27 years of eltonjohnallsongslist

Mansfield: The Magic Of Peter Pan!

2012-01-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

And why Elton?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The top-3 with Beatles and Evis.

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

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

Indian sunset
Tonight
One more arrow
Goodbye
Roy Rogers

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

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

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

Thanks !

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

Mansfield And The Jets

Pictures and video courtesy of Mansfield

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

2011-12-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unforgettable People (LI): Stjepan Hauser

2011-12-17T15:53:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

Some Other World, Featuring li'l'Elton

2011-11-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-11-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s a pity, really.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just how time consuming and expensive it was.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(To Be Continued)

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

2011-11-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

Music has always been my first love. From my earliest memories, I always had a radio playing and just loved all types and styles of music. If I could have chosen my talent it would have been a piano player, singer songwriter. The piano has always been my favorite instrument and I always looked forward to visiting one of my aunts who owned a piano so I could bang away on it as a young child. Unfortunately, I have no musical talent whatsoever!

I fell in love with Elton's music in the spring of 1970. One of my cousins was on leave from the Army, just back from a tour of duty in Vietnam and was staying with us. I was a very square and shy 12 year old and my cousin was this wild hippy listening to music that I was unfamiliar with at the time. (Mostly underground FM Rock while I was still listening to AM top 40 Pop). One day I walked into the living room as he was listening to a progressive FM Rock station when on came "Border Song." I stopped dead in my tracks and my cousin laughed at me and said, "You like that one don't you?" and he was right. I did!

That fall I would leave for school at 8am each morning and for weeks on end, every morning at 8am as I was turning off my radio, "Your Song" was played. I loved it and as that was the last song I would hear, I would be singing it to myself in my head all day long.

The following year I started Jr. High School and had an incredible choir teacher. One day early in the school year I walked into his classroom and he had a record playing on his stereo that I can only describe as having been a religious experience for me. I asked him who was singing and what was the song. He said the song was "Levon" by Elton John. I asked him who Elton John was and he explained Elton was the singer I liked so much. I didn't know what he meant and he explained that most of my favorite songs that he had been teaching us in class were by Elton John. Your Song, Border Song, Love Song, Holiday Inn, Goodbye... all of these songs that he had been teaching us were all by the same person, Elton John! I'd had no idea! I only knew that I loved these particular songs.

Walking home from school that day I stopped off at the local record store and bought "Madman Across The Water" and like seeing Hattie the Witch on TV when I was three, here I was a decade later having another life-changing experience. With a little research I learned that Elton had released five albums at this point and because my parents frowned upon us kids spending money on records ("That's what the radio is for... you don't need to buy music") I spent the next 4 Fridays buying one EJ record at a time, playing it constantly over the next week until Friday came round and I could buy the next. Remember I was working and had my own spending money, so I could afford to buy them, but to avoid a run-in with my parents, I bought one at a time so they wouldn't notice as much.

From "Honkey Chateau" onwards I've gotten every album on the day of it's release and for the last twenty years or so I've obtained most even before their official release, through contacts I've developed.

What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? Once you said: "Elton's concert in 1976 is considered to be one of the greatest shows in Cincinnati's history”. Why is it that so?

I've seen Elton in concert nearing 150 times at this writing, the first time being in July of 1976. I recently wrote a piece that ran on eltonjohn.com that I will include here;

"The summer of 1976, and I finally got to see Elton live in concert...not once but twice. First on July 20th in Louisville, Kentucky, and then again in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, at Riverfront Coliseum on August 3rd.

"I say finally because I became a huge overnight fan of Elton upon hearing Border Song in late summer, 1970. Elton and his original three piece band (with drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray) would first play Cincinnati's Music Hall on their second tour of America in the winter of 1971, but I was only 13 at the time and as neither parent was available on that night, they would not permit me to go unattended to a rock concert at this tender age! Elton's next scheduled appearance in Cincinnati would come in the fall of 1974 at Cincinnati Garden's, only to be cancelled just before tickets were scheduled to go on sale.

"1975 of course had Elton playing dates only west of the Rockies...so in the spring of 1976 when tour dates were announced (and I now had my driver's license and the independence that came with it) I was taking no chances and bought tickets to both the Louisville and Cincinnati shows.

"I had seen quite a few concerts by this time, including The Who, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones, but on July 20 Elton did not disappoint and, for me, put all of the others in the shade. He sounded even better live than on record (even though he was suffering from a cold) and I never dreamed he could top that night. Imagine my surprise when just of couple weeks later, he did! Not only was he recovered from the aforementioned cold, but I was to learn how even though venues can be similar sizes and layouts, acoustics, ambience and the ever elusive "X factor" can make an artist's performance go from great to truly "magic," which is what happened on August 3rd.

"In 1975 through 1976, you of course could not turn on a radio, pick up a newspaper or magazine or turn on a TV without seeing or hearing Elton. Cincinnati's number-one pop radio station of the day was WKRQ-FM and each night, Monday through Friday from 10-11, the station would play that day's top ten most requested songs. Night after night for the better part of a year, Elton's songs would claim anywhere from seven to nine of the top spots. (I don't recall if he ever scored a perfect ten, but no other artist ever came close to reaching his number in the five years that the station devoted this nightly hour to requests.) Night after night it was essentially the 'Elton John Hour' with the songs Philadelphia Freedom, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Pinball Wizard, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Island Girl, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, The Bitch Is Back, Your Song and of course in the summer and fall of 1976, Don't Go Breaking My Heart leading the charge. On any given night, Elton's guest appearances on songs like Neil Sedaka's Bad Blood or John Lennon's Whatever Get's You Thru The Night might also be heard, thus adding to his dominance of the hour.

"To say Cincinnati was ready for Elton is an understatement. The media was camped out at the airport for his arrival late that hot summer afternoon and even though they couldn't get close, telephoto shots showed him getting into a limo with Kiki Dee... with the local evening news reports immediately speculating that the two were to announce their engagement at that night's show!

WOW!!!

"For those too young to have experienced a major rock concert in the 1970s, it was a very different experience than it is today. First of all, everything was festival seating (no assigned seats) – at least in Louisville and Cincinnati. The first fans to arrive filled the main floor (standing) until the legal fire code numbers were met and then the rest began filling the seats. The smell of marijuana and alcohol was everywhere. Before and after the opening act's set, large beach balls would be batted about the arenas, and local radio stations would drop enormous balloons with their call letters from high above to be tossed around all evening long. Also, seemingly everyone brought flash cameras in with them; when Elton first came on stage to a 'dark' room, there would be 20,000 flash bulbs going off for the first few minutes, which made the absence of stage lighting obsolete and generated excitement like you can't imagine. The closest I believe you can experience this excitement today is at Madison Square Garden, but even there, cell phones just don't have the same punch as our old flash bulbs.

"To add to this environment, only minutes before Elton took to the stage August 3rd, there was a huge explosive sound, causing the building to shake and rumble. We would later learn that the glass wall lining one whole side of the building had been knocked in when hundreds of fans unable to buy scalped tickets to the sold-out event had lifted the concrete benches lining the greenway and hurled them through the glass wall and then rushed into the building. No one was injured, but a year later the Coliseum would be the site of the infamous Who concert tragedy where numerous people were trampled to death as the Coliseum, in an effort to avoid another Elton wall-smashing incident, had bricked over the windowed wall, tightened security and opened fewer doors. The concert-going experience in this town, and many others, would never again be the same.

"When Elton took to the stage that night the roar of the crowd was deafening, the 20,000 flash bulbs blinding, and there were even small 'cherry bomb' firecrackers ignited by some of the people in the audience. Elton swung from the light and sound cables that night, throwing plastic cups of water at audience members and any crew member within range. He wore multiple baseball caps and would taunt the audience by putting on a cap of another city's team, at which point the audience would boo, only to remove it revealing another team's cap hidden under the first (to another round of boos) before removing it to reveal the beloved Cincinnati Reds cap to thunderous applause! (This was the height of the 'Big Red Machine' with the dream-team players Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, etc., many of whom were said to be in the audience. He did this throughout the two and a half hour show, and came out for one of the encores wearing over six caps at once. It was great fun.

"I honestly thought the roof was going to collapse when he introduced Kiki Dee to duet on Don't Go Breaking My Heart and sing her own hit, I've Got The Music In Me. Kiki was a surprise, unannounced guest at this and a couple of other dates leading up to Elton's record-breaking week-long stand at New York's Madison Square Garden a short time later. Following Kiki's departure, one wondered how he could possibly sustain the momentum, but he did by playing Philadelphia Freedom but with a twist: instead of singing 'Philadelphia', it became 'Cincinnati Freedom, with Elton of course wearing a Cincinnati Reds cap once again. This is still talked about to this day and is mentioned in every local review whenever he returns to Cincinnati to perform.

"Elton's concert in 1976 is considered to be one of the greatest shows in Cincinnati's history. Since that night I've been to hundreds of Elton's concerts around the globe, and while it took me six years to see him live those first times in '76, boy was it worth the wait!"

East End Lights brings me some nice memories. It was the pre-Internet Era and it was so difficult to find information about Elton, fanzines like this fill that gap. I still remember waiting for my issues. Great names, like Tom Stanton, Claude Bernardin, You, Mary Anne Cassata, John F. Higgins, Liz Rosenthal or the incredible Jim Turano, taught us about Elton’s World. How do you value that experience?

East End Lights was one of the best and exciting things that has ever happened to me as far as Elton John fandom goes. Thanks to Tom Stanton, he brought us all together before there was an internet and the friends I made in those first years of the publication are my best friends to this day. It took twenty years, but I found the friends I'd always hoped to have, thanks to Tom and EEL.

What kind of place do you see for Elton John in the history of rock music?

He will be remembered as one of the greatest singer/songwriters and "Rock and Roll" pianists the world has known.

Name one other artist that has remained relevant and as productive as Elton has for as long as he has. You can't. He's arguably in a league unto himself. He may never be the critics darling, but numbers don't lie and his record sales alone secure his standing in the history of rock music right alongside Sinatra, Elvis and The Beatles. He's also unique in that he crosses all age and economical barriers with his record sales and concerts.

Historians will show that along with creating a huge catalogue of timeless music, he also brought fun and "showbiz" back onto the world stage at a time when most popular artists were wearing jeans onstage and taking themselves and their music a bit too seriously. While Elton was a truly soulful artist and took his music seriously, he stood out from all others through his outrageous stage wear and his acrobatic approach to and percussive playing of his piano; His humor and need to share fun. And again, his music was and is timeless. No one other artist from the last 50 years has produced as much music that still holds up and is played on as many different radio station formats worldwide as Elton's. And none of his tunes sound dated. Even the oldest remain fresh sounding and relevant today. No other artist that broke in the seventies can say that.

I use some of his lesser known music in my touring act; a lot of his instrumentals and pieces the general public are unfamiliar with. Audience members are always coming up after a performance complimenting me on my choice of music and asking who's music it is. Nine out of ten times it will be Elton's music they unknowingly are asking about and when I tell them they can't believe it. It just proves how universal his melodies are and how they move and touch people in ways they aren't even aware.

On the down side, time is a cruel editor and when you are as prolific as Elton, so much great music that he has created will unfortunately be forgotten and lost to the masses. Lesser known albums and songs will occasionally be rediscovered, as "Are You Ready For Love" was a few years back and older tracks will find new life when you least expect, like "Candle In The Wind" and "Tiny Dancer" have. But the big hits are so big, numerous and ingrained in the publics consciousness that its a given that many of his other equally great works will get lost.

But that said, his position at the very top is secure.

Looking back on Elton’s catalogue, which of his songs are arguably the greatest he has ever written? And the worst? Finally, could you tell me your five favourite EJ songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, in which I try to discover the best Elton songs ever?

This is impossible for me to answer. There are so many songs that I believe are truly great that I just can't comfortably do it.

I will list my favorites by decade though.

1970's:

Favorite Albums: "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy" & "Blue Moves"
Favorite Songs: "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" & "Tonight"

1980's

Favorite Albums: "Two Low For Zero" & "Sleeping With The Past"
Favorite Songs: "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" & "Sacrifice"

1990's

Favorite Albums: "The One" & "Aida Demos" (Though not an official release I love it!)
Favorite Songs: "A Woman's Needs" & "Live Like Horses" (I feel the official release of this song is over-produced, but remains one of the most beautiful songs Elton & Bernie have ever conceived and is breathtakingly performed solo by Elton in concert)

2000's

Favorite Albums: "Songs From The West Coast" & "The Captain And The Kid"
Favorite Songs: "This Train Don't Stop Here Any More" & "The Bridge"

2010's (So far!)

Favorite Album: "The Union"
Favorite Songs: "Hey Ahab" & "Mandalay Again"

Favorite Elton John Tour: 1979's "A Single Man In Concert With Ray Cooper"
Favorite Song Live In-Concert: "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"

Least favorite albums: "Leather Jackets" & "The Big Picture" (Although both these still include songs that I love, it's just the albums as a whole I'm not fond of)

Least favorite song: "The Wide-Eyed And Laughing"

Thank you! I really like your official website, specially the “special promotion” section. Could you explain us, please, what we fans could find there? That’s on http://www.waynemartinpuppets.com

My website gives visitors a brief background of my career and an idea of the types of productions that I offer. It also includes numerous photos of my puppets as well as some promotions I've done over the years.

I hope to update the site in 2013 and plans are to add video clips among other new and enhanced features.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to continue doing what I do. I love my work and the life my wife Marilyn and I have created. We also plan to continue to travel and of course to see as many Elton John concerts as we can!

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

Just that I hope they are as appreciative, grateful and respectful as I am to follow an artist and humanitarian as gifted, talented and productive as Elton John is.

And to enjoy the music! Because in the end, it's all about the music!

Well, I couldn't say it best. That's a wonderful epilogue to this sensational interview. First, I would like to thank our guest for being here, for collaborating and for sharing his time with us. It was a great honour to do this interview with you, Wayne, thanks so much by heart. But, before you go, I have someone here that would like to say something about you, he's a good friend, and accepted to be here today:

Tom Stanton, editor, teacher, writer: "Of the more than one thousand people I came to know through Elton John and East End Lights, Wayne Martin rates among my favorites. He is a fascinating, incredibly talented, humble, kind-hearted man who just happens to be one of Elton's most knowledgeable fans. I associate Wayne (and Marilyn) with some of my fondest Elton moments. But even if we didn't have Elton fandom in common, I would still treasure him. Our personalities click. When I think of all the wonderful gifts that East End Lights provided me, I count Wayne Martin among them".

Thank so much for being here, Tom, and you Wayne, I wish you all the best and keep go doing your great work, bringing fantasy to this world.

Pictures courtesy by Wayne Martin
Special thanks to Marylin Martin

Sophiah Ko'i'kas' Interview: Lights, Camera, Action!!!

2011-11-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Eltonites. Today is a very special day. Jack Rabbit was thinking, since long time ago, to invite some actress here, but she had to be an Eltonite. Other time, he thought about inviting a movie director. Or someone related to cinema. As the result, he invited someone who has all in one. And she's a true Eltonite, with enrichment experiences related to Elton. We asked and she kindly agree to be here with us. Her name? Sophiah. Sophiah is a multi-talented and very interesting person. You'll see. So, everybody, please: get up, stand up and welcome the magnificient and fabulous: Sophiah Ko'i'kas!!!!!

Thanks so much for your acceptation. Let's start, please. Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood? How it was growing up in Detroit, Michigan?

My best memories from Detroit was Greek Town, a very small strip of about 3 blocks of Greek restaurants, bakeries, entertainment. Some of it was sold today though to the gambling. I liked the humid weather... School was tough though. Inner city poverty. I like the feeling in the air there, something creative is in it.

And explain us a bit, please, about your relationship with Greece.

My relationship to Greece is emotional. I went there two times. Both parents are from there. When I moved to LA, I sort of got away from anything Greek because they are spread out here in LA. Now that I connected to the LA Greek film festival, I started to listen to Greek music again and that always makes me feel connected. I have writing project for a movie for the future to be filmed in Greece too. I want to also travel there with lots of money and really explore Greece.

That could be a very good idea, Sophiah! When did you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I heard about Elton through a teacher who was singing a song of his. I asked him what was he singing and he said, Elton John. I said who is that? He said "you don't know!"? My God sister loved Elton too and her uncle took us to a concert for the first time because we were to young to go by ourselves. I started to like his art little by little that I decided I'm going to Los Angeles to meet him. Long story short, I ran from home and it took me 3 months to meet him. There was a concert at a place called Universal Studios and they had a tent for him outside. Before the show I took a wine glass and after the show I met this guy there and we both went to the tent. The guard stopped us and I said, I was in already, here's my glass, I was hot and needed air. So he let us in. About 15 minutes later, I saw EJ and I went up to him and I said hi and then asked "can I ask you something?" He answered, "take a picture with me?" I said " yes, how did you know" I was so naive about celebrities. He was very kind and he posed with me and then kissed me a friendly kiss on my lips. A photographer was there and took a photo of us too and he put it in a newspaper saying "fan meets Elton John".

Good start!!! What do you like most from his music?

The songs, are so visual, the melodies are great, his early stuff so unique I feel. He continued to experiment and I'm always happy to hear a new cd coming out.

Great! What it was like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And which songs do you think Elton should add on his current set list?

I've seen Elton 76 times if I include charities. When he performed at Universal 7 days in a row, I went 7 days. At the Forum, he would play 3 days, I went all 3. I saw him in London at Wembley 7 nights in a row that is why my count is very high... He doesn't do that anymore I noticed. I buy his music to support him and to enjoy his art.

For me, live on his new set, I would love to hear YOU GOTTA LOVE SOMEONE. NIKITA, THIS TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE, TINY DANCER, ROCKET MAN, Stuff from BLUE MOVES, LOVE LIES BLEEDING, and more.

How many times have you been in touch with Elton, then?

Well, the first time I talked to him was answered on how I met him... the second time, I was working at the Hollywood Bowl which is the shape of a Greek theater... I went early incase I would see him in rehearsal. They were doing an interview with him sitting in one of the chairs. When I was younger, I was bolder now that I look back. I went up to him and the two people running the interview asked him if they minded me being there and he said "no". I asked him if he ever performed in Greece. He said, "no, but one day I would love to, I hear it's a beautiful country". Later on, he eventually did perform there. He let me take a picture with him too. Then the 3rd time, I think, I just walked back stage at another concert and got in but I didn't ask for a photo, I never hounded him and I think that is why he always let me approach him. Then I flew to Detroit to see family and catch his show there, and I got my sister to walk past guards with the winners of a radio show to meet him. So I met him again. Then I saw him in areas of Hollywood. I was driving and he was pulling out of a building and I was letting someone into traffic not knowing at first it was him until he waved thank you. He was driving a white Mazda. He went right and I went left, never tried to follow him.

How did you manage to reach that?

A great one was when I met a few other girls and we went to Atlanta to see him there. I had no tickets, 15 minutes before the show, I get front row but seeing his butt which I didn't care, I rather be close than far. AFTER THE SHOW, people saw him in the lobby with Prince Albert, Prince Charles brother, and about 11 body guards. I became a bleach blonde and so did Elton by chance. So approach him to say hi and this tall man grabbed me from behind around my neck and yelled Elton. I was in shock because I didn't understand the vulnerability celebs were in in a crowd. He said to the guard " stop, let go of her. I know her, She's from Los Angeles." I said thank you Elton, I just wanted to say hi. Didn't ask for a photo this time. I said "you recognize me?". I'm a blonde now. He said, "of course, you're Sophiah". I asked him if liked being blond and he answered, "of course darling, blond's have more fun". All my friends were so like, wow, how come we couldn't get to him etc...

I went to NY for one of Sting's benefits and we waited outside for him to come in and then later go to the show. When he came out of the car, he said hi to me and posed with me. That picture is on my facebook. I have on long white sweater and he was in green. After he went inside, the guards said, "I never saw Elton stop for anybody waiting outside, he must'/must've liked you". After John Lennon got shot, he didn't like being stopped in NY.

Back to London, forgot to mention that after his show, there were 3 people waiting for him to leave, it was late for us 3 to be there. Princes Diane comes out and we call out her name and wave and she waved back and said "hello". Then Elton comes out and he walks in the cold all the way to the fence to sign the autographs. I got from one of the roadies this huge cardboard of Elton's face down to his shoulders, and Elton signed it... I read his Palm too. I said he'll have a long life and he said "oh good, the rate I'm going"

:-O

Lots of experiences like this.. maybe I can have a book just on them. The best one was at the Forum in LA. I went all 3 nights and brought him flowers all nights. On the 3rd night, I went to the stage and this HUGE guard over, 6 feet grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist. I grabbed the edge of the stage and he was almost lifting me off the ground. I was screaming Elton, Elton help me... This was when he was using that small piano center stage, all of a sudden you hear the music go from LOUD to drowning out to nothing. Elton stopped playing in the middle of his song and his whole band stopped to. Elton comes from around the piano to the front of the edge of the stage and yells at the guard. "You leave her alone, she's been coming to my shows everynight and bringing me flowers you bitch". Then he turns to another guard and says "tell him to leave!". As the guard is walking to the side and away, Elton follows him on stage to make sure he leaves.. The audience APPLAUDS... I say thank you... and he smiled. After the show, a lady comes up to me and says, I never saw Elton, ever, never stop in the middle of a show to protect a fan. She said she recorded it too..she took my address and mailed it to me... I have it somewhere, I need to find it and see if I can put it on a cd now... it was on tape.

He's let me in a party in NY... He's always been nice, I was told by his security that Elton said I can come in but not to bother any guests that were behind the red ribbon... I better get to the next question...

You’re an actress but also a director, writer, producer. You know an Elton John biopic is planned, due to be released on a next time. Written by Lee Hall, the film will document the ups and downs of Elton’s life and career, through fantastical musical sequences. But can you make a film and say what the man is about? What could depend the success of a film like this?

If a documentary is being made about Elton, I hope Elton has his say in it. To make a movie of his life, I would want it to be true to what he lived, I think that is what will make it interesting and successful.

What do you think of Bernie as a lyric writer? And which one of Bernie Taupin’s songs would inspired you to make a story for a film project?

I love Bernie Taupin's lyrics, they are so picture perfect with a story. The song, THIS TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE inspired my to write a whole scene in my movie DISAPPEARING BAKERSFIELD. I wanted that song but the cost would be to much but because of that song, in my imagination I wrote this great scene that I love for the movie. I met him for the first time years ago when I worked at a movie theater, he came to the cash window and asked if I can make change for a dollar so he can use the phone.. no cells ha ha.. I was so shocked. I gave him the change. He was so handsome and recently for the Leon Russell show with Elton, I got into rehearsal from a roadie and I got his autograph for a friend from facebook who is a huge fan of them both who lost his dog so I asked Bernie if he would sign his name for this person to cheer him up and he did.

How do you value the experience about the movies you directed “Disappearing Bakersfield” and “The Lady and the Taxi Driver”? You have been in all crew positions I see, but in which you feel more realized?

I value the filmmaking process because of the imagination it brings up and to make it a reality is great. I was into acting first but my type is not straight so I started to write for my personality. It all goes king of together. I like to produce for the fact you have the say, although I don't like the paper work. I love to see how all the actors bring the words to life and bring their ideas too.. I enjoy being in the editing room and steering the editor in the direction the movie should feel a lot... it feels like it comes to life.. I like those moments.

Ok! You know that’s the Month of Dolls, toys, dummys, etc. related to Elton, obviuosly. We have seen Elton in felt, paper, as a bobble, a mask, as a wax figure, as a lego recreation, and in chocolate. Maybe it could be an Elton doll, but if not, 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?

One of my favorite items from Elton was half of his piano stool. At his show, he broke it up and was giving it away by throwing it to the audience. I asked for a piece and he put it directly into my hands and a girl from behind me grabbed it! I started to cry, Elton, she took my piano stool. He went and asked his roadie for a whole new piano seat and broke it in half on stage and gave it to me very carefully. I love the cardboard, which stands about 3 feet that he signed in London that I carried on the plane in my hands back home. I love a personal thank you letter he sent to me from Australia when I sent him about 2 good get well cards when he had through surgery. I sent so many thinking, so many people would, that I wanted to make sure, he'll get mine. He wrote in the card "Thanks for all of you cards, love Elton". I was shocked, it came to me like 6 months after it was post marked.

What other projects have you become involved with? And what are your future goals?

I volunteer for the LA Greek film festival, I am writing another screenplay about a dog. I have a long short that is ready to be edited. I have two other ideas for screenplays. This man approached me to help him produce his life story. My goals are to make enough money where I can finance my own projects.

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

5 top favorites. wow. LOVE LIES BLEEDING, ROCKET MAN, YOU GOTTA LOVE SOMEONE, NIKITA, GOODBYE NORMA JEAN TINY DANCER...TICKING, It's hard to name 5..

Hahahaha I know, I know ;-) Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

Suggestions for fans of Elton, I would like to say, there are still more stories meeting him and having to talk to him... I think the reason he stuck up for me and or let me stay at his parities, is that, I am not aggressive, I'm polite, then I leave. I met a girl who was angry that I met him... there were a group of fans talking after a show. This girl told us how she JUMPED THE STAGE once (I remembered her when she told me the story) and tried to grab his privates! I remember Elton pulling his body away from her hands as she kept trying like they were going in a circles. The guards finally caught her but he must've remembered. That is so rude and gross... Elton is very friendly, very funny, gives out autographs if you asked... he says now, now that he is sober, he really appreciates the support of people who've been buying his music and he sees them from the stage too.

Sophiah, I would like to thank you for your kindness and for the time we spent here. It was really an honour to have you. I will never forget that experience. As Jack Rabbit says: Eltonites' have talent, and you have. My best wishes.

