple version of it was released. It was expensive but it was worth each cent I paid.

Oh, What could we find in your great website about Elton, on www.therocketman.hpg.com.br?

In my website you can find a biography, lyrics from all of his albums, some pictures and the translations of the booklets that come with the albums. It hasn't been updated since 2002, because I had some changes in my life and could not work on it anymore. Anyway, I have plans to make a huge update on it, with a clearer and lighter look, new technology, and even move it to a new address.

We expected to. Right. What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Have you even been front row?

Seeing Elton for the first time? Oh, God, I could never see him live! The first time he came to Brazil was on 1995, when I didn't knew who was he (and even if I knew, I was too young to attend it). Fortunately, there are two shows scheduled to take place here in Brazil next January, and my ticket for the show at Rio de Janeiro is already bought! As there are no seats and the ones who arrive first get the best places, I'll try to get there early, and be as near as possible to the stage. If you manage to see any videos from the show, look for a Brazilian flag: that might be me! That will really be a dream coming true and I can't tell you how excited and anxious I am.

You'll gonna enjoy it, of course!!! What is like being an eltonite in your country? Which are the brazilians preferences in music and which is Elton's place there?

When it comes to buying albums, it's really hard, because his old albums are not in catalogue here. If you want, for example, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road or Caribou, you have to buy it second hand or import it. In the last few years, as internet usage grew here, and sites such as Orkut spread, I was able to meet many good friends and share opinions and stories, which is something really great.

Talking about Brazilian musical taste, I think that, in overall, it's decreasing. The quality of the music being played on radio and TV programs is usually poor, musically and lyrically speaking. Artists like Elton John, Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli are losing their space year after year. Many people see them as old-fashioned and bad music.

Just to give you an example, Elton's last studio album, The Captain & The Kid, had only 5000 copies released! On the radios that still play his songs, you usually hear only the same seven or eight songs: Skyline Pigeon, You Gotta Love Someone, Rocket Man, Sacrifice, I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Little Jeannie and Nikita. I really wish they played some of his newer songs, like Tinderbox, Original Sin or I Can't Keep This From You.

I see... Elton had such success in Brazil between 1972-1975 and his singles reached the charts. "Skyline Pigeon", "The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34)", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "One Day At A Time"... had great success in the music charts... and there are nice collectibles releases, specially Eps or special editions of standard albums, in Brazil. Which collection of Elton you recommended and how could you value Elton's success in Brazil, although he didn't played there ver often, unfortunately?

Back in the seventies and eighties, there were some special releases, specially compilations. There's this album, named The Art of Elton John, that included even some not-so-famous records, like Chameleon, Donner Pour Donner and I Heard it Through the Gravepine. But recently we have had no special editions. Some of his most recent albums I imported because the special editions were not released here: Songs From the West Coast, Greatest Hits 1970-2002 and Peachtree Road. That's exactly what I'll do with the Red Piano DVD, because its Brazilian edition will not include the bonus CD.

There are two recent collections that I recommend to someone who wishes to buy an Elton John album: the first one is Greatest Hits 1970-2002, which includes most of his best songs. The other one is The Rocket Man, his last album, which had a Brazilian-specific edition, and includes Skyline Pigeon, his hugest hit here.

As his record company does not promotes him here, many people think he's already dead! Others ask me if he's that kind of artist who plays only one or two shows a year. I hope that after his shows in January people will pay more attention to him and more of his music get played by radio stations.

We hope so!!! Recently we knew about Elton's new projects for the following year, and it was a surprise to see ho much Elton is in form, preparing concerts with Orchestra, with Billy Joel or Ray Cooper, and, although we couldn't expect it, he was again thinking about releasing a new album... What kind of album could you expect and what kind of shows he should give, including the format of the show and the most-wanted set list?

I'd love to have a rock album. Listen to what he did with Ann Wilson on the new version of Where To Now, St. Peter? and you will know how hard he can go. What about another album like 17-11-70? I would love to hear songs like The Wasteland, I'm Still Standing and Love is a Cannibal played by a bass-drums-piano band.

