For Years He Averaged #1 HIT Every 4 Weeks…Then FLOPPED…1983 hit RESURRECTED Him | Professor Of Rock
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Elton John and Bernie Taupin were one the most prolific songwriting teams of the Rock Era- So far they’ve collaborated on more than 300 songs. From 1973 through 1976 alone, the duo had a number-one song an average of every four weeks. But their addictions to alcohol & substance forced a dissolution of their partnership, and impeded their respective careers for 7 years… In fact, the 70s biggest superstar actually lost his passion at one point and began to flounder missing the top ten for 3 years and had 3 singles that didn’t even make the charts…but Elton and Bernie came back together and wrote an 80s classic that forged a massive comeback with I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues a love letter from Bernie to his then wife. but says he now regrets writing an iconic lyric from it. Find out which one next… on Professor of Rock.
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Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time; if you believe the heart of rock and roll is still beating make sure you subscribe below and make sure to click the bell so you always get our daily features Also check our more content at our page on patreon to become an insider. It’s time for another episode of our series revelations where featured artists reveal rare stories about their greatest songs.
Elton John & Bernie Taupin, are one of the greatest songwriting duos of the Rock Era. Elton has sold over 300 million units with 31 platinum albums. Most of those 31 platinum albums are filled with the lyricism of Berne Taupin, the self-proclaimed “quintessential country bumpkin, who idolized his sophisticated, figurative, older brother that he met after the two answered the same advertisement posted in the magazine New Music Express black in 1967. Which is how a lot of great partnerships started back then.
John & Taupin were on a 'Lennon & McCartney like' roll from 1970-1976. It was an inseparable partnership that included collaboration on 15 TOP 10 pop singles. But after the release of the Blue Moves LP in 76, Elton & Bernie needed a break from one another, Even the classic lineup of The Elton John Band split up that year, and went their separate ways 7 years later, with his career shockingly hitting the skids. Elton had had enough.
While setting up the plan for his 17th studio album, the former Reginald Dwight put the Elton John Band back together and connected with his amazing writing partner Bernie and they got to work… what came is the stuff of legend. So going back a few years… Elton John’s drug abuse in the 70s has been well documented, but Bernie Taupin’s over-indulgence was just as out of control. After Blue Moves dropped, their respective excesses took their toll, and the two drifted apart.
Bernie's marriage to Maxine Feibleman- his muse for “Tiny Dancer," ended, and he decided to check himself into a rehab center in LA to clean up his life. Instead of the powerhouse collaborations with Elton, Bernie went down a very different path and chose to work with the reinvention of Alice Cooper in ’78. Bernie wrote lyrics for tracks recorded for Alice’s LP From the Inside including the only hit from the album “How You Gonna See Me Now." which climbed to #12 on the Hot 100.
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest Elton and Bernie composition ever?
I'm going to have to put "Harmony" up there, because it wasn't released as a single & too many people don't know about it. It was the B-side to "Bennie & The Jets," which I had as a little kid. I wore out BOTH sides!!! I can still remember watching the 45's go around in circles, while sitting in front of my record player on the floor. The chorus for "Harmony" is so melodic, and just pure platinum!!!
....uh-OH! ....and, we commence WAR in the comments! ...ha-HAAA!! ...I'll make it easy...."Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" tugs at the strings....I'm sure MORE will come.... ; )
I can't decide between "Daniel", "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me " and "Your Song".
Blues for baby and me. Off in my opinion, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player, his greatest album.
"I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" -- I love "Daniel" as well, but when I hear the blues, I just have to sing along!
I was born in 1970, and I have to say life has not been going to plan. I have to tell you that this channel is doing a lot for my mental health. Thank you both for your work and your method of presentation.
Hang in there Mondo. Life beats us up sometimes, but you can make it.
I’ve had a terrible week too. Hang in there, Mondo. We’ll all get through this together.
Hey! You are here! Hang in there. ❤
Thanks for sharing. Hang in there.