Pictures courtesy of Sophiah Ko'i'kas

Kay Petal's Interview: The Art In Her Hands

2011-11-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Absolutely impressed!!! First time Jack Rabbit saw a needle felted caricature doll by her, he was pleasently surprised! He discovered it by chance on the internet while searching for interesting things related to Elton. The creations are so real, they've got their own life. Well, after that, Old Rabbit determined not to throw away his old wool sweaters anymore: they could be so useful, specially if you had the ability. You don't, Rabbit, sorry. But she does. She's a genuine person, a really great person to chat with, an amazing eltonite, with a positive view of life, and she's so so talented. So, please, everybody get up, because the doors of AllSongsList are all wide open to receive, from Alaska, the fantastic and incredible: Kay Petal!!!!!

Thank you for the acceptation, Kay, it’s really an honour to have you here. Which are your most beautiful memories of your childhood? How it was growing up in Alaska?

Thank you Miquel – I’m honored you asked to interview me. Growing up in such a beautiful place as Alaska has left me with so many memories - My very first recollection of my childhood was the day my family moved to Alaska. I vividly recall the moment the small sea plane touched down on the water in Ketchikan harbor. My dad was an avid outdoorsman and our fishing trips first made me notice the splendor of nature and realize that I was very lucky to have such a place for a playground.

That sounds beatifully. “I was the crafty sister with stacks of craft magazines in my room at a young age”, you said. Was it that so?

That was me - I dreamed of someday being so clever as some of the craft designers in the magazines. My nickname was Holly Hobby. I dabbled in so many things my whole life and finally found “it” in the craft of needle felting 6 years ago. And that craft led me to discover my artistic abilities that I never knew I had.

So, when did you discover what to do with your old wool sweaters? And who was your biggest influence?

Living in a cold climate means lots of warm, wool sweaters. But many that had been accidentally thrown in the washing machine, never to be worn again because they had shrunk so much and the wool turned into thick felt. In looking for ways to turn some of my shrunken favorites into something crafty, I discovered handy little tools called barbed felting needles. I learned that I didn't even need sweaters to make cool stuff - I could start with fluffy, un-spun wool and make it look like real people using only these barbed needles.

My biggest influence has been a fiber artist from Denmark. Birgitte Krag Hansen pioneered the craft of sculptural needle felting in the 1980s and her work is magical. Just after purchasing one of her books, I learned she was traveling to Alaska to teach needle felting workshops. What I learned from Birgitte was more than techniques, it was as though a magician had revealed the secrets to me.

Marvellous! Have you ever give one of your needle felted character to his real replica and, in case, what it was his/her reaction?

I have given several of my caricatures to their real counterparts - the most fun was the doll I made for John 'Rabbit' Brundrick, the keyboard player for The Who. His wife told me that Rab was like a little kid when his doll arrived early in the morning. I had dressed li'l Rab in a red & black western style shirt so Rab dug through his closet to find his matching shirt to pose for a photo with his doll. Each time I see the photo I smile because I can see the collar of his pajamas peeking out from the red shirt. As a special thank-you, Rab sent me some of his original songs and some video footage he filmed while performing during live Who concerts. As a long-time fan of The Who, this was pretty exciting.

And most recently, a funny video clip of my li'l Conan O'Brien doll appeared on the Conan O'Brien show. A rep from the show told me Conan LOVED it. The reactions are always fun!

So nice, Kay. You couldn’t forget Elton. How difficult it was to do his caricature art doll and how you get the inspiration to do it?

My Li'l Elton was one of my early caricatures. I grew up watching Elton on TV and his flamboyant costumes and funny glasses stand out in my head very much. Elton was a the top of my list the moment I realized I could make dolls that resembled real people. I enjoyed endless hours of Elton John music as Elton's colorful personality emerged from the wool. I think I captured the humorous Elton that doesn't take himself too seriously.

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

I remember distinctly becoming a fan in the early '70s. I was only 8 when I picked up an Elton John/Bernie Taupin songbook at a friend's house - the words and pictures fascinated me long before I ever heard any of the music. Besides what little I heard on the radio and occasionally on tv, it wasn't until my older sister brought home the Captain Fantastic LP did I finally get to really listen to the magic. And now, in this age of YouTube, I especially like watching his earliest performances. The 'purchase on itunes' option on the videos is a handy way to collect his music.

What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him, get a signed autograph or even, speak with him or with other member of his band?

Sadly, I have never even seen Elton in concert or had any opportunity to have any sort of contact with Elton or his band members. Elton traveled to Alaska several years ago for concerts but the tickets sold out in minutes. I don't know who was more disappointed me or my Li'l Elton - he wanted to go hear Big Elton so badly!

Hahaha. And which is your Elton´s item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you´ve got to have it?

It would have to be my li'l Elton Doll - many people have contacted me to purchase it and the answer is always “sorry, no, he’s not for sale” there is no way to put a price on his head. I believe the only one that could ever get it is Elton himself - and for him there would be no price!

Understandable. Felt alive. I really like the name, and I truly recommend your website, of course, with beatiful pictures of your creations. What more we could find there? And what we have to do if we wanted to buy some needle felted dolls?

Thank you, Miquel. I have fun with my dolls and I think my website shows that I don't take myself too seriously when it comes to my art. The videos of my dolls in action demonstrate how hilarious and lifelike they are. And I do take custom orders for dolls on occasion. I can be contacted through my website - www.feltalive.com

How many replicas you have in your collection? And which ones you have in mind to do?

You know, I’ve never counted them - perhaps 25 or so. My list is long of people to bring to life in wool. Musicians are especially fun as I immerse myself in their music while I'm working. Creating Li’l Elton was most enjoyable! Some of my plans include The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and my nephew keeps requesting Biggie and Tupac; but really, the list goes on and on.

Once you said: “My sense of humor drives my creativity”. How important is not to loose humour in life?

For me it would mean to lose my ability to cope with the stress of life. Humor is a driving force behind my work - my dolls are silly and unusual and they make me laugh. The reward is even greater when they make other people laugh.

Sure. Kay, what are your other interests? What do you like to do with your off time?

We are currently traveling/living full-time in an rv and are having fun exploring strange, new places outside of Alaska.

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

Someone Saved My Life Tonight
High Flying Bird
Daniel
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Levon
(stopping at 5....it’s tough...)

Hahahaha, thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to eltonites?

First of all – Thanks Miquel for all you do keeping us informed about our favorite living legend! And to the Eltonites - Thanks for your interest in my needle felting and my Li’l Elton caricature doll. My hope was to capture Elton John’s endearing, playful side and I hope the li’l guy makes you smile.

For sure, Kay. Well, Eltonites, that's another part of Jack Rabbit's tour around the world. I would like to express my gratitude to Kay Petal for her kindness and for sharin' her time with us. Kay, it was really an honour to have you here. I am sure Eltonites appreciate your interest and the love you put in your creations. For me, that was one of the best experiences of my eltonites live. Keep on with your beautiful artwork, and a big hug for you. Thank you very much for everything.

Pictures courtesy of Kay Petal

Dolls and Recreations: Pieces Of Art

2011-11-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

In Europe and America there's a real boom for collecting dolls. We could find: unique dolls, an expensive and single copy; also what's called the classical china copies, limited editions where after making the specified number of figures form for casting solemnly broken in front of witnesses; and the textile dolls. Precisely, in recent years become popular doll replicates. They are pieces of art. Fortunetely, Elton doesn't escape this trend. A variety of artists, amateurs or professionals, have developed their own creations. Jack Rabbit has made a journey around the world looking for those most remarkable recreations. Here are some examples.

Yaboom was a toy company that produced only celebrity musical toys. The Elton John limited edition celebrity was manufactured by Yaboom Toys in 1999. The plastic incarnation of Elton stands at 11" tall and sings "Crocodile Rock" version. Cartridge refills were made available and included Rocket Man and Daniel. A button on the doll’s stomach is pushed for it to sing. Yaboom made 5 different models of this talking doll: Elton in a red suit; Elton in an off white suite with red roses; Elton all in black with a sparkle jacket; Elton with a yellow jacket with black pants and Elton in black and white suit. Proceeds from the sales of the doll went to his aids foundation.

Elton started his BobbleHead industry in 2003, a collection made by Bobble Dobble. The multi-color Elton John bobble-head stands approx 7-8 inches tall and most of these were sold exclusively at the Elton John Store, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas during Elton's "Red Piano" appearances. We had the following figures: the Pinball Wizard with the iconic pair of boots and the unforgettable moment in the rock opera, "Tommy"; The Captain Fantastic, flying away on his magical piano, like the original 1975 album cover; Elton on his green boa; Elton with his flamboyant piano hat costume he wore on September 13, 1980 in New York City; Elton with the straw skimmer hat he wore in the 1983-84 period; and, finally the pink jacket he wore on his 50th show in his favourite place, MSG New York. One bobble head doll preceed the ones listed above. The 5 1/2" tall doll found Elton in his Dodger baseball outfit from the huge Dodger Stadium concert in 1975, the place where Elton played two sold-out concerts.

"I just can't get enough of bringing a real person to life in wool" explains Kay Petal, about their wide collection of li'l' dolls. Her specialty is in caricature art dolls, needle felted wool dolls. An average 12" Felt Alive Doll usually weighs between 3-5 oz, this is without the use of wire armatures. Some of her earliest pieces were recognized with honors in the Alaska State Fair with the rendition of Albert Einstein winning Best in Show in the Fleece and Fiber Dept. That was unbelievable since she had only started felting earlier that year: "I never knew I was artistic until I discovered needle felting", she likes to explain.

Un Món de Feltre is another way to work with felt, and it could be adapted to different type of products: brooches, keychains, magnets and what they call "Papirrachus", the personalized felt dolls. Vanessa and Tania, the creators, began with some of the best known celebrities as the Beatles, Elvis or Marilyn and, gradually, they extended the replicas to a vast collection of dolls: "We like to have characters which can be different and people continue to recognize who they are", they said.

Released in Argentina, this figurine doll by Eitileda has enjoyed a good reputation for a good quality, considerate service and reasonable price! 2.75" tall (7 cms), this miniature is made in solid resin, it's hand made in hand painted polymeric resin (colors might slightly vary from picture).

Celebrity and historical figures find a second life in these paper miniatures by people too, the collaborative efforts of russian designers Alexei Lyapunov and Lena Ehrlich. Using a range of knives, scissors, tweezers, and other tools on wire and a combination of construction and specialty papers, the team creates not only miniature furniture and figures but also entire sets for the pieces.

'Music Royalty', the Mickey Mouse statuette, was designed by Elton John. Disney had a contest of sorts and asked many celebrities to design a themed Mickey Mouse. The originals were about 6 feet tall. They all toured the country and were sold for charity. Elton John's Mickey Mouse fetched the highest of all, $62,400! Sotheby's and The Walt Disney Company concluded the celebration of Mickey Mouse's 75th anniversary by auctioning 75 statues of Mickey Mouse designed by popular celebrities and Disney legends. TivoliToo, a Minnesota-based design and sculpting studio, transformed the remaining statues for each artist.

The Magnetic Rocket by Janod is made up of 6 brightly coloured pieces that stack up and connect together by magnets. With has a moving propeller and a removable space man, little ones can slot together the tactile wooden pieces of this beautiful flying machine and zoom off in to outer space. It was presented to Elton and David and gave the toy for their son, Zachary.

In honor of Elton's visit to the Green Mountain State, Essex Junction, a one-of-a-kind Sir Elton John Vermont Teddy Bear was created for the rock ‘n’ roll legend and presented to him.

Dirk Denoyelle: Just Like Belgium

2011-11-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dirk Denoyelle is an amazing voice imitator, a singer, who has a Masters Degree in Electronics Engineering. Born in Roeselare, West Flanders, Belgium, in 1964, he is probably the most versatile comedian in Europe. Very soon his incredible voice talents were discovered by national radio and TV.

Also he is a well-known speaker. What most surprised is his ability to turn a boring seminar into an interesting event: "Dirk Denoyelle listens to what the other speakers have to say, and immediately gives his funny comments. After every speaker" explained the website. "Dirk Denoyelle also makes sure to also pass your message. And because your message was repeated in a humoristic way, it sticks to the audience". No worries for languages: he's able to speak in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish and Danish, and would not get lost in a few more. More than this, he also performs at a conference dinner or a client event. In these cases he makes a show together with his keyboard player Kris De Jean. Two CD's with his work were published, with the best songs and sketches of the 6 theatre shows he has written and played so far.

Dirk is also one of 13 LEGO certified Professionals in the world: "In my life, there have been three different LEGO episodes: from age 7 till 18, enjoying LEGO as a kid, building cities, cities and.. cities. From 34 til 43, picking up LEGO as a hobby again, and building heads of famous people: they were kind of a publicity stunt for my theatre work. And then, early 2009, I turned the hobby into a profession and became an LCP" he likes to explain. Lego came to be called from the Danish phrase leg godt, which means "play-well". The Lego Group began in the workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter from Billund, Denmark, who began making wooden toys in 1932. The LEGO Group's motto is det bedste er ikke for godt which means roughly "only the best is good enough" (more literally "the best is never too good"), and it was created by Ole Kirk to encourage his employees never to skimp on quality, a value he believed in strongly. So as Dirk. His goal is to do a tour of museums in Europe and show not only his heads, but also his buildings, including the Ghent towers (currently on display in the Zebrastraat’s STAM museum) and two-dimensional mosaics.

Finally, here's a great video about the art of buildin':

pictures courtesy of Dirk Denoyelle

Buildin' Elton: Dirk Denoyelle's Heads

2011-11-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

Absolutely impressed!!! When I was younger, so much younger than today, I used to play with my Lego brick pieces. A house, a car, a robot. I never could imagine that, with those pieces, somebody could build Elton (not me, obviously). An Elton's portrait, that's amazing! When I knew about his work, I sent Jack Rabbit to Belgium to interview him. And we found more than a Lego master: an absolute talent, well known for Belgian audiences of course, and for other parts of Europe as well. I was fascinated about what this man could do, so I invite he. Please, ladies and gentlemen, everybody on his feet to receive the one and only, the fantastic... Dirk Denoyelle!!!!

Thanks so much for the acceptation, it's an honour to have you here, Dirk. Could you tell us a little bit about how one becomes a Lego Builder?

Becoming a LEGO builder is quite easy. You just buy LEGO, and start building. Becoming professional is the same, but then you have to manage to sell what you have built. If you want to become a LEGO Certified Professional, you have to match a set of criteria, like having an established business (not just a hobby), be willing to comply to LEGO rules (we are not allowed to build for alcoholic beverages companies, religion, pharmacy, etc..., we pay a fee, we have meetings...) and have a proven track record of quality. There is a sort of jury, and so on...

Right. What are some of the things that help you be a Lego Builder? Patiente could it be one of those.

If you want to be a good LEGO builder, you need good 3D insight, eye for detail and quite a dose of creativity. Because in the real world, edges are smooth. In the LEGO world, you kind of digitalize to the level of a LEGO element. You also sort of need to have the complete catalog of LEGO elements in your head, and then use those in order to get as close to the real thing as you can. But you can even go further: there is no need to try and copy reality. You should allow yourself to think beyond reality, and compose your own thoughts, materialize your ideas into LEGO. That's probably where art starts :-)

And why portraits?

Because in my first life, I am/was a voice imitator. My theatre shows were - and for some part still are - based on my ability to imitate voices. If I use other people to ventilate my thoughts on stage, it's a next step to also build these other people in LEGO. That was the start. Today my focus on portraits is probably also business driven. I'm one of the very, very few to do this; and that means I have a huge market :-)

That’s perfect! But which is your way to proceed to do those artworks? I mean, you made sketches first, take pictures?

I always start with pictures. In 2D, for the mosaics, the picture I receive from the client is the basis for the mosaic. I may add a fish if the guy likes fishing, or a pair of shoes if the girl loves shoes, but that's about it. With 3D heads, I need a good frontal view and a good side view. Preferably from all sides, as nobody's symmetric. And then it's kind of just building. From the bottom to the top. There's a video on http://www.amazings.eu explaining the process.

Absolutely brilliant!! Could we define you as an Eltonite, Dirk? In case, what fascinates you most about Elton John?

I had never heard the word "Eltonite" before, but I guess I AM a huge fan. Many times I've wondered if I would use my status as a Belgian Celebrity (well, I'm not verrry famous, but famous enough) to get myself a backstage pass for his shows when he's in the country. I'm just too afraid that talking to Elton in person would not meet the high expectations I have. I mean: to me he is the best combination of songs, pianoplaying and singing I know. With Simon and Garfunkel as a close second and Billy Joel being a nice third. I've always wanted to do an Elton John parody in my shows. But I'm not even nearly good enough. I took piano lessons for 2 years, and then managed to play "Your song" reasonably well. To then realize that I can't reach his voice. So yes, I am an eltonite !

Hahahaha First time I heard this word was from Jack Rabbit’s mouth almost 20 years ago. Well, how difficult it was to portrait Elton? And how many lego portraits of him you have made?

He was quite easy, as it happens. The only difficult bit was the little gap between his teeth. That's a distance of half a brick exactly in the middle of his face. That is pretty much NOT LEGO. But with some very complicated building inside, I managed to get it done without "cheating". I mean, I could have just glued the bricks in place. But I didn't.

Fine!!!! What's your longest project that you've taken to completion? What was your longest build?

Well, that depends on how you define a project. Back in 2000 I built 25 LEGO heads for an exhibit to celebrate my 10th anniversary on stage. That took me 9 months or so. I'm now building a series of 40 heads for a client (Kloen vzw, a hospital clown charity). I have about 4 years to do that. But otherstuff is done in the meantime. I think the project I'm completing this week is the largest so far. Took about 9 months as well, involves about 500.000 bricks - I think - and 550 hours. It's a replica of an event/living complex in Ghent, called "Zebrastraat" (they have a website as well).

One of the flemish best-known comedians. Also an imitator, singer, speaker. First it comes to my hear is where you find the time to do everything. Then, how amazing is to see how an event, conference or congress could turn with your touch. To this hard days we're living, humour could be the best way to communicate?

Well, there's a few answers to this. First: finding time is indeed the tough part. I think I run two full time jobs these days. On the other hand, I have 3 assistants for the LEGO, working on self employed basis whenever things get too busy. And for the comedy I have a very good team of technicians, management and keyboardplayer.

Humour is always a good way to communicate. In fact, a lot of times I'm hired by multinational companies because they want to deliver messages. And they know that hiring a comedian, one that can put a new perspective to their content, will facilitate that process.

About the hard times: I was born in 1964. By the time I got conscient about the ‘outside world’, we were in the seventies. Oil crisis. When I graduated (as an engineer), it was hard to find a job, even for engineers. I have not known any period in my life when people said "today there is no crisis". Of course we are in hard times today. But what I mean is: we are ALWAYS in hard times. The only way out, is to take matters in your own hands, and find your own way out of the hard times. I found a line of work in which there is hardly any competition. And very much fun to do as well. I know I am very lucky :-)

Yes, you are, and you have reason in what you’re saying, Dirk. I am wondering about how many people are on your list of imitations?

Wow, that's a tough one. A few years back, I counted them and got to about 200. But as I perform more and more internationally, the importance of voice imitation in my shows is getting less. There just are not very many people that EVERYBODY all over the world really knows. Or knows what they sound like. Some singers, maybe. But I watch other TV series then you do. Listen to other music (except for Elton !), watch other movies, sports people don't talk lot... So I imitate accents more than people, when performing internationally.

My God, that’s awesome! Well, Eltonites, are you looking for a special present for your partner ? A special company logo? You could order on his blogsite. I really love your website, Dirk, specially the Exhibition part. That's on www.amazings.eu . What else we could find there?

It's a catalog of every line of LEGO art I make: 3D heads, mosaics, replicas of buildings. There are some movies, I explain the LEGO team building concept. And there are some special things I made "on the side".

Any other information you'd like to share with Eltonites?

Well, if I ever do meet Elton: what are the questions I should ask him, and which should I not. Just not to make a fool out of myself ... And people who want to know more about my performing: http://www.dirkdenoyelle.com and (archive) www.dirkdenoyellefansite.be

Well, that's the big question every Eltonite is asking himself, Dirk ;-) Eltonites, I do recommend those websites, of course. Well, Dirk, I have no words enough to thank you for being my guest. It was such a priviledge to have you here.

Elton's Losses: Blues Never Fade Away (& III)

2011-10-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

Gianni Versace
02/12/1946 - 15/07/1997

One of the most innovative fashion designers of the 20th century, and known for his glamorous styles. He has also created stage costumes for such pop performers as Elton John, Madonna and George Michael. Versace was shot in front of his Miami Beach, Florida home by Andrew Cunanan, who had crossed the U.S. on a killing spree. Elton sat next to Princess Diana at Gianni Versace's funeral: "It was a very emotional day for me, because Gianni and I were extremely close. As soon as I saw her, I breathed a sigh of relief, even though I was with David, who's my partner. And we were like, "Oh, God, thank God you're here," you know? When I started crying, she put her arm around me and she comforted me". Elton dedicated "Abide With Me" and "Live Like Horses" to his friend.

George Harrison
25/02/1943 - 29/11/2001

Harrison was a fluent, inventive and highly accomplished rhythm and lead guitarist of The Beatles. All Things Must Pass and the accompanying single "My Sweet Lord" had the distinction of being the first solo recordings by any of the Beatles to top the charts following their breakup. In 1997 Harrison was diagnosed with cancer and had throat surgery; he finally died years later at a friends home in Los Angeles. Elton explained that when he first came to the U.S., and his self-titled album was No. 18 on the charts, Harrison sent him a congratulatory telegram: "I've never forgotten that gesture. It was such a mind-blowing gesture," he said. He then dedicated a performance of "Your Song" to Harrison "for all the wonderful music he's given us over the years. Wherever you are, George, be happy. God bless you."

Gus Dudgeon
30/09/1942 - 22/07/2002

Dudgeon was an essential part of Elton's team on a dozen albums, seven of which reached No. 1 in the U.S. He had worked in the 1960s as an engineer for several major British acts of that decade, including the Rolling Stones, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, David Bowie or the Moody Blues. Gus and his wife, Sheila, were tragically killed when their Jaguar XK8 veered off the M4 motorway while they were driving home. Speaking at Dudgeon's funeral, Elton described his friend and former mentor as the "the greatest producer of a generation". His moving tribute gave way to tears when his song "High Flying Bird", which Dudgeon had produced, was played out to the packed church. A note attached on a bouquet of white lillies from Elton read: "Thank you for the glorious times. May you be in Heaven together forever, love Elton."

Guy Babylon
20/12/1956 - 02/09/2009

Guy's first performance with Elton was for a benefit at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in July 1988, and his first world tour as part of the Elton John Band began two months later in Miami, Florida. Guy became lead keyboardist on May 26, 1992. He died of a heart attack while swimming in the pool. Elton, who was unable to attend Guy's funeral, posted on his Web site a tribute to his longtime music colleague and friend: "I am devastated and heartbroken at the death of Guy Babylon. He was one of the most brilliant musicians I have ever knew, a true genius, a gentle angel - and I loved him so much," he wrote. In Naples, Italy, Elton dedicated the whole show to Guy's memory: "This has been the saddest week in my life. The keyboard player in my band, Guy Babylon, died last week. I want to dedicate this show to him. I love him so much! This is the saddest thing in my life".

Robert Key
13/08/1947 - 15/10/2009

In the mid-1970s he joined Rocket Records, co-ordinating all the star's record releases and personal appearances. For many years he managed Sir Elton's households in London, Windsor and Nice, overseeing extensive building projects. He was appointed director of the Elton John Aids Foundation in Britain in 1993. Under Key's direction money has been provided for more than 500 programmes in Africa, Asia, South America and eastern Europe. Robert Key died of myelofibrosis following a bone-marrow transplant. "Robert's vision and commitment to the fight against AIDS inspired me to establish the Foundation" wrote Elton, "He will be deeply missed but felt everywhere in our goals and our achievements. Robert, we love you".

Elton's Losses: Blues Never Fade Away (II)

2011-10-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Lady Diana Spencer
01/07/1961 - 31/08/1997

Diana Spencer was a direct descendant of King Charles II who married Prince Charles, becoming the Princess Of Wales. The Royal Wedding, which took place on 29 July 1981 in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, was attended by 3,500 guests. Known for her high profile charity work, Diana was the first celebrity to be photographed touching a person with the HIV virus. "A feeling of love for people, compassion, humor, sadness. She could connect with everybody. She made everyone feel special" related Elton to Barbara Walter's TV Show, short after her death. The black Mercedes S-280 bearing the Princess and her party, Dodi Al-Fayed had an accident in the Seine Tunnel, near the Eiffel Tower, Paris. Elton reworked his hit song "Candle In The Wind" into "Goodbye England's Rose" when he sang it at Diana's funeral, the "People's Princess" she became known.

Daniel Pearl
10/10/1963 - 21/02/2002

The Wall Street Journal reporter was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in early 2002, just four months after 9/11. Pearl uncovered that the U.S. had mistakenly bombed a Sudanese pharmaceutical plant, believing it to be a weapons factory. Later, he broke the story of Al Qaeda's money laundering through the Tanzanite gem market. Danny's family and friends established the Daniel Pearl Foundation to carry on his legacy, using music and words to address the root causes of the hatred that took his life. "He was exceedingly brave, was one of these journalists from the media that put their life on the line to bring you the truth" said Elton before dedicated "Daniel" to Pearl.

Luciano Pavarotti
12/10/1935 - 06/09/2007

The famous italian tenor, also ventured into popular music, became one of the most succesful operatic tenors of all time. Pavarotti reached out to millions of viewers with his solo concerts, operas performances or charity shows to benefit children. He died at his home in Modena, northern Italy, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006. Elton John said it was "a sad day for music, and a sad day for the world". “The Bridge” was dedicated in the memory of “A Dear Friend Luciano Pavarotti” as Elton expressed it on his concert in Vevey, Swirzerland.