If I was able to create a set list to a "17-11-70-like-show", I would include many of his rock songs: The Wasteland, I'm Still Standing, The Bitch is Back, 16th Century Man, Pain, Street Kids, Grey Seal, Lady Samantha, January, Levon, Crocodile Rock, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting, I Just Can't Wait to Be King, Hard Luck Story, Meal Ticket, Pinball Wizard and, of course, Love Lies Bleeding / Funeral for a Friend.

That would be a great set-list, certainly... Looking back the years, Elton and Bernie affronted different genres of music, from pure pop, to classic rock, country, reggae or disco... Which could be the secret of their worldwide success, because they made a classic song most every year? What part of Bernie is on Elton's success?

I will never be able to explain what's their secret. That's one of the things that happen once in a lifetime: it just happens and you have to be thankful to be able to hear what comes from it. It's incredible how they can make a tune out of nothing, in a couple of minutes, and when you hear it you know that it's memorable.

Even though most people does not even know that Bernie exists, he surely plays an important role in this story. For those who are fortunate and can understand the lyrics, it's really great to grab Bernie's hand and travel to all those imaginary worlds he takes you to. Indian Sunset, Ticking and Turn the Lights Out When You Leave are some of the best examples of his incredible creativity. As a writer, I really appreciate what Bernie can do with words, even though sometimes I can't figure out what he wanted to say (The Emperor New Clothes and The One are good examples of it).

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

As everyone says, it's a bit hard, but here they are:

1 - Circle of Life
2 - Believe
3 - Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
4 - I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That
5 - Someone Saved My Life Tonight

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

One last thing I want to add is that I really enjoy your blog! I love reading the interviews and the stories about the albums and songs. It was a great pleasure to be interviewed for the Eltonite Day. Keep rocking!

Oh! It was my pleasure to have you, and I am glad you like my blog. Thank you very much for your kind words, specially for being here and enjoy your first Elton's show, Mário. Really I had an enjoyable time shared with you. Take care.

Brazilian Famous Eltonites

Born Edson Arantes Do Nascimento, Pelé, is known as a legend and the best soccer player to ever play the game. He was raised in a very poor family in Tres Coracos. Pelé began playing soccer for a local minor-league club when he was a teenager. In 1958, he helped Brazil win its first World Cup victory. His performance in the finals—scoring two goals—made him an international sensation. He also played for the professional Brazilian team Santos from 1956 to 1974 and scored more than 1,000 goals during his time with the club. Apart from Brazilian music, Pelé has a special affection for Elton John. In 2000 Pelé met Elton at the gala party to mark the closure of Wembley, where the footballer scored the 'last goal' before the demolition of the old stadium. 'I told him that I really liked his song 'Nikita' - when we got back to the hotel he sang it on the piano for me.'

Ana Beatriz Barros was born in Itabira, a tiny town in Brazil, on May 29, 1982. Barros is a Brazilian model known for her work with Guess?, Bebe, Victoria's Secret, Chanel cosmetics, and Jennifer Lopez's JLo fashion line. Barros was encouraged by the Rio Elite office to participate in the Elite Model Look 1996, which she won. Barros subsequently competed for international Elite Model Look and placed second worldwide. She was pictured at the An Enduring Vision 2005 benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Analyzing Elton John Success In Brazil

Brazil is well know for his colours, his people, for my admired Lula Da Silva, and for its football team, apart for other interested and touristic aspects. And they also love Elton. That's the conclusion I arrived when I met Norberto Ambrogi Brunetti. He's one of the greats Elton John's specialists in Brazil and owns a website called precisely "your song". Let's gonna chat a little with him so, eltonites, all with me, get up, stand up... it's my honour to present you Norberto.

Welcome and thank you very much for being here. Let's gonna start... How could you analyze Elton's impact in pop music worldwide and specially, in Brazil?

