In this Eltonites Day feature, we explore not only Linda’s journey as a fan and interviewer, but also the heart and vision behind the voice. We were delighted to speak with Linda and begin at the very beginning:
How and when did you first discover the music of Elton John?
But the moment I heard Bennie and The Jets, from his first Greatest Hits album, I was completely hooked. I still have the copy I bought back then!
What was it about his music that truly captured you at that moment — and made you stay?
It sounded completely different from everything else. There was rock in it, blended with touches of jazz and blues. And the lyrics felt like little short stories set to music.
He seemed to grow older alongside me. His music evolved as I did — moving forward with us, never frozen in a particular time.
How has Elton’s music influenced your life on a personal level?
I’d call it my ultimate feel-good music. There was always a song that matched whatever mood I was in. In recent years, it’s had an even bigger impact on my life, especially as I became more connected with the community of fellow fans.
Which Elton John songs mean the most to you, and why? Could you share your Top 5 all-time favorites?
The songs that still move me deeply are Your Song, Tonight, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, and Curtains. I really can’t pick a favorite!
And which Elton item in your collection do you treasure the most — either because it was difficult to obtain or because of the happiness it brought you?
I have two treasures: a tambourine personally dedicated to me by John Mahon, and a photo of Caleb Quaye that he signed and dedicated to me. They mean the world to me.
What I cherish most are the memories of time spent with past and present band members and collaborators, as well as with fans from around the world whom I’ve met on my journey and who have become dear friends.
At what point did you move from being a fan to becoming actively involved in the fan community?
I finally saw Elton’s farewell show in 2019—and you have to understand, I had never seen him live before. It was a bittersweet experience! That’s when I realized just how much I had missed by not attending his shows earlier. After that, I joined Facebook fan groups and started binge-watching every concert I could find on YouTube, along with every interview and article I could get my hands on.
At one point, I was invited to join a fan group that was holding Zoom sessions during COVID to stay connected. My friend David Connell came up with the idea of inviting Elton’s collaborators—who couldn’t work at the time because of the pandemic. The first guest was Ian Beck, who designed the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, followed by John Mahon, Ray Williams, and others. I helped David with these Zooms, and after about a year, I took over coordinating the interviews and arranging the guest appearances.
Later, some guests asked for my help with their social media and other projects, which eventually led to the creation of the Music Speaks project.
Your YouTube series Music Speaks has become a space for very honest and heartfelt conversations. How did this project begin?
During the Zooms, only a small number of fans can join, and I realized that many more would love the chance to get to know Elton’s collaborators as we did. I also feel that these incredible people contributed so much to Elton’s music, and I want to honor their legacy.
So I decided to start interviewing them and share all the conversations in one easily accessible place. I began with the members of the Rock of the Westies band (Ray Cooper, Davey Johnstone, James Newton-Howard, Kenny Passarelli and Caleb Quaye) to celebrate the album’s 50th anniversary, and then continued with other musicians and collaborators.
What kind of atmosphere do you try to create when you interview musicians?
I also back their charitable efforts, especially Hillsides in California, where John and Pam Mahon are deeply involved. The organization provides education and other services for children and families, and each year our Zoom group raises funds to support their work.
You’ve spoken with many artists connected to Elton John’s world. What have these conversations taught you about the people behind the music?
That these stars are human—full of dreams, accomplishments, insecurities, successes, and hardships. When they feel respected, they return that respect. I would never betray their trust.
Were there any conversations that particularly surprised or moved you?
Each of them moves me in some way. Whenever they open their hearts, it’s always an unforgettable experience.
How important do you think the fan community is in preserving musical legacies?
The fan community is absolutely vital in preserving musical legacies. Fans are not just listeners—they’re storytellers, archivists, and ambassadors. They keep the music alive by sharing it with new generations, celebrating milestones, and connecting with the artists’ collaborators to learn the stories behind the songs.
In the case of Elton John, for example, fans have created groups, organized events, and documented concerts and interviews that might otherwise have been forgotten. They help maintain the context of his work, the evolution of his music, and the contributions of everyone involved, from band members to songwriters and designers. For other artists, it’s the same: the dedication and passion of fans ensure that these legacies aren’t just remembered—they continue to inspire.
What role do you think platforms like YouTube and social media now play in music storytelling?
Platforms like YouTube and social media have transformed how music stories are told and preserved. They allow fans and artists to share concerts, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that were once hard to access. They’re also a gateway for younger generations to discover music from the ’60s, ’70s, and beyond—songs and artists they might never encounter otherwise.
For artists like Elton John and others, these platforms keep their music and stories alive, letting fans engage, share memories, and help preserve a legacy that continues to inspire.
When you look back at your own journey — from fan to interviewer — what would you say to someone who dreams of starting a project of their own within the music world?
I’d say: go for it. Dive in, get involved, and really get to know your subject. Do your research, work hard, and follow your passion. Don’t hesitate to start something new—but always stay respectful, and make sure you give as much as you take.
What place do you believe Elton John will hold in the history of rock music?
I believe Elton John will always hold an extraordinary place in the history of rock music. His genius was never solo—his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin provided lyrics that told vivid, timeless stories, and his incredible band and musicians brought those songs to life. Together, they created a sound that transcended genres—rock, pop, blues, even jazz—and combined showmanship with deep emotion in a way few artists ever have.
Elton’s music isn’t just about hits; it’s about storytelling, connection, and artistry. With the contributions of Bernie, his band, and all the collaborators along the way, his work has become an essential part of rock history, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.
After all these experiences, what does being an “Eltonite” mean to you today?
After all these experiences, being an Eltonite means feeling connected—not just to Elton and his music, but to the community of fans and collaborators who share that passion. I know his work so well that I have a story about him for just about every moment in my life! It’s about celebrating the music, the memories, and the people who helped bring it all to life.
Thank you. Would you like to add any observation, suggestion, or message for fellow Eltonites around the world?
I’d just say to fellow Eltonites around the world: keep celebrating the music, the stories, and the incredible people behind it. Share your memories, connect with other fans, and never be afraid to dive deeper into the history and the collaborations that made it all possible. Every story, every experience adds to keeping his legacy alive—and it’s a joy to be part of this community.
Thank you, Linda!!!
Linda has created a safe and welcoming environment for fans and music lovers alike. Through her kindness, sincerity, and unwavering love for the music, she has built a community rooted in compassion and connection. It is a space where people feel seen, valued, and embraced. Elton fans truly are the best in the world, and Linda Dupuis is the epitome of that spirit.
Her Music Speaks project is a beautiful bridge between eras, bringing the classic sound and soul of Elton John into the modern age. At the same time, it respectfully tips its hat to those who have been there from the very beginning, honoring the past while welcoming a new generation. Through this work, fans from around the world are able to feel connected — not only to the music, but to each other.
In such a divisive world, Linda brings people together in a way that is awe-inspiring and, most importantly, deeply needed.
To Linda, and to all those who have paved the way for the Zoom Group community — the admins, fellow fans, and loyal followers — you are appreciated and loved beyond measure. Your dedication, warmth, and shared passion have created something truly special."
Pictures courtesy of Linda Dupuis / Photos of David Connell by David Connell
No comments:
Post a Comment