Hearing you Mondo; from another lost child of 1970
In 2004 I found myself in a hospital nursery watching Dr’s trying to keep my son alive. They couldn’t save him and he ended up passing away in my arms.
At the moment I watched his eyes go lifeless a song came on the radio that was playing quietly in the background of the nursery. Elton John’s Rocketman. I had my son’s head stone engraved; “God’s speed Rocketman”.
Two years later my cousins made a movie called Astronaut Farmer. At the end of the movie Jay Leno says to Billy Bob Thornton’s character; Charles Farmer, “God’s speed Rocketman”! Elton John will forever be a part of my life.
In the 70's you couldnt escape hearing an elton john song on the radio ! thats how great elton was !
No question.
A musical prodigy!
Wow, I finally have a significant memory for a song. I married my wife when was 18 in 1984. A year later and I was stationed in Korea. This tour of duty is a year without family. This became my theme song as I waited to return to her. She is still my wife and we have four children and a bunch of grad kids.
Many PRAYERSNLUV,THERE IS NOTHING, NOTHING LIKE A BLESSED MARRIAGE FROM OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!👼👼✝️✝️❤️🔥❤️🔥🙏🙏🌹🌹💝💝🍀🍀
So so glad you mentioned "Empty Garden" Just that small clip gave me chills. Love that one so much.
It’s my favorite by him.
Your unquenchable enthusiasm for music makes you the only person to fill this niche you have created. I too, listened to Casey Kasem over the years but he only teased with tidbits of information about songs and artists. Whereas Casey K. gave us crumbs, you give us man -sized roastbeef sandwiches with all the extras. For this, I am forever grateful to you. The knowledge I have about the musicians' backgrounds can fit inside your pinkie nail, and I have always been curious to know more. What makes this artist tick? Why was this song written? Who was the muse and inspiration for it? The list goes on.
My vocal range for singing is middle 'C' (seriously!) and I have difficulty with "Happy Birthday" . This is why I so love music and worship anyone who can carry a tune. I am now pushing 70, love music more than ever, and have one kind or another playing at all hours. But I digress. This comment is about you, to you. Finding you on line has been like finding a new ice cream made perfectly just for me. Thanks for what you do.
This song came out right in the smack dab middle of the British new wave invasion, but it took us back to the dead center of Elton John 70s glory days in a minute. Classy video as well, and it kept him relevant. Had no idea Stevie played the harmonica here... Great show Professor!
I agree. It returned him to prominence.
It was a true throwback.
My education regarding the omnipresence of Stevie Wonder's harmonica playing has been sorely lacking. I love a harmonica like a secret sauce to music - from Neil Young to Billy Joel to Sting to Blues Traveler - but none are like Stevie Wonder's. I commit myself to rectifying this oversight and diving headfirst into the world of Stevie Wonder's virtuoso performances.
@@ProfessorofRock An old video from 1983 Elton talks about initialing being doubtful that a harmonica belonged on the song. Chris Thomas and Davey Johnstone came up with the idea, Elton shook his head no but said go ahead if you want to, so they called up Stevie Wonder, he recorded his part, and Chris Thomas put it in when Elton was away. When he came back and heard the final version, Elton changed his mind of course!
Too Low for Zero was truly a return to greatness for Elton, Bernie, the band (as well as their '70s era producer Gus Dungeon). The three or so previous albums though did hint that something absolutely wonderful was just around the bend.
For me, Elton never left. I can’t remember ever hearing a bad song from him. Maybe some subpar to his usual but they were still better than most other stuff I heard at the time
That's because he had Bernie Taupin as a co-writer. When they split up for awhile the hits stopped coming.
Apparently you haven’t heard his eight minute disco cover of “Johnny Be Good”.
No grandma stories to top that one, but without a doubt, Elton and Bernie are near the top of the list of greatest songwriting duos. What's amazing is how their partnership has continued throughout the years, despite all the ups and downs. Bernie is a lyric machine and Elton can compose music to just about anything in short order. A match made in heaven! Thanks, Adam!
