Few artists have the versatility and charisma to reinterpret the works of others with as much flair as Elton John. Across his long career, Elton has brought his unique voice, piano mastery, and emotional depth to songs originally written and performed by other iconic musicians. These covers not only pay homage to the originals but also infuse them with fresh energy, demonstrating Elton’s ability to make any song his own. From rock anthems to poignant ballads, each performance captures the essence of the song while highlighting Elton’s distinctive artistry.
Among the countless songs Elton has reimagined, some stand out not only for their artistry but also for the way they reveal different facets of his musical identity. Below is a selection of ten of his most notable covers, each one a reminder of how Elton can bridge respect for the original with his own unmistakable flair:
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“Pinball Wizard” (The Who) – Elton’s version comes from the 1975 film adaptation of Tommy, where he appears as the flamboyant “Pinball Wizard,” performing with a small piano keyboard built into a giant pinball machine; he recorded the track with his own band and longtime producer Gus Dudgeon, giving the song a brighter, piano-driven edge that blends rock power with his trademark showmanship; live, Elton first performed it on 21 June 1975 at Wembley Stadium, where it became a standout moment of the day; he later revived it by opening his Final UK Show at Glastonbury 2023, proving how enduring and explosive his interpretation remains.
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“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (The Beatles) – The Beatles, arguably the most influential band of all time, shaped modern music across genres. Elton recorded this psychedelic classic in 1974 with John Lennon contributing guitar and backing vocals under the playful pseudonym “Dr. Winston O’Boogie”; the single became a US No. 1 hit and stands as one of Elton’s most successful covers; although the studio recording is exceptionally well documented, reliable evidence of frequent live performances is limited and it was never a regular feature in his tour setlists, making the cover more of a studio triumph than a live staple.
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“Great Balls of Fire” (Jerry Lee Lewis) – Jerry Lee Lewis, a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll, was known for his flamboyant piano performances and wild energy. Elton has performed this rock ’n’ roll staple on various occasions, channeling the wild, frenetic style of Jerry Lee Lewis but adding his own polished piano technique and vocal confidence; notable footage shows him playing it solo at Avery Fisher Hall in New York in 1998, where his virtuosic energy ignites the crowd; according to concert-set data, he sometimes used it as a high-octane encore, underlining his lifelong admiration for the pioneers of piano-driven rock.
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“Streets of Philadelphia” (Bruce Springsteen) – Bruce Springsteen, “The Boss,” is renowned for his evocative storytelling and heartland rock style. Elton’s version highlights the song’s vulnerability, turning its cinematic melancholy into a heartfelt piano ballad; he performed it at the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles in tribute to Springsteen, accompanying himself on piano in a touching, stripped-back rendition, along with Jay Bellerose on drums and Raphael Saadiq on bass guitar.
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“A Song for You” (Leon Russell) – Leon Russell was a prolific singer-songwriter and pianist, blending rock, gospel, and soul influences, and Elton’s interpretation of this emotive ballad highlights his expressive voice and deep connection to the song’s emotional layers, honoring one of his greatest musical heroes while making the piece uniquely his own; during his World Tour 1985–86, Elton performed it live in a medley with his hits Blue Eyes and I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues, showcasing both his versatility and his ability to weave Russell’s heartfelt ballad seamlessly into his own iconic repertoire.
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“Honky Tonk Women” (The Rolling Stones) – The Rolling Stones, known as the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” have been shaping rock music since the 1960s, and Elton’s playful rendition brings fresh energy to their classic, with piano riffs that maintain the song’s rebellious spirit. He performed it at his very first Troubadour show in Los Angeles in 1970, shortly after the song had been a major hit, and he also featured it during his U.S. tour the same year. A version recorded at A&R Studios in New York on 17 November 1970 was later included on his first live album 11‑17‑70 (also known as 17‑11‑70).
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“Oh My Sweet Carolina” (Ryan Adams) – Ryan Adams is an American singer-songwriter known for his alternative country and rock ballads, and Elton’s sensitive cover highlights his ability to convey subtle emotion, drawing attention to the storytelling and melodic nuances of Adams’ song, and he included it in the setlist of his Songs From The West Coast Tour in 2001 and 2002, demonstrating how he could seamlessly blend contemporary singer-songwriter material into his own performances.
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“Blueberry Hill” (Fats Domino) – Fats Domino, a pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm & blues, created timeless hits with his piano-driven style, and Elton’s interpretation respects the cheerful swing of the original while adding his own expressive piano flourishes, bridging classic rock ‘n’ roll and his unique style; his admiration for early rock and R&B artists makes his interest in this Domino classic unsurprising, and he performed it live on 12 April 1995 at Carnegie Hall in New York during the Rainforest Benefit, a performance that captured both his technical skill and affectionate homage to Domino’s influence, and the recording was later included in the tribute compilation Goin’ Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino.
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“The Long and Winding Road” (The Beatles, with Prince) – A virtuoso musician and performer, Prince was known for blending rock, pop, funk, and R&B in revolutionary ways. This Elton’s duet with Prince stands as a rare and electrifying meeting between two musical giants. The most widely documented performance took place on 13 September 2007 during Prince’s O2 residency in London. Elton later recalled, “He wanted me to sing (that song). I told him I didn't know the words. He said that he didn't either, and that he had them written out on the floor of the stage. Midway through the song, I looked around. No Prince: he'd just walked off.”
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“Uptown Girl” (Billy Joel, live) – Billy Joel, the “Piano Man,” is celebrated for his catchy pop-rock melodies and storytelling lyrics. During the celebrated “Face to Face” tours, Elton turned “Uptown Girl” into one of their most joyful collaborative moments. The song appeared in several setlists, giving the two piano icons a chance to showcase their mutual admiration playing each other songs, their camaraderie, humor, and musical chemistry. Elton’s lively piano riffs and harmonies added a fresh sparkle to Billy Joel’s hit, transforming each performance into a playful celebration of their long-standing friendship.
These ten performances remind us that Elton John is not only a legendary songwriter and performer but also a gifted interpreter of the music of others. Whether reimagining rock anthems, paying tribute to his heroes, or sharing the stage with fellow icons, Elton has always brought sincerity, artistry, and a touch of magic to every cover. His versions serve as both homage and reinvention — proof of his ability to honor the past while making each song unmistakably his own.
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