The name "Elton John" has become known in Brazil only from 1972, with great success "Rocket Man", two years after appear as "the new great talent", both in England as in the United States.
The few news that we here in Brazil, have always been lagging.
There were few publications in newspapers or magazines weekly or monthly.
The long-plays and singles were released about 6 months after American or English edition. The LP "Empty Sky" only was released in Brazil in 1975, 6 years after the original English edition. The LP "Friends/OST" (1970) only was released in 1977. I remember the name "Elton" and the his main music, often heard in radio stations as Difusora, Excelsior, Mundial e Bandeirantes.

Moreover, only when the Internet was popular, we have access to thousands of information and delayed histories.

Same as one of the most popular international artists here in Brazil, not a comparison with the impact of his immense success in USA-England.

Ok! Elton had such success in Brazil between 1972-1975 and his singles reached the charts. “Skyline Pigeon”, “The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34)”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”... had great success in the music charts... Have you got any notice about chart results?

In the 1970's, Brazil had not hit list considered official. And even today is not!!!

Few media (radio stations and magazines) were their own hit lists. But none was fully trusted. Radio beginnnings play music international, based on successes Americans.

Today, there are people interested in doing a successes official, serious. But, it's still difficult to do a real monitoring of radio stations, information on-line about CDs sold more, official downloads.

Even with all the current technology, unfortunately, i think, we are far from it.

Brazil had exclusive editions of Elton's albums... Could you tell us some of the most importants?

I believe that the more knew in Brazil was "A ARTE DE ELTON JOHN" (the art of Elton John). It was released on LP double in 1986 and in CD format in 1987 (one of the first titles to be edited in CD in Brazil).

Other releases in long-play include "ONE DAY AT A TIME" (b-sides, 1976), "OS GRANDES SUCESSOS DE ELTON JOHN" (1977), "18 SUPERSHOW HITS" (incomplete versions-1977), THE BEST OF ELTON JOHN (hits & non-hits - 1979), "THE BIG STAR" (hits - 1985).
Between 1985 to 1992 were edited some 12" with pictures sleeves.

How many times has been Elton performing in your country? And do you think Elton could reach higher sales in Brazil if he toured more frequently?

Elton John performed only 2 times in Brazil. In 1995, in the cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Are planned for January 2009, two new presentations, under the same cities. There is an expectation of 35.000 people for each event.
International stars have appeared in Brazil each time for a public smaller.

This because of high price of tickets. Is a matter of common sense.
The quantity of public to these two coming shows Elton John would be very far greater if the tickets cost less.

And now? Does radio still playing Elton’s hits?

Yes, Elton John is always present in the schedules. In particular in radio stations with flash-back and easy-listening songs. Often we can hear "Your Song", "Nikita", "Sacrifice", "I Don't Wanna Go...", "Sad Songs", "You Gotta Love Someone"....

Is there any cover of one of Elton's songs, by a brazilian artist, you could mention?

I've heard a few versions. All very very bad. No success. I prefer the original. Are much much much much better.

Upss!!! Tell us, please, what we could find in your great website www.yoursong.com.br?

yoursong.com.br is a virtual store CDs and Long-Plays, new and used, brazilians and imported. Much of our products is titles outside catalog in Brazil. We consider very conservation of disks, with prices compatible. Today are 1100 Long-Plays and 3100 CDs, more or less.

And finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList

............" VERY DIFFICULT " (BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY) " 5 SONGS " ............

1. SKYLINE PIGEON (The most beautiful music world heard)
2. SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
3. YOUR SONG
4. THE ONE
5. THE BALLAD OF DANNY BAILEY (1909-34)

Well, thank you very much Norberto. Thank you very much for this information, I know eltonites will love it. It was my pleasure and an honour to interview you. Really happy you accept it. Bye.

bye

Elton & Band in Brazil: Two concerts are confirmed

Elton John and his band will be performing on January 17, in São Paulo, at Anhembi, and on January 19, in Rio de Janeiro, at Praça da Apoteose, as part of the "Rocket Man" tour. Last time he came in Brazil, and the only time, were in 1995 for the "Made In England" Tour, with notable success. Elton is very popular in Brazil since 1972, when he reached the music chart lists with "Skyline Pigeon", one of his most succesful songs there.