Ha ha. It was a classic moment. I agree on your take on Elton and Bernie. Thanks Robster!
You can’t have a collaboration without drama! Glad they stuck it together.
As far as Stevie Wonder harmonica solos....There Must Be An Angel by Eurythmics always places me on level of existence that makes me feel blessed to be exposed to music. Annie Lennox's voice with Stevie's harmonica is just pure bliss.
Totally!!!
He's done a lot of guest harmonica solos, and you can recognize him immediately; he has a distinctive sound.
We weren’t expecting that perfect combination!
I'm learning so much from the comment section! Thanks
That’s my favorite Eurythmics song, and I had no idea that was Stevie was playing the harmonica. No WONDER I ❤it so much!
I stumbled across your channel a few days ago and I LOVE it!!! It reminds me of Casey Kasem (RIP) & VH1's Behind the Music. Thank you for bringing that passion back to music. I have sent your videos to all my friends who love music and loved old MTV, VH1, and Casey. Keep up the fantastic work 🥰
I didn't know Stevie Wonder was playing harmonica on all those songs I listened to. Great music history, thanks!
This was one of Elton's best songs from the 80's, but I prefer the 70's Elton from his Honky Chateau, Don't Shoot Me, and Yellow Brick Road years. Those were songs from my teen years that I still have on vinyl and still love. I still have my ticket stub from seeing him in 1976❤
The one thing that’s better than this song is your story about this song. Thanks Professor for another amazing backstory!
Elton has SO MANY amazing songs. He's one of the greatest artists of all-time, in the same conversation as the Beatles. Yes, I have no problem going there. It's so hard to name a favorite. "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" is one of my favorites. I'd have to put these up there as well: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, Harmony, Philadelphia Freedom, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Little Jeannie, Nikita, Can You Feel The Love Tonight.............................
....let's add to that, shall we, Sir Bill!?
You Gotta Love Someone
Believe
Club At The End Of The Street
Mama Can't Buy You Love
In Neon
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Sad (..that mashup with P'Nau in 2012...love, love LOVE that thing!) ................
No QUESTION! Thanks Bill.
@@RBS_ I almost put "Believe" and "Blessed" in there, but the list was getting too big. I mean, "Tiny Dancer" should be there as well. Oh, and "Island Girl." What about "Bad Blood" (backing vocal) with Neil Sedaka? "Rocket Man"!!! All awesome tunes!!!
@@BillGraper .....I was gonna ADD those! ....no lie! ....felt me list was gettin' long, too! ....I SEE YOU, mate! ...ha-HAA!!
Your list can go on and on and on…
They’re right up there with the Beatles.
You're not wrong, but "I'm Still Standing" for me, is the come back track. The title says it all.
Fine post, as usual. Professor!!! One of the highlights of my musical life was actually sitting next to Bernie onstage during an Elton show back in 1990. Very cosmic watching Elton sing Bernie's words. One of those pinch me moments. Also had a 7-minute, one on one with Elton in his hotel suite that afternoon, both thanks to a friend who worked for Elton. An unforgettable experience.
So, so cool!
What an amazing experience!
As an 8-9 year old kid in the early 70s, “Bennie and The Jets” is the first EJ song that I remember ever hearing on the radio, so it will always be my favorite, just because it was my introduction to his music. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was soon borrowed from a friend and every song became a favorite. But for sheer perfection in an Elton John/Bernie Taupin album, my vote goes to “Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy.” There are songs on that album that bring me to tears every time. Talk about classics.
I believe that was the first album ever to debut at #1.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - I don’t doubt it. I don’t doubt it at all.
@@lovinlorne Haha, it’s more than an album. It’s an adventure.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I LOVE your comment- it's an adventure! That comment is pure gold! Thanks so much.
I, too, was 8 years old when I would play B-13 on the jukebox at my Dad's club, the only time we kids got to go to the officer's club as a family, but I digress.... Anyway, I did drive everyone nuts when I walked up to the jukebox because they knew I was gonna play Bennie And The Jets and The Night Chicago Died, *again.* lol Good times.