Michael Jackson
29/08/1958 - 25/06/2009

He started his career by becoming the lead singer of the band Jackson 5, before becoming the King Of Pop. "Thriller", released in 1982, was the largest selling album of all time, with over fifty million copies sold worldwide, and the it had seven hits. Elton described Jackson as "charming, sweet, lovely but damaged" and explained his experience: "He came down here and we closed all the curtains and had lunch. He said it was the first time he'd sat down and had a meal with people for 10 years. He would always eat on his own," he revealed to the Telegraph. He died of acute propofol intoxication after he suffered cardiac arrest. Elton performed a rendition of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", at his White Tie and Tiara ball, when he learnt of Michael Jackson's death

Elizabeth Taylor
27/02/1932 - 23/03/2011

Renowned for her legendary beauty and startling violet eyes, she had mesmerized audiences as much with her private life as with her dramatic performances on the silver screen, with a career spanning six decades. "She earned our adoration for her stunning beauty and for being the very essence of glamorous movie stardom. And she earned our enduring love and respect for her compassion and her courage in standing up and speaking out about AIDS when others preferred to bury their heads in the sand" said Elton on The AIDS Foundation's statement. She died of congestive heart failure. Elton attended a private memorial service and sang "Blue Eyes".

Elton's Losses: Blues Never Fade Away (I)

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Marc Bolan
30/09/1947 - 16/09/1977

Founder of underground group Tyrannosaurus Rex, he was at the forefront of the Glam Rock era. At first, they were not get along very well because Elton made some rather critical remarks concerning Bolan's music and days later was unceremoniously cornered on the street by Marc who first gave him a tongue lashing and then invited him over to his house. Bolan was killed when a purple Mini Clubman 1275GT driven by his girlfriend Gloria Jones hit a tree. Mourners at his funeral at Golders Green Crematorium included Rod Stewart, Elton John and David Bowie. Flowers and wreaths were sent from Keith Moon, Gary Glitter and Cliff Richard. "I'm Going To Be A Teenage Idol" was inspired and a tribute to Bolan.

John Lennon
09/10/1940 - 08/12/1980

John Lennon was an English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles, along with his long-time friend Paul McCartney. Lennon was shot by a deranged fan in front of his apartment complex in New York. "I was in Australia" explained Elton, "we went to the cathedral in Melbourne at the same time they had the vigil in New York. We sang hymns and we cried. It was an astonishing time. John really touched my soul." Elton wrote The Man Who Never Died and Empty Garden as a tribute to him.

Ryan White
06/12/1971 - 08/04/1990

Ryan White acquired HIV/AIDS from a routine blood transfusion in treatment of his hemophilia. After facing discrimination and eventually losing his battle against the newly discovered infliction, his legacy remains an important lesson about humanity and the mistakes people can make when they are ill-informed. Elton, who had maintained a bedside vigil during Ryan's final week, led the congregation in singing a hymn, accompanied himself as he sang his "Skyline Pigeon" then served as a pallbearer. "You never blamed anyone for the illness that ravaged your body or the torment and stigma you endured" wrote Elton on a posthumous letter on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Freddie Mercury
05/09/1946 - 11/24/1991

Fronted by Mercury, Queen went on to sell more than 300 million albums internationally, and he composed songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Somebody to Love" or "We Are the Champions". Freddie was the first major rock star to die of the disease. "The year that he died, at Christmas, someone gave me this parcel wrapped in a beautiful pilowcase and inside was a Henry Scott Tuke watercolour ("The Bathers") and it said: Dear Sharon, Thought you'd love this! Melina X", remembered Elton, "it was one of the most touching things anyone's ever done for me". At his funeral, Elton joined the mourners who bid farewell to Freddie. Elton dedicated to him The Show Must Go On in his 1992 live tour.

Dee Murray
03/04/1946 - 15/01/1992

Before joining Elton John, Murray, and drummer Nigel Olsson, were members of the Spencer Davis Group in 1968 before joining Elton John as his road sidemen in 1970. In 1975, Dee was fired from the band because Elton wanted to achieve a different sound. In the late Eighties, Dee moved to Nashville, where he embarked upon a career in the country music scene. Diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter, he died of a stroke. "Dee Murray has made huge musical and personal contributions to my life," John said in a statement. He dedicated "That's What Friends Are For" to Dee on a two dates special shows to raise money for his wife and children.

Happy Birthday, Ben Babylon!!!!

2011-10-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

"She packed my bags last night pre-flight / Zero hours nine a.m. / and I am gonna be high as a kite by then", Jack Rabbit's whispering. Long journey today to the stars. Explain us the purpose of this tour along, basically, UK and US. I guess you have special guests with you, tonight. Ahh! Ok! It's Ben Babylon's Birthday and you have some people wanting to share time with him. That's ok, Rabbit! And also there's the release of the first single of the album. Wow!! We're ready for what you got.!!!

John Jorgenson
Liverpool, UK

Currently touring UK with his band. After a few gigs in Scotland, he performed a benefit concert in Stockport for his friend Stuart Fraser Thompson's Memorial Foundation, who passed away earlier this year. Andy MacKenzie featured and played a few gypsy jazz duets with him. Wednesday night playing in Liverpool, then Friday in Milton Keynes and finally back to the US on Saturday. Hi John, I am sure you know about the release of Ben Babyon's new album, early next year.

"I am already very proud of Ben, as his father is, for the way he is going for his music! To be this driven and accomplished at such a young age bodes well for a very good future. I look forward to seeing Ben develop as an artist and performer, and I think I speak for the many fans and supporters that he already has! Bravo Ben!"

Kiki Dee
Derbyshire, UK

Tourin' with Carmelo Luggeri in Europe. Since they first started working together 9 years ago, Carmelo and Kiki have been on a journey that has not only resulted in beautiful music that speaks straight to the heart, but also on a road of growing and learning for the guitarist and vocalist. They are equally at home doing an acoustic arrangement of a known song or experimenting with Indian drones and tablas. Also, the Fontana Years has been released featuring Kiki's first recordings from the 60's on CD for the first time from the 60's on CD for the first time. You know about Ben, right?

"I realize he is Guys son and I am wishing Ben all the very best with his music and Love and happiness in his future".

Charlie Morgan
Nashville, Tennessee

Still with playing regular shows with Orleans, and the Rock & Pop Masters (RPM). RPM visited Iraq/Kuwait last year, playing 5 gigs for the troops. His studio, in the Nashville house, is going strong: since the succesful album with mexican Manuel Mijares, a number of Latin artists have asked to do the same treatment for them. Also he'd developed a drum game "App" for the iPhone and iPad: Drums Challenge.

"Ben, I know you are embarking on your first major album project. This is both exciting and probably a little nerve wracking! I just wanted to wish you "good luck" - have fun, put your heart into it (as I know you will), and if you need any help or advice, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Natalie Jackson aka Kudisan Kai
Boston, Massachusets

The range of artists with whom Kudisan includes Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Joe Cocker, Saliva, Mary J. Blige, and Powerman 5000. She can be heard in a host of television and radio commercials, as well as movies like Dreamworks El Dorado, Disney's Dinosaurs, Ali, and John Singletons Dark Blue, working with top-rated music producers such as James Newton Howard, John Powell and others. Kudisan, who also teaches in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music, had released her own Hard Rock EP entitled Confessions.

"I am really excited for Ben's first debut album. He is truly a gifted musician. I can hear Elton and his dad's influences throughout his artistry. His message is powerful and I think he is destined to becoming a true star".

Kathryn Keats
California

She continues to write and record and is completing a new CD she is co writing with producer, Narada Michael Walden. Keats has created a theatrical concert playing such well-known venues as Yoshi’s Jazz Club, Oakland, Ca., Knitting Factory, Los Angeles, the Bitter End, NYC and the Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, Ca. It is a theatrical concert filled with joy, humor, and a ton of love. Also, she is working on book about her experiences in hope to inspire others.

"I am so happy for Ben! His first CD is, no doubt, going to be amazing! What a brilliant light!"

Ken Stacey
Los Angeles, California

Ken was in the last season of American Idol as a vocal coach, vocal producer and arranger. Ken was instrumental in putting Scotty McCreery through the first round of judging during season 10 and helped Scotty find his upper range which played a key role in his success on the show! Also, Stacey collaborate at the University of Rock and Roll, which features a variety of musical education programs by world-class musicians from Rockers Collective.

"I am very proud of Ben! I know he carries his Dad's soul in his music. Ben is an extraordinary young man who has taken his God given talent to great heights because of his hard work and passionate commitment! There are many, many people who find Ben a true inspiration! I wish him so much success... he deserves it!"

Bill Trudell
Mar Vista, California

"I like to write sometimes, but now I'm in the studio 6 days a week writing songs and producing new artist for film and television". Trudell also co-own a few on-line companies e-appointcards.com and Smaktones.com. A new song from Michael Thompson/ Billy Trudel "Don't Take This Love", a little soul with a pop edge, is available to download. Trudell performed live with Ben Babylon and was quite surprised:

"I remember walking into Guy Babylons studio to work on a song for an up coming gig we were doing to raise money for the school, Davey and Guys kids went to. I was told that Guy and Kathy's youngest son Ben would be performing the song Baba O'Reilly with me and thought, what a cute idea it was to have him play with us. When Ben came into the studio to go over the song, I sat a watched him play and my jaw hit the ground. He was amazing, a star in the making. And now to watch him grow into this young man ready to take on the world, only makes me happy. I wish Ben Babylon all the best there is in this world of music. Ben, you are a true musician, a wonderful son to your mom and dad and will always be my friend. You have truly carried the torch for your dad, and I know he is there with a very proud heart watching you become everything he wanted you to be. I look forward to hearing all your music for many years to come. Big hugs to my brother".

Fred Anderson
Los Angeles, California

Ben Babylon's publicist. Also a writer, producer, media consultant: "I am not a musician, but I know what I like, and I like Ben Babylon's music! I recognized his talent the first time I heard "Goodbye Superman," and he just keeps getting better" says about Ben, while adding: "He writes and plays with the passion of a rock star and the discipline of a classical artist. He has the self-confidence he needs to succeed, without being arrogant. It is an honor to be associated with him and his mother, Kathy, and I am proud to call them friends". No one could describe best Ben. Could you share something about the recording session, Fred?

"I had the privilege of being in the studio with Ben during one recording session, when Nigel Olsson came in to lay down drum tracks for the song "Contradiction". It was an honor to be in the room with such a rock legend as Nigel, and to watch him work. Jesse Johnstone was engineering the session. He is very meticulous, and he has a great sense of humor. To be around these professionals, in the very studio where the late Guy Babylon created so much of his own music was humbling. It was a day I will never forget, especially whenever I listen to "Contradiction".

"Contradiciton", the first single of the album, available on itunes for Ben's Birthday.

"I have only heard a few songs that are going to be on Ben's album. "Contradiction" has a great melody and excellent, hard-driving guitar riffs by Davey Johnstone. I really think people are going to love it. Another song I like is "No Goodbyes On the Road," which was inspired by something that Ben's father used to say. "Us" is a fun, very fast song, which I think will surprise many people. And, of course, I have always been impressed by Ben's epic tribute to his father, "Goodbye Superman." I have not yet heard the new version that will be on the album, but with members of the Elton John Band backing Ben, it is sure to be spectacular".

Marlena Jeter
Las Vegas, Nevada

Marlena has recently released "Serenity", an EP which consists of 7 songs, and it was written, arranged, produced & performed by herself. Recently she’ve also been working with Timothy Schmit from the “Eagles”, getting ready to begin touring with him again in December 2011. Marlena has also been a consultant for several Los Angeles based production companies, as well as film projects.

"I'm happy to hear that Ben is about to release his first album. I can't comment on the album itself as I have not yet heard it. What I can say is that once I heard this young man perform, I believed he had a big career ahead. He has so much of his father's touch & talent, & I could hear the Elton John influence... What a combination! It is my opinion that Ben Babylon has something wonderful to share with the world. I send my best wishes to Ben for a successful musical journey!"

Davey Johnstone
Las Vegas, Nevada

Elton John returned to Las Vegas for a three-year headlining gig at Caesars Palace. He was set to perform about 16 shows scheduled through October, on a new show titled "The Million Dollar Piano. At his side, long-time guitarrist Davey Johnstone, was remembering about Ben Babylon's recording sessions.

"On a day off in Germany during our Elton John summer tour, our bassist Bob Birch called and asked if I would put some guitar on one of Ben's tracks. Birchy had already put bass and drums on the song. Our gear was on the way to Berlin, so I went to the local music store to beg the use of a guitar! The guy said, "We do not lend guitars here!" Then the owner who had been at our show the previous night said, "It's cool, Fritz, he's Elton's guitarist!" I still had to pay a $100 deposit for a cool Strat, then I walked back to the hotel, knocked on Bob's door, and we jammed for an hour on Ben's song. Who needs a studio when you have Bob Birch's Mobile Rock Palace!"

Nigel Olsson
Las Vegas, Nevada

Nigel is so special for Ben too. The original drummer of Elton's band has been doing occasional session work, donating his time to various charitable causes and races vintage cars in California, where he lives with his wife Schanda and his son Justin.

"Ben is a true vision of his Dad GUY. He has a long way to go to fill the shoes of a true genius ( His DAD ) but he has the faith Joy and inspiration that will take him to new heights So honored to be part of HIS life. Love you Ben Always. Love Uncle Nigel XXXX"

John Mahon
Las Vegas, Nevada

As Nigel and Davey did, as well as Bob Birch, Mahon was on the recording sessions of the album and Jack Rabbit asked about his impressions to that experience. So, John, what you would like to share with us?

"I just recently played drums and percussion in my studio for a song called "Learning". It's a short concise song and was fun to play. I played drumset and some tamborine, shakers, bell tree, and a little African drums too. Earlier in the year we went to the Babylon's home studio and recorded 2 or 3 songs with Davey Johnstone and Bob Birch. I played drums on those songs. We asked Ben to make some chord charts for the songs because he is young and a bit inexperienced. It's fun to play with him because he is very happy to make music all the time. Songs I would like to talk about? Well, we recorded "Goodbye Superman", and "No Goodbyes On The Road". The first is a song about Ben's dad Guy Babylon and is quite a little masterpiece. It was very fun to play. "Goodbye's" also comes from Guy in way. Guy did not like to say goodbye when we were at the airport getting in our cars to go home. He always would say "there's no goodbye's on the road" - meaning we'll see each other again soon".

John, you have the honor to close Jack Rabbit's journey. Do you have some encouraging words for Ben Babylon, just for him, about the career he’s beginning?

"I think Ben will have a great career in music. He's a good piano player and is writing some interesting songs. He is getting out and playing with musicians which is something any serious musician needs to do. It is very difficult to develop a music career - much more now than in the past because record sales are so low from illegal downloading. If you download songs without paying the musicians for them they can never make a living from making new music for you to hear. I hope Ben gets to see a new business of music in his future".

Thanks so much to all of the guests invited here for their collaboration. All they agreed to do that for Ben as a surprise, so their wishes for Ben are the best way to close the journey.

Me and them, we would like to tell you, Ben Babylon,

that WE LOVE YOU,
we wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

and we're ready to buy your new single as soon as it is available. Special thanks to the greatest Fred Anderson for his help, for his work, for his generosity. And finally, to the lovely Kathy Babylon, thanks so much for your efforts, for being there, for being such an extraordinary person. Jack Rabbit!!!! You have to run to the record shop, check out i-tunes, whatever you prefer, but you must have this record, ok?

Marlena Jeter's Serenity Interview: The Voice Of Angels

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

An angel's voice with a unique sultry, soulful sound. Jack Rabbit had the honour to interview Marlena Jeter, back in 2009. He found a human being, a great spirited person, and a lovely woman. Thinkin' about her, always comes to mind her impressive performance in Barcelona, 1992, for The One Tour. "Sad Songs" never sounded the same without the girls. Now she has another own project, the third in her collection. A new age sensation with plenty good songs, and we would like to learn more. So, ladies and gentlemen, the open doors of AllSongsList are all again wide-open to receive the talented, fabulous and wonderful: Marlena Jeter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much Marlena for being here and for your acceptation. Your new project for me is awesome. We are so privileged to have you in the music business. But what does it mean for you to be a musician? And what inspires you to create?

It means everything to me to have the ability to create music. It’s the one thing I do that totally fulfills me.

My inspiration comes from within, as I have always had the desire to create music that makes the listener feel something… something real. It’s my way of giving myself to the world, of giving to life.

Wonderful!! And how could you define Lena J and why the reason of your alter ego?

The artist “LENA J” was born as a result of a certain type of musical stimulation. She’s the R&B singer/writer whose energetic flow tends to lean more towards the sensual & sassy side of love & relationships. “LENA J” is definitely a different energetic type from “MARLENA” so it works better for me to keep the two separated.

Lena J has two exceptional album’s now available for purchase: “Love Stories”, from 2009, with “Live The Dream”, a favourite to me; also, “Pleasure, pain & passion”, released in 2010, which received a lot of airplay, especially in Chicago and Las Vegas, and it’s a collection of smooth R&B songs, with pieces like “If That’s What You Want” or “It’s Time”, which absolutely does it for me! What else could you remark from those albums?

Well Miguel, the “Love Stories” EP was “LENA J’S” first release. However, after much consideration & consulting with my adviser, Industry veteran Mr. Stan Sheppard, we decided to take the “Love Stories” project & combine it with the new music I had been working on to create what is now “LENA J’S” “Pleasure, Pain & Passion” EP.

“Live The Dream” was a song I collaborated on with a very gifted producer/writer named Kirv for the “MARTIN LUTHER KING” tribute album entitled “The Message In Music” which is available on iTunes, all proceeds going to the MLK Foundation.

At this point in time, “LENA J” has the “Pleasure, Pain & Passion” EP, which is available for purchase, & “MARLENA JETER” has the new “Serenity” EP available as well. Both projects are available on iTunes, Amazon & most digital outlets.

The new one, “Serenity”, released recently, is a beautiful album. “When I want to kick back, relax and forget any negatives in my life I put on some Marlena Jeter and I’m good,” says producer DJ Battlecat. I am agree. What does it mean to you that this great producer paid attention to your projects and decided to produce them? And how did you get into new age music?

It is very flattering of course, to have successful people in the same industry take notice of the work I’ve done. Though I have collaborated with “DJ BATTLECAT”, I am the sole writer & producer on my “Serenity” project.

I began creating music that falls into the genre of New Age as a result of having a deep & constant desire to create beautiful music that would move me. “Serenity” does that for me.

From “Serenity”, I specially recommend songs like “Soothe Me” and “Wistful Beauty”. What’s the story behind them?

I was in my recording studio one afternoon letting the creative energy flow through me, & I created the music for the song “Soothe Me”. For some reason that particular day I was a bit restless & just needed something I couldn’t quite put into words. I went to the microphone, opened my mouth to sing & the words & melody came to me instantly… In that lyric was the answer for my need.

“Wistful Beauty” happened as a result of me sitting at my keyboard one evening with the intention of creating something just a bit different. I can’t really say what happened, but later that night, actually around 2 AM I found myself standing at the microphone singing this wonderful melody that just seemed to flow out of me the moment I opened my mouth. I hadn’t even formulated the melody at that point. It doesn’t always happen like that, but that night it did.

What led you to create your own label?

I’ve always wanted my own record label so that I might be able to have some influence on the music that is presented to the world. In my travels I have met some incredibly talented individuals & have often wished for a way to help them get the exposure they sometimes craved. At the same time, the world gets a chance to experience another artist who has something to offer. I’ve also always had a strong desire to be in a position to pay musicians & singers to do what it is they love doing.

What other recent projects have you become involved with? And what are your future goals?

I still work & record with other artists… As long as I get the call, I’m there. I’ve worked on a few “ROD STEWART” CDs, worked with the standards/jazz artist “STEVE TYRELL” & had an opportunity to write a beautiful ballad for a wonderful Brazilian artist named “LIRIEL”. Certainly there have been other projects I’ve participated on, but I can honestly say that my main focus of recent years has been to establish the artistry of “LENA J” as well as “MARLENA JETER”.

You might be aware that I have been recording & touring for many years with Linda Ronstadt since working with Elton. Recently I’ve also been working with Timothy Schmit from the “EAGLES”. As a matter of fact, I am getting ready to begin touring with Timothy again in December 2011.

As you know Miguel, between “LENA J” & “MARLENA” I am constantly writing & recording. In the immediate future, perhaps in February, I should have another New Age project available. Shortly thereafter I expect to have some new material completed by the artist “LENA J”. We’ll see how the creative flow goes…

Great!!! And Elton? Do you still keep in touch with Elton John? What do you think about his recent projects? And would we have you collaborating with him other time?

I have had a couple of brief encounters with Elton in the past couple of years while he was doing his Las Vegas show. I am however, much more in touch with Davey Johnstone.

In reference to Elton’s projects, we all know that Elton is a very gifted soul & I have always loved his work & admired his work ethic. Collaboration with him would always be something I would welcome. Working with Elton John was an incredible experience that lasted 7 years. He’s the kind of person a girl could never say ‘no’ to!!! :-)

Thinking about Marlena Jeter, is quite impossible not to think about the other girls: Mortonette Jenkins and Natalie Jackson. And Alex Brown I could add. Do you know what they are doing now?

All three of them are still making wonderful music!

Listening to this new album, it is quite obvious that Marlena is a New Age star in the making. Her beautiful musical textures and melodic vocals are a work of beauty that should be experienced by everyone. Eltonites, do yourself a favor… Go to iTunes and other digital outlets and get it now. You will love it, I promise you that.

Marlena, would you like to add more to this interview? And if so, what would you like to share with eltonites?

Miguel, you are very thorough. I can’t think of a single thing to add to your questions. I would like to say however, that I appreciate the interest shown to me (as well as the other ladies) by the Eltonites. It is always good to be appreciated. Music is what we do… We do it all for you.

Thanks so much, Marlena, really and enjoyable experience to chat with you. I wish you all the best success you deserve.

Unforgettable People (L): Marlena Jeter

2011-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

“Marlena Jeter’s voice sounds like pieces of silk chiffon floating on the breeze” started Linda Rondstat, who has also performed extensively with her. That's the perfect definition I could have found. Marlena Jeter, known for her high soprano register, started in the music business as background singer on various record projects of mainstream recording artists: Joe Cocker, Hiroshima ("Hiroshima"; "Odori"), Lionel Richie ("Dancing On The Ceiling"), George Benson ("While The City Sleeps"), Martha Davis ("Policy"), to name a few. She also worked on countless other Japanese artists projects like Keiko and Kazu Matsui.

Her life changed completely when she received a call one day from Davey Johnstone, Elton's guitarrist and musical director, who invited her to audition. "I was fortunate enough to work with him (Elton) and his band", explained Marlena when she was interviewed by Jack Rabbit in 2009, on the "Live Week", tributing the three wonderful ladies, along with Mortonette Jenkins and Natalie Jackson, while adding: "Believe me when I say that his band is one of the best! The work ethic in that organization is one I highly respect and I learned a lot during my 7 years of being a part of it all.". That's it! Since "Sleeping With The Past", where Elton wanted to reflect the style of 1960s R&B icons such as Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke, whom he and Bernie admired, Marlena joined on one of the most remembered background vocalists trio.

Then it was Jeffrey Osborne ("Only Human"), Ofra Haza ("Kyria"), Ricky Martin ("Vuelve"), Kenny Rogers ("Christmas Greetings"), Joe Cocker again ("Have a Little Faith"; "Across From Midnight"; "No Ordinary World"), Steve Tyrell ("This Time Of The Year"), Laura Pausini ("From The Inside"), Rod Stewart ("The Great American Songbook, vol. 3"), Timothy Schmidt ("Expando") or Ronan Keating ("When Ronan Met Burt"); selected from an endless list of collaborations. As well as recording albums, she has been travelling worldwide performing live with some of entertainment's most established artists such Linda Rondstad, Timothy Schmidt, Aaron Neville, Rod Stewart, or Lionel Richie. Marlena has also been a consultant for several Los Angeles based production companies, as well as film projects. "Singing & composing are my greatest loves, but photography comes in at a close second!!!" she added with satisfaction.

Not only a superb singer, Marlena’s song writing talent is even more indicative of her creative ability. As Lena J, she debuted an extraordinary album entitled “Love stories”, a diverse collection of songs that would appeal to R&B purists and the Hip-Hop Community as well. "The Promise", the icon of the album, is a tender and powerful song: "We wrote that song for a couple of great singers who happened to be married at the time, Kenny Latimore and Shante Moore and their record label wanted them to do a duets album of love songs", she adds. "I was told that they wanted us to write about the changes people go through in relationships, but done in a positive way. "The Promise" is about two people who have committed themselves, but temptation always seems to show up. In any case, they were able to resist because of their commitment to one another!". Her second album, an extension of the first, was called "Pleasure, Pain & Passion", an energic EP with songs like "If That's What U Want", co-written & co-produced with multi-platinum producer "BEAT MASTA WES" from the "UGK". As a result of her efforts, she has launched her own company known as Lady J Entertainment.

"Serenity", the new album, first started making in-roads in the Hip Hop community when super producer “DJ BATTLECAT” (producer of Platinum hits for SNOOP DOGG, DR DRE, BUSTA RHYMES) heard the recordings in a Los Angeles studio and started to share the information about the album with other artists and producers because he was so blown away by what he heard. Then, the Multi-Platinium Rap artist named “KOKANE” heard the project and he immediately became a Marlena Jeter fan and he too started to spread the word to everyone he came into contact with. "Serenity", it is an EP which consists of 7 songs. All the instrumentation was performed by me, it was written, arranged, produced & performed by me" she told Jack Rabbit this time. From all early indicators, the music industry might just be witnessing 2011’s most “Unusual Breakout Artist Of The Year” award in the making.