Tickets for these concerts went on sale at 10pm on November 8th (for São Paulo’s concert) and 10pm on the day after (for Rio’s concert). They will be available at www.ingresso.com. or by phone, at 4007-1007 (local call anywhere in Brazil).

The Rocket Man tour began in 2007, just after the release of the CD Rocket Man – The Definitive Hits. This tour has seen Elton and the band perform over 60 concerts across the world – in Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa, North America and now in Latin America, starting in Brazil. Elton’s last public concerts in Brazil were in 1995, during his ‘Made In England’ tour.

Elton John will be performing with musicians Davey Johnstone (guitar and vocals), Guy Babylon (keyboards), Bob Birch (bass and vocals), John Mahon (percussion and vocals) and Nigel Olsson (drums and vocals).

Opening for Elton will be the phenomenal young British singer, James Blunt. In Brazil, James Blunt will be performing with his band, Paul Beard (piano, keyboards and vocals), Ben Castle (guitar and vocals), John Garrison (bass and vocals) and Karl Brazil (drums and vocals). James’ biggest hits in Brazil so far are You’re Beautiful, Same Mistake and Carry you Home. These songs have been played frequently on the radio during 2008, and the latter two were both big hits following their inclusion on 2 TV Globo soap operas soundtracks.

Principle sponsors of The Elton John & Band shows in Brazil are Banco Cruzeiro do Sul, who are celebrating their 5th anniversary, and Nokia. The mobile carrier Vivo is also sponsoring the tour. Planmusic Entretenimento, in partnership with Brasil 1 Entretenimento, are responsible for the organization.

Ticket details - Tickets for these concerts went on sale at 10pm on November 8th (for São Paulo’s concert) and 10pm on the day after (for Rio’s concert). They will be available at www.ingresso.com.br or by phone, at 4007-1007 (local call anywhere in Brazil). On both days, call center will be operating 24h. From Monday 10th on, it will work from 6am to 12pm.

In São Paulo, it will also be possible to buy tickets at Pacaembu Stadium from 9am to 6pm every day, except on those when there are football matches on. In Rio, there will be tickets available everyday at Maracanãzinho Gymnasium from November 10th on, except on those days when there are football matches on Maracanã Stadium.
There will be 30.000 tickets for sale for São Paulo’s concert and 35.000 for Rio de Janeiro’s gig. Age restriction under 18.

Thank you very much Aline SantAnna from Planmusic

The Eltonite's Day: Today one of the greatest... ej&ef4ever!!!!!!!!

Dear eltonites: as you know this is the New York State Week. I have to bring on someone very special. Someone who declares: "I am IN LOVE with Elton John.(And I've had enough people reminding me of the age gap so don't mention it to me!)". She has clear ideas!!! She was born in 1992, when Elton was "The One", and she is from the last generation to become eltonites. Please, the doors of allsongslist are wide open to receive a lovely person, a true eltonite... ej&ef4ever!!!!

Welcome and glad you accept the interview. Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

Hi! I'm Liz from New York State. I'm 16 years old.

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

I first became an Elton fanatic around March of '07, when I got the CD "Greatest Hits 1970-2002" out of the library. I fell in love with all of the songs, even the ones I didn't know. It all followed from there... now I have almost all of his music and I've seen him three times in concert!

Right. What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Have you even been front row? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him?

The first time I saw Elton was on 6 March, 2008, in Manchester, NH. It was a solo show, and it was absolutley breathtaking. I met up with a few eltonjohn.com forum members before the show started. I tried to get a shirt signed that I had made, but unfortunately did not that time. I made up for it by getting things signed at my next two concerts! :-) I've never been in the front row, but hopefully someday I will get the chance!

I hope you will. What do you think about recent news about Elton doing different kind of live shows, since Solo to Band, Billy Joel and Ray Cooper? Which could be a great set list, then, in your opinion? Is there any song that Elton hasn't played yet, and you think that he should do it?

I'm excited about the new shows Elton is doing, especially those with Ray Cooper. As for a set list, I'm partial to anything from Blue Moves, especially "Tonight" and "One Horse Town."