“If you believe the heart of rock and roll is still beatin’”
I literally just got finished watching your Hewey Lewis interview.
Yeah, Those two guys sabotaged my life. I thought that everything Bernie Taupin wrote was real and true. How could it not be, with Elton John's incredible music and emotionally expressive voice. Alas, "Your Song" set me up for my first kiss...and kiss off. "Tiny Dancer" cost me a chance at romance. "Yellow Brick Road" gave me a naive and innocent wink at political realities that made me vote for the wrong people and the wrong reasons. But I wouldn't change a thing. Next to Lennon/McCartney in my book. Seventies Sublime.
One of the concerts that I will never ever forget is the concert of Billy Joel and Elton John playing together in the same stage. It was a magical night. What an awesome time to be alive and an adult
My now ex- wife took me on my birthday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. She knew I loved the music of both. It was a great night! Thanks Kiki
I saw them together on that tour as well. Pretty cool.
I Guess That’s Why They Call it The Blues is my favourite too.
I have great memories of the 1984 FA Cup Final when Elton’s Watford played Everton and Everton fans brought a banner that said ‘Sorry Elton. I guess that’s why they call us The Blues’.
I've always looked at Elton & Bernie as the pop/rock version of Glen Campbell & Jimmy Webb. They are magical pairings that we have all been fortunate enough to enjoy. 😀
"I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" is actually my favorite Elton John song. I was born in 69, Elton's musice is the soundtrack of my life. Being a teen in the '80s, this song just spoke to my romanticism of what was yet to come in my into my life. The great unknown! Who would i date? Who would I marry? Would i ever meet my husband? Or was i doomed to walk this earth alone?? 😂 Ah the turbulence of youth!
The Caribou album was loaded with classic hits that weren't charted. I've Seen The Saucers has to be a pinnacle for Elton's vocals in the 70's, Bitch is Back, Ticking, Pinky. But the vocals on Saucers has to be looked at, it's one of my favorite deep cuts. I prefer a lot of Elton's non hit tunes, but the hits are a given. Back when music was written with meaning and theme, it's not something that is done very often these days, it's something I miss. So I guess that's why I call it the blues.
Adam!
Wow! This was a crazy good installment for your channel. This one’s up there with the best you’ve done, and there’s not much I can say about it that hasn’t been already said in the Comments section. But I will say this. If your Grandma is still around to think of you as a kid, be thankful. I lost my Grandma (the one who used to call me when I was on the air to tell me dirty jokes!) many years ago. And I lost BOTH my Dad and Mom (at separate times) some years ago, and my Mom was a Grandma many times over. I’m not looking for sympathy here - I just want to tell you to be happy for still having YOUR grandma around to talk to. And I used to call Mom all the time… EVERYONE loved her, and when she shuffled off this mortal coil, it left a BIG hole in my life. There are just some times when a guy REALLY needs to talk to his mom, but now NOBODY has her area code.
So…. Give BOTH your Grandma and your Mom a BIG hug. Then give ‘em another one for me.
I understand why Bernie might have felt it was a crass lyric later on, but from my personal perspective "I simply love you more than I love life itself" is one of the most perfect lyrics. I won't go into details, but I've had a rough go of life, which will only get rougher and leads me to be jaded on living itself, but enthused by showing love to those around me who merit it. It's how I feel every time someone takes the time to make me smile :)
I find your statement - Idk, but it is poetic somehow, and touching... Thanks!
Right. We all need people to lean on.
In the movie Rocket Man, they portray this song as being written back in the 70s, and everyone thinks it’s crap and urges Elton to do a better job! I think everyone understands that it was just a way to shoehorn the song into the movie somewhere. Because in reality, this song can sit comfortably alongside Elton’s classics from the 70s.
In the late '80's I worked in a record store chain's warehouse. One afternoon my boss came through. "A VIP is coming in. I don't want anyone talking to this guy."Someone asked who it was. Bernie Taupin. Of course I walked up to him and told him he and Elton John needed to get rid of the lawyers and start writing some great music.We had a great discussion about music. I'm surprised I wasn't fired.
