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18 Dec 2009

Please, Eltonites, get up, stand up to receive one of the greatest musicians of the world... the fabulous... Cindy Bullens!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Eltonites. That's another great day for the community. We have here, on my side, one of the most talented rock stars I've ever seen. I bought her "Neverland" and couldn't stop to listen it. Well, what more could I say about Cindy Bullens? Her energy and inner strength are enviable. Some said "she had Springsteen as a songwriter and the Rolling Stones as a backing band" and that's it. It's a joyous day for EltonJohnAllSongsList and the open doors are wide open to receive the charismatic, incredible and powerful: Cindy Bullens.

Thank you Cindy for being here. So happy to have you. I was trying that for a long time so imagine how happy I am today. Let's gonna start, then.


At what age you decide you wanted to be a musician, Cindy? And what were your early musical influences?

When I heard Little Richard’s “Trutti Fruitti” at age four, I knew that rock n roll was what I wanted to do. I was lucky to have an older sister and brother who listened to lots of music. My very earliest influences were The Everly Brothers (in the mid 70’s I got to sing on Don Everly’s solo album), Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, later my siblings listened to more folk-like Dylan and some early bluesmen including John Lee Hooker and Lightning Hopkins. Later, when I got a little older, it was the rhythm and raw energy The Rolling Stones and musicality and harmonies of the Beatles. Joni Mitchell was a big influence later on.

Great artists all!!! You arrived in Los Angeles in 1974 with little more than a desk of songs, your guitar, and a deeply desire to make music. And you met Elton. How you got involved with him and how you ended up recording and touring with him?

In September of 1975 I crashed a party at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood. I knew the owners and used to hang out there to see if I could maybe sing on a session or do errands for the clients. I knew Elton was going to be there that particular evening—it was a press party for the release of Neil Sedaka’s new album on Elton’s Rocket Records. I just showed up. The owners of the studio told me I couldn’t go into the party room, but I did anyway. After a little while Elton walked up to me and asked me who I was. I really thought he was gonna kick me out, but he didn’t. He introduced himself to me and we just talked small talk for a few minutes. Then someone came and got him and moved on. A few minutes later a woman walked up to me and asked me what I did—meaning for a living. I said I was a “singer”. She left and came back a little while later and asked me what I was doing “for the next two weeks”? I asked why and she told me that Elton wanted to know if I wanted to go “on the road” with him! Two days later I was rehearsing with Elton and his band and a few days after that I performed with him in San Diego in front of over 20,000 people!. I stayed with him as a back-up singer for three tours in 1975-76, and sang on the “Blue Moves” album and the single “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart”.

Wow!!! My God, what an experience!!! And 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?

Yes. I was a huge fan of Elton’. My favorite album in the world was “Yellow Brick Road”. Of course, “Your Song” was the first song I ever heard of his.

At the time, there was nobody like Elton John. First of all, he played the piano not the guitar. But he also combined great melodies with provocative lyrics (Bernie Taupin’s).

So you sang with Elton John on three major tours. While Elton explained his desire to “be a part of a good driving rock’n’roll band”, Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray had been fired from the band and left Davey Johnstone in an awkward position. Caleb Quaye was back, we had talented James Newton-Howard, Roger Pope on drums, Ray Cooper on percussion and Kenny Passarelli on bass. Also, the three backing vocalists. How do you value that experience from a personal point of view?

Incredible!--from both a personal and professional point of view. My fantasies about being a “rock n roll star” were broken after seeing how difficult life could be for Elton. He couldn’t go out on the street, or go into a theatre or a store without being mobbed. I also learned a huge amount about being a professional in this business both on stage and off. I will be forever grateful to him for allowing me to be a part of his experience.

The debut of the new band was in the Wembley Stadium gig, in 1975, where Elton played “Captain Fantastic” album in his entire order for the surprise of the public. What do you remember of that gig?

I didn’t play that one. I started after that.

Upps, sorry. ”Rock Of The Westies”, for example, it has been reminded for the Dodger Stadium concerts, where he wore the Dodgers’ uniform with number one in the back. Songs from the set list included a mix of “Street Kids”, “Let It Be”, “Curtains” or “Dixie Lily”. Also, it was the return to the Trobadour Club in L.A. to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his triumphant debut there. Any anecdotes you could share with us?