Well, you know that the week of New York. As you know, Elton found Madison Square Garden the best venue of the world. What have this place for being so special for him?

New York City is a great place. I've only been to MSG once, but not for a concert. Hopefully next time Elton plays there, I'll be in attendance! I would have loved to be there in 1974 when he played with John Lennon - I love both of them very much.

In fact he played ther with John Lennon, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Bruce Hornsby, Bryan Adams, ... wow!!! a wide range of artists.

Yes, Elton attracts a lot of famous friends. ;-)

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?

My favorite item is probably the Old76 print I got signed at the concert in Atlantic City, NJ. It was given to me by Old76 and Suezq of the eltonjohn.com forum at my first concert, and I managed to get it signed at my second. It is very special to me.

Wow!!! Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

Top five songs...Such a tough decision!

Tonight
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
One Horse Town
And The House Fell Down
Something About The Way You Look Tonight

These might change if you asked me next week...It's always hard to choose!

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

I'd like to thank you for asking me to be interviewed, it's an honor.

It was my honour too, Liz. Oh, once you said "at the moment i've got over 400 of his songs on my iPod and I'm working on getting more", which songs are you looking forand couldn't get it? And which ones might to be in an eltonite's ipod for sure?

There isn't too much I don't have anymore...a few albums I have only on vinyl, like 21 at 33, Breaking Hearts, and Leather Jackets. But I feel my collection is pretty comprehensive. As to which ones should be on for sure... I think all of them! :-)

Yes!!! that should be a great ipod's repertoire. Well, that's all. thank you very much Liz. I had great time and it was nice sharing an enjoyable time with you. I really adore you. Thank you and take care.

Thanks! ~Liz

Elton John Tourin' New York State, US The Statistics

Elton John has done 127 concerts live in New York State while on Tour.

He has been in New York City (60 times); Uniondale (10); Buffalo (6); Syacuse (5); Albany and Saratoga Springs (4); Rochester (3) and 1 time in Atlantic City, Binghamton and Reno.

The Elton's favourite place is Madison Square Garden, where he played 60 times, then: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale (10), The New York Palladium, NYC (8), Giants Stadium, NYC (5), Radio City Music Hall, NYC (5), Fillmore East, NYC (4), Performing Arts Center, Saratoga (4), Pepsi Arena, Albany (3), War Memorial, Syracuse (3), Carnegie Hall, NYC (2), Carrier Dome, Syracuse (2), Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo (2), Rich Stadium, Buffalo (2), Shea Stadium, NYC (2), War Memorial, Rochester (2), Blue Cross Arena, Rochester (1), Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City (1), Central Park, NYC (1), Eisenhower Hall, NYC (1), HSBC Arena, Buffalo (1), Knickerbocker Arena, Albany (1), Lawlor Events Center, Reno (1), Lincoln Center, NYC (1), Marine Midland Arena, Buffalo (1), Playboy Club, NYC (1), The Rose Theater, NYC (1), Veterans Memorial Arena, Binghamton (1), WABC-FM Studios, NYC (1).

First time he played in New York State was on September 1970 with Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson as a band (4 concerts). Then it was the "Spring 1971 Tour" (4), "Madman Across The Water Tour" (4), "Honky Chateau Tour" (3), The "Yellow Brick Road Tour" (2), "Caribou Tour" (4, unforgettable night with John Lennon), "Louder Than Concorde Tour" (7), "A Single Man Tour: Back In The USSA" With Ray Cooper (9) in 1979; "21 At 33 Tour" (1), the "Jump Up! Tour" (4), "The Breaking Hearts Tour" (5), "The 1985/86 World Tour" (5), "Reg Strikes Back Tour" (5 with guests stars as Bruce Hornsby, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi or Debbie Gibson), "The 1989-90 World Tour" (6), "The One Tour" (10, twice with Eric Clapton, in 1992 and 1 in 1993 at the end of the leg), "Summer Of 1994 with Billy Joel" (6), "Made In England Tour" (7), "The Big Picture Tour" (6), "An Evening With Elton John"(1), "The Medusa Tour" in 2000 and in 2001 (5), "Greatest Hits Live" (2), "Face To Face With Billy Joel" (10 along 2001-2003), "Songs From The West Coast Tour" (3), "The Royal Academy Orchestra & Choir Live Shows" (5), "The Captain Fantastic 30th Anniversaire (3) and "The Captain And The Kid Tour" (5) and "The 60th Birthday Concert" (1).