Bennie and the jets was our song when we got married. Rebellious marriage? Can’t figure it out. We always laugh when it comes on. Been together for 49 years.
Yes, Elton and Bernie are a fantastic songwriting duo, and I loved how "Rocketman" depicted their friendship. This song is definitely one of my favourites of theirs! 😍
A true partnership!
Were? .....Are :)
They did their best to reach their music to the skies 🚀
Small pedantic point - it's the New Musical Express, not New Music Express
As a teenager I lived in Mexico, there wasn’t a lot of rock to choose from but I found the album “ Here and There” it was amazing, the album cover was in both English and Spanish, I became a huge fan. After that I found “rock of the westies” and both became my favorite albums. I still have both albums, just looked at them while watching your video.
Wow.
The story about your grandma reminded me of my grandma. Picture a 70 year old, deeply Catholic woman, buying their grandson a cassette with a "scandalous" woman on the front and then giving a lecture to the kid about the picture on the front but listening to the cassette and actually liking the song. That's what happened to me when my grandma bought me Warrant's Cherry Pie. I'll never forget her wanting to hear the song over and over but still hating the cover- I just made sure not to let her watch the video. (She also really liked "Uncle Tom's Cabin" which in all honesty is probably one of Jani's best songs if not the best other than maybe"Heaven")
Hey now lol don't knock the Muppet Show episode with Alice Cooper that episode was awesome and it exposed a lot us 5 year old's to "Welcome to my nightmare". Classic
"OH, grandma!, fine, I will put van Halen for ya!"
I remember exactly when this came out. I was 13, and finally got to go with my first love. Her name was Theresa Douglas. We went out all of a week, but she decided to break up with me, and go out with some schmuck named Len Lee lol. Needless to say, from that point he was my arch nemesis lol! Anyway, I saw the video on Mtv, and I had my brother take me to the mall. I usually always buy the whole album, but I only had enough for the single. That was good enough for me. After we got back home, I went to my room, put it on my little record player I had, with one little speaker and commenced listening to it over and over, whilst lying on my bed sobbing, thinking that my life was over. Ahh, good times....good times!
In Canada, "Empty Garden" was a top 10 hit in the spring of 1982, and "Blue Eyes" was the follow-up hit. When it comes to the release dates of records, don't go by what Wikipedia says; I've seen numerous examples where I know that the record came out earlier than the date mentioned in Wikipedia.
Thank you Adam for pumping out new material like a machine. You make it look easy, The content, interviews, editing and final product, daily or atleast it seams daily.
Well done!
Rip Dee Murray
I was born in 1968. I remember seeing Elton John and Liberace when we had only three channels. And it is funny they were very big. Were there dumb people, yes, is it even better yes.
Another Great show Professor! I especially liked how you spoke of your Grand parents (Grandpa loved his boxing). I never knew Stevie Wonder played on this record. Amazing what you learn when you least expect it. On a side note- The copy of Elton John's Greatest Hits (the first one) was the third album I ever bought with my own money! I played it so much i wore it out!
My best Elton John song is from "Don't Shoot I'm only the Piano Player" 1972 it's Teacher I need You! It's his crush on the Teacher!!! Everything about that song was awesome! I was 8 but Elton's piano was mind blowing. This was more tame than Everybody calls it the blues. But I just kept playing the ending over and over. I guess AHOHOA AHOHOHO JUST AWESOME TO ME AT 8 AS IT IS NOW. I like I'm Still Standing as well off Too Low For Zero.
I agree. This has always been one of my favorites. “Have Mercy For The Criminal” and “Blues For My Baby And Me” have enriched my life.
For me it's Daniel. I love that song!