The concert at Dodger Stadium was a magical experience! Everything about it was amazing! There were movie and music stars backstage, the atmosphere was electric. Elton was particularly “on” that evening and the band was completely in sync. There were a lot of memorable moments, but the one that stands out was singing “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” while the sun was setting over the stadium, with 65,000 people igniting their lighters. It was truly a “spiritual” experience.

Elton had his golden age era in the 70s, specially the U.S.A. Elton John Day became a common celebration in 1976 and majors like Frank Rizzo, in Philadelphia, presented him with the keys of their cities and he got his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Were you there? Also, one time, John Lennon told him: “if you die someday, I will throw my radio out the window”. It was that really?

I was there in Philadelphia. We sang “Philadelphia Freedom” with Billie Jean King on stage with us.

You had been in Eastern Studios in Toronto, Canada, for the recording of the multi-platinum album Blue Moves, on my favourite track “Crazy Water” and on Elton’s 1976 No. 1 Pop single "Don't Go Breaking My Heart." Do you remember how many songs you'd been recording for this album session? And some of the titles that didn't see the light? With Bernie Taupin battling alcoholism and Elton burned out by rock’n’roll lifestyle, it was really a blue period for the two.

I won’t answer any questions about either Elton’s or Bernie’s personal lives.

But I was there in the studio in Toronto, though I don’t know about “lost” tracks. I think I sang on three tracks.

Understandable, thank you. What do you remember about how it was the impact of Elton’s bisexual confession in 1976?

I remember it was kind of a big deal to the press, but as far as I could tell, not to any of his friends.

You also provided vocals for "It's Raining on Prom Night" and "Freddy, My Love," in the motion picture, Grease. In 1978, your performance on the soundtrack earned her a Grammy Award nomination. That was not the only nomination. You dedicated your debut solo album “Desire Wire” (United Artists, 1979) to Elton and scored a breakthrough hit with the fantastic song "Survivor," which earned the second Grammy Award nomination for best rock vocal performance. Why did you not return with new material for a decade, releasing a self-titled album on MCA in 1989? That was a long time!

Very simply, I got married in 1979. At the same time, US, the record company that released “Desire Wire” dissolved and I signed with Casablanca Records. Unfortunately, the only one who believed in me there was Neil Bogart and he left because of his illness. So I was not happy and decided not to release my third album “Reckless”-which remains unreleased. So after realizing my career was not expanding, my husband and I decided to have children. And I didn’t want to tour with my little babies so I basically “quit” the music business for all those years.

Apart from Elton, you performed with Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, Bryan Adams, K.D. Lang, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, etc. A great list of names. And in the 90s, you concentrated on songwriting, composing songs for blues singer Sarah Brown, country trio Dixie Chicks and R&B legend Irma Thomas, and co-writing the Radney Foster hit "Hammer And Nails'. Have you been privileged to meet those people, haven’t you?

I definitely feel privileged to have worked with those incredible artists. Some of them I only performed with for a song or two—others I have recorded with, a few are good friends. But I certainly feel very lucky to have crossed paths with them all.

Another ten-year gap preceded the release of “Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth”, a heartfelt collection of songs inspired by and dedicated to your daughter Jessie, who died of cancer in 1996. The album featured contributions from friends like Bryan Adams, Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Beth Nielsen-Chapman and Rodney Crowell. The collection's high point, however, was a touching vocal duet with your other daughter, Reid, on "As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings)", a really touching ballad . I was so impressed for the courage involved in this project, the energy and tenderness, and surely it should be difficult to find a more emotional album than this one. That is a must have in our collection eltonites!

I believe that “Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth” is my legacy.

Not before that album and not after have I or will ever write more pure songs than these. I am truly humbled with how far these songs have traveled and how many souls have been touched by this music. And it keeps going. I receive emails and letters about “SBHE” from all over the world to this day. I even do special “Jessie” concerts, singing only these songs-for folks who ask me. One day I would like to record the vocals in Spanish and release it. Thank you for your acknowledgement of this album.

Oh, please, do it, Cindy. The Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation was founded in 1996 to honor the incredible spirit of this girl who died too soon - she was only eleven years old. Jessie’s parents, you and Dan Crewe, started the foundation with the hope of fulfilling Jessie’s deep desire to help people in need and to make the world a better place for everyone. That is so nice and generous, and we could find more info on www.jessiefoundation.org. But which areas benefit the foundation and how we could help?

The Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation (and the Jessie Fund) help kids with cancer and their families in any way we can. The foundation funds pediatric cancer research, psycho-social services (therapy) for the families, and special training for pediatric cancer care providers. For the last five years, we have put on a festival in my home of Portland, Maine called Baystock Music Festival. We have had Delbert McClinton, James McMurtrey, Dr John, Blues Traveler, Black Crowes, Guster and many others perform. 100% of the ticket sales go to the Jessie Fund. Of course, I perform every year as well. Any contributions are welcome and go directly to help kids with cancer.

Thank you. The Foundation is doing a great job! In the summer of 2001, you collaborated with Tony Award-winning producer and director John Wulp on “Islands”, a musical about life on North Haven. The musical received much acclaim as a unique story and project, and as a result the original cast of "Islands" debuted to a sold out audience at the New Victory Theater on Broadway in September of 2001. That same year, it was released “Neverland” the album that brought you back to the bare bones fun of your rock 'n roll roots. You self declared “when you come to see me play live, playing the same Les Paul or Stratocaster I played 20 years ago, you will know I'm a rock-and-roller”. Why this remark?

Writing the musical “Islands” was an incredible experience! All those songs were written on piano so I wouldn’t fall into my “guitar driven” sounds. I found I could write any type of music I wanted. And I did. I loved it. We performed it in New York City two weeks after 9/11 happened. It was a truly inspiring experience. “Neverland” was the first CD of mine that was co-produced with Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Reckless Kelly, Ray Davies, etc). Ray is one of the most talented producer/engineers that I know. I love his raw, upfront sound and I wanted that for my songs. We became very close friends and I love him dearly.

About the “rocker” bit, I guess I want to be thought of as a rocker because that is the energy that I feel when I write and perform. I used to get upset when someone called me a “folksinger” because of some misguided thinking. Now, even though I still have the same “rocker” intensity when I perform—even solo, I have come to appreciate the depth and breadth of “folk music” and would be proud to be in that genre. Though nowadays, I guess my genre is “Americana” --which I love!

Your sixth solo album, “Dream #29”, in 2004, featured Sir Elton John playing rollicking piano on the title track, also a duet with roadhouse bluesman Delbert McClinton and a guest vocal by the World Champion Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. It was nice to see Elton involved in one of your projects. How it developed the idea and how it was to be with Elton on the studio again?

I was absolutely thrilled that Elton agreed to play piano on the title track! He was performing his show “The Red Piano” in Las Vegas at the time I was recording, so I took the Protools files to Las Vegas and recorded Elton playing THE red piano in the theatre at Caesar’s Palace. It was SO cool!

And when I Ray Kennedy and I were recording in Nashville, we thought Delbert would do a great duet with me on “This Ain’t Love”. So I called him and he came in. I had already recorded my part when he did his—but after he was finished, I had to go in and re-record my part better, because he is just too good! Tim Wakefield is my good friend and loves music. So before a Red Sox-Yankees game at Fenway Park in Boston—we recorded his vocal in a little studio by the ballpark. He had never been in a real recording studio before and he loved it! He did a great job too!

Oh, I really like your official website, specially the road diary. Could you explain us, please, what we fans could find there? That’s on www.cindybullens.com

Well, right now my website needs updating! I have been so busy touring with my trio The Refugees, that I have neglected my own site. But my fans can read about what I am doing, listen and buy music, sign up on my email list, and download pictures. There will be more to come soon (I hope!)

Great!!!! What would you like the future to have in store for you? What other recent projects have you become involved with?

As I write this (late November 2009) I am in the middle of recording a new Cindy Bullens album of songs I co-wrote in Nashville in the 90’s, called “Howling Trains and Barking Dogs”. I am about to start recording The Refugees 2nd CD in Los Angeles in December and January. I’ll be performing here and there till Spring when it gets busy again-The Refugees will be in Germany in April and doing festivals throughout the summer and fall of 2010. I will also being touring solo in support of my own CD. There are a couple of side projects I am working on—but I don’t want to talk about them yet.

Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, where I’m trying to find the best of Elton’s songs ever?

Very hard!