“Marlena’s voice is only exceeded by having the pleasure of meeting her in person. When you experience the whole package, you are in for a treat. A truly beautiful singer in every way”. I am agree in what Timothy Schmidt has said. Not else to add.

Unforgettable Video Guests: Remember Them? (& Part Three)

2011-09-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

"To make a chain of fools / You need a matching pair" reads the lyrics of "Passengers" (1984). Not habitual to see Bernie Taupin on an Elton's video, but a cameo appearance was due this time. Directed by Simon Milne in St. Tropez, France, the success of the video meant the success of the single in music charts. Passengers where black people of South Africa who were literally passengers on a train, traveling from desolates homelands to their jobs. Bernie caught the idea and symbolized a route to the freedom. The anti-apartheid message of the song is well reflected on the video, where dancers in half-black/half-white faces are dancing along Elton, who's playing a kind of cross-cultural facilitator between different cultures. Also, it was funny to see Elton dangling from an helicopter.

Born in 1950, Bernie Taupin grew up in the Lincolnshire region of the north of England. Taupin is best known for his 40-year collaboration with Elton John, although he has released several solo albums and has written lyrics for others. Taupin's association with John has made him one of the most prolific lyricists of the 20th century. Also, he has expanded his artistic horizons and found it's way onto the canvas.

A word spoken in another language, on an imagined movie scene, brought a girl to tears. "A Word In Spanish", the multi-coloured video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, find Elton on the street, singing in the background, as two good-looking latino boys are fighting for the girl.

George Perez was born the seventh son of nine siblings in Tijuana, Mexico. He was accepted into the Los Angeles High School of the Performing Arts at 15 years old. While attending school, he was discovered by Kenny Ortega, Director and Choreographer of the "High School Musical" franchise. That same year he also appeared in his first break out role as the lead in Elton John’s music video “A Word in Spanish", and a string of guest starring roles followed on hit TV shows like "China Beach, "ER", "JAG", and "Walker Texas Ranger."

Born in Puerto Rico, Remmy Palacio is a multi-talented entertainer, mastering a variety of instruments and writing his own music. In 1986, Remmy and two other musicians created the group “Nice N Wild”, whose album "Energy, Love & Unity" produced two 1 radio hits: “Diamond Girl” and “Oh Baby”. He studied under choreographer Vince Patterson, who choreographed Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. Remmy also studied with Kenny Ortega, known for his choreography in “Dirty Dancing” and many other music videos. Remmy appeared in two of Ortega’s music videos: “A Word in Spanish” by Elton John, and Chayanne’s “Este Ritmo Se Baila Asi”. Remmy began his career as a soloist in the English market with “Another Lover” an original song of his, and one of the most important hits of his career.

Thomas Jane and Teri Hatcher made a cameo appearance on Elton's video"Turn The Lights Out When You Leave" (2005). The promotional video of the song was lensed by Sam Taylor Wood and reflected the disagreements of a young couple in their relationship. Elton unveiled Hatcher as his celebrity choice for the video because he was a massive fan of the hit show "Desperate Housewifes". Hatcher said she enjoyed every moment of it: "It was really surreal, very arty".

Thomas Jane was born in 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He ended up in Hollywood and wound up working the streets, acting mentally disabled and asking for money. Working in local theater productions as well as a few commercials (although the commercials never aired on television) provided money for the bills. Jane first attracted the attention of audiences when he was cast in the starring role of real-life strike writer Neal Cassady in the Sundance-premiered The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997). He's also best known for The Punisher, Deep Blue Sea, Boogie Nights and Original Sin.

Teri Hatcher was born in Palo Alto, California, USA, in 1964. She studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco while taking a degree course in mathematics and engineering at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. Hatcher went to Hollywood to lend moral support to a friend during a open casting call. She, however, auditioned and won the role of the singing and dancing mermaid for the television series, "Love Boat" (1977). Her portrayal of a divorced mother, "Susan Mayer", was consistently named as America's favorite "Desperate Housewife".

Unforgettable Video Guests: Remember Them? (Part Two)

2011-09-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

"Healing Hands", Bernie's update of the Four Tops' "Reach Out I'll Be There", is an anthemic soul number about the redemptive power of love. More than anything, it's a song of resolve and positivity, of never giving up into the darkness. Elton, in need to getting sober and, Bernie, surviving the failure of his second marriage, decided to pay tribute to the black music they grew up with. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, features backing vocalists Marlena Jeter, Mortonette Jenkins and Natalie Jackson, in a black and white film. Musetta Vander makes her appearance near the end of the video.

Born Musetta van der Merwe, May 26, 1969, a South African actress and model who is best known for her roles in science fiction and fantasy films. Musetta first notable role was as 'Zander Tyler' in the action-adventure TV series Super Force. Also she's appearing as the "dream girl" in more than 20 music videos for such top recording artists as Rod Stewart, Tina Turner or Chris Isaak. In 1999, she had a supporting role in Barry Sonnenfeld's film 'Wild Wild West' in which she played an assistant to Kenneth Branagh's character, "Dr. Loveless". In 2000, Musetta played a seductive Siren in the critically acclaimed 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' directed by the Coen brothers.

"Something About The Way You Look Tonight" (1997) featured Sophie Dahl alongside a host of other models including Kate Moss or Cameron Alborzian, and it was filmed during the summer of 1997. It was due to be released as the first single from Elton’s “The Big Picture” album, and promotional copies of the single were issued prior to a planned release in September. The picture to the left features the photo used on the promotional sleeve. The death Princess Diana, changed the course of history. Nonetheless, it remains one of Elton’s more obscure videos - even more bizarrely, the 1998 Japanese reissue of "The Big Picture" features an edited version of the video on the enhanced section of the CD, which fades out before Sophie even makes it on screen! All of Elton’s various Video and DVD collections have neglected to include the song.

Sophie Dahl has successfully transitioned from former model to actress and author. Dahl was born in 1979, the daughter of Tessa Dahl, a writer, and actor Julian Holloway. She was discovered in 1995 on a London Street at 18 by Isabella Blow, a stylist at Vogue; rebels against usual model standards with 38DD bra size. Isabella was awestruck by Sophie's beauty. Soon after, she referred Sophie to Sarah Doukas of the Storm modeling agency in London. Her most famous campaign was with Yves Saint Laurent which was contraversial for her poses. In addition to modeling & acting, Sophie also writes short stories, several of which have been published in various magazines. With Jamie Cullum, they celebrated their wedding at a country house in 2010 following a secretive marriage ceremony.

Paul Reubens appeared in the music video of Elton's single "This Train Doesn't Stop There Anymore", taken from "Songs From the West Coast" album (2001). In the video Paul plays the manager of a younger Elton, who in turn is played by Justin Timberlake. David LaChapelle and Elton created the concept of a nostalgic and moving journey, set in 'Elton world' during the Seventies, recreating a younger Elton in his wild and extravagance life on the road. Near the end of the music video, he is seen opening a door which reveals an implied orgy, white snow flying through the air, and a person in a rabbit suit (all a metaphor for cocaine use). Elton closes the door, and proceeds on to perform a song. The video was shot over two days at the famous Ambassador Hotel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, where Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was murdered in 1968. Timberlake studied videos and archive footage about Elton for weeks to perfect the mannerisms.

Born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952 in Peekskill, New York, his acting career grew slowly and steadily with small roles in theater productions, gigs at local comedy clubs and four guest appearances on "The Gong Show" (1976). Paul is widely known as starring as Pee-wee Herman, an innocent man-boy who enjoyed playing tricks on his friends, in the CBS live-action children's program, Pee-wee's Playhouse, which lasted several seasons from 1986-1990. He also has appeared in such films as 1996's Matilda, 1999's Mystery Men and 2001's Blow.

Unforgettable Video Guests: Remember Them?

2011-09-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've always liked music videos. I still remember me recording the videos on my old VHS record player when they were aired on the TV. Maybe I could say that I became an eltonite for the videos. It was so amazing to see Elton dancing on "Who Wears These Shoes?", falling on the sea on "Passengers" (not mention the helicopter), playing the piano on "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That"; the list could be so extensive. But I could not forget the video guests credited on Elton's videos: Robert Downey Jr. on "I Want Love", Bernie Taupin on "Passengers", Justin Timberlake on "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore"; another extensive list. Those were celebrities, of course, but what about the others guests? Who are they and what they've been doing now?

Bruno Tonioli, was 28 when he starred as one of Sir Elton's dancers for the top ten hit video "I'm Still Standing" (1983), which was filmed in Nice and Cannes, France. He wore a number of outrageous outfits including the ripped leotard, complete with studded belt and leather military-style cap, which he wears to greet Elton outside the Carlton Hotel in Cannes. In another scene, he sports some very tight and revealing orange trousers for a dance on the beach, while in another, he gyrates semi naked on a sun lounger. Bruno starred in the video when he was working as a freelance dancer in the Eighties.

He is a renowned choreographer and has worked on countless films, plays, music videos, commercials, concerts, trade shows and television series with such music icons as Elton John ("Please"), Michael Jackson ("Give in to Me"), Sting ("This Cowboy Song"), Tina Turner ("Steamy Windows") and Paul McCartney ("Hope of Deliverance"). He also works in theater and television: Tonioli has been a popular judge on all seasons of the ballroom US dancing competition, Dancing with the Stars and its UK counterpart Strictly Come Dancing.

On "Ice On Fire" (1985), Elton released a love song who reached the top of the music charts across the world: "Nikita", featuring George Michael as a backing vocalist. It's undeniable that video helped in the success. Directed by Ken Russell, Anya Major features an East German female Border guard, on one side of the Wall during the Cold War conflict, with her "ten tin soldiers in a row", while Elton, a rich westener, is taking photos on her at the border crossing, as he is refused to entry. Only in dreams they could get together sharing their love. As a spin-off, Major released a single, "Moscow Nights", using the name Anya. "Nikita", a russian male name indeed, was not the first guest appearance by Major. In fact, Ridley Scott provided Major, then a discus-throwing athlete, the role in Apple's famous 1984 Macintosh commercial, for being the only one capable of running up to a large video screen, swinging a sledgehammer in a wide spin, and releasing it at the video screen of Big Brother.

Major was born in UK at 1966. There was a widely-circulated rumor years ago that she had died of breast cancer, but happily this was false. She's living in England with her husband Kim Rajah and their three children: Luke, Georgia and Oliver. Anya Rajah, graduated from Central St Martins, has exhibited her artworks in Tunbridge Wells (where she lives now), Brighton and London.

Singer and actress Mandy Moore appeared in the promo for Elton's Original Sin landing roles in the video as the daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Elton, following her journey as an awkward teen circa 1976 (complete with braces, acne, bushy eyebrows, and wig) to her dream like fantasy of transforming into a rock groupie front row center of the VIP section of an Elton concert. The video, directed by David Lachapelle, let Moore to be close to her idol, as she explained about the experience: "Being the geek I am, I had him sign a copy of his ‘Yellow Brick Road’ album and [I] am getting it framed immediately", while adding "I remember sitting alone in the living room portion of the house we shot in and listening to Elton play ‘Crocodile Rock’. It was like no one else was listening.. like a private concert… too cool!!!".

Born April 10, 1984 in Nashua, New Hampshire, she grew up in Orlando, Florida when she made a name for herself, from appearances in local theatre productions to singing the National Anthem at professional sporting events. Her first single, "Candy", from the CD So Real (1999), was released when Moore was only 15 years old (it was certified platinum in Australia). Her early films included the teen romance A Walk To Remember (2002). She has appeared in Romance & Cigarettes (2005) and American Dreamz (2006), including a role as Diane Keaton's daughter in Because I Said So (2007). Her fourth album, Coverage (2003), received a less than enthusiastic response for its musical maturity. Additionally, Moore has modeled, appearing on the cover of Cosmopolitan, started her own fashion line, Mblem, as well as the women's social network Upumpitup.com.

End Of Part One
To Be Continued

The Eltonites' Day With Jody Towles!!!

2011-09-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Eltonites, welcome to the new season, the 28th this time. Long time ago I began recollecting newspapers, magazines, pictures, cards, everything related to Elton. As a fan of music charts list, I created my own only about Elton. But I was alone, people I knew were not fans of Elton, just like some songs and so on. But Internet changes everything. I've been so much lucky meeting other people, Eltonites I call them. Good people, good friends, with a lot of things to depart and share. As a way to say thank you to Eltonites, lately I've been starting the season with one of them, as I do this time. I take this opportunity to introduce someone very special, a passionate, so welcome Jody, so nice to have you here.

Could you tell us, please more, who are you and where are you from?

Hey, My name is Jody Towles and I am from Tampa, Florida.

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

I can remember Elton as far back as memory allows. My earliest memory of hearing EJ was of hearing the song Little Jeannie playing on radio stations growing up. I also remember the Lion King coming out and I think that for my generation, that's where we really started to know who Elton John Was. The first time I remember clearly seeing Elton Play on TV was probably at the Funeral for Diana, Princess of Wales. I had always knew about Elton John, but when I was in my last year of college, I remember going to a local retailer, I was just getting into music heavily at the time and I saw Elton's compilation Greatest Hits 1970-2002 on the sale rack, so on a whim I picked it up. I didn't quite get it at first, but I listened to it over and over and over and finally one day, it clicked for me. I realized that so many of the lyrics fit my life. The first EJ song i truly connected with was Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me. Little did I know that from buying that one album, my life would change.

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

I’ll never forget my first show. It was Birmingham Alabama in 2007, a few weeks after the MSG 60 show. He sang almost the exact set that he sang in NYC a few weeks prior. I remember that I wanted to see him, so the closest show that he was currently playing to me was in Alabama, I went on ebay and bought 2 tickets, row 13 floor and i talked my mother into taking a 10 hour road trip with me. It was not my first concert but It was my first EJ show, I can still remember it clearly today. Recently I got the bootleg of that show from another Eltonite. Fast forward almost 5 years later and by the end of this year, I will have seen EJ in concert 33 times.

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

This is a question that I have thought long and hard about. When I first started Seeing EJ, All i wanted to do was meet him, now at this time I no longer pursue that, I figure that If It is meant to happen then It will happen. I've long thought about what I would say, but honestly, I think a simple hello and introduction is enough, I believe that Elton would lead the conversation.

How should be your dreamt concert? Which could be a great set list, for example? Or the best Elton’s band? And which one of Elton's live shows you thought you should be there, if you could, even back in time?

Those who know me, know that As far as albums go, Peachtree Road is by far my most favorite album, so any show where he could add any song from that record in, I would be happy. I don't have any specific requirements for any show, as I am truly blessed any time that I am able to hear him live. Too many fans climb on the soapbox about EJ not changing the set list, so what? At least he still plays live, i’ll take anything as long as he's still out doing what he does.

I have always said that I was born in the wrong decade, If I could go back to one show, it would October 26th 1975 at Dodger stadium in LA. EJ was god to people then, he was at the height of his stardom, I can only imagine what It would have been like on that day.

Elton said in 2008 he was “too old for sequins and skintight clothes”. Let’s talk about Elton’s stage oufits. What’s the most extravagant fancy dress costume of Elton you could remember? And do you like the jackets he uses now on stage?

I would say that my earliest recollection is of EJ in the Donald Duck costume, He was such a showman in those days, he still is of course, just in a different way. In the case of his current wardrobe, I love it. Part of the excitement for me is when im in the audience waiting for him to come out to see what he is wearing that particular night, On my facebook page I have an EJ's jackets album that I compiled for reference purposes. I still get a huge thrill when he wears something that we have not seen yet.

So great!!! Looking back to Elton’s catalogue. Which are your favourite albums and the most underrated songs? And your favourite “B” sides?

I would say that my Top 3 albums in order are Peachtree Road, Captain Fantastic, and Don’t Shoot Me. I have always said that PTR was seriously underrated. Each one of these 3 albums have songs that are very personal to me. In addition, Captain Fantastic includes We All Fall In Love Sometimes, quite possibly one of the most underrated and best songs ever written in my opinion. As far as B-sides go, my favorites are; So Sad The Renegade, Things only get Better With Love and The Retreat.

What could we expect from the new album Elton and Bernie are preparing, due to record next January 2012? Only two albums have to release Elton to fullfill his contract. Which could be a better end?

With Elton, I have no expectations as far as what he puts out, If It's one thing we've learned the last 40 years, its that EJ keeps us guessing. I Loved The Union, and it took me a while to understand it, but I think It's great. I loved the organic and simple feel of the record, so I would say that they found something that worked and absolutely keep it going and continue that feel into the next album.

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

I think EJ has firmly planted himself into the top Ranks of the Rock Music Hierarchy. He is truly rock royalty. Seldom do you go out in public and not hear Elton John, Seldom do you not meet someone who does not know who Elton John is. His influence is far reaching and is truly global, places that I've seen him in still roll out the red carpet when he comes to town. I think History will remember him as an incredible entertainer and most importantly an amazing human being through his gift of his music and his charitable works.

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 most valued EJ possession is my LATW poster I got signed by him and the band in Tallahassee and Gainesville Florida at the very first shows where I ever set first row. It was also the very first time that we met the band.

Fantastic! Well, you know I am a fan of Ben Babylon too, and he has a record ready to be released, and a single coming out in September/October. We eltonites really appreciate him. Which would be your advice to him, about music, about life, about the starting of his career?

I'm not sure that I am really qualified to answer this but i’m gonna try anyway. I would say to never give up, set goals, and don't let anybody stand in your way. Life will throw a lot at you, you just have to learn to manage it the best you can. In the end its the journey not the destination. I believe its best to be good to people and treat them right, and most importantly as EJ said in Letters To a 16 Year Old Me: Stay away from Drugs.

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

Music is my primary passion, I also enjoy reading, and I am a huge stand up comedy and movie buff. Other than my passion of music, I also love photography. My perfect day off is spent in the company of friends or searching for that one album in a vintage vinyl store.

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

Its hard to choose only 5 but here they are...

Freaks in Love
We all fall in Love Sometimes
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
High Flying Bird
Sixty Years On

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

The last 5 years of my life have been some of the Highest and the lowest, but the journey has been amazing. I've met the most fantastic people and have been to the most fantastic places. I have seen the best and worst people, Its most important I think to treat each other with respect. Share the fun, there's plenty to go around.

I can say that 5 years ago Elton changed my life, seeing him made me truly realize who and what I was. When in times of darkness, it has been he who has pulled us out. In times of great Joy, his music has been there to lift us up even higher, It is he who brings us together and makes us feel like one big family. Thanks to all the fellow Eltonites who have shared this journey with me.

Thanks so so much for sharin' your time with us, Jody, and for your collaboration. Really a worth experience for me this interview. Take care and good luck.

Pictures courtesy by Jody Towles

Updating The List (2011)

2011-08-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Eltonites. Welcome to a new upate of the list. We are covering a period between September 2010 to July 2011. During this time, two albums were released (The Union and Gnomeo & Juliet), they entered to charts, and Elton's been touring with Ray Cooper, with the band, with Leon Russell (his partner on The Union album), and solo. Apart from your votes, what I really appreciate and thank, I would like to remark an iniciative BiteUrLip had developing a diary “Song Of The Day” poll, where eltonites vote for each song, every day. That could be followed on forums like Hercules or the Facebook group. This time the list is ponderating more the Eltonites' category, with the intention to make their opinion more rellevant without losing objective at all.

"Your Song" remains on the Top of the list. On the Top 10, "Candle In The Wind" jumps to Number 3 while "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" downs to Number 4. Good jumps for "Rocket Man", instead of "Daniel" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" for "I'm Still Standing". "Tiny Dancer" is rising jumping two positions, like "Levon" does, and also "Little Jeannie" surpasses "Blessed". "Skyline Pigeon" debuts on the Top 50, jumping from 56 to 49. Other remarkable moving ups are "Madman Across The Water" (from 64 to 60), "Grey Seal" (69 to 65), "The Greatest Discovery" (71 to 66), "Captain Fantastic & Brown Dirt Cowboy (83 to 76), "Come Down In Time" (98 to 87) and "Mama Can't Buy You Love" (104 to 94).

Eltonites favourites songs are doing well on the list: from the Top 200: "Where To Now St. Peter? (127 to 112), "Blues For My Baby And Me" (131 to 115), "Chloe" (135 to 123), "Holiday Inn" (137 to 121), "Talking Old Soldiers" (163 to 131), "Amoreena" (170 to 134), "Ego" (172 to 156), "Ballad Of A Well Known-Gun" (193 to 173), "My Father's Gun" (243 to 182) or "Pinky" (202 to 184). On the Top 300, for example, we have "Razor Face" (jumping from 239 to 200), Between Seventeen & Twenty (250 to 232), Someday Out Of The Blue (280 to 213) and "Electricity" (281 to 221), "And The House Fell Down" (298 to 243) and "Hey Ahab" (304 to 277). Precisely, from "The Union", "Gone To Shiloh" (303 to 268) and Monkey Suit (325 to 313) are findin' their way on the list. Other songs to remark, could it be: "Not Me" (540 to 510), "Steal Away Child" (556 to 520), "Across The River Thames" (557 to 514), "The Drover's Ballad" (583 to 553), "Peter’s Song" (608 to 528), "How’ Tomorrow" (640 to 540).

Finally, 8 songs debuted to the list: Gnomeo's "Hello Hello" (569), "Love Builds A Garden" (655), "You Got The Love" (865), "Stagger Lee" (863), "Da Doo Ron Ron Ron" (856), "When I'm Sixty-Four" (886), "Hard Times" (902) and "All Of The Lights (819).

Also from the "AllSongsList" we could approach to different categories to see:

United States
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Bennie and the Jets
Your song
Goodbye yellow brick road
Daniel
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Crocodile rock
Rocket man
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Honky cat
Can you feel the love tonight
Candle in the wind
Circle of life
Someone saved my life tonight
Border song
Don't go breaking my heart
Something about the way you look tonight
The bitch is back
Island girl
Philadelphia freedom

Canada
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Your song
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Bennie and the Jets
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Goodbye yellow brick road
Rocket man
Can you feel the love tonight
Candle in the wind
Honky cat
Don't go breaking my heart
Sacrifice
Someone saved my life tonight
Tiny dancer
Sad songs (Say so much)
The bitch is back
Island girl
Circle of life

United Kingdom
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Candle in the wind
Your song
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Goodbye yellow brick road
Rocket man
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Bennie and the Jets
Sacrifice
Don't go breaking my heart
I'm still standing
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Honky cat
Song for guy
Someone saved my life tonight
Blue eyes
Nikita
Sad songs (Say so much)

France
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Sacrifice
I'm still standing
Your song
Song for guy
Can you feel the love tonight
Don't go breaking my heart
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Nikita
Blue eyes
The one
Daniel
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Sad songs (Say so much)
Someone saved my life tonight
Candle in the wind
Crocodile rock
Rocket man
Something about the way you look tonight

Germany
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Candle in the wind
Sacrifice
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Don't go breaking my heart
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Nikita
Your song
Blue eyes
Rocket man
I'm still standing
Goodbye yellow brick road
Sad songs (Say so much)
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Song for guy
Something about the way you look tonight
Can you feel the love tonight
Kiss the bride

Holland
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Your song
Daniel
Sacrifice
Nikita
Song for guy
Don't go breaking my heart
Crocodile rock
Can you feel the love tonight
Blue eyes
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Candle in the wind
Circle of life
Goodbye yellow brick road
I'm still standing
Rocket man
The one
Someone saved my life tonight
Something about the way you look tonight

Italy
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Don't go breaking my heart
The one
Your song
Candle in the wind
Rocket man
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Blue eyes
Sacrifice
Sad songs (Say so much)
Whatever gets you thru the night
Song for guy
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Nikita
I don't wanna go on with you like that
Can you feel the love tonight
Someone saved my life tonight

Switzerland
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Don't let the sun go down on me
Your song
Sacrifice
Nikita
Crocodile rock
Can you feel the love tonight
Don't go breaking my heart
I'm still standing
Blue eyes
Candle in the wind
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Daniel
Sad songs (Say so much)
Rocket man
Something about the way you look tonight
Circle of life
The one
Written in the stars
Flames of paradise

Spain
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Crocodile rock
Candle in the wind
Rocket man
Daniel
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Don't go breaking my heart
Your song
Nikita
Goodbye yellow brick road
Sacrifice
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Whatever gets you thru the night
I'm still standing
Someone saved my life tonight
Song for guy
Sad songs (Say so much)
The bitch is back
Bennie and the Jets

Norway
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Crocodile rock
Daniel
Sacrifice
Rocket man
Can you feel the love tonight
Your song
Goodbye yellow brick road
Nikita
Candle in the wind
Don't go breaking my heart
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Blue eyes
Honky cat
Something about the way you look tonight
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
I'm still standing
The one
Whatever gets you thru the night

Sweden
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Sacrifice
Can you feel the love tonight
Nikita
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Circle of life
Your song
Candle in the wind
Don't go breaking my heart
The one
Daniel
Whatever gets you thru the night
Blue eyes
Something about the way you look tonight
Song for guy
I'm still standing
Rocket man
Bennie and the Jets
Crocodile rock

Australia
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Candle in the wind
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Your song
Crocodile rock
Daniel
Don't go breaking my heart
Goodbye yellow brick road
Rocket man
Song for guy
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Bennie and the Jets
Sacrifice
Blue eyes
I'm still standing
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Nikita
Someone saved my life tonight
Philadelphia freedom
Tiny dancer

New Zealand
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Don't let the sun go down on me
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Candle in the wind
Your song
Goodbye yellow brick road
Crocodile rock
Bennie and the Jets
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Rocket man
Daniel
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Don't go breaking my heart
Someone saved my life tonight
Philadelphia freedom
Can you feel the love tonight
Sacrifice
Honky cat
I'm still standing
Song for guy
Nikita

Japan
Their Top 20 Favourite Songs
Your song
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Something about the way you look tonight
It's me that you need
Border song
Rocket man
Honky cat
Don't let the sun go down on me
Goodbye yellow brick road
Candle in the wind 1997
Candle in the wind
Skyline pigeon
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Someone saved my life tonight
The one
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Can you feel the love tonight
Levon
I guess that's why they call it the blues

Top20 Albums
The Most Present On The Albums Released (Not Only By Elton)
Your song
Rocket man
Daniel
Crocodile rock
Don't let the sun go down on me
Candle in the wind
Goodbye yellow brick road
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Bennie and the Jets
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Honky cat
Philadelphia freedom
Don't go breaking my heart
The bitch is back
Someone saved my life tonight
Border song
I'm still standing
Tiny dancer
Blue eyes
Sacrifice

Top20 Covers
The Most Covered By Other Artists
Your song
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
Daniel
Candle in the wind
Rocket man
Don't go breaking my heart
Can you feel the love tonight
Goodbye yellow brick road
Don't let the sun go down on me
Crocodile rock
Blue eyes
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Bennie and the Jets
Song for guy
Circle of life
Sacrifice
Take me to the pilot
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Border song
Nikita

Top20 Live
The Most Played Live
Your song
Rocket man
Bennie and the Jets
Daniel
Don't let the sun go down on me
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Philadelphia freedom
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
Tiny dancer
Candle in the wind
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
The bitch is back
I'm still standing
Take me to the pilot
Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding
Crocodile rock
Levon
Someone saved my life tonight
Goodbye yellow brick road
Honky cat

Top20 Eltonites
"The All-Time Favourite By Eltonites"
Your song
Don't let the sun go down on me
Candle in the wind
Rocket man
Bennie and the Jets
Crocodile rock
Daniel
Goodbye yellow brick road
Don't go breaking my heart
Sacrifice
Someone saved my life tonight
I'm still standing
Saturday night's alright (for fighting)
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Can you feel the love tonight
Sorry seems to be the hardest word
The one
Philadelphia freedom
Tiny dancer
Nikita

Paul Bacon, or when the difference is hard to find

2011-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Eltonites!!! That's the end of the season and I thought about inviting someone very special. It's truly amazing to see him perform and he does it very well. You can close your eyes and listen: complicate to find a difference. I am so glad to invite him here, please, eltonites, a big applause for the fantastic and incredible: Paul Bacon!!!!!