When I was a kid, I loved That's why they call it the blues, especially the video But, now as an adult, I can relate to it it a whole lot more and I love it even more. It is definitely on my rotation these days. From 1983, I started discovering Elton's back catalogue and man did he have some great songs. He has probably like ten of the greatest songs ever performed in the rock era. And I love ow his songs are featured on one of the greatest rock movies ever made: Almost Famous. That would be an interesting one Prof. of ock - a little different than you normally do - but it is a fantastic movie with an incredible soundtrack, and since it is based on a true story, real rock history!
Amazing song! Love this excellent episode. This song takes me back to my glory days of high school and graduation, starting college & beginning my adult life. I know almost every word by heart. Elton John is one of my all time favorite singers. ❤️❤️❤️
The Cooper album is amazing (Kiki Dee also appeared) and let's not forget Taupin's Heart hit "These Dreams".
That's right!
I forgot he wrote that!
@@ProfessorofRock Also, We Built This City-by Starship…
@@ProfessorofRock Bernie also wrote the lyrics to Starship’s “We Built This City”.
I'm the only person on the planet that can make this claim: as a playwright I wrote a two act play inspired by this song and staged it at a University AS the song entered the Top Ten. This means I knew it was a hit before the single was released AND audience members heard the song playing on the way out, making them wonder how this NEW song on the radio was already a 2 Act Play.
Stevie’s harmonica is like an extension of his voice, like he’s singing scat.
So true. Amazing.
I totally agree!
I saw him in concert in 1986, and I thought the highlight of a great show was his instrumental version of "Alfie," which was originally released in the fall of 1968, using the name "Eivets Rednow" (with a great B-side, "More than a Dream").
Originally Elton was skeptical about the use of harmonica , but Chris Thomas and Davey Johnstone prevailed and they enlisted Stevie Wonder.
In 1971 I was 19 and working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico to earn money to pay for college. We worked 14 days on and 7 days off. When we came ashore, the crew I was on wanted to drink some beer and the closest bar to the boat dock was "The Den" in Venice, La. We stopped there on crew change day and one time there was a musical act playing. It was an old man with a very tall cowboy hat playing C&W music. At one point he had been in the Sons of the Pioneers (Roy Roger's band) After I got back from a bathroom break, the guy took a break and pulled me up to the mike to do a song. My crew had told him I played music when I was in the john. I only knew one C&W tune. It was "Does Anybody Here Goin' to San Antone" by Charley Pride. I knew that tune because the crew played it over and over on the 8-track tape in the crew truck. After I finished the crowd demanded me to play another, so I played, "Your Song" by Elton. They had enough of me after that and the old man came back to play his second set.
I started dating a beautiful, wonderful woman in the fall of 1983, and this song became "ours" because of the famous lyric, "Laughing like children, living like lovers, rolling like thunder, under the covers!". We'll celebrate our 37th anniversary this summer.
Mama Can't Buy You Love is an Excellent song.
1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
2. Rocket Man
3. Daniel
4.Candle in the Wind (1973)
5. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
6. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
7. Empty Garden
8. Your Song
9. Mad Hatters & Mona Lisa's
10.Levon
11.Tiny Dancer
12.Border Song
13.Sacrifice
14.You Gotta Love Someone
15.Someone Saved My Life Tonight
16.Dont Let the Sun Go Down On Me
17.Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
18.Honky Cat.
19.Island Girl
20.Bitch is Back
21.Crocodile Rock
22.Nikita
23.I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
24.Im Still Standing
25.Sad Songs Say So Much
26.Harmony
27.Bad Side of the Moon
28.Simple Life
29.Rock and Roll Madonna
30Take Me To the Pilot
31.Lady Samantha
32.Friends
33.Young Man's Blues
34.Philadelphia Freedom
35. the Girls Love Alice
36.Fridays Alright for Fighting
37.Mama Can't Buy You Love
38.Are You Ready For Love
39.Little Jeanie
40.Club at the End of the Street
So many short, simple, snappy, unforgettable songs. The soundtrack of my life. I’ll never forget Valerie Bertinelli’s impression of Elton on One Day at a Time. Formative.
I'll go back and look.
Classic show!
She was do hot!