The largest set list was last 60 at 60th, the birthday concert, with 34 songs and the shortest in 1970, while promoting "Elton John" album, with only 10 songs on the set list.

He has played 192 different songs in New York State on Tour.

The song most played is Your Song (with 120 times).
Then it comes: Rocket Man (111), Saturday night's alright (102), Don't let the sun go down on me (95), Funeral for a friend (87), Bennie and the jets (86), Philadelphia freedom (85), Love lies bleeding (78), The bitch is back (78), Daniel (76), Tiny dancer (76), I guess that's why they call it the blues (74), Take me to the pilot (71), Candle in the wind (63), Mona lisas and mad hatters (62), Levon (55), Sorry seems to be the hardest word (55), I'm still standing (54), Crocodile rock (51), Goodbye yellow brick road (51), Someone saved my life tonight (48), The one (48), Burn down the mission(45), Sad songs (40), I don't wanna go on with you like that (38), Pinball wizard (30), Simple life (30), Honky cat (29), Better off dead (25), Holiday inn (25), Tonight (25), Whole lotta shakin' (24), All the girls love Alice (23), Blue eyes (23), Lucy in the sky with diamonds (23), Madman across the water (23), Skyline pigeon (23), Great balls of fire (22), Sixty years on (22), Love song (21), Mona lisas and mad hatters (part two) (21), Captain Fantastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy (20), I need you to turn to (20).

Follows: The last song (19), Can you feel the love tonight (18), Empty garden (18), The king must die (18), I saw her standing there (17), Believe (16), Border song (16), Have mercy on the criminal (16), My life (16), Piano man (16), Tell me when the whistle blows (16), You may be right (16), I want love (15), Come down in time (14), Can I put you on (14), Hercules (14), Island girl (14), Where to now St. Peter? (14), Twist and shout (13), Harmony (12), Honky tonk women (12), I think I'm going to kill myself (12), Sacrifice (12), This train don't stop there anymore (12), Blessed (11), Carla / Etude (11), Elton's song (11), My baby left me (11), Roy Rogers (11), The show must go on (11), We all fall in love sometimes / Curtains (11), Country comfort (10), Don't go breaking my heart (10), Ego (10), Grey seal (10), Just the way you are (10), Kiss the bride (10), Restless (10), Ticking (10).

And the rest: Back in the USSA, Circle of life, Crazy water, He'll have to go, I fell like a bullet, I heard it through the grapevine, Idol, Indian sunset, Mama can't buy you love, My way, Part time love, Song for guy, All the nasties, Ballad of a well known gun, Empty sky, Freaks in love, Friends, Grow some funk of your own,
Razor Face, Rock me when he's gone, Rotten peaches, Dixie lily, Made in England, Something about the way you look tonight, A hard days night, (Gotta get) A meal ticket, Honesty, I'm going to be a teenage idol, Lucille, New York state of mind, Pain, Recover your soul, Teacher I need you, The bridge, The wasteland, A word in spanish, Blues never fade away, Close encounters theme, Goodbye Marlon Brando, In the mood, Li'l'frigerator, Nikita, One horse town, One more arrow, Paris, Song for you, The Ballad of Danny Bailey (1909-34), The Captain and the Kid, This town, Tinderbox, Who wears these shoes?, Ball and chain, Chloe, Dear John, Get back, Grimsby, Oh! Susannah!, Where have all the good times gone, You're so static, All that I'm allowed (I'm thankful), American triangle, Answer in the sky, Ballad of the boy in the red shoes, Birds, Bitter fingers, Healing hands, High-flying bird, Little Jeannie, My elusive drug, Original sin, Porch swing in Tupelo, Singin' in the rain, Someday out of the blue, Suzie (Dramas), They call her the cat, Turn out the light when you leave, Weight of the world, Bad side of the moon, Club at the end of the street, Come together, Elderberry wine, I must have lost it on the wind, Just like Noah's Ark, Old 67, Runaway train, Sweet painted lady, When a woman doesn't want you, Whitewash county, Wouldn't have you any other way (NYC), Amoreena, Bite your lip, get up and dance, Brown sugar, Give peace a chance, Happy birthday, It's your thing, Imagine, Jumping jack flash, My father's gun, Runaway child, runaway wild, Sartorial eloquence, Sleeping with the past, Stone's throw from hurtin', Talking old soldiers, Thank you (Falettinme be mice elf agin), Whatever gets you thru the night, White lady white powder, Written in the stars.