Thanks so much for the acceptation, an honour to have you here, Paul. How much of a pressure is it imitating a celebrity of Elton’s status? Is it difficult to copy and why?

I am first and foremost a massive Elton John fan and have been since the early 1970’s. I have always loved his music and followed his career. This is just as well, because when I perform people do interact with me as though I am actually Elton! Of course 99% of people know I’m not really Elton, however I guess they like to enter into the spirit of the occasion!

It does give me a tiny insight into what it must be like to be celebrity of Elton’s stature, as everyone recognises Elton even if they are not necessary a fan of his music. So posing for photos with people and answering ‘Elton based questions’ has become a part of the job!

I’ve always looked a little like Elton, and I have a similar tone of voice, so I don’t have to alter my appearance too much to look like him and I talk and sing in my normal voice when performing, although of course I copy Elton’s style of singing to the best of my ability.

Having literally grown up listening to Elton’s music and watching him perform, I think I have ‘absorbed’ some of his on-stage persona. I don’t try to present a ‘caricature’ of Elton, or indeed send him up in any way. As well as being a fan, I have too much respect for him to do that. For me it’s about celebrating and sharing Elton’s music in the very best way that I can.

So when did you become an Eltonite, then? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

The first time Elton’s music had a major impact on me was when I first heard the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album in late ’73 or early ’74, when I was 12 or 13 years old. I must have heard Elton on the radio before that (Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Rocket Man), but when I heard Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding for the first time I was completely mesmerized! GYBR became the first album I owned, and then I began collecting Elton’s earlier albums – Don’t Shoot Me, Madman, Honky Chateau, etc. I got hold of a tape of Tumbleweed Connection and practically wore it out!

From that point forward I bought Elton’s albums as they were released, with Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy becoming my favourite, as it still is.

It’s very difficult to explain why a particular artist moves you. Elton is of course an incredible songwriter, great musician, wonderful singer and amazing performer, yet he also has that indefinable quality that very few artists possess.

Does he know about you, or don't you know?

I’ve no idea if Elton has heard about me. I’ve not received any flowers, so I guess not!

Hahahaha ;-)

Seriously, I would be very surprised if he has, as he is always incredibly busy and as we know he is not a fan of the internet.

Sure. Have you ever been mistaken for Elton? Some funny anecdote to share with us?

I recently went to see Elton and his band perform at Hatfield House as part of the Magic FM Summer Live Concert here in the UK. I was persuaded by friends to dress as Elton but didn’t anticipate how many people at the concert would want to have a photo taken with me! In fact I got so many requests that we quickly decided to raise money for the Magic FM Cash for Kids appeal that was featured at the event, by asking for a donation for a photo. I don’t know exactly how much we raised for the charity, but I’m sure it was easily over £200. Of course most of the people knew that I wasn’t the real Elton, however one or two thought I was and also asked for an autograph! I declined politely (I don’t sign autographs as Elton, that would be wrong!)

Although of course I am presenting myself as Elton when I perform, I do feel slightly uncomfortable when people believe I am actually Elton!

How do you choose the set list and which songs become a part of the set? Any obscure song, you play?

The set list is dependant upon the occasion and how long I’m asked to play for. If I’m only playing for thirty minutes or one hour, my problem is not what to play, but what to leave out! I guess just like when Elton performs there are certain songs that the audience want and expect to hear, for example Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock, Your Song etc. However, if I am doing a two hour set I have the flexibility to add one or two lesser known songs (I mean lesser known to non Eltonites!). I love singing Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Original Sin or Sartorial Eloquence, and also songs like Empty Garden, Pinky, I Need You To Turn To, Captain Fantastic… You see the problem! It’s nice when I do get asked to play a certain song, for example I do sometimes get requests for Skyline Pigeon, Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Little Jeannie, Blues for Baby and Me, Cold as Christmas, and even recently, Chloe. I know these are not particularly obscure songs to ‘Eltonites’, but to a non Elton audiences they might be unfamiliar. No one has requested Regimental Sergeant Zippo yet!

Don’t give ideas, Paul hehe. And how do you manage to get your costumes?

I’ve had some of my costumes made for me, however I did buy three suits from Elton and David’s ‘Out the Closet’ sale in London in December 2009. In particular two beautiful silk Versace suits from I guess the 1990’s. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were a perfect fit! I also bought several pairs of shoes at the same sale, including a wonderful pair of Versace boots.

It was a great way to get some authentic ‘Elton’ clothing and to support the EJAF at the same time. I hope they have another sale soon!

Time permitting, I try to make at least one costume change during a show.

Explain to us a bit about the Blue Moves band, the band you travel with. How many gigs do you play in a year?

I’m very lucky to know a group of great musicians who have totally got into the spirit of playing Elton’s music. They were not necessarily all dedicated Elton fans when we started, but through working on the songs and gigging they have now become big fans of his music.

For example when we began to rehearse Tiny Dancer, the band was not so familiar with it, however now if I suggest leaving it out of the set due to time restraints they complain!

I play far more gigs on my own than with the band, (seventeen over the past two months) but that is changing I’m delighted to say. Playing Elton’s music with a full live band is a fantastic experience.

As well as playing clubs and corporate events, we have also performed at music festivals and indeed will be appearing on the main stage at this year’s Tribfest in August in Yorkshire, England - which has become Europe’s largest tribute festival attracting some 5,000 people. So that should be fun!

Have you taken your act overseas yet?

Not yet, but we would certainly love to. There are opportunities in the pipeline to visit France, Spain, the US, and maybe even Barbados! With Elton being a global superstar, the world is our oyster!

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

As a fan I may be biased, but I really do see Elton John up there with Elvis and The Beatles. His record sales and popularity speak for themselves. After over 40 years in the music business he is still able to sell-out venues, including stadiums, all over the world.

Elton has produced some of the most recognised and best loved popular music ever written. His awards, including an Oscar, are too numerous to mention.

Although supremely talented as a songwriter, musician, singer and performer, Elton has also become a global figure not only respected for his music but also for his commitment to his aids foundation and other causes.

You have a highly recommended website on http://www.ultimateelton.com/ What could we find there?

My website is designed to give people an insight into what I do as an Elton John tribute artist. Visitors can see what I look and sound like. I have also recently added a diary to enable visitors to see where and when I am performing.

It is also a way for people to contact me or indeed leave messages and/or feedback.

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

Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Your Song
Tiny Dancer
I’m Still Standing
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me

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

I consider myself very lucky to be doing what I do. As well as the opportunity to sing all my favourite songs, I also get the chance to meet fellow Elton fans and share the love and appreciation that we all have for Elton and his music.

Let’s all hope that Elton keeps doing what he’s doing for many years to come, because nobody does it better!

Thanks so much, Paul, for sharin' your time with us. It's amazing to see one of us playin' Elton on stage with that success, and also it's an opportunity to listen songs live that Elton has no intention to do in his performances. Oh, but before you go, I have people here who kindly agree to send you their salutations. Please, Stuart, Tony, Will, it's your turn.

Stuart Epps, record producer: "I've known Elton for over 40 years and this guys is as close as you can get both in voice and in Looks"

Tony Wood, playmate: "Paul is a great Elton tribute. Looks and sounds like the man and I am pleased to be part of the band playing with him :)"

Will Howes, video producer: "Working with Paul Bacon is a joy. He is such a fun guy and is unbelievably similar to Elton, the way he speaks, sings and the small manorisms are spot on. Paul came to me in 2009 and we had a meeting in a local pub about his plans for 'Ultimate Elton'. I was happy to oblige and thought it would work perfectly. He knows the ins and outs of Elton and owns some of Elton's actual outfits (as seen in the video) so it was exciting to work on the video. We filmed the 'Im Still Standing' video in Bournemouth, England and tried to make it have that same feel of the original video but at the same time to create something fresh and original. It was a wonderful day and many people mistook him for being the real Elton. Since then Paul has been touring the UK with his act at events and festivals. I am also currently editing the second video for 'Ultimate Elton.'"

Thank you Stuart, Paul and Will. I truly recommend Will Howes' work, along with Greg Holgate, an up and coming student comedy duo producing video content for the world wide web, that's on:

http://www.youtube.com/user/HolgateAndHowes

Bye to all, have a good holidays the ones they have, and my best wishes for everybody. See you in September!!!

Pictures courtesy of Paul Bacon

Ultimate Elton: looking and sounding like his idol

2011-07-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

"I just saw him live in Thame, brilliant !!! just like being with my old mate, great band too". When record producer Stuart Epps says words like these of a new talented artist, we must take a listen. And the listen is surprising: he has an extraordinarily similar singing voice to Elton’s. But more than this, his staging is fantastic, including all the costumes needed to reflect Elton’s flamboyant stage presence and style. Some tribute artists look like their idol, he sounds like his idol. Paul Bacon aka Ultimate Elton, is a lifelong Elton John fan. He first started singing and performing Elton’s songs whilst studying Performing Arts at University, in the early 1980’s. Having worked in the corporate events industry for almost 20 years, producing everything from sales conferences, product launches, awards ceremonies... he decided at the start of 2009, to do something completely different and invested his time and money in creating the Ultimate Elton John tribute. Since that time, the shows have got bigger, the costumes more spectacular and the platforms even higher. He is available for shows both large and small, including themed parties, corporate events, weddings and all family celebrations. Also, he has been delighted to help with Children in Need, Help for Heroes, and the London and Slough run for homeless people. He performs solo with backing tracks for a ‘full band’ sound, or with his four-piece band, Blue Moves, for a fully live sound with drums, bass guitar, keyboards and lead/rhythm guitar. The set list comprises an extensive repertoire from every period of Elton’s career: since hits like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight", "Philadelphia Freedom" or "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" to tracks like "Teacher I Need You", "Made In England", "Blues For My Baby And Me" or "Cold As Christmas", for example. "It's an absolute joy to perform so many wonderful songs including Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man, Your Song and Candle in the Wind" he explains, while adding "as well as other classics such as Tiny Dancer, Honky Cat, Daniel, I’m Still Standing, Don’t let the Sun go Down on Me and Bennie and the Jets, and to share in the love and appreciation that audiences have towards Sir Elton and his music". His new music video "I'm Still Standing", created by Paul Bacon, Lucina Pearson & Will Howes, is available on:

Join us to the weekend of... Paul Bacon!!! We gonna have fun!!!

The Eltonites Day With... Andreas Moland Bendixen!!!

2011-06-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Eltonites!! Today is a very special day. I've been so lucky to meet eltonites around the world, as I did with our guest today. The day he was born, Elton was delivering a succesful concert in Pittsbourgh, PA, as part of The Breaking Hearts Tour, with memorable pieces like "One More Arrow", "Who Wears These Shoes" or "Kiss The Bride". No Jack Rabbit, you didn't have to go to Scandinavia this time, our guest is living here, in our country. My God! Well as I've been saying, our guest is a very special person, an extraordinary man. Good sense of humour, loyalty until the end to Elton, and frank talk. So, while Old Rabbit is in Scandinavia, let's open the AllSongList doors open-wided to receive the one and only, the incredible... Andreas Moland Bendixen!!!

Hello, Andreas. Thanks so much for the acceptation and welcome to the blogsite. I am so proud to have you here and nice to see you again. Could you tell us, please more, who are you?

Thanks Miquel for letting me participate on your great webside! My name is Andreas and I was born in the south of Norway 27 years ago. I moved to Catalunya in 2008 after I met my Catalan girlfriend, Mariona.

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

The first time I heard, or at least remember hearing Elton’s music, I was making cookies with my mother! I was 10 years old and the songs from “The Lion King” were getting tremendous airplay in Norway, like everywhere else in the world. I had noticed “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” in particular, but had no idea who the artist was. That evening as I was helping my mum with cookies, she asked me to turn some music on the stereo. I asked what she would like to hear. “Elton John” she said. I put on the blue “Very Best of Elton John”, with that awesome picture, and I loved every single song. Later, from my mum again, I learned that the singer from “The Lion King” was the same person, and I realized the man was very, very special.

God bless your mum!

I suppose the central strength, or important talent of any artist is the voice. To me, that might be the strongest point about Elton. He has given us a spectrum of different voices over the years, just listen to an album such as “Jump Up!”. There are at least 3 different voices presented here, and all on one album!

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

It was more than I expected, for sure! It was in 1995 and I remember thinking that he ROCKED more than I thought he would. He delivered “The Last Song” which he used to do live, and I cried! I didn’t know that song at that point, but that may be the most vivid memory I have from that concert. And it was great to hear “Lies” as well. By next month, I will have seen 22 concerts.

And which could be a great set list, in your opinion? Is there any song that Elton hasn’t played yet, and you think that he should do it?

To me, this is almost impossible to answer. I totally enjoy his shows whatever songs he does. And there are some songs which probably don’t allow themselves being played live. I mean, they don’t go down very well live. Elton has outstanding songs like “Pinky”, “Whispers”, “Two Rooms at the End of the World” or “Princess”, but I’m not sure if they would work live. I suppose Elton and his powerhouse of musicians consider this. However, there are songs I think would work live, songs that he has never played before like “You Gotta Love Someone”, “Shoulder holster”, “Chameleon”, “Blues For Baby & Me”. There are many that he has played at one time or another, that would be nice to see back in the set list, like “I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That”, “The Last Song”, “Weight of the World”, “Captain & the Kid”, “All Quiet on the Western Front”, “Live Like Horses”, “This Town” or “Suzie (Dramas)”.

Great list, really! Do you prefer the Elton’s solo tours or better with band? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

I like any kind of Elton show. They are different sides of Elton, and they complement each other, I think. Regarding Elton’s band… To be honest, I think Elton’s band is at its best now. Nigel would, however, be sorely missed if he was to leave (again)! To me, Charlie Morgan is a fantastic drummer, but Nigel is more unique, I think. He’s a vital part of the classic “Elton sound”.

Which people related to Elton you have met? Have you ever met Elton?

I have never met Elton. I met Clive Franks in Gothenburg in 2005, and he was very nice and funny. I asked him if he ever got nervous before shows, considering that he has a LOT of responsibility. He said “I’m too drunk be afraid”. He didn’t seem drunk to me though. He seemed like just one of the brilliant people working in the Elton world. I met Davey, and he was very down to earth and simple. He came walking down the street and I could recognize him a mile away! I also met “The Storys” a couple of times in 2007, and talked to the members in the band in a stadium in 2007. They told me that Elton had contacted them while in Las Vegas, but they didn’t really spend a lot of time with him, on or off the road. They also explained that life on the road is not as luxurious as we might think – they got from gig to gig in a private car.

I never asked for a signature or photo of neither Clive, Davey or from members of “The Storys”, but I wouldn’t want to. I chatted with them for some time, until I thought it was time to leave. I respect their privacy, and I respect Elton’s privacy. I try not to be one of those fans who constantly contact the management, or nag people around Elton to meet with Elton, or anything like that. My thinking is that I probably wouldn’t enjoy that pressure from fans too much if I were famous, so I try to see it from Elton’s side. I would never say “I’m Elton’s biggest fan”. There are, as we know very well, so many great fans out there.

As you, my friend. 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 girlfriend (who is also an Eltonite) and I have collected a number of things since we became fans. I really like our magazines, and LP singles, and the signatures from different concerts.

Fantastic! And your favourite Elton’s albums? Which are the songs that should have been singles but weren’t?

My favourite album has always been “Captain Fantastic”. It was, for some reason, always easier to decide than my favourite songs. As for songs that should have been singles but weren’t I think a lot of people would agree with me when I say “Harmony”. It might be on of my favourite songs of Elton, but again, favourites are pretty hard to decide. I think “Captain & the Kid” is a great song and should have been released as a single as well. To choose a third, I’d say “High Flying Bird”. There are, however, several songs that were released as a single but for some reason, never made it to the top.

What do you think about the “B” sides? Were they good songs, any in particular?

I think Elton always had a lot of great b-sides, but the best of them for me come from the late 70s and early 80s. Strangers, I Cry At Night, Conquer the Sun, The Retreat, Lovesick, etc. They should be put on several discs, it would be several! It's sometimes a temptation to say, why wasn't "So Sad the Renegade" on "Peachtree Road" or why didn't he put "The Retreat" on "21 at 33". Artistically, they are fabolous songs, but they probably didn't belong, or feel right on these albums. It would be nice, however, to see the official release of "Steal Away Child" and all the rest of the b-sides.

Andreas, what do you have done for Elton and, viceversa, what Elton has done for you?

I always like to mention Elton when the chance comes along. I don’t want to do it too much though, because people might think I’m a total fanatic and would always praise Elton. Spreading the good word, I like to call it! Elton introduced me to real music, since I was 10 years old. I really started appreciating music from that point on. It’s because of him that I started playing the piano, which I love so much. If it hadn’t been for Elton, I wouldn’t have met my girlfriend Mariona.

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

I see him at a higher position than what he has. I think Elton is underrated, regardless of all the success he has had. It bothers me sometimes that people see that he’s successful, but that’s it. He is actually a very, very talented musician and deserves to be thus considered. He deserves a position at the highest peak, up there with The Beatles and Wolfgang A. Mozart.

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

Yes, this is a difficult question. I’d say Bennie & the Jets, Empty Garden, We All Fall In Love Sometimes, The One and Cold.

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

I love music and I play the piano. As well as The Beatles, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and many other artists, I’m a big fan of Woody Allen. I also love bicycling and spending time with my girlfriend.

Thanks so much for sharin' your time with us, Andreas, it has been a pleasure. Send me Old Rabbit when you come to Norway. Take care, all the best.

The Eltonite's Day: Wembley 75!!!

2011-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jack Rabbit strikes back (again)! There’s no better way to start doin' an Eltonite’s Day. Now, this time, on The Bay of Plenty! God, what a nice place to start, Rabbit. Located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand and nestled beside the magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Tauranga shows its splendor. Old Rabbit is looking for someone who has as a favourite quotation as follows: “The world is changing, we're getting older, simple things are hard to find, hope they remember what we did here, the ones we leave behind”. Very nice words, Rabbit. Another clue? “I don't feel it, I don't act my age & I certainly don't look it (according to others lol)”. Today's guest is someone very special. The doors of AllSongsList are all wide-open to receive the fantastic: Wembley75!!!

I love your country, nice place, that's paradise. I am truly happy to have you here, thanks for your acceptation. But first.... Could you tell us more, please, who are you?

Thank you Miquel for an invitation to your wonderful Eltonite’s Day pages, it’s a real pleasure. Hi I’m Tracy (Stent), Eltonites might know me better as Wembley75. I was “Made In England” & moved with family to New Zealand in December 1975. I remember thinking that’s ok, Elton tours down under & I’d already heard about the February ’74 tour, fisticuffs & all !! Little did I know it would be 5 ½ years before I was able to see Elton live again. In fact my dad beat me to it in 1979 when he visited family in Perth, Australia & got tickets to Elton with Ray Cooper. I’ve never forgiven myself for not going over (too old to holiday with mum & dad haha) but Dad did bring me back the programme.

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

Growing up I listened to a variety of my parents records from The Beatles to Sinatra, Streisand, The Stones, Simon & Garfunkel, Diamond, Dusty, Peggy & Ella, stage shows like West Side Story & Carousel & classical pieces like Ravels Bolero & Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture. As a teen I loved the “glam” rock bands like Slade, Sweet, Wizzard, Gary Glitter, T-Rex, Suzi Quatro before I’d heard of Elton John. I should thank my parents as they bought Don’t Shoot Me for my 15th birthday in March ‘73 as I loved Crocodile Rock & I was hooked. Mum religiously bought Melody Maker newspaper & I would read it after her so I knew the GBYBR release date & still remember as if it were yesterday, Mum & I had a shopping trip to town just so I could buy the album. I had never seen such an amazing tri-fold sleeve & the illustrations were fabulous. I traced the front cover drawing, coloured it in & stuck it on my bedroom wall alongside my collection of Elton John posters & newspaper cuttings. My bedroom looked just like Mandy Moore’s one in the clip “Original Sin” with the white furniture, a turntable & many of the same posters !! By the end of 1973 I had all of Elton’s back catalogue LP’s & like many of us Eltonites have never missed a release date since.

Oh, great!!! Your first concert experience was the debut of the Rock Of The Westies band at Wembley Stadium, 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 and how many concerts have you been after that?

Three friends from college & myself set off early travelling first by train then on two tube lines to Wembley, the journey took around two hours. London had put on one of it’s best days of summer & I remember the two white towers looked phenomenal glistening in the sun as we walked up to the main entrance, I’d only seen them on TV before then. We arrived around 11 in the morning, the gates had opened at 10 & there were already a number of people there, especially on the grass arena, we had purchased tickets in the stand for 3 pounds & 50 pence!! At midday the show got underway. We had a blast, the sound was fantastic & I could hardly believe I was amongst a crowd in a stadium supposedly holding 100,000 people. Later I believe that figure was revised down to 75,000. The Eagles were amazing & the first time I had heard their music. The Beach Boys definitely stole the show with hit after hit that everybody knew, playing in that late (hot) afternoon sun was perfect …just had to close your eyes & imagine surfing in Southern Cali-for-nia !!! CFATBDCB was released four weeks before Wembley & I had learnt every song but I don’t recall if I knew ahead of time that Elton would play the complete album. I was very happy to hear all the new songs live - thanks Elton !! I didn’t notice a mass walkout like the media reported because people were unfamiliar with Elton’s new album. The crowd seemed to come & go all day around us, for toilet breaks or for food & drink & sitting on the terraces wasn’t very comfortable for long periods. Sadly I did not take a camera & very few photos have emerged since but there is a black & white picture published in Caleb Quaye’s book A Voice Louder Than Rock & Roll. Taken by Roger Pope behind his drum kit of Caleb on stage & the crowd looks packed pretty tight & I recently found an awesome photo on Flickr which proves how tight & how hot from the number of topless guys (& gals?):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8021817@N07/4446820605

Unlike many Eltonites I ’m still in single figures for EJ gigs I‘ve attended. Sadly I have only been to 8 concerts since Wembley, all in New Zealand: 1980/82/84, 1990/93/98, 2006/08. But I’m very excited to be going on my first “Elton roadtrip” in Australia later this year, by passing Dunedin for Hunter Valley & two shows in Melbourne which will bring my count to 12. Those eighties gigs were really something else, so fast paced. I loved Elton's energetic piano antics & jamming with the band.

So wonderful experience, Tracy. Which could be a great set list, in your opinion? Is there any song that Elton hasn’t played yet, and you think that he should do it?

I know how much we all crave the rarities but understand the reasons why we don’t get them often. I feel very blessed Elton is still touring & writing, playing so many different types of show adds variety. The setlist from Elton’s 60th Birthday is pretty amazing. If I could pick 2 songs I’d love to hear live they would be Pinky & Mandalay Again…. Davey, how about a surprise for your Aussie/NZ fans this year? Please !!

Hahaha Davey, you must listen. Precisely, which people related to Elton you have met? Have you ever met Elton?

I have never met Elton or any of the band in person. I do have a relative who whilst holidaying at an exclusive private island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef discovered Elton was there. It was during one of his breaks from Renate & Elton was taking some R&R & catching up on the England/Australia cricket series. Elton had access to a piano in the bar & did spend time playing it & dining with the other guests. Of course everybody gave him the privacy he was seeking at this time too.

And your favourite Elton’s albums? Which are the songs that should have been singles but weren’t? What do you think about the “B” sides? Were they good songs, any in particular?

Captain Fantastic is my favourite album followed by 17/11/70. Love the B sides, it was magic flipping over a 45 to hear what didn’t make the album cut. I really like I Cry At Night, The Retreat & Conquer The Sun. My favourite is Tortured, an outstanding song that should have been a single. Thank goodness the modern equivalent of flipping it over is bonus tracks or deluxe editions. Mandalay Again should have been a single without question.