Love your show professor, but I never understood the brilliance of Bernie...maybe because lyrics come so easy to me, but if ever a lucky poet, it's Bernie Taupin....good for him...made it work...but not a genius to me....pretty average lyrics....Elton was the genius.
The biggest reason I love this channel is because it often reminds me of songs I'd forgotten, this time it was Elton's tribute to John Lennon, I can't thank you enough this time Adam for reminding me of Empty Garden!!!! Thank you, as always, for the memories...
It's a beautiful song isn't it? I adore it. Very evocative.
I knew it was going to be Elton & Bernie, but thought the song was going to be "I'm Still Standing". That would be a great dive.
I love it when you talk about Elton. My favorite! I became a fan in 1980 - during this phase you're talking about. It was the non-Bernie song "Little Jeannie" that captured me. It felt like I was alone in my fandom until "I'm Still Standing" and "Blues" got him back on the charts. But even those non-charting songs you mention were gold to me. "Blue Eyes" and "Empty Garden" from Jump Up! and the entire The Fox album all deserved better than what they got. Elton's music has gotten me through so many highs and lows in my life, so thank you for featuring him today.
Same! Thanks. I love Empty Garden as well. So great.
....took me a loooooooong while to get into "The Fox" ....I play it from time to - time....but the 70's LP's can't be BEAT....
He’s made so many classics. Little Jeannie is underrated but it’s my all time favorite Elton song.
One of my absolute favorites as well. My wife and I were married the year before, and I used to sing it to her while she sang backup.
Side note.....'You and me' by Alice Cooper is one of the most beautiful songs of the 70s.
Thanks for posting this about Elton, I really love his material since 1983.
Honorable mention to, 'Funeral for a friend' from the 70s, which is brilliant.
As a 70/80s kid, EJ was a massive musical appreciation for me. Many of my goosebumps songs have EJ written all over them.
For sure.
He’s a genius.
This is a great song, and I can remember as a ten year-old listening to this song in the summer of '83 while putting baseball stickers in my Topps MLB sticker book, but I still prefer "I'm Still Standing" to this one. Between the up-tempo beat, the never-say-die lyrics and the anthemic chord progression, "I"m Still Standing" never fails to psyche me up, just like it did in '83. Thanks, Dave
Now that's a cool memory!
Same for me, in general. I heard "I'm still standing" after I learned about his drug use and his overbearing mother and it was an anthem that he overcame a lot of crap and was able to live thru it, and not die like so many others before him.
I’m Still Standing has a really good video too.
Like the content...HATE the thumbnails.
Can't find a specific episode. Too long of titles and rarely mention the actual artist's you're interviewing in that episode.
Too much work for the viewer.
Elton John's music was such an important part of my childhood in the 70's! He was the man! A few of my favorite songs are "Daniel," Philadelphia Freedom," "Saturday NIght's Alright," (or anything from "Good-bye Yellow Brick Road!"), "I'm Still Standing," and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight!" He had the most awesome band!
Philadelphia Freedom reminds me of my very favorite days of childhood.
Eltons albums up through goodbye yellow brick road were loaded with fantastic songs. After that nothing was as good. But that's not a bad thing. How do you continue that level forever? There were good songs after that I'm sure. But compared to what came before, it wasn't the same. None of it hit me the same anyway. I didn't care for any of it.
"Gramma still thinks I'm a little boy" 😄😄
So cute and sweet.
I love the album. I was hoping to hear about some of the other songs. "I Guess..." is truly wonderful, but I mainly listen to "Cold As Christmas...," "Kiss The Bride," and "Too Love For Zero." ... I remember when "I'm Still Standing" was released. How the song was showcased made it clear that Elton John was back with a bang.
Stevie Wonder's harmonica was THE sound of the '80s. I had no idea that all of those songs were Stevie. Fantastic!
Given his lack of inspiration and personal problems between Blue Moves (which isn't his best effort IMHO) and Too Low For Zero, EJ's output from that time isn't half bad. You mentioned the songs that