Echoes of Elton: Voices Reimagined

Elton John’s songs have crossed decades and generations, becoming timeless classics that continue to move audiences around the world. From his early hits in the 1970s to his more recent ballads, his music blends unforgettable melodies with Bernie Taupin’s thoughtful lyrics, creating songs that really connect with people everywhere, no matter their backgrounds. And through the years, Elton’s music has left a huge mark on the pop world, inspiring countless artists to revisit his songs, experiment with new styles, and bring their own emotions into the originals.

These reinterpretations are more than tributes: they are a way to keep Elton John’s music alive and introduce it to new listeners. Each cover reflects the performer’s personality and genre, highlighting the versatility and emotional power of the original songs. From rock, soul, and pop legends to emerging contemporary artists, Elton John’s music and Bernie Taupin’s lyrics continue to inspire. 

The following selection highlights ten standout covers, showcasing how artists across generations and genres have paid tribute to Elton John’s songwriting genius. Each performance not only honors the original but also offers its own perspective, emotion, and unique take on the song:

1. Rocket Man was covered by Kate Bush, in the Two Rooms tribute album. "I actually haven’t heard the original for a very long time, a long long time" said Bush in a 1991 interview, while adding: "It was just that I wanted to do it differently. I do think that if you cover records, you should try and make them different. It’s like remaking movies".  It was released as a single from the album on the Mercury label on 25 November 1991.

2. Come Down in Time by Sting, The leader of The Police, also covered the song for the Two Rooms project, and explained: ‘I love Bernie’s lyrics on that song; it’s one of those songs you wish you’d written,’ when asked why he chose it. He delivers a delicate, reflective interpretation that stays true to Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s original. Sting’s emotive voice adds his personal touch, while the subtle production keeps the song intimate and melancholic

3. Coldplay, the British alternative rock band, reinterpreted We All Fall in Love Sometimes. Featured on the Revamp album, is more melancholic and reflective than much of their usual work, highlighting the vulnerability in the lyrics. According to NME, the band tones down their typical “arena-pop bombast” to create a style closer to a “smoky jazz bar cool.” The production is subtle, featuring piano and strings that preserve the intimate atmosphere of the original without relying on heavy ornamentation or over-the-top arrangements, enhancing the emotional tension and bringing out the song’s delicate beauty.

4. Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” transformed Border Song (Holy Moses) with her powerful voice, turning the ballad into a piece full of emotion. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, she kept the arrangement fairly sparse, avoiding overproduction to focus on her vocals and the emotional weight of the song. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were reportedly thrilled with her rendition; in an interview, Bernie said that hearing it was one of his “bigger buzz” moments. Later, in 1993, Elton and Aretha performed the song together in a special duet, further cementing its place as a standout interpretation.

5. Joni Mitchell, performed I’m Still Standing during the 2024 Gershwin Prize ceremony, a tribute to Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The song was deeply personal for her, referencing her recovery from a brain aneurysm in 2015, which gives a more profound meaning to the phrase “I’m still standing.” Elton John and Bernie Taupin even gave her permission to modify some of the lyrics to better reflect her own experience. Musically, Joni takes a different approach from the original’s upbeat pop energy, opting for a slower, jazzy/bluesy rendition that creates an intimate and mature atmosphere. 

6. Marta Coloma, takes on Give Me the Love a lesser-known Elton John song co-written with Judie Tzuke, and makes it her own with a warm, soulful touch. Her smooth, expressive voice carries a real sense of longing, while the understated arrangement lets every word and note shine. Featured on her EP Six Yellow Roses, this version highlights how Marta can bring a fresh, personal perspective to Elton’s music, giving new life to one of his hidden gems.

7. Metallica’s version of Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding is a well-executed fusion of Elton John’s pop-rock world and Metallica’s heavy metal. It brings power, authenticity, and respect, showing that a classic song can be reborn with a new intensity. It’s more than just a cover: it’s a celebration of Elton John’s legacy in a format that seems far from his original style, yet never betrays its spirit. They totally Metallacized this song … I actually think it's one of their best performances ever.