Other artists played their songs in Elton's set list, as Kiki Dee with "I've got the music in me" (8) in 1976 and Nigel Olsson in 1980 ("All I want is you" and "Saturday night", 1).

New Yorkers Famous Eltonites

Mariah Carey was born on Long Island, but she moved to Manhattan as a teenager. Her family struggled to make ends meet and Mariah pitched in by landing her first paid singing gig at the age of 13, singing background vocals for commercial jingles. . Mariah’s 1990 debut album was a smash hit with four #1 singles. She was an overnight success, earning Grammy awards as Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist. She loves "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and "Skyline Pigeon" and his "Fly Away" song referred to both tracks.

Howard Allan Stern was born in New York City on January 12, 1954. He first became interested in radio broadcasting as a child, when he would accompany his father Ben to work at a radio station. In 1994, he ran for Governor of New York on the Libertarian Party ticket. He later withdrew from the race, refusing to comply with the financial disclosure requirements for candidates. Stern played himself in a feature film version of Private Parts in 1998. The movie did moderately well, earning over $60 million. In October of 2004, Stern announced that he had signed a $500 million deal with the Sirius satellite radio. The deal, which takes effect on January 1, 2006, would enable Stern to broadcast his show without FCC restrictions. Is well known the story of Elton singin' about Stern's "small penis" (in Elton's words, of course).

Rosie O'Donnell was born on March 21, 1962, as Roseann Teresa O'Donnell, in Bayside, Queens, New York. Her father, Edward O'Donnell, was an immigrant from Belfast, Ireland, and her mother, Roseann, was American. Rosie's quick wit, dry humor and New York accent attracted fans almost immediately. It wasn't long before she found herself jumping between stage and screen as a regular personality on VH1. Rosie debuted on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in 1996, sparks flew. It wasn't long before she was dubbed the "Queen of Nice" and started picking up Emmys like they were going out of style. Elton sang "White Christmas" with her in 1998.

Elton John In French Charts

Single Music Charts

Top 1

Something about the way you look tonight / Candle in the wind 1997

Sacrifice / Love Is A Cannibal
Can you feel the love tonight / Can you feel the love tonight (instrumental)
Don't let the sun go down on me / I Believe
The One / Suit of wolves

Top 2

Les aveux / Donner pour donner
Return to Paradise / Big Dipper

Top 3

Nikita / The man who never died
Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Here we go again
Don't Go Breaking My Heart / Snow queen

Top 4
Song for guy / Lovesick

Top 5
I'm Still Standing / Earn while you learn

Top 6

Je veux d'la tendresse / Fools in fashion
Little Jeannie / Conquer the sun

Top 9

Whispers / Medecine man - I never knew her name
I don't wanna go on with you like that / Rope around a fool

Top 10
Believe / The One (Live)

Some more singles like "Captain Fantastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy", "Better Off Dead", "White Lady White Powder", "Love Songs", "Love So Cold", "Donner Pour Donner", "Town Of Plenty" and "Step Too Far" even reach the singles charts but became minor hits.