1.Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
2.Candle In The Wind
3.Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
4.Tickin’
5. Someone Saved My Life Tonight

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

I will always have a huge place in my heart for Elton John. He is a very important part of my own story. Elton is an extremely smart, generous, funny and complex person. His musical talent is unquestioned. He personally took me under his wing when I first started working with him—guiding me, teaching me, looking out for me. His influence on my own life both personally and professionally is great. I will always be grateful for that one night, the night that I “crashed” a party and he walked calmly up to me and introduced himself.

And you are part of this story, Cindy. We haven't forget you and we won't. I would like to thank you for sharing your time with us. To have you is like a Christmas gift for us, eltonites. I wish you all the best, thanks for being in the music business and rock on, Cindy!!!

Oh, before you go, I have a surprise for you. Some people on my side would like to tell you something, with the pretention to make you smile. Hope you like it!!!

Reid Bullens-Crewe, singer: "Cindy Bullens' name is not often recognized but her presence is constantly shining in the public's eye. You hear her in the grocery store singing with Elton or catch a glimps of her in a promo on tv for someone else's biography. But Cindy's talent is rare and pure and deserving of the highest of acolades. Her music has both moved people to dance and to tears as they listen to the words she has written that often express the emotions that they cannot. I am awed by her tenacity and humbled by her talent and proud to be her daughter."

Deborah Holland, singer, member of The Refugees band: "Cindy Bullens is kick-ass, smart as a whip, hysterical, a friend who would go to the ends of the earth for you, and one of the finest songwriters and natural musicians I know. I'm a lucky son-of- a bitch to be able to be in a band with her!"

George Marinelli, guitarrist: "Cindy and I have been friends since the mid '80s. Love what she does, who she is, and what she stands for. But I especially love it when we're both playing guitars together. Pretty great combination. I hope we get to do it again soon. Luvya Cindy!!"

17 Dec 2009

The Story Behind "As Long as You Love (Scarlett Wings)", the most touching song I've ever heard

Some songs are emotionally touchin for themselves. But I heard not so many songs that made me feel the deepest sadness they flow. "Blues Never Fade Away", by Elton John and "Sand And Water" by Beth Nielsen Chapman are two examples of expression of all the feelings that go through losing a lost one. But "As Long As You Love (Scarlett Wings)" is the most touchin' song I've ever heard. That masterpiece of emotional poetry, trying to be as optimistic as it could, added a special feeling because Cindy was acompanied by her other daughter Reid. Bonnie Raitt, who collaborated in the album recording, explained better than anybody this sensation: "It's such an unbelievable gift to watch someone transform such agony into such purity".

Cindy Bullens' awful experience, the death of 11-year old-daughter, Jessie, inspired her to write "Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth". She credited Jessie, "my own personal angel," for inspiring "the best music I feel I may ever make." But the project was more of a self-therapy when it began four months after Jessie's death in March 1996. "My friend Beth Nielsen Chapman, whose husband died of cancer five years ago, connected me with Rodney Crowell, who co-produced her album "Sand And Water' dealing with her loss", Cindy explained to Jim Bessman (Billboard, February 1999). Bryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, and Rodney Crowell were also in the project.

The album benefits the nonprofit Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation in supporting the Maine Children's Cancer Program, a function of the Portland-based Maine Medical Center, which treats young cancer patients and helps their families. The mission statement reads "The mission of the Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation is to share with the world Jessie's unfailing spirit and passion for life by supporting environmental preservation, youth education and, in particular, the Maine Children's Cancer Program via the Jessie Bullens-Crewe Fund".

In the foundation website explained how Jessie was interested "in science and the environment, arts and music, and her undeniable passion for all of life took shape in bold and innovative ways. She wanted to save the whales and the rain forest, stop pollution and put an end to prejudice".

A true angel. Excuse me the pretention, but I would like to express the conviction that the most important part of Jessie's miracle, is how Cindy has chosen to live, to write and to sing. Thanks Cindy for your music.

How We Could help:

Along with other fund raising activities, the Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation depends on donations to continue funding programs that benefit all children, but especially those dealing with cancer.
Contributions can be sent to either of the following addresses:

The Jessie Bullens-Crewe Foundation
PO Box 1083
Portland, ME 04104

Maine Children's Cancer Program
22 Bramhall Street
Portland, Maine 04102


The album is available through her cindybullens.com World Wide Web site.