8. Ray Charles' rendition of  Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word a duet with Elton John on Genius Loves Company (2004)—is profoundly moving. Charles’s iconic gospel-soul voice adds a spiritual gravitas to the lyrics, turning the song into a reflection on heartache and vulnerability. According to the producer, Charles chose this song deliberately during the final years of his life, and the recording conveys a remarkable sincerity. Soft arrangements, backing vocals, and Charles’s commanding voice make this version feel like a musical prayer—a simultaneously penitential and loving tribute to both the original Elton John song and Charles’s own musical legacy.

9. Lady Gaga’s version of Your Song is a heartfelt tribute that stays true to Elton John’s original while adding her personal touch. Featuring a simple piano arrangement and her powerful, emotive vocals, she brings both strength and vulnerability to the song. Gaga’s performance highlights the sincerity of the lyrics, transforming the classic into an intimate, emotional homage. Critics and fans alike praised her rendition for its elegance and emotional depth, showing her ability to connect deeply with Elton’s timeless work.

10. Frightened Rabbit and Craig Finn, with their distinctive indie style, brought new energy to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. Their voices blend with raw emotion over a guitar-driven indie-rock arrangement, turning the playful original into a heartfelt duet. Hutchison described it as “two drunk friends confessing ‘I love you, man’ at the end of a long night,” capturing both sincerity and vulnerability. Originally released as a B-side to “The Loneliness & the Scream,” the cover reimagines the classic while keeping its charm intact.

Beyond individual covers, Elton John’s songs have inspired entire albums devoted to reimagining his classics. These tribute projects not only celebrate his lasting influence but also highlight how versatile his music is, capable of crossing genres and connecting with new audiences:

Two Rooms (1991): Two Rooms was one of the first tribute albums to reach number 1 on the charts, created to honor Elton John’s career. Artists including Eric Clapton, Sinéad O’Connor, and Phil Collins contributed, each bringing their own sensitivity to the songs. Its release demonstrated that tribute albums could achieve both commercial and critical success.

Revamp (2018): Contemporary artists such as Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Florence + The Machine, Alessia Cara, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, and The Killers reinterpret classics, showing how Elton’s music continues to inspire new generations. The album features a pop-art style cover based on the Terry O'Neill photograph of John, recreated in neon.

Restoration (2018): Restoration celebrates Elton’s music from a country perspective, with covers by artists like Maren Morris, Little Big Town, and Chris Stapleton. This album demonstrates how Elton’s songs can adapt to very different genres without losing their essence or emotional impact.

Beyond studio tributes, Elton John’s music has also inspired live celebrations that bring together some of the biggest names in music. A standout example is Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute, which aired on CBS on April 10, 2018. This star-studded concert featured performances by Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and SZA, covering classic songs from Elton’s extensive catalog alongside longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin.

Special appearances by Jon Batiste, Neil Patrick Harris, Christopher Jackson, Anna Kendrick, Gayle King, Lucy Liu, Valerie Simpson, and Hailee Steinfeld added unique moments, blending music, theatre, and celebration. The event culminated in a medley of hits performed by Elton John himself, ending with the iconic “I’m Still Standing” from his 1983 album Too Low for Zero.

Artists who have revisited Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songs often highlight the profound influence of their music. Ed Sheeran has expressed admiration for Elton, emphasizing his personal and creative impact. George Michael described Elton as “the best songwriter of his generation.” Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses noted, “Freddie Mercury and Elton John are two of the biggest influences in my life.” Jon Bon Jovi recalled collaborating with Elton on “Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin’,” praising his musicianship.

These examples show that covering Elton John’s songs is more than just paying tribute—it’s a way for artists to connect with a creative legacy that spans generations. His music continues to teach lessons in emotion and craft, and each performer who revisits it adds their own perspective, proving that the work of Elton and Bernie Taupin is as vibrant and alive today as it was when their first classics were born.