Album Music Charts:

Top 1

1990 The Very Best Of Elton John
1992 The One
1994 The Lion King
1996 Love Songs
2002 Greatest Hits (1970-2002)

Top 2

1978 A Single Man
1989 Sleeping With The Past
1995 Made In England

Top 4

1997 The Big Picture

Top 5

1975 Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy

Top 6

1993 Duets

Top 7

1998 Elton John & Tim Rice's Aida

Top 9

1980 21 At 33
2000 One Night Only

Elton counts about 2,5 Milion copies of albums sales over the years. Although he played two concerts in France in 1971, it was not until "Blue Moves" and, specially, "A Single Man" when he reach the high on music charts. Curiously, that was when Elton's sales in US and UK declined, for different causes.

The Single Man Tour with Ray Cooper was proceded for great sales of his 1978 album, being "Return To Paradise", "Part Time Love" and "Song For Guy" great successes. That continues with early 80s, when he even release two songs sang in french language with the popular France Gall, both on the charts. It was not the only time he sang in french: "J'Veux D'la Tendresse" and "Step Too Far" where the only times when Elton changed his native language for another; there were hits too. The 90s were succesful for Elton too and his greatest hits packages were great sellers. Elton currently play "The Marsellaise" as an intro of some of his songs and even speak in french in his concerts there.

Recommendation: The Best French Elton John Books

"Sir Elton John" 229 pages
Author: Bertrand Meyes-Stabley
Publisher: Payot (1st march 2007)
Price: 17,10 euros (Europe); 29,95 CAN$
Collection : PAYOT GD FORMAT
Language : Français
ISBN-10: 2228901733
ISBN-13: 978-2228901734
Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.6 x 2 cm
Shipping Weight: 382 g

In March 2007, Sir Reginald Kenneth Dwight was celebrating its sixtieth anniversary and its forty-year career. This would present little value if the sixty years old man we're talking about isn't called, to the scene and for posterity, Elton John.

Elton the eccentric, Elton the exuberant, which tantrums and constums and everything often obscured the true personality he is. Behind this mask has long hidden a sensitive artist, a composer and fruitful pianist. Though this man, idolized by millions of fans, it was a time he did not like himself; he sought an outlet in alcohol, sex and drugs. As his fifties, Elton John offers the luxury of a sincere repentance: it makes peace with himself and displays his homosexuality. He met the great love, engaged in helping AIDS suffers, and composed sumptuous music movies and musicals. From his first marriage to Renate Blauel to second with David Furnish, his beautiful friendship with Princess Diana, his tenderness for Gianni Versace, his complicity with John Lennon to his disputes with Madonna or George Michael, here told one of the most major rock stars of the planet: Dr. Elton sometimes, sometimes mister John.

Author's Biography:

French Elle journalist and biographer, Bertrand Meyer-Stabley is the Payot's author at a remarkable Nureyev (2003). He wrote biographies of Marilyn Monroe ( "The Real Marilyn Monroe" Paperback - 15th October 2003), Liz Taylor ( "The Real Elizabeth Taylor" Paperback - 16th April 2004) and Grace Kelly ( "The True Grace of Monaco" DVD - May 30th 2007), only to name a few.

"Elton John: de A à Z" 119 pages
Author: RTL journalist Stéphane Boudsocq
Publisher: Music Book (September 2005)
Collection : MUSIC BOOK PORTRAIT
Language : Français
ISBN-13: 9782843432941
Dimensions: 13 x 18 cm
Shipping Weight: 96 g

One of the greatest rock stars of the worlwide and 40 years of music career! Able to write the most wonderfl ballads and to stand up a whole stadium in one of his concerts, Elton John is tireless. On stage, in the studio and his fight against aids, Elton transmittes a contagious energy. All in one: a crooner, entertainer, romantic or provocative, the most popular artist of UK, he touched the biggest personalities of the world, the Queen too. A lot of generations sings "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Song for Guy" or "Candle in the Wind", becoming immortal melodies. From A like Aida to Z like Zizanie, this MusicBook portrait the world of sir Reginald.

Websites:

http://www.bief.org/?fuseaction=C.Titre&Tid=33267&RDV=0&Catalogue_id=1&E=151