Cindy Bullens In Music Charts

United States



1976
The Bob Crewe Generation, "Street Talk"
Street Talk
N. 56

1976
Elton John, "Blue Moves"
N. 3

1976
Elton John, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"
N. 1

1978
Original Soundtrack, "Grease"
N. 1



1979
Cindy Bullens, "Desire Wire"
Survivor
N. 56

1980
Cindy Bullens, "Steal The Night"
Trust Me
N. 90

1993
Radney Forster, "Hammer And Nails"
N. 34

16 Dec 2009

Unforgettable People (XLII): Cindy Bullens

“I always knew that I wanted to be in music — specifically rock ‘n’ roll,” she asserts. Born and raised in Massachussets, she travelled to Los Angeles, California in 1974 in an attempt to break into the music business. Her dedication paid off when she was taken on tour by Elton John, and appeared on his 1976 album "Blue Moves" and on the 1976 No. 1 single "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart". She also provided vocals for "It's Raining on Prom Night" and "Freddy, My Love," in the motion picture, Grease. Her performance on the soundtrack earned her a Grammy Award nomination for best rock vocal performance. The following year, she released her debut solo album "Desire Wire" (United Artists, 1979) and scored a breakthrough hit with her song "Survivor," which earned Cindy a second Grammy Award nomination for best rock vocal performance. After “Survivor”, other labels and records followed, but lack of promotion.

Cindy married Dan Crewe in 1979, and for the next ten years she largely set aside her career to raise their two daughters. Cindy did not return with new material until releasing a self-titled effort on MCA in 1989, with a rendition of "Sugar On The Floor". In the 90s, Bullens concentrated on songwriting, composing songs for blues singer Sarah Brown, country trio Dixie Chicks and R&B legend Irma Thomas, and co-writing the Radney Foster hit "Hammer And Nails'. She also set up her own Blue Lobster label, releasing 1994's "Why Not?". Her career also include work with artists like Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and many others. In 1996, Cindy lost her 11 year-old daughter Jessie to cancer. Bullens’ pain over losing a young daughter, was reflected on an album called "Somewhere Between Heaven & Earth", 1999. It featured contributions from her friends Adams, Raitt, Williams, Beth Nielsen-Chapman and Rodney Crowell. The collection's high point, however, was a touching vocal duet with her other daughter, Reid, on "As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings)". The album received the AFIM (independent music) award for "Best Rock Album".

A collaboration with producer and director John Wulp on the musical "Islands", based on the life on the island of North Haven, received much acclaim and debuted to a sold out audience on Boradway in September of 2001. And with Ray Kennedy, they co-produce the highpoint "Neverland", 2003, an album that rocks with heart and class, with tenderness underlying blends of electric and acoustic guitars.

In the summer of 2004, she gathered with an all-star band at Ray Kennedy's Room & Board Studio in Hermitage, Tennessee, to record her sixth solo album, "Dream #29". The album featured Elton playing piano on the title track, plus a duet with bluesman Delbert McClinton and a guest vocal by the World Champion Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. The album also featured some of the best musicians in the world: George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt) on guitar, Dennis Burnside on keys, Ginger Cote (The Coming Grass) on drums, and Garry W. Tallent (E-Street Band) on bass.

Along with Deborah Holland and Wendy Waldman, they founded The Refugees group in 2007. Deborah Holland was the lead singer and songwriter of Animal Logic featuring Stanley Clarke and Stewart Copeland, while Wendy Waldman has a very diverse career in the music industry as a recording artist, as well as a writer of multi-platinum songs for other singers in musical genres ranging from country to pop, film, jazz, children's music and R&B. She is also one of the first distinguished woman record producers. The Refugees debut album, "Unbound" (Wabuho Records) was released in January of 2009 and is available now on their website at the online store.

12 Dec 2009

2000: BackstreetBoy Chronology

February, 17

El Dorado Concert at the Venetian Room, Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA. Excerpts from that concert were broadcast on March 19 on the VH1 Network and on March 25 on the Nickelodeon Children's Network. Elton and the band premiered "Someday Out Of The Blue", "El Dorado", "Without Question" and "Friends Never Say Goodbye".

February, 21

Elton John received MusiCares Person of the Year by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. The honor recognised the artist's music industry career and philanthropic accomplishments, at a black-tie gala in Hollywood.

February, 23

Elton John was awarded the GRAMMY Legend Award at the 42nd Annual Grammy Award.