For sure! And 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 am lucky enough to own a programme from the 1972 Royal Festival Hall concert, an Uncle attended. I had no idea it was rare, our friend Paul Purcell confirmed he had never seen one for sale. I have a scarf from Wembley. I recently acquired via a non Elton friend a signed B&W photograph of Elton wearing the Pierrot suit & hat he wore in the Chloe video clip. Photographs I received as a member of the original Elton John Fan Club in the UK are very special too.

Nice items really! And if Paul Purcell told you that, that’s pretty certain for sure. But how it was, and still is, the success of Elton in your country? Which have been his hits in sales terms? And which are New Zealanders's favorite Elton's albums or songs? And could you still hear Elton's music in the radio, nowadays?

Elton John & his music is quite popular in New Zealand but there was little promotion of The Union from what I saw & I didn’t hear any tracks played on the radio. In the past I would say his most successful period in terms of charting was from 1982-1984, a time when he toured often down under. Jump Up went to #1, the first album to do so since CFATBDCB and surprisingly Breaking Hearts peaked at #2. Sleeping With The Past also went to #1. For singles, apart from ‘97 Candle re-release & Don’t Go Breaking My Heart duet, Nikita was the most successful reaching #1 also.

Oh, once you said about some newspapers treating Elton: “No surprise that so far none of our comments have been published yet there is a collection of adverse ones appearing. Typical !! I don't normally like to write on such matters as it's Eltons private life & nothing to do with me but this constant attack that has worsened since Christmas Day needs to be stopped”. That was about the birth of Baby Zachary. Why do you think some journalists lose respect for him?

I actually don’t think it’s a matter of journalists losing respect for Elton, in my opinion they have little respect for those in the public eye to begin with. They lie low in the gutter (lol) ready to pounce on any story they can lay their hands on, no matter how bizarre or untruthful. I made the comment you quote on instinct, like any mother wanting to protect her child & assuming that Zachary will one day read about his birth, some of the comments were deplorable. Sadly nowadays people can type what they want whilst hidden behind their keyboards and in the case you mentioned only comments backing up the viewpoint of the journo were being published.

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

Varies according to my mood but nearly always in the top five are: Someone Saved My Life Tonight / High Flying Bird / Harmony / Live Like Horses / The One …….is that five already, I could go on?

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

I love reading especially non fiction, listening to music (Robbie Williams, Queen, Coldplay, EJ & Adele in the player this week) & we have two teenage boys which keep me very busy. My other passion is following motorsports (WRC, MotoGP, SBK, Indy, F1) & if I had the money I would like to travel the world to watch races & Elton concerts.

Oh, that would be a dream come true! Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I love to correspond with Eltonites around the world & it’s fantastic to hear all their stories & share photos especially from the tours, almost as good as being there. Paul P. summed it up recently by saying there is not one person we know of that won’t be seeing Elton at some stage this year, long may it continue. Thank you Elton & Bernie for being my original sin !!

Thanks for all, Tracy, really a pleasure to chat with you. Doing this interview with you it was an enjoyable and worth experience. Thank you again and my best wishes for the future. Take care.

pictures courtesy of Tracy Stent

April Fool's Day

2011-04-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

When the western world used the Julian calendar, the year began on March 25th because they celebrated the start of a new year with the start of spring. That all changed in the 1500s, when we switched to the Gregorian calendar, moving the New Year to the first of January, without realizing Elton was born precisely on the 25th (just joking). However, people who insisted on celebrating the “old” New Year became known as April fools, and it became common to play jokes and tricks on them. It has been very usual to see newpapers and websites trying to trick us, but... without success?

Hercules website announced that "Elton and David have decided to chose one huge Elton fan as godparent for their son Zachary", inviting to send an application and a picture of the interested making sure to persued the parents "why you should be the one to join their inner circle in being a godparent of their son". An april fools day joke, of course. That was not the first year they tried to trick the community, always with a good sense of humour and a brilliant well researched ideas. For example, in 2009, they talked about Elton's intention to do his New Year's Eve concert in the south Pacific Ocean, at the Tonga Islands. A dreamed concert, with four parts: Elton would start with a solo set (approx. 30 minutes) before being joined on stage by percussionist Ray Cooper for the second part of the show (approx. 45 minutes), then be completed by the Elton John Band for a third set of approx. one hour and, for the last part, which would begin shortly before midnight, Billy Joel would added to their grand finale, as they did on their "Face to Face" tour. Also, "some of the big cruise ships, including the Queen Mary 2, would planned to drop anchor at the time of the show, allowing their passengers to watch the concert from the comfort of their luxury cabins with balconies or from the deck of the ships". Another, in 2004, lots of fans called a faked phone number in Las Vegas and sang their heart out to meet Elton in Las Vegas. Only what they had to do, was "identify the two Elton John songs in which you can find "Caeasars Palace". In other words, there is one song with the term 'Caesar's' in the lyrics, and one Elton John song that contains the term 'palace'".

eltonjohnworld is another of the referenced websites we have. They made go crazy old rabbit in 2003 searching for a "new duet" Elton and Mick Jagger announced to record that same year. "Upbeat", the track, it would have been composed by the two artists plus Bernie's lyrics, with proceeds going to a "yet-to-be-announced" charity. Jagger compared it as "the sounds of Caribbean clubs he visits" explained the Stone with satisfaction. Another great one happened in 2004, when "Elton would have been meeting with Calvin Klein designer to promote the new red piano masculine fragance to include citrus and forest highlights", it sounded good afterall. Don't forget Elton would "do a song for a tv advert". In 2005, they announced Elton was thinking about his next album "he could deliver a rock and roll beat album learning to play a bit of guitar", for the ocasion, he could have a teacher, Burton Dale, recommended by BB King. Also, in 2006, Elton discussed "changing his red piano up on ebay to raise founds for a pink piano", the reason was "he believes is more soothing".

An Interview With Elizabeth Rosenthal: author of "His Songs: The Musical Journey of Elton John" (Part Two)

2011-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Old Rabbit you're surprised! A source of knowledge. Not you, dear, I am referring to Liz Rosenthal. I loved that part when she explains about how "Honky Cat" lifted her spirits, and how she was totally blown away by “I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That". Every Eltonite has his hooked day about Elton. It's nice to see how loyal we are since then. And amazing to read Liz became an Eltonite in 1989, and within a month, she had purchased Elton’s entire back catalog. And what about her recommendation? "I always look toward the sky. It’s especially nice that, wherever you are, there are also birds, so you’re never without them!". That's totally true, I had never noticed that. Rabbit, our host is ready again, don't wait any longer, and don't lose your notes!!! We're listening...

Thanks. Well, back again with the incredible Liz Rosenthal. We are continuing our Elton Journey to his life. The blue period and the recovering. Elton as A Single Man – he not only fired Dee and Nigel, but Gus Dudgeon, too, and Davey Johnstone and Bernie left the picture. It seems Elton was lost, as you could tell from his work with a soul producer like Thom Bell, and a disco producer like Pete Bellote on Victim of Love. Do you agree? What happened to Elton?

Elton used his break from the perpetual cycle of recording regular Elton John albums and touring to do some other things he was interested in. He had always wanted to do a genuine soul album. Hence, The Thom Bell Sessions. But when you work with Thom Bell, you allow him to dictate the sound and provide most of the songs. So it was more of a Thom Bell record on which Elton sang. Elton’s decision to record a disco album while ceding complete creative control to Bellotte was a much worse decision. Not only did Elton not even play on the record, but none of the songs except for the old classic “Johnny B. Goode” were any good, and I’m being charitable. On the plus side, you could look at Victim of Love as a simple vanity project. EJ wanted his own disco album, and he got one. It’s just a shame he had to share it with the rest of us! (Elton was perfectly capable of writing and recording his own sort of disco songs, of the type exemplified by “Philadelphia Freedom” and “Tell Me When the Whistle Blows.” It’s unfortunate that he didn’t do something like that instead.)

Elton had a difficult business relationship with David Geffen, who rejected songs from The Fox album sessions, requiring Elton to write more songs. Was Elton comfortable with that situation? Could these circumstances have caused him to slip in the new decade? It seems that until Too Low For Zero he couldn’t find the right creative direction. Were the 80s Elton’s worst decade, except for the Sleeping with the Past sessions? On a personal level it was so for Elton: throat surgery, marital problems, never-ending lawsuits in the High Court against Dick James and The Sun, the end of his Geffen recording contract.

I agree that the 1980s started off poorly for Elton. David Geffen was a different sort of record company executive, the kind who meddled in the recording artist’s creative process. As you may know, Elton wasn’t the only one who had that experience with Geffen. Joni Mitchell and Neil Young did, too. And certainly the 80s were filled with bad news for Elton. The benign growths on his vocal cords, which were so painful and generally ruined his singing for about a year, were finally surgically removed, and even then it was uncertain for a while how his voice would heal. Elton’s short-lived marriage to Renate Blauel was another sad circumstance, but he has attributed the marriage to confusion over how to bring stability to a life that was increasingly drug-filled, alcohol-soaked and sexually promiscuous. Things really couldn’t get better for him until he entered rehab in 1990 – and thank goodness he did, for he not only saved himself, but prevented all of us from losing such a remarkable talent.

True

Regarding whether the 80s were Elton’s worst decade creatively, I suppose a case could be made for that, but so much fantastic work came out of the 80s that it’s hard to be dismissive of the entire decade. I agree that the albums Too Low for Zero and Sleeping with the Past were high points, but they would have been high points in any decade. Too Low for Zero yielded a couple of Elton’s most beloved songs – “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” and “I’m Still Standing” – as well as some interesting experimentation in the title track, one of his best rockers in “Kiss the Bride,” and one of his loveliest melodies in “Saint.” Sleeping with the Past yielded a major worldwide hit in “Sacrifice,” which led to Sleeping topping the charts in many countries. The album was also one of the most thematically consistent of his career in evoking the R & B of the 50s and early 60s, and contained some of his most beautiful melodies, in songs like “Blue Avenue” and “Whispers.” Ice on Fire was also thematically consistent, with a focus on tougher R & B, while giving us one of his best ballads, “Nikita,” and a couple of his funkiest songs, “This Town” and “Satellite.” But let’s not forget about Reg Strikes Back, which is actually one of my favorite EJ albums. It’s the opposite of Sleeping in being stylistically diverse, but it showcases many of Elton’s strengths, in memorable melodies, jazz-inflected toe-tappers, soul, and even a Beach Boys tribute. “I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That” is one of his best uptempo songs, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part 2” among his most adventurous, and “A Word in Spanish” something he really needs to dust off and play in concert again.

Leather Jackets was a disaster, with (mostly) bad songs, arrangements, and production; weird lyrics from several partners including Cher; and Elton suffering from a somewhat unpleasant singing voice due to the growths on his vocal cords that he hadn’t yet addressed. And, despite Bernie Taupin’s assertions to the contrary, Breaking Hearts was more disappointing than satisfying, featuring pedestrian lyrics and pedestrian music to match, even if some of the songs were memorable, like “Sad Songs” and “Who Wears These Shoes?”.

Was it true that Elton and Rod Stewart planned to do a movie comedy in the vein of Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon? Why didn’t this come to fruition? Why didn’t they tour together? And what more can we say about the relationship of “Phyllis” and “Sharon”?

Yes, in 1983, there were discussions about filming a comedy starring EJ and Rod Stewart. It was cancelled, possibly due to the fact that Rod had backed out of doing a joint tour with Elton. It’s too bad that nothing came of their ideas for a film collaboration or joint tour, but in those days, Elton was able to fall back on the comfort of the album-tour-album-tour cycle, which didn’t end until after rehab.

The friendship of “Phyllis” (Rod) and “Sharon” (Elton) has certainly been one of Elton’s most enduring relationships. They seem to thrive on “taking the piss” out of each other, as they would say. Then again, Rod can be supportive of Elton, too (and, presumably, Elton can be supportive of Rod). After The Captain and the Kid came out and sold very little, I recall hearing of Rod commenting that he felt sorry for Elton, especially since Elton had told him that this could be the hit album he hoped to have again. (Meanwhile, Rod had been recording album after album of tin pan alley covers with Clive Davis at the helm, racking up some pretty healthy sales without much creative effort.)

Other things Elton hoped to do never happened: working with Tina Turner on a duet, recording sessions with Cher, a song for a James Bond movie, a musical about Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky, a song with Billy Joel. What other non-released EJ projects do you know of?

In 2003, Elton had plans to make a country album involving a number of other country artists, but the project fell apart. One product of the aborted sessions was “Turn the Lights Out When You Leave,” which later appeared on Peachtree Road. Also, there should be a few extra Gnomeo and Juliet songs laying around – not just by EJ and BT, but EJ and Tim Rice, as Rice was the original lyricist for this project many moons ago.

Then there are all the songs from the failed EJ/BT Broadway musical Lestat, which I will discuss later.

By the way, did you know that Cher’s lyrics to “Don’t Trust That Woman,” which Elton put to music for Leather Jackets, were also put to music by Les Dudek, Cher’s one-time boyfriend, a guitarist who has played with the Allman Brothers and other acts? Well, it’s true. You can find it on Dudek’s Gypsy Ride album. And his version of the song is a lot better than Elton’s! (Even so, Cher’s lyrics are horrendous – “You can beat her but don’t mistreat her/…Don’t trust that woman boys/’Cause she’ll hurt you/And turn you into little toys.”)

Loads of demos and other unreleased recordings sit quietly in the vaults.

Precisely, apart from the music charts, I love the outtakes. Songs like “No Valentines,” “Sugar On The Floor,” “Into The Old Man’s Shoes,” “Here Comes Miss Hurt Again” and “Surviving Crash and Burn” are good enough to be on an album. I am not asking Elton to do a B-sides tour, but what could they do with all this material? And do you know of other remarkable outtakes?

You are correct that EJ outtakes abound and deserve attention. There is no way to list them all here. Someday, they could be featured on a deluxe box set, but that really depends on whether Elton would want that (and he might not). Then again, a number of outtakes have appeared in the last few years on the reissued, deluxe versions of the Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection albums, and many of the B-sides and other left-overs have appeared on reissued versions of most of his other albums, up through The One.

Following are some of my favorite outtakes:

•“Rock Me When He’s Gone”: A thumping piano rocker that Elton gave to Long John Baldry for the latter’s 1971 album, It Ain’t Easy.

•“Basque”: An early 80s piano instrumental officially recorded and released only by flutist James Galway on his 1991 CD, Wind Beneath My Wings.

•“Dreamboat”: One of oodles of outtakes from A Single Man. It’s got a debonair, big band sensibility. I would have loved this song as a 14-year-old when all I listened to was big band music!

•“Earn While You Learn”: Infectious, contemporary, instrumental jazz, also from the A Single Man sessions, which features Elton’s playing on a variety of keyboards.

•“Billy and the Kids”: A spunky, extremely catchy, midtempo tune which should never have been just a Leather Jackets B-side!

•“The Rumour”: Elton and Bernie wrote this number for Olivia Newton-John. It appeared on her 1988 album of the same name. You can hear EJ’s powerful backing vocals and rhythmic piano playing on the recording.

•“Did Anybody Sleep with Joan of Arc?”: An arresting, moody number from the Songs from the West Coast sessions.

•“A Little Peace”: My favorite outtake of all time! This one’s from the Peachtree Road sessions. I would never have left this rollicking R & B number off the album! If necessary, I would have (grudgingly) dropped “Too Many Tears” or “I Can’t Keep This From You,” although I don’t know why EJ couldn’t have added just one more song to the official track list.

In the 1990s, at least during the first half, Elton is again in good form. The One, The Lion King, and Made In England were successful and critically acclaimed. But “Candle In The Wind 97” marked a turning point in Elton’s career. On the one hand, it gave him the bestselling single in history, but on the other, did it cause people to tire of Elton? Or did the single help his career? Was Songs from the West Coast, in 2001, the last chance for Elton to achieve both a masterpiece and worldwide success?

I wouldn’t ignore The Big Picture (1997), even though Elton has at least twice publicly denigrated it without explaining why. True, the drum machines and synths should have been left off, but Elton’s melody-making was in full force with songs like the title track, “I Can’t Steer My Heart Clear of You,” and the bopping, midtempo tune, “Recover Your Soul,” not to mention an exciting rocker, “If the River Can Bend.” The Big Picture’s release also marked a new height in Elton’s vocal development.

I also wouldn’t ignore Duets [1993]. I love it when Elton records with other artists. You hear him sing songs he might never sing otherwise.

Anyway, I do think that “Candle ‘97” helped his career enormously. That, plus his live performance of the rewritten “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Di’s almost universally-watched funeral brought him to a gigantic, new audience across the world. He became a bigger star than ever before. That was a good thing.

Songs from the West Coast did do well with the critics and was fairly successful commercially, but it marked the start of a decline not only in Elton’s record sales, but record sales in general. It doesn’t help that he isn’t getting any younger. You know how the music biz is – always in search of the next potential idol, who must be youthful, and definitely not over 50. Elton also received fairly consistent plaudits from music critics for Peachtree Road (2004) and The Captain and the Kid (2006), though they sold little. But at least they are part of his oeuvre and can be rediscovered at any time. As for Elton’s collaboration with Leon Russell, The Union (2010), not only was it widely embraced by critics, but it debuted at number 3 on the Billboard LPs chart, his best U.S. chart performance since 1976! That is nothing to complain about. At least here in the U.S., The Union has received huge acclaim and brought in classic rock enthusiasts and old Leon Russell fans that had lost track of Elton and/or Leon a long time ago. It’s important to gain the attention of the people who make up your natural constituency.

And what about Elton’s musicals – The Lion King, Aida, Billy Elliot, and Lestat? What do you think about the songs? And do you like the new songs on the Gnomeo And Juliet movie soundtrack?

I know that some fans have complained that Elton should just stick to making regular albums, but I’m thrilled that he has branched out into other media. Not only do musicals afford him a new challenge, but they introduce him to yet another audience that may not be all that aware of him. Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, which ran on Broadway from 2000 to 2004, and spawned traveling companies as well as countless American high school productions, probably contains my favorite collection of EJ’s theatrical songs. There is something so emotionally compelling about every number (except for “My Strongest Suit,” which is just fun) that you don’t care how miserable you feel listening to these songs. You have to keep on listening, anyway. It’s unfortunate that Lestat (2006) lasted on Broadway for only about 38 shows, not counting the previews, but it had two main problems. One was the watered-down book derived from Anne Rice’s vampire novels. In fact, the dialog, and most of the staging, was rather bloodless, and I’m not just saying that because it was about vampires. The second problem could be found in Taupin’s lyrics, which were mostly way, way overstuffed with information, especially during the first act. Musically, Elton met the challenge of both the subject matter and Bernie’s wordy lyrics and came up with some of the bleakest but most gorgeous, classically-influenced songs of his career. “Make Me As You Are,” in particular, is stunning. But, despite the fact that Lestat was about the undead, the musical only really came to life in the second act, when the universe of the main character, the French vampire Lestat, expanded to include New Orleans, and a new companion, Louis. Here, Bernie’s words were more economical. The portentous gospel of “Welcome to the New World,” which greeted Lestat upon his arrival, and “I Want More,” the humorous anthem of blood gluttony by Louis and Lestat’s cohort, child vampire Claudia, were special highlights that received the best audience response.

The Billy Elliot: The Musical songs are very stylistically diverse, and include everything from hymns to labor anthems to music hall to rock to classic Elton John balladry. Of course, Billy Elliot has been a crowd-pleaser for years in London, New York, and Sydney, and is opening in more cities all the time. It seems to encompass the perfect combination of a story offering humor and pathos, exhilarating dance numbers, ridiculously talented kids, versatile adult actors, and the right music for every scene. My one wish would be for the boys who play Billy and Michael to receive more vocal training to bring out the best in songs like “Electricity” and “Expressing Yourself.” However, I understand that the reason for the boys’ merely workmanlike vocals is that Elton wanted them (and many of the other characters) to sound “real,” to match the grit of their northeastern England mining town. Still, given all the other talent on display by everyone in Billy Elliot, they might as well have asked the audience to suspend disbelief to allow the kids great voices, too.

You didn’t mention The Road to El Dorado (2000), the Dreamworks animated musical that flopped. It didn’t flop because of the music. Here, too, some of EJ’s best melodies, set to Tim Rice’s clever lyrics, have gone unnoticed. One hopes they will surface again in another format at some point.

I understand that Elton is already at work with Lee Hall, who wrote the book and lyrics for Billy Elliot, on a musical adaptation of Orwell’s Animal Farm, and can’t wait to see it!

Of the two new John-Taupin songs on the Gnomeo and Juliet soundtrack, I am most impressed with “Love Builds a Garden,” another classically-tinged ballad that seems like a cousin to “We All Fall in Love Sometimes” from the Captain Fantastic album.

Elton and David Furnish surprised the whole world when they became parents of a child named Zachary Jackson Levon. Few people knew about this ahead of time. It was highly surprising to hear Elton change his in-concert explanation of the meaning behind “The Greatest Discovery.” Before, he always explained that the song was about the birth of Bernie’s youngest brother, but now he said, “This is a beautiful song about the birth of a young child,” and nobody realized he was talking about his child. Furnish explained that they “want to be active parents.” Does that mean the end of Elton’s never-ending tours?

What a surprise it was to learn of Elton and David’s parenthood! Elton as Daddy – from our perspective as bystanders – is yet another dimension of his humanity that we will have to get accustomed to. And as EJ and David are the most famous openly gay male couple in the world, they are also trailblazers in the fight against anti-gay bigotry, for which they must be saluted. (By the way, Zachary is the spittin’ image of the former Reg Dwight!)

But will Elton ever retire? No. He even declared that he would never retire in one of the many interviews he’s given lately. And I believe him.

Hope so! Elton has touched pop, country, rock, folk, ballads, blues, disco. Looking back on Elton’s catalogue, which of his songs are arguably the greatest he has ever written? And the worst? Finally, could you tell me your five favourite EJ songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, in which I try to discover the best Elton songs ever?

EJ has also tackled R & B, gospel, jazz, and classical. I have a very hard time ranking Elton’s songs and generally don’t like to come up with lists of favorites. But I’ll give it a try. As I write this (meaning that, at some other time, I might feel differently), I think that Elton’s “greatest” are:

“Rocket Man”/“Your Song”/“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”/”Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”/”Tiny Dancer”/”Candle in the Wind”/”Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”/”Harmony”/”Funeral for a Friend-Love Lies Bleeding”/”Daniel”/”A Woman’s Needs”/“Someone Saved My Life Tonight”/“Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”/“I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues”/“Empty Garden”/”Blue Eyes”/“The One”/”Philadelphia Freedom”/“Recover Your Soul”/“This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore”/”I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That”/”A Word in Spanish”/”Live Like Horses”/”Nikita”/”Blessed”/”Freaks in Love”/”All That I’m Allowed”/”Electricity”/“The Bridge”/“You’re Never Too Old”/“Mandalay Again”/”The Panic in Me”/”Blues Never Fade Away”/”Take Me to the Pilot”/”American Triangle”

At the moment, his “worst” are:

“Wednesday Night-Yell Help-Ugly”/”Billy Bones and the White Bird”/“Street Kids”/“Dear God”/“Memory of Love”/“You’re So Static”/“Slow Down Georgie”/”Don’t Trust That Woman”

My 5 “favorites” for now:

1)“Bennie and the Jets”
2)“Hey Ahab”
3)“Honky Cat”
4)“And the House Fell Down”
5)”Give Me the Love”

Thanks. What kind of place do you see for Elton John in the history of rock music?

A very high place! He is now regarded as a giant in music, among the top rock stars ever, after quite a long time of being disregarded. I hope that, eventually, he will be viewed as the greatest melodist of the rock era, the greatest piano player of the rock era, and the greatest all-around singer of contemporary songs. We’ll see!

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

I like to watch and learn about birds, read about Abraham Lincoln, and talk politics and history with my husband.

Do you want to add any observations or suggestions, or is there something you want to say to other Eltonites?

Notice, appreciate, and care about your natural surroundings; keep enjoying Elton; and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Thanks so much Liz for sharin' your time with us. It was my pleasure to listen one of the most rellevant voices on Elton and I am sure eltonites loved it.

To Be Continued

An Interview With Elizabeth Rosenthal: author of "His Songs: The Musical Journey of Elton John" (Part One)

2011-03-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Eltonites. I've been behind this interview since a long time ago. I thought about dedicating The Weekend Of... to her maybe one year ago, more or less. She's one of the most fantastic persons I've ever met. If she taught me what I needed about Elton when I bought her book, the preparing of the interview made me "discover" Peterson and the most incredible world of "Birdwatchers". That's really interesting, believe me. Bernie's "Birds" lyrics come to mind time after time: "These words can't explain what I feel inside". Old Rabbit get ready! Ladies and gentlemen, get up and stand up to receive one of the bests eltonites out there: Elizabeth J. Rosenthal!!!!

Welcome Liz, so happy to have you here, thanks so much for the acceptation.

Thanks to Miquel for a great opportunity to chat about Elton!

It’s really an honour to have you here. What are your most beautiful memories of your childhood? How was it growing up in Manhattan?

Although I was born in Manhattan, I grew up in the Bronx (one of the other New York City boros) and Rockland County, a suburb of the city. The Bronx was full of bricks and concrete – an ugly place. But it was home! And we could go everywhere by subway. It was the 1960s, and the golden era of American TV. Every week, I enjoyed some of the best TV ever – The Jackie Gleason Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, and Star Trek (the original, with William Shatner). In Rockland County, we were far from shopping and movies, but it was safe, quiet, and picturesque.

You have said, “During most of middle school and high school, I refused to listen to contemporary music, limiting myself to the big band tunes of my parents’ generation.” Why was that so?

I was a weird kid! Also, most young people have a difficult time adjusting to adolescence. I responded by escaping into the popular music of a different generation.

Hahahaha Do you remember the first time you heard Elton’s music? What made you become an Elton fan?

I first heard Elton’s music in early 1974 when I was about 13, in Chorus – a class in which we learned to perform songs as a group. Anyway, one day, before the class started, the radio was on, playing “Crocodile Rock.” Kids had a great time singing along to it. I wasn’t interested. Then, the next year, in high school, my English teacher asked us to bring in lyrics to popular songs – and recordings of the songs – so that we could analyze the lyrics. A classmate copied the lyrics to “Philadelphia Freedom” onto a sheet of paper and brought that in plus the record so we could listen. Again, I was not impressed! All through high school (1974-78), one wall of our social studies classroom was decorated with a giant Elton John poster. But it wasn’t until later on in high school that I began listening to rock (after years of listening to big band music). By then, Elton had come out with his bisexual statement. His current single, “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” was appealing, but didn’t dominate like his earlier hits. Other people had risen to the top. My favorite singer became Barry Manilow. However, by the time I was in college, at Syracuse University, I had acquired a copy of Elton’s first volume of greatest hits – a magical record for the casual fan! It was one of my favorite albums. I recall hearing the infectious “Honky Cat” blaring from someone’s dormitory window on a spring afternoon. This lifted my spirits, as it would do for anybody. Ironically, I had a friend at Syracuse, also named Liz, who was a huge Elton fanatic. She showed me Elton’s latest album, A Single Man, and played some of it for me. I remember thinking that he looked strange without glasses. I remarked that Elton sounded different. “No, he doesn’t!” Liz exclaimed, defensively. (But he did – his voice was deeper!)

In ensuing years (early to mid-1980s), I mainly concentrated on the rock stars who were most popular at the time. Elton wasn’t one of them. I did like “Little Jeannie,” “Kiss the Bride,” and “Who Wears These Shoes?” but didn’t feel particularly motivated to buy any of his new records. Finally, in 1988, I was totally blown away by “I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That.” It probably helped that the song was on the radio all the time. And I loved the video, in which Elton looked like a cool cat with his fedora hat, smart suit, and mode of playing his Roland piano while standing, spread-legged. “What a great piano player!” I thought. I resolved to see Elton in concert as soon as possible. My wish was fulfilled when he came to Philadelphia (near where I now lived in New Jersey) on September 30, 1989 for two shows. My husband and I attended the first one. I was hugely impressed - again – by Elton’s piano playing, so versatile and aggressive, and found his singing even better than I’d expected. That was it. I was hooked! Within a month, I had purchased Elton’s entire back catalog, including his latest, Sleeping with the Past.

You have one of the largest collections of Elton memorabilia. Which of your Elton items do you appreciate the most, either for being hard to find, or for the pleasure from owning it?

That’s a good question! I’ve come to the conclusion that my favorite pieces of Elton memorabilia tend to be magazines and newspapers featuring him on the cover (with content inside, of course). Collectively, they offer a chronicle of his entire career. And the earliest ones, from 1970-71, are exciting to have because they reflect the excitement of Elton’s rise to the top of the music industry.

I really enjoy old press photos, from UPI, the Press Association, Agence France Press, and other agencies, which do a great job of chronicling his career visually. I have an original print from a photographer who was at the Troubadour in August 1970, too, which may be my favorite picture.

Great!!! What is Elton like personally? Which people related to Elton have you met?

Elton is wonderful to meet, whether on the street, or backstage. I met him twice, once as an anonymous fan, and once as myself, the author of His Song. As anonymous fans, my friend and I were lucky enough to run into Elton in Atlanta in late 2000 when a collection of his photography was being exhibited at the High Museum of Art. Since we had gone to the exhibit, he asked us what we thought of it! We just mumbled self-consciously that we had really enjoyed it.

My second meeting was backstage at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Elton was very welcoming, affectionate, and ready with a quick quip. I was petrified, but only because of who he was. He could not have been friendlier. And he made a joke at his own expense. After Bob Halley had taken a couple of photos of Elton and me together, Elton remarked to my husband, who was standing nearby clutching my handbag, “You shouldn’t be holding that [handbag] – I should be probably! Ha-ha!” He invited Stan to be part of the third photo. I’m not sure who was holding my handbag at that point!

I’ve met members of the band – Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, Bob Birch, and Guy Babylon, plus Gus Dudgeon – at Elton Expos I attended in 1994, 1996, and 2000. Davey impressed me the most, as a truly regular guy who happens to have amazing guitar skills. In 2000, he graciously treated us fans to a guitar-only concert of EJ hits in which various brave souls would take turns at the mike to try singing along.

While I have not met Elton’s Mum, I did hear an interesting story about her from a manager of the Elton John Store at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. As you may know, His Song was the only EJ biography sold at the Elton John Store. When I was in town for the Red Piano shows, I autographed all the copies of my book in the store. Apparently, Elton’s Mum was shopping in the store not that long afterward and purchased a copy of His Song that I had inscribed: “To one EJ fan from another.”

Fantastic!!! Well, His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John (Billboard Books, 2001) is the best reference book ever published, a perfect chronicle of Elton’s life and music, with reviews of his albums, performances, songs, everything. I highly recommend it. Where did the idea for the book come from?

Thanks for the kind words about His Song! I decided to write it when I couldn’t find any biographies of Elton out there that concentrated on his music – on record and in live performance. Since I have a background in journalism, and love to write, it seemed like the project for me to undertake!

His Song was your first book. Your second is a well-researched bio of one of the most interesting and famed ornithologists, Roger Tory Peterson, who died in 1996. Peterson changed the way people thought about birds and wildlife in general. Why did you decide to write this book and what impressed you the most about him?

Thanks for asking about my current book, Birdwatcher: the Life of Roger Tory Peterson (Lyons Press, 2008). It’s now out in paperback. I decided to do research about Peterson in 2005, after several years of watching birds myself. For some reason, I began to notice birds around 2001-2002 and became an avid reader of books about birds, a participant in field trips to look for birds, and a feeder of birds in my backyard! Noticing and admiring birds - of which there are nearly 10,000 species globally – really opened up a whole new world for me. Before, I had my nose to the concrete. Now, I always look toward the sky. It’s especially nice that, wherever you are, there are also birds, so you’re never without them! Anyway, my first field guide to birds was a Peterson guide. As you know, Peterson was an artist, writer, amateur scientist, and adventurer. He invented the field guide to birds in 1934. His various field guides to birds and wildflowers, and his editorship of a whole line of other Peterson guides to all forms of wildlife, revolutionized people’s appreciation of birds and nature around the world. The guides helped kick-start modern environmentalism. Peterson was at the center of conservation issues from the time he was in his 20s – helping to spur the growth of the National Audubon Society, co-founding the World Wildlife Fund, and bringing attention to such diverse wild places as the Galapagos, the Coto Donana in Spain, Lake Nakuru in Kenya, and the Antarctic. He was at the center of the pesticide controversy of the 1950s and 1960s and urged environmental activism wherever he went. For decades, then, he was the birdwatching, nature, and conservation guru for people on every continent, and he influenced and inspired a generation of field guide authors and bird artists.

As of 2005, there hadn’t been a biography of Roger Tory Peterson since 1977, when he was still alive, and that one was badly written and rather one-dimensional. So I consulted archives at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, the New York Public Library, the Smithsonian, and the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, reviewed people’s personal papers, and interviewed 116 of Peterson’s friends, family members, colleagues and protégés from all over the world, to write a comprehensive life story of this multi-faceted man. People can find out more about Birdwatcher by going to http://www.petersonbird.com.

“And everywhere I look there's something to learn .... How come birds don't fall from the sky when they die? How come birds always look for a quiet place to hide?” For sure you know I am talkin’ about Bernie’s lyrics. Bernie’s love for nature is well-known. He’s a “Brown Dirt Cowboy,” the “country comfort’s in his bones.” His “Skyline Pigeon” is an imprisoned bird searching for open skies. And his “High Flying Bird” has flown out of his arms. Could he be a perfect birdwatcher?

Bernie Taupin clearly appreciates birds. There have been many, many references to birds in his lyrics over the decades: “Bad Side of the Moon” (hummingbirds), “Love Lies Bleeding” (bluebird), “Come Down in Time” (nightjars), “The Best Part of the Day” (mourning doves), “Philadelphia Freedom” (whippoorwill). I could go on and on. Taupin grew up in Lincolnshire, England, on a farm, and now lives on a ranch in southern California. He’s the “country mouse” to Elton’s “city mouse.” So it makes sense that Bernie would notice birds. I saw a recent photo of him sporting a tattoo of what looked like a falcon on one of his arms!

What do you think of Bernie as a lyricist? Which of his lyrics are perfect? And why were his lyrics misinterpreted in the early days? Old Jack Rabbit is Spanish and when he learned the English language, the first thing he did was translate Bernie’s lyrics. What surprised him most was to find that Bernie’s love songs don’t only say, “I love you, you love me.”

Bernie’s lyrics were likely misinterpreted in the early days because they were so cryptic. What in the world is “Madman Across the Water” about? Or “Border Song”? “Take Me to the Pilot”? Even “Levon” is mysterious. There are reasons that Taupin wrote the way he did, emulating his own favorite lyricists, evoking a mood or a scene from a novel he was reading, or choosing from phrases that he had earlier filed away for later use. So he left fans speculating on what the songs were about. His writing tended to be much more straightforward by the 1980s, often to the detriment of John-Taupin song quality. Bernie is at his best when he writes about life or whatever is on his mind, rather than something merely radio-ready. Unfortunately, the lyrics really sink an album like Breaking Hearts. “Slow Down Georgie” (“You’re just a steppin’ stone to someone else’) and “’Lil’ Refrigerator” (“Get away from my soul/Llil’ ‘frigerator, you’re so cold!”) feature some of the most pedestrian lines that Taupin has ever penned. Basically, Bernie went from writing lyrics that didn’t make sense to lyrics that made too much sense! What could Elton do with them but write pedestrian tunes to fit? Then again, maybe Elton could have shelved those lyrics and asked for something different. But he didn’t.

Taupin’s best lyrics? Among my favorites are “Nikita” (“I saw you by the wall/Ten of your tin soldiers in a row/With eyes that looked like ice on fire/The human heart a captive in the snow”) and “Jimmie Rodgers’ Dream,” which features perhaps Bernie’s best lines ever. “Carrie, don’t wait up for me/The brakeman’s going west/In this room all alone I dream of you/In this drawer I found someone I never knew/So I pop a top and stay up late with Gideon/And fall asleep to visions of Meridian.” They tell you an enormous amount about the song’s protagonist, the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. As a brakeman on the railroad, he’s away from his wife, staying at night in lonely motels along the route, occupying himself by quenching his thirst with beer and reading the house tome, the Bible, which nevertheless doesn’t alleviate his homesickness. Wow.

When Bernie is at his best, you can actually read his lyrics for enjoyment, without the music. I hope that he someday revisits the idea of a compilation of all of his lyrics in book form, and that this time he not permit its publication until he proofreads the contents. Back in the 1990s, a gorgeous book of his lyrics came out, called The Complete Lyrics, and fans snapped it up, only to find loads of typos and errors, and the lyrics weren’t even “complete”!

“After years that were long and lean / We're finally on our way,” Bernie wrote in “Postcards From Richard Nixon.” Elton and Bernie didn’t have an easy start in music, experiencing frustration and depression along the way. Did Dick James have faith in Elton from the beginning? I read that Elton recorded his songs because no one else did. Who was the most important person in Elton’s early career? Dick James? Gus Dudgeon? Steve Brown? Russ Regan? “Richard Nixon overseas”?

Without the support of Dick James, Elton wouldn’t have gotten anywhere. James, who published the Beatles’ catalog, was the first music publisher and record company executive to take a chance on the John-Taupin songwriting team and on Elton as a recording artist. James supported Elton and Bernie through three years of obscurity until they got their musical bearings, pushing Elton to take his trio, which included Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray, to the United States for a major opportunity at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. The rest is history.

Of course, Gus Dudgeon produced the album, Elton John (and all of Elton’s subsequent releases, through 1976), that caught Russ Regan’s ears in California, but the main strength of the album was in the songs, and the reason that Elton became a star was because of his tremendous ability as a live performer.

The fall 1972 tour solidified Elton’s reputation as a flamboyant act. He explained, “90% of my act is music, but the 10% theatrics is fun.” His 70s concerts were a fan phenomenon, with girls screamin’ for Elton, although he was not physically a Mick Jagger or a David Bowie. Did the costumes detract from the music, or help get him attention? How has Elton kept his fans over the years?

A lot of rock snobs were extremely turned off by Elton’s wild and whacky costumes, and by his onstage antics. They preferred the less flamboyant Elton of 1970-71, and claimed that he didn’t take his music seriously, while he retorted that he certainly did take it seriously but was having fun, too. The costumes may have made his entire persona more accessible to his teenage fans, who responded very positively to the concert spectacle he created. On the other hand, you couldn’t see his costumes on the radio, and Elton’s songs, a perfect marriage of catchiness and intelligent originality, were all over the radio. I’m glad he stopped wearing the costumes. He’s proved that his vibrant presence and musicianship are enough to keep packing ‘em in, year after year, decade after decade.

In the 70s no one could go out without hearing Elton’s music. John Lennon told him: “When you die, I will have to throw my radio out the window,” because then EJ’s music would be played even more frequently. Bryan Forbes described Elton as the legend he had always wanted to become. Let’s talk about his then manager, John Reid, the fabulous “Beryl.” How do we value the importance of John Reid to Elton’s career? What was Reid’s relationship with Bernie and Dick James?

John Reid’s business acumen got Elton the record-breaking North American record deal that he signed in 1974. In general, Reid’s talents as manager were vital to Elton’s accumulation of great wealth. Reid also shielded Elton from the seamier side of the music business, and the hangers-on and wannabes. Dick James lost Elton as a management client to Reid, who eventually concluded that James had not been entirely honest in his contractual relationship with John and Taupin, leading to a lawsuit against James that was traumatic for all involved. Ironically, about 13 years ago, Elton faced a similar situation with John Reid himself, which led to Reid’s dismissal and Elton establishing his own management company.

Shown on the picture sleeve of the “Philadelphia Freedom” single, Elton’s former, classic band included bassist Dee Murray, drummer Nigel Olsson, guitarist Davey Johnstone and percussionist Ray Cooper. How important were they to Elton’s success? Were they the perfect band? It’s strange to see Elton calling them “The Elton John Band,” with even the single being credited that way, and then, months later, firing Dee and Nigel. Was that a bad decision? Also, is it true that Davey, Dee and Nigel recorded as a trio for Rocket Records but the work never saw the light of day?

Many people consider the Johnstone/Olsson/Murray combination Elton’s best band and the one most responsible for the classic Elton John “sound.” In particular, their backing vocals sounded unlike anything else out there and gave Elton’s 1972-75 recordings a certain wistful sheen that, combined with Elton’s liberal use of falsetto in those years, made for an unmistakable aural experience. Nigel’s drumming style was distinctive in providing some very interesting emotional accents to the songs. Elton once observed that he gets choked up when he hears Nigel’s climactic but restrained use of drums and cymbal on the recording of “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” Even so, Elton was entitled to change bands if he wanted to pursue a different musical direction, which is what he did after they recorded Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. But Elton himself would agree that he handled the firing of Nigel and Dee very badly. I don’t know of a recording featuring the trio of Johnstone, Olsson, and Murray, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

The new band of Rock of the Westies and Blue Moves may have been Elton’s most accomplished one, however. Roger Pope was a better technical drummer than Nigel. The combination of all the new musicians – Pope, Caleb Quaye (guitars), Kenny Passarelli (bass), and James Newton Howard (keyboards) – plus hold-overs Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper, produced a funkier, looser sound. Unfortunately, Elton reacted to their combined prowess by neglecting his piano playing.

I love the band Elton has now, with Davey Johnstone on guitars, Bob Birch on bass, Nigel Olsson on drums, John Mahon on percussion, and Kim Bullard on keyboards (replacing the late, great Guy Babylon). In a way, the current members give Elton the best of both worlds: excellent musicianship plus the fairly unadorned live sound that his original band provided. And Elton’s piano playing gets better and better, which is incredible considering the heights he has already reached.

In “Bitter Fingers,” Bernie perfectly described the stress and the pressure of writing songs: “So much to prove, so few to tell you why.” Recording albums in just a few days, promotin’ the albums, goin’ on tour, et cetera, seemed like so much to do in so little time. That’s a pity, because in that period Elton & Bernie penned their best albums, and the albums could have lasted longer in the public mind than they did. Songs like “Harmony” and “High Flying Bird” could have been released as singles and led to more chart success, maybe helping to turn Grammy nominations into Grammy Awards. How do you analyze the end of Elton’s golden career?

As Elton has pointed out, he was contracted to record two albums a year for most of the 1970s, which is the reason for the great volume of work. But he also loved writing new songs and had the tremendous energy necessary to put out as much superb material as he did. I’m glad the John-Taupin partnership was as prolific as it was. Who would want to be deprived of those songs? Given these circumstances, it would have been impossible for any one EJ album to be wrung dry through the endless release of singles as the record companies did with Fleetwood Mac and Michael Jackson in the late 70s and early 80s. And why do that, anyway? The less familiar songs are all the more precious precisely because they haven’t been pummeled to death on the radio. Having said that, it is a terrible shame that so many early songs, like “Harmony,” haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. But the same can be said of songs from any period of Elton’s career. The modernistic jazz of “Too Low for Zero” could use an airing, as could the bluesy “Fascist Faces,” the funk of “Satellite” and the beauty of “Blue Avenue.” And those are just a few examples from the 1980s, Elton’s supposed lost decade. Meanwhile, his entire output of the last 10 or 11 years remains virtually unknown to the general public, which is an even greater tragedy, as they feature songwriting that most definitely rivals that of his 1970s oeuvre – and maybe surpasses it.

I don’t think that more hit singles would have translated into Grammys for Elton, given how the Grammys worked in the 1970s (they were essentially anti-British).

How was the songwriting process affected by Elton telling Bernie how and what to write? I am referring to “Philadelphia Freedom” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” whose titles were both suggested by Elton. Gary Osborne, Elton’s next lyricist, started with a title and a few words provided by Elton, as well as the melody coming first, which was the opposite of how Elton and Bernie’s creative process normally worked.

The title “Philadelphia Freedom” gave Bernie a lot of leeway. He didn’t have to write about Billie Jean King’s Philadelphia Freedom tennis team, and, in fact, he didn’t. He turned it into what seemed to be a patriotic American anthem and Elton, who did not have lyric input here, gave the words a quintessentially American feel, by paying tribute to the smoothly soulful, string-laden Philadelphia sound. The compatibility of music and lyrics here may be among the most perfect in the John-Taupin catalog, even if “Philadelphia Freedom” wasn’t reminiscent of tennis in the least.

Elton came up with the titles and a large quantity of the words in “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and instructed Bernie to convert the nascent song into a duet. The result may have been somewhat saccharine, but it was flavorful saccharine. Then again, one John-Taupin song that is pretty hard to beat in quality is “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word,” and, there, too, Elton started out with a melody and a bunch of words before turning it over to Bernie to finish the lyrics. Also, this was the way Elton regularly worked with Gary Osborne, and some good stuff came out of it – for example, “Little Jeannie,” “Chloe,” “Blue Eyes.”

To Be Continued

"And away we go!", Liz Rosenthal

2011-03-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

"I discovered Elton John in 1989. Over a decade after his commercial heyday. But better late than never. Besides, there was lots of music of his to discover. To this day, I keep discovering it." Elizabeth J. Rosenthal's passion for Elton is well-known. More than 70s concerts on her shoulders: "I act like a 13-year-old, climbing over seats to reach the stage at the appointed time". But more than this, she has knowledge enough to talk about Elton. The excitement of sitting down and reading about your favorite performer it's hard to explain, you have to be a fan to tell, and no one could write a biography book about him as she did. The book we're referring, her first book, "His Song: the Musical Journey of Elton John", was published in fall 2001 by Billboard Books, an imprint of Watson-Guptill Publications.

That's a very enjoyable and extremely informative book, a must have for dedicated Elton John fans who expected more than Elton's always explained highlights of his life. Focused on Elton's music, we could find everything about concerts, albums, songs, projects, ... but without refusing Elton's personal life: his “coming out” as a bisexual man and, finally, as a gay man or his problems with drugs, alcohol, bulimia, and sexual addictions. It's not casual that "His Song" is the only John biography to be sold in the Elton John Store at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Also, to date, it is the first Elton John biography to be sold in Russia. It's a book to be read twice or third times.

Today, on Elton's Birthday, I thought about dedicating "The Weekend Of..." sessions to Liz Rosenthal as my particular homage to her, and she kindly agree to do an interview with Jack Rabbit. And we found a very extraordinary person. Enrichment talk, always the right words, always discovering something new about Elton. The interview is promising. There will be two parts of the interview, posting on different dates. But, what else we should know about our special guest?

After graduating magna cum laude with a journalism degree from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1982, Liz Rosenthal attended Rutgers-Camden School of Law, from which she graduated With Honors in 1985. Subsequently, she was admitted to the bars of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For the past 20 years, Rosenthal has been a civil servant, writing regulations for New Jersey state government, testifying before the state legislature about pending legislation affecting the civil service system, and serving as liaison to the State Attorney General's Office.

In 2002, Liz became bewitched by birds, since then reading everything about them that she could get her hands on and going on field trips, with New Jersey Audubon and other groups, whenever is possible. "My separate passions for Elton John’s music and for wild birds have led to, respectively, a published biography of Elton John and a published biography of Roger Tory Peterson, the latter, for those who don’t know, being the man without whom birdwatching would have been impossible", she explained. In the "Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson", she explores the life of an icon of ornithology, the man who taught Americans the joy of watching birds and who invented the modern field guide. This is the story of a man who loved nature above all, a collection of fascinating stories told by many of the people whose lives were enriched by his passion for birds. The great thing is that you don't have to be a birdwatcher to enjoy this book, you just need to be interested and love nature. The book has received excellent reviews in the New York Review of Books, Birder's World, and Bird Watcher's Digest, as well as in such newspapers as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, and been well-received by various natural history bloggers and birding club newsletters across the U.S.

Finally, Liz is married with Stan, they live in Burlington, New Jersey. Oh, and a favourite quotation, Liz?

"Another old prophet,
perched upon a fence"

Ladies and gentlemen, the open doors of AllSongsList are all wide open to receive one of us, one of us eltonites, but one of the bests: Ms. Liz Rosenthal!!!!

http://www.petersonbird.com for more information about the book

Backgrounds

2011-03-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

We could find Dwight’s surfaces in Buckinghamshore. The Dwight family was comprised mainly of artisans and labourers. William Dwight, Elton’s great-grandfather was a shoe maker, of Waterside, Chesham. He married Janet Palmer and had one child: Edwin. The surname Dwight is a derivation of DeWitt, which originally comes from the Flemish for white or blond. Therefore, it is likely that some of Elton's earliest ancestors came from the Low Countries, and had blond or fair hair. Previously, this lineage was rooted in the land: William's father James was an agricultural labourer, living and working in Ashley Green, a hamlet in Chesham, throughout the mid-19th century.

Edwin, Elton’s grandfather, was a cable factory worker, who moved to join the cable firm of Callander in Belvedere, Kent. The firm had a name for music boasting a brass band that won many a silver cup and rosette in interfactory competitions. Edwin played soprano cornet in the company’s band. The company also offered good facilities for sport, specially football. Edwin married Ellen Shirley. The Shirley family were also agricultural labourers in the same area, although Ellen's father, George, spent some time making chairs in the 1870s and 1880s before returning to the land by 1891. Edwin and Ellen Dwight had six children: five sons and a daughter. The youngest son, born in 1925, was Elton’s father Stanley. One son, Tod, fell mortally ill with tuberculosis at the age of thirty-four. Two of his sons, Roy and Dave, increased Dwight’s family and regarded Stanley as an elder brother. Stanley, as the rest of the family, was keen at football, and realized that young Roy seemed a better than ordinary player; he’d finally played in the First Division with The Nottingham Forest. Edwin taught his son Stanley to play trumpet. Stanley performed with several local amateur swing bands and grew proficient enough to be asked to sit with classy professional outfits like the Lou Praeger Orchestra.

After leaving grammar school, Stanley had gone to work for a boatbuilding firm named Walkers, in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire and became personal assistant of the owner. The Second World War saw Stanley, at only 17, joinin’ up for the Royal Air Force Naval Reserve. Within only months he was selected for officier-training to fly on bombing missions. He also formed his own band in the service under the name of “Star Wight”. One night in 1942, he met Sheila Harris, she was delivering milk for the United Dairires company, as a wartime job.

Despite Stanley's chosen career, it was Sheila's side of the family that had earlier military connections. Her father, Frederick George Harris, served as a soldier and was still enlisted at the time of his marriage to Ivy White in 1921. Aged 22, he had escaped the worst ravages of the First World War and by the time his daughter was born, four years later, he had taken up the somewhat less stressful job of tennis groundsman at a club near the family home in Meeting House Lane, Peckham. Ivy's background, in contrast, is shrouded in mystery. She was born in the workhouse on New Year's Eve, 1899, and had two birth certificates dated 12 days apart. It appears that her father, a merchant seaman, abandoned her and her mother at the dawn of a new century, and this was something Ivy never forgot or forgave. On her marriage certificate, she renounced her real father and put down the name of her step-father, Robert Whatling, instead.

The Harris family home was 55 Pinner Hill Road, a semidetached council house in the row just south of the Victorian clock tower which looks over Metroland. Sheila Harris, Elton’s mum, joined the ATS, working as a clerk at Coastal Command’s complex at Northwood in Middlesex. She married Stanley at Pinner Parish Church in January 1945, when she was only 19, and Stanley, 20. They moved with Sheila’s parents at 55 Pinner Hill Road, because finding an own place in those postwar years was really a problem and, also, Stanley’s service duties frequently took him away from home, leaving Sheila with her parents, a younger sister, Win, and her brother, Reg.

Sheila, now pregnant, didn’t like Stanley’s frequent abscences and they thought seriously of leaving RAF and returning to his former job at Walkers, but discarted for the lower paid. By 1947, when the son was born, he had become a flight Lieutenant. It was well-known in the family that Sheila had really hoping for a girl but baby Reg nearly granted her wish. The baby possessed innmunerable changes of outfit and a Shirley Temple massed golden curls. In 1949 Stanley received a two-year posting to Basra, Iraq, and Sheila elected to remain in England. For their first Christmas apart, Stanley arranged a deliver of an expensive pedal car to Reg. With his father away, Reg lived in an almost wholly femenine atmosphere until he was four.

In 1953, Stanley was promoted to Squadron-leader and posted as service suply office to Lyman, Wiltshire. They moved to a four-bedroom house provided by RAF but that didn’t suit Sheila, and within a shorter time, returned back to Pinner. Stanley was a strict, old-fashioned parent, requiring the same order and discipline in his home as he did as a senior supply officer. Sheila, overprotected him, not allowed to run riot with other children, playing in the garden by himself. Reg loving family circle comprises his nan Ivy, his uncle Reg and two cousins, Joan and Cath, and auntie Win with her child Paul. For the Dwights, his grandparents, still living in Beldevere, Kent, delightin’ them by his skills on the piano.

Like his father, Reg became a passionate supporter of Pinners’ local team, Watford FC. He was educated at Pinner Wood Junior School, Reddiford School and Pinner County Grammar School and then left for GCE A Level examinations for the career in music industry. The first thing Helen Piena, piano’s sub-professor, noticed was his astounding natural ear: “I remember once playing him a prelude by Handel four pages long, as soon as I’d finished, he played it straight back to me just like a gramphone”. She remembers him as a model pupil, hard-working, punctilious and polite: “he’d send me letters with kisses at the bottom” she said. But one Saturday, Reg told her that he might have to give up his scholarship at the Royal Academy for the divorce of his parents.

Sheila had met a local builder and decorator named Fred Farebrother during the war. Stanley quickly married his new love, Edna, and had four sons with her in rapid succession. He was quick to reassure Reg that there was no question of his leaving the Royal Academy and that he could still have his piano. Reg chose to live with his mum, he was only 15: “My father never came to hear me play. Not ever,” said Elton. “He was a tough and unemotional man. Hard. In the RAF. He was dismissive, disappointed and finally absent. I just wanted him to acknowledge what I’d done. But he never did,” he added. Stanley had wanted his son to have a more conventional career and steered him towards banking. Elton said it was their shared love of football that enabled them to "make peace" at last, before Stanley's death in 1992: "I made my peace with my father in the end. We were still awkward with each other. That awkwardness never goes. But he was very proud of me in the end and I was the chairman of Watford, so when I went up to Liverpool and watched Liverpool and Watford, or Everton and Watford, he used to come. (...) I didn't hate my father. I was afraid of him because he was a very strict disciplinarian and he didn't approve of me doing what I did at all."

Reg’s stepfather Fred was more like and elder brother, enthusiastic about pop music and unfailingly amused when Reg addressed him as his name spelt backwards “Derf”. They moved to Frome Court, one of the colonies of maisonettes on the long road between Pinner and Northwood Hills. With the help of Sheila and "Derf", Reg became a weekend pianist at the nearby Northwood Hills pub, playing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. He played everything from Jim Reeves country songs "He'll Have to Go" to Irish tribute numbers "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling", old pub favourites such as, "Roll Out The Barrel", hits of the day, "King of the Road", and songs he had written himself. He received a modest, steady income and substantial tips. "During that whole period, I don't think I ever missed a gig", he said later. A stint with a short-lived group called the Corvettes rounded out his time. The Corvettes, name inspired by the Chevy Sport car driven by two American TV heroes on the Route 66 serie, played a mixture of blues and rock’n’roll. Founders were Stuart Brown and Geoff Dyson, but they disbanded after a few unspectacular months.

Reg efforts at the Royal Academy, his classical trainer, his love to rock’n’roll and pop music, his involvement at a more succesful group, Bluesology, and finally, the New Musical Express advertisement, let Reg to fulfill his dreams, with a Lincolnshire local poet called Bernard Taupin. Changin’ his name for Elton and John, “Reggie Jackson” could sounded different he said, he started to go straight at his yellow brick road of success. The roots, for sure, influences our personality. After all, no one could discuss Elton’s love for music could come for a long time ago family member who played the trumpet. And without Elton’s mother love for rock’n’roll music, this legend never could have been the same. It’s funny enough to see how Elton’s passionate of shoes could start with an old family branch of shoe makers, the unforgettable glasses coming from a “desmesurado” love for a Buddy Holly’s look alike, and, maybe, only maybe, his outrageous costumes for his various change of outfits in his childhood. Genuine Elton. Happy Birthday, Sir Elton.

Sources:
Sir Elton, Philip Norman
Family detective: Elton John, Nick Barratt, 26 Nov 2006, Telegraph family history
I'm so proud of Elton ... but I can't forgive him for missing our, David Powles, 23 Jan 2000, Sunday Mirror

Illustratin' Elton: The Weekend Of Jason Seiler

2011-02-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome Eltonites to "The Weekend Of...". This is a very special weekend for the blogsite. February is the month of cartoonin', illustratin', paintin', portraitin', drawin', well, everything, related to Elton, obviously. We had great artists here, from Brazil, from France, Italy, Australia. I thought about inviting someone to the weekend, someone very special. He's one of the most talented guys I've ever seen. He's so young, but he has good experience in his profession. He also teaches. Most of you know him for his covers, his artworks. Extremely talented and gifted, his illustrations have been featured as covers and interior pieces for TIME, Business Week, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, MAD magazine, GOLF magazine, KING magazine, Revolver, Guitar Player, The Village Voice, Penguin Group, Disney, The New York Observer, D Magazine, The Bloomberg Market, New Line Cinema, Universal Pictures, Aardman Animation, and Sony Image, among a long list. Ladies and gentlemen, the doors of AllSongsList are all wide open to receive the fantastic, incredible, the genious... Jason Seiler!!!

First of all thank you very much for your valuable time to give us for this interview. Let’s start. How did you become an illustrator? How you started your career?

I have been drawing my whole life and have been serious about it as long as I can remember. I never had a set plan as to what I was going to do with my art. All I knew is that I wanted to be an artist, that I wanted to draw and paint every day until the day I die. I have always been good at drawing people and eventually I started drawing caricatures between the ages of 10 and 12. As I got older I started doing small commissions for people, drawing wedding and birthday gifts, retirement gifts and so on. But what I really wanted to do was illustrate for magazines. I began by sending my work to little publications that know one ever heard of, and eventually a few of them started hiring me for covers and inside illustrations. As time went on I got better and better, and the jobs got better and better. My career is built on one job leading to another. I never know where or who the next job will be for, but so far the jobs keep on coming in, and thankfully, I'm always booked.

Great! Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?

Yeah, well sort of. I collected Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man. I read some of them, but mostly I collected them for the art. I would copy page after page. My parents have sketch books of mine that are filled with Batman and Spider-man, they were my favorite for sure.

Right! What is your main source of inspiration? Do you have some favorite character? When designing a character, do you do a lot of research first?

I don't really have a main source of inspiration. I'm inspired by artists, such as, James Jean, Jeremy Geddes, Sean Cheatham, Sam Weber, John Singer Sargent, Richard Schmid, Lucean Freud, Jenny Saville and much more. I'm not inspired by caricature art. There are caricature artists who I think are good, but for me there's much more to what I do than just caricature. As far as designing characters, and researching, yes, if I'm designing a character or caricature, I will gather as much reference as I can and from there I usually do quite a few sketches before settling on a final design.

Once you said: “Caricature is not only about how much you can exaggerate a person, there’s so much more to it than that”. What’s your definition of a perfect caricature?

I'm not sure if there is a "perfect" caricature? There are so many ways that the same person can be drawn. I think what makes a caricature great is if the artist has captured the person's character. I feel this is more important than how much the artist has exaggerated the person's features. If you look at a caricature and it "feels" like the person, than I think you can call that a successful caricature.

How important are the sketches in you work? You released a DVD talking about the importance of sketching as a means of practice and preparation for finished works.

It's very important. I don't do tons of sketching for every job that I work on, but the more you can sketch and experiment, the stronger the final will be. Sketching is like working out, like preparing for a marathon. Knowing how to paint and finish an illustration is of course important, but if the foundation is weak, then what's the point? So, focusing your energy on the sketching is key to having solid finished pieces.

Perfect! What hardware and software you prefer for your painting work, in case you do? Or you prefer the traditional way?

Well, I prefer painting traditionally but most of my work these days is done digitally. I love painting in oils, acrylics and watercolors. Painting digitally helps me meet deadlines, and it's also easier to make adjustments or changes if needed. For my digital work, I use Photoshop mostly using the paint brush tool. I work on a 21" Cintiq made by Wacom.

You are an instructor of a correspondence course on schoolism.com. How it works?

I have 9 lessons which are each 2 hours in length, pre-recorded. The students are given an assignment with every lesson. Once they're finished with their homework, they upload it to the Schoolism site along with any questions or comments that they may have. I download their homework and comments and record a personalized critique for each student. I will draw and paint on top of their work sharing with them my opinions and techniques. If the students work hard, they'll leave the course much better artists. It's encouraging and exciting to see students growing before my eyes. I take on anyone who wants to learn, beginners to seasoned professionals. Currently, one of my students is in his 70's and he's amazing too, one of my best students! My next class starts February 18th, check out
http://www.schoolism.com for more info.

Fantastic job! How did you fall into the world of Wonderland and Tim Burton? And how did you adapt to his style?

My friends Bobby Chiu and Kei Acedera at Imaginism Studios were hired to work as character designers on the film. They asked if I wanted to help out and so I did. It was a great experience and was very exciting to see characters that I worked on alive on the big screen. I didn't try to adapt to Tim Burton's style, I just did what I felt would fit the feeling of the story. There were a few designs already finished that were really nice, so I think those pieces probably influenced style a bit too? I did a few designs of my own, but mostly what I did was give life to sketches that Bobby did. I would get a sketch that was good, but basic, no real detail or anyhthing and from there I would paint it. I was given total freedom to take it where I wanted. Bobby and I designed the Tweedles and for their look, I was influenced by the evil twins in "The Shining" as well as by kids that I saw a park that I took my daughter too. There were these kids with thin transparent skin; you could see blue veins, I took a mental note of how cool that looked and as soon as I was in my studio next, I painted blue veins on my tweedle character. It was cool sitting in the movie theatre and seeing the blue veins on their foreheads, and knowing where the idea originally came from brought a smile to my face.

Sure! How do you promote your work?

I don't do much for promotion. I try to post regularly on my blog and I enter all the major competitions. The most important thing that I do is work hard. Never miss a deadline and always put in 150% into what you do. Make sure you're workable that you're a pleasure to work with.

I really like your official website, specially the Portofolio and the store section. Could you explain us, please, what we fans could find there? That’s on www.jasonseiler.com

Sure. In my portfolio section, I have a nice collection of my favorite pieces, some from publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone to name a few. And others that I have done for myself, or for self promotion. I also have a sketches section which I feel is great for art directors, they always like to see an artists sketches. I have a character design section which features work that I did for Alice in Wonderland. I also have a "case study" section which shares some of my technique and thought process. In the store section you can order my first book, "Caricature, the Art of Jason Seiler" and my second book, "SEILER 2008-2009" as well as my first DVD, "Sketching with Jason Seiler". If everything works out how I'd like it to, I am planning on having two more DVD's out this next year.

Wow, fantastic!!! Do you have any recent favorite projects or anything coming up you’re excited about?

I am working on a book that I can't say much about at this time because I want to keep it secret. What I can say now is that it will be nothing you would expect. I'm pushing myself, trying to create something really special, almost re-inventing myself if you will. But no worries, it will still be 100% SEILER. I'm currently working on concept designs for costumes for Kung Fu Panda on Broadway. It's great to work on and I hope it get's picked up so I can continue to work on it. As mentioned earlier, I'm planning on putting out two more DVD's this year. I'm also working on new techniques for my illustrations. I'm trying to develop and expand my portfolio, adding more non-caricature work, more portraits, I think you'll like what I'm working on? Right now I'm developing ideas in my sketch book and once I have what I want worked out, I'll begin to add these new pieces to my portfolio. I recently painted Donald Trump for the cover of a well known magazine. I can't say much more at this time, but it will be on news stands and in book stores in about a week. I'm very excited about this cover as I believe it's one of my best pieces yet. What's even more exciting for me is that I know Donald Trump will see it. I wish I could see his face when he see's it!

Let’s see! I am absolutely impressed about your Elton’s cartoon with Leon. How difficult it is to caricaturate Elton?

Thank you. Well, it's actually not difficult to caricature him, but this particular piece is not a caricature. Rolling Stone wanted a realistic portrait. I'm used to seeing Elton John with crazier hair and glasses, but for this, they wanted him to look a certain way and actually provided me with their own references which they wanted me to paint from. I was told that the owner of Rolling Stone and Elton are good friends, so I felt a lot of pressure to really get this piece right. I was relieved when I heard that everyone at Rolling Stone loved the painting. I love working for Rolling Stone, I'm really into music, so painting musicians for the biggest music magazine is a perfect and exciting fit for me.

Could we define you as an eltonite? In case, what fascinates you most about Elton John?

UM? Well? I'm not really that into Elton John to be honest. I do like some of his older music, and I think he's insanely talented. As a person, Elton is a great guy, I know he does a lot of good for a lot of people and I think that is awesome, but as far as music goes, I'm more of a Muddy Waters, Rollingstones guy. :)

Hahaha ok! But could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList? Thank you.

Sorry, don't really know what they would be, but I do like "Crocodile Rock", that's a great song!

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

Not sure? Let me think . . . . . OK, I got it. Long live Sir Elton and long live the Eltonites and while I'm at it, long live the Beach Club at Jimmy Johns, because that is a damn good sandwich!

Thanks so much, Jason, you've been so kind with us eltonites. You are acknowledged for your determination and your fearlessness for hard work, for honestly assessing your work where it is, where it needs to go. For this undying hope that all such efforts in the end pay off. Go on with your great work, I wish you all the best in life and be ready for the surprise. Old Rabbit have someone here...

pictures courtesy by Jason Seiler

More info: http://www.richardsolomon.com
http://www.jasonseiler.com
http://www.jasonseilerillustration.blogspot.com

Like Father, Like Son: Larry and Jason

2011-02-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Jason reminds "Every time I get together with my Dad, I try to get out of him as much as I can. I love painting with him, but I love watching him paint even more". His dad, Larry is an art instructor, workshop painting teacher, has written a 307 page book on painting landscapes, "The Art of Seeing & Doing"... numerous videos on YouTube demonstrating painting, a DVD on painting a waterfalls, and moderating eight forums on a virtual artist's community of over 120,000 artists... Wetcanvas.com. "I have been painting professionally for over 30 years now, the first 17 years I was more career driven with reputation in the wildlife art genre. My renaissance from 20 years in studio came after taking my paints outdoors. Several things happened- I saw color as only an artist can see (painting being the deeper way of seeing)" explains Larry.

Thanks Larry. We invite you as our special guest for the Jason' Weekend Of... as a kinda surprise for him. Just with the pretention to make him smile.

What about Jason?

Jason, and his younger brother were introduced to the concepts of hard work, a work ethic quite young in life... six & nine years of age helping with yard work, filleting fish, tossing wood I cut and split down the shoot for our woodburning stove. They saw me put in a day's work teaching art, followed with many late nights in my studio painting or wood carving. Jason used to frequently sit at the kitchen table and sketch birds landing upon a feeder just outside the window. He sketched many things, super heroes, Star Wars characters... but always drawing.

About his talent?

So many people tend to think the secret behind such talent, is to have a special calling out or privilege to be given a talent, perhaps by Providence or God... or to some's thinking, the chance of good fortune or luck. There may be a propensity to have a greater desire and thus clarity of understanding with someone that develops a talent early, but for many artists of Jason's stature... writing his work off (so-to-speak) as a tribute to talent is somewhat akin to insulting.

I know speaking for myself as an artist, folks at exhibitions of my work might say, "oh...it must be so nice to be born with such talent!" and the sound of it is something like nails running across a blackboard. When someone says such to me, I envision a person that easily gave up on things when found frustrated and challenged. Much easier then to simply lay a mantle of a special gifting upon that indivdual called the "artist" than look in the mirror and confess one has not the patience nor the will to live the life of sacrifice and hard work required.

As with all my art students, I work to eradicate such notions... and grow a vision of what is possible if one is only will to work very hard, focused as if on a mission. That all things are possible... to be found alive, filled with a mission for such a time as this.

I know my son's talent, and it is an incredible talent he possesses, but I know firsthand his commitment to work, to sleeplessness. An never ending, never quick to be satisfied quest to improve, to learn, to push. Some see Jason's work, and think he has arrived. He sees his work quite differently... believing we have not yet seen the best to come. It would be very hard for someone in their adult years to decide suddenly, "I want to paint like Jason" for they would have to somehow return to the age of seven and start where Jason started. The credit I should like to see granted to my artist/son is that he has believed in himself enough to invest time and the effort to do whatever it would take to succeed and become one of the best. Minute by minute, hour by hour there is hardly one that works more disciplined that Jason at those things which should catapult and gurantee one's success in the arts. When one invests time with mundane activities like endless television, pining away socially... one is demonstrating lacking vision of one's potential, and certainly the lack of value in one's calling out.

The future?

Now... as I myself get older, I see that it becomes my son's turn to encourage and push his father. As I feel the effects of gravity take its toil over my own flesh, my eyes beginning to fail me, and my sense of time running out with the inevitable discouragement that follows, I find in my son a young man, an artist... who refuses to quit believing not only in himself, but also in the me; priming and pumping me to never quit... to keep pushing. The faith and knowing I held for him, now found to be returning. Its funny how things in life seem to run and come about full circle.

Thanks so much for accepting the invitation on the Jason Seiler's Weekend.

More info: www.larryseiler.blogspot.com

Portraitin' Elton

2011-02-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

In the Ancient Egypt, the Ancient Greek and especially Roman sculpture, celebrity sitters demanded individualized and realistic portraits, just a way to become immortals. But it was the Renaissance, the period which the genre of painted portraiture flourished above all, becaming the most expression of art. Modern times found photography as an expression of portraits, and it's the most popular and faster action in taking portraits. But photography is not a replacement for drawing and painting. There are severals artists out there very good in painting genre. Searching how many portraits of Elton could it be out there, the list is endless. So Jack Rabbit made a first selection of those artists with their artworks. Just enjoy them and take time to meet them

Giselle

In the south-western shadow of Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast Hinterland, the gateway to National Park rainforests and some fabulous wineries, emerges a true Australian artist. "Paintings are ranging from stylish decadent acrylic art-deco to bold watercolours, and anything inbetween" she reads. Giselle has been an artist all her life and now inspires creativity in others. She uses intuitive teaching techniques, including "alpha brain wave music", to coax out the creative side of her students. "Gallery Giselle" is her real brick and mortar gallery and studio, as well as a comprehensive art information web-site. The "Sir Elton John" portrait is an acrylic by Giselle, a canvas sized 46cm x 61cm. "Creativity is life in action, without it, there would be nothing new - ever...." she concludes.

More info on: www.gallerygiselle.com

Tekkamaki

"Artworks are an infinite solitude. There is nothing worse than to address critical. Only love can grasp them, keep them and be fair to them" she explains. It's very strange to find a faster career than hers: only two years. "A way to find a new sense of life", as she likes to explain. Originally from France, Tekkamaki only paints what she feels: "just a self-taught artist". Her style leaves no one indifferent and she made a name in the best and well-known french galleries, until the first exposition in ArteNimes, before reaching Paris. "Elton's portrait? oh, it's not quite difficult to do, drawing his music... it makes itself. Do not worry about technique. I only paint what I feel ... the rhythm of the music :-))" she asserts.

More info: http://www.artmajeur.com/tekkamaki/

Vividec

Vivi De Candido, Vividec, a swiss living in Tuscany. Someone who declares "I'm a "Portraits-adict!". And so she is. And endless list of celebrities' portraits, including Elton, of course. "To draw Elton? ... well, the secret is to "study" a face before you draw it. You have to identify the very special and unique features of a face. In Elton's case it's the gap between his front teeth and his smile..." explains Vividec. "I chose that photo of little Elton (I think he's about 9 years old) because of the unique features I mentioned before that make him easily recognizable". Yes, without question. "If being an eltonite means loving his music and his performances throughout all these years, than, YES, you can call me so!" she says. Welcome to the club.

More info: vividec@hotmail.it

portraits courtesy by their authors

Caricaturing Elton: Eduardo Baptistão

2011-02-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

The word caricature comes from an Italian verb caricare that means "to load", "burden", or "exaggerate", so that it means exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics. Leonardo Da Vinci drew caricatures. So did Monet, and Daumier. In the United States in the years after World War I, caricature enjoyed its Golden Age. Although the political cartoon still remains popular, the art form also become fun, colorful, and complimentary. The most important celebrities of the world has been caricatured becoming an art growing in demand, specially in magazines and, also, in newspapers. Elton didn't escape from being caricatured and there are several artworks about him floating around the world. "The Weekend Of..." is dedicated to some of those who succeed in their work becoming legends of this art.

Our guest this weekend is well known. His works are so excellent, and so many people like them. He has worked as an illustrator for the Estadão newspaper since 1991 and for Jornal da Tarde since 2003. He is also a collaborator of the Carta Capital Magazine since 1995. His spectacular illustration of soccer star Ronaldhino a few months before the 2006 World Cup in Germany won an excellence in Journalism Awards in the cartoon category in 2007. Ladies and gentlemen, the doors of AllSongsList are all wide-open to dedicate the Weekend to... Eduardo Baptistão.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1966, he has a degree in Publicity and Marketing. He has worked as an illustrator in the press market since 1985 when he published his first work in the "Folha de São Paulo" newspaper. He has cooperated with many publications like "GloboCiência", "GloboEcologia", "Imprensa", "Vogue", "Bundas", "República", "Quem", "Sexy", "Playboy", "Veja", "Placar", "Voce S/A" among others. He has also done illustrations and covers for books and CDs, and he is so kind to share his time with us.

Hi, Eduardo, thanks so much for being here, it's really an honour to have you here. How did you become a caricaturist? How you started your career?

Since I was child, I’ve always liked to draw person’s portraits. Because my talent for drawing, I tried to work as an illustrator. Specially after start to work at O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper, in 1991, I started to enjoy caricatures, that were the portraits that I always used to draw, but with a very personal and peculiar distortion.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?

I read comics a lot when I was a child. Later, I gave up this habit. My favourite stories were Captain America’s one.

Wow! And what is your main source of inspiration? Do you have some favorite character?

My main inspiration is the own pleasure for drawing. As I work mainly for the press and editorial market, the great majority of my drawings are ordered. I have special pleasure for drawing artists of Brazilian Popular Music.

What’s the essence of caricature, exaggeration? Not Distortion? Some caricaturists can stretch the exaggeration to extremes, while others gently create kind cartoon portraits. Which is your style?

More than the distortion or the exaggeration, I search the elegance of the forms. The distortion can be lither or more exaggerated, it depends on the context.

Right! What is the key point to capture the characters’ characteristics do you think?

The ideal is to try to capture the character’s personality, through the gestures or expressions. Surely, this is more or less possible in the proportion we know more or less about the character.

There’s the traditional painting tools, such as pencils, watercolor, for one side, and modern digital painting tools, Photoshop or other painting software for example. Which way do you prefer?

I like to work as with color pencils as with Photoshop. The choice of the technique depends on the destination of the drawing and how I imagine it. But I think the traditional techniques are more beautiful and spontaneous.

Would you have any objection to being caricatured if that would happen?

On the contrary. I receive caricatures from everywhere, and I always enjoy them a lot.

Hahaha Great!! I am absolutely impressed about your Elton’s cartoon. How difficult it is to caricaturate Elton?

It wasn’t very easy to caricature Elton. It’s not always that we can identify where the difficulty is. The fact is that some persons are easier to caricature than others, and we only note it when we start to try drawing it.

Could we define you as an eltonite? What fascinates you most about Elton John?

I’m not a fan, properly. I like some songs very much, mainly of the 70’s, because of the affective memories. They are songs that I heard when I was a child. I confess I don’t follow his recent works. But he is a singer and composer that I like very much. He has very beautiful melodies. I love music, I am an amateur musician. I prefer Brazilian music, but Elton is one of the international artists that I most appreciate.

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

1 – Bennie and the Jets
2 – Skyline pigeon
3 – Rocket man
4 – Goodbye yellow brick road
5 – Your song

It’s important to say I have been studying English, but I still understand just some words of the lyrics. I’ve always liked that songs by the melodies, even without understanding all what they say.

That's a way to learn the language, Eduardo. Where we could find your works? And also, what other projects do you have for the future?

Well, here in Brazil my works are regularly published at O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper and at the magazines Veja, Carta Capital and Você S/A. I also have a blog that works as a virtual portfile: http://baptistao.zip.net. My eternal project is to publish a book with a collection of my caricatures. I hope to get it someday.

Oh, that's really expected!!! Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

I am very happy by your invitation, because I have a big affinity with Elton John. His songs are part of my history. Here I send a big hug to all eltonites around the world.

Thanks so much Eduardo. It's been a priviledge for me to have you here. Keep going with your great work, your success. I wish you all the best in life. You're really a talented person and, also, a very beatiful human kind. God bless you.

All pictures courtesy by Eduardo Baptistão.