March, 10

Elton contributed backing vocals on Moby's "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad". The royalties from the sales of the single were donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation

March, 14

Release of "The Road To El Dorado", produced by Pat Leonard and lyrics provided by Tim Rice. In the US, the Best Buy chain of stores, packaged a CD single "Perfect Love" with copies of "The Road To Eldorado".

March, 19

VH1 cable network's 1 hour biography show: "Elton John: Behind The Music". The promo of the show read: "Elton John talks candidly about his alcohol & cocaine problem, his bout with bulimia, his failed suicide attempts, his relationships with men and women and how he has remained clean and sober for the last 10 years". Also it included interviews with Bernie Taupin, Sting, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Kiki Dee and current band members.

March, 23

Opening night of Disney's first musical written for the stage on Broadway's Palace Theatre, New York City, NY. "Aida", with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, it was directed by Robert Falls ad the choreography was by Wayne Cilento. "How can you emulate something with so much gravitas as a full-blown opera?" said Elton about this project: "We had to do something totally different.". The cast counted with Heather Headley, Adam Pascal, Sherie Scott, among others.

March, 25

Launch of the official web site for Elton John.

April, 3

"This Is Your Song: Broadway Sings Elton John" on the New Amsterdam Theatre, New York NY. The theatre's brightest stars came out to sing the songs of Elton John for a one night only celebration to jointly benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Elton John AIDS foundation. Christine Baranski and Nathan Lane hosted the spectacular night which featured such theatrical divas and luminaries as the following singing Elton John's memorable songs: Betty Buckley, Linda Eder, Jennifer Holiday, Sandra Bernhard, Orfeh, Sam Harris, Ann Duquesnay, Victor Garber, Andrea McCardle, Lea DeLaria, Heather Headley, Sherie Rene Scott, Adam Pascal, Jeremy, Kushnier, Mario Canton, Deborah Gibson, Jason Raize. And Elton John himself sang some of his hits: at the start of the second half, Elton appeared in one of the VIP side boxes. He watched most of the second half from there. Making his grand entrance in his "traditional style", Elton marched on stage, leading a pack of buffed buddies, with his diamond covered shoes leading the way while he was singin' "Diamonds Are Girls Best Friends".

April, 6

An All-Star Tribute To Joni Mitchell, on Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City, NY, Elton played "Free Man In Paris". He said playing a Joni Mitchell song while the author watched was more intimidating than playing for the Queen of England.

April, 13

Respect, Rainforest Benefit, Carnegie Hall, New York City NY. Elton appeared and stuck out in a white suit and shocking pink shoes. Sting whimsically introduced his fellow Englishman as "my boyfriend Elton John", who twirled a voodoo stick while turning on a gravelly echo of Screamin' Jay Hawkins for "I Put a Spell on You".

June, 4

Aida was nominated in five categories of the TONY Awards:

Best Original Score (Music & Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Elton John & Tim Rice
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical: Heather Headley
Best Scenic Design: Bob Crowley
Best Costume Design: Bob Crowley
Best Lighting Design: Natasha Katz

The show was overlooked in the Best Musical and Best Book Of A Musical categories.

October, 20

The first of two special nights of "greatest hits" concerts by Elton John, celebrating his career and successful shows at Madison Square Garden.

11 Dec 2009

2000: Backstreet Boy Concerts

The Medusa Tour

North America, 07/Jan to 29/Apr & 02/Dec to 10/Dec.; Europe 27/May to 28/Nov.

83 shows

Set list:

Your song
Skyline pigeon
The greatest discovery
Border song
Daniel
Harmony
Honky cat
Rocket man
Tiny dancer
Someday out of the blue
Philadelphia freedom
Blessed
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Ticking
Carla / Etude
Tonight
Burn down the mission
The one
Blue eyes
Empty garden
Take me to the pilot
Don't let the sun go down on me
Crocodile rock
Can you feel the love tonight
Bennie and the jets
Candle in the wind


Also:

American Triangle
Circle of life
Elton's song
Nikita
Sacrifice
Song for Guy
Sweet painted lady


Dates:

01/07 Honolulu, Hawaii; Blaisdell Center Arena
01/08 Honolulu, Hawaii; Blaisdell Center Arena
01/09 Honolulu, Hawaii; Blaisdell Center Arena
01/29 Atlanta, GA; The Superbowl
02/02 Fayetteville, NC; Cumberland Counry Coliseum
02/04 Columbia, NC; Carolina Coliseum
02/05 Fayetteville, NC; Crown Coliseum
02/08 Lubbock, TX; United Spirit Arena
02/09 Wichita, KA; Kansas Coliseum
02/11 Aluquerque, NM; Pit Arena
02/12 Las Cruces, NM; Pan American Center
02/15 Tuscon, AZ; Convenction Center
02/20 Reno, NY; Lawlor Events Center
03/17 Lakeland, FL; Lakeland Civic Center
03/18 Albany, GA; Civic Center
04/05 Binghamton, NY; Veterans Memorial Arena
04/07 Portland, ME; Cumberland Country Civic Center
04/08 Amherst, MA; Mullins Center
04/09 Erie, PA; Civic Center
04/14 Evainsville, IN; Roberts Stadium
04/15 Indianapolis, IN; Conseco Fieldhouse
04/18 Syracuse, NY; War Memorial
04/19 Trenton, NJ; Sovereign Bank Arena
04/21 Wilkes-Barre, PA; First Union Arena
04/22 Hershey, PA; Hershey Arena
04/25 Beaumont, TX; Montagne Center
04/28 Birmingham, AL; Jefferson Civic Center
04/29 Atlanta, GA; Phillips Arena
05/27 Bedfordshire, England; Woburn Abbey
05/29 Bedfordshire, England; Woburn Abbey
05/31 Copenhagen, Denmark; Rosenborg Castle
06/01 Reykjavik, Iceland; Laugardalsvollur
06/03 Derbyshire, England; Chatsworth House
06/04 Derbyshire, England; Chatsworth House
06/06 Hampshire, England; Broadlands
06/07 Hampshire, England; Broadlands
06/11 Berkshire, England; Highclere Castle
06/13 Lincolnshire, England; Burghley Park
06/14 Lincolnshire, England; Burghley Park
06/17 Loeben, Austria; Hauptplatz
06/18 Bregenz, Austria; Seebuhne
06/20 Brescia, Italy; Stadio Rigamonti
06/23 Kassel, Germany; Wilhelmshohe
06/24 Hamburg, Germany; Derbypark
06/27 Cologne, Germany; Koln Arena
06/28 Coburg, Germany; Schlossplatz
06/30 Leipzig, Germany; Volkerschlachtdenkmal
07/01 Stuttgart, Germany; Schlossplatz
07/04 Mannheim, Germany; Schloss Ehrenhof
07/05 Koblenz, Germany; Schlosshof
07/07 Kunzelsau, Germany; Schlosspark
07/08 Munich, Germany; Konigsplatz
07/13 Liverpool, England; Kings Dock
07/15 Chelmford, England; Hyland House
07/16 Chelmford, England; Hyland House
07/19 Port Talbot, England; Margam Park
07/22 Northamptonshire, England; Castle Ashby
07/23 Northamptonshire, England; Castle Ashby
07/27 London, England; Hyde Park
07/29 Durham, England; Raby Castle
07/30 Edinburgh, Scotland; Edinburgh Castle
09/09 Athens, Greece; Herodes Atticus Odeon
09/10 Athens, Greece; Herodes Atticus Odeon
09/16 Marbella, Spain; Estadio de Futbol
11/11 Paris, France; Olympia
11/13 Oslo, Norway; The Spectrum
11/14 Oslo, Norway; The Spectrum
11/16 Antwerp, Belgium; Sport Palais
11/18 Rotterdam, Holland; Ahoy Arena
11/19 Hannover, Germany; Hannover Arena
11/21 Frankfurt, Germany; Festhalle
11/22 Dortmund, Germany; Westfalenhalle
11/24 Zurich, Switzerland; Hallenstadion
11/25 Vienna, Austria; Stadhalle
11/27 Firenze, Italy; Palasport
11/28 Milan, Italy; Filaforum
12/02 Bossier City, LA; Centurytel Center
12/03 Tulsa, Oklahoma; Convention Center
12/05 Johnson, City, TN; Freedom Hall
12/06 Wheling, WV; Civic Center
12/08 Macon, GA; Macon Centreplex
12/09 Albany, GA; Civic Center
12/10 Montgomery, AL; Garret Coliseum

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Greatest Hits Live Shows

North America, 18/Oct to 21/Oct

3 shows

The Elton John band:

Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson & Curt Bisquera on drums, Davey Johnstone as lead guitar, John Jorgenson on guitar and sax, plus backing vocalists Ken Stacey & Billy Trudel

Set list:

Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Candle in the wind
Bennie and the jets
Goodbye yellow brick road
Someone saved my life tonight
Little Jeannie
Philadelphia freedom
Tiny dancer
Can you feel the love tonight
Don't go breaking my heart
Daniel
Rocket man
Club at the end of the street
Blue eyes
I guess that's why they call it the blues
The one
I don't wanna go on with you like that
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Sacrifice
Come together
Your song
Sad songs
I'm still standing
Crocodile rock
Saturday night's alright
The bitch is back
Don't let the sun go down on me


Dates:

10/18 Wilkes Barre, PA; First Union Arena
10/20 New York City, NY; Madison Square Garden
10/21 New York City, NY; Madison Square Garden

9 Dec 2009

A Must Have New John Jorgenson CDs

The John Jorgenson Quintet's new CD "One Stolen Night" is available on the merchandise page of the official website. The title cut features the Greek bouzouki, and there is recorded some audience favorites like "Dr Jazz" and "Norwegian Dance", along with a batch of new compositions. "A lot of the CD was done live in the studio and we're all very happy with the natural sound and feel" explained Jorgenson about the new CD. "The rhythm section swings mightily, Jason has some killer solos, and I didn't do too bad myself either!!"

Click on the link to order it now-
http://www.johnjorgenson.com/merchandise.html

He also finished the long-awaited CD "Istiqbal Gathering" with Paul Gambill and Orchestra Nashville featuring special guests the Turtle Island Quartet, violinist David Davidson and cimbalom virtuoso Alexander Fedoriouk. "This project has been in the works for quite a long time and features specially composed music for gypsy-jazz guitar and full orchestra" continued Jorgenson. "I collaborated with award winning composer Don Hart on Concerto Glasso, a three movement work, and with Karl Marsh on the piece 'Istiqbal Gathering" which features the cimbalom and solo violin. I'm extremely proud of this work, as I believe that this is the first music specifically composed for gypsy jazz guitar in an orchestral setting".

This CD should be available about Dec 17th, check the site's merch page because he will put it up there as soon as the copies come in, "they are being manufactured right now" expressed. "We'll do all we can to your orders right out and to you asap so you can get them before Christmas".

The Winning Grammy 2009 Award also announced his projects for 2010: "2010 is shaping up to be a great one too (like 2009), more touring by the Quintet in the US and Europe, a few select Desert Rose Band reunion shows, and a couple "surprise" collaborations with talented friends, more on that later!!"

Currently a JohnJorgenson.com Exclusive.

Track listing: 1. Red on Red 2. Slide Sister Slide 3. One Stolen Night 4. Mediterranean Blues 5. Souvenirs des Nos Peres 6. Billet Doux 7. Kentucky Kastrinos 8. Norwegian Dance 9. Bella Ella 10. Hungaria 11. Dr. Jazz Bonus Tracks 12. Istiqbal Solo 13. Dark Romance

2000: The Singles Music Charts

Someday Out Of The Blue

United States
N. 49 (15 Weeks)

Australia
N. 38 (4 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 10 (5 Weeks)

Germany
N. 69 (9 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 40 (13 Weeks)

Holland
N. 50 (14 Weeks)

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Friends Never Say Goodbye

New Zealand
N. 50 (2 Weeks)

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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Japan
N. 99 (1 Week)

8 Dec 2009

2000: The Albums Reachin' Charts

The Road To El Dorado

United States
N. 63 (8 Weeks)

Germany
N. 91 (1 Week)

Austria
N. 40 (1 Week)

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One Night Only

United States
N. 65 (18 Weeks)

Canada
N. 16 (10 Weeks)

United Kingdom
N. 7 (13 Weeks)

Australia
N. 38 (4 Weeks)

New Zealand
N. 10 (5 Weeks)

France
N. 9 (4 Weeks)

Germany
N. 21 (7 Weeks)

Austria
N. 20 (11 Weeks)

Switzerland
N. 12 (12 Weeks)

Holland
N. 50 (14 Weeks)

Italy
N. 21 (8 Weeks)

Spain
N. 36 (4 Weeks)

Norway
N. 14 (10 Weeks)

Sweden
N. 16 (10 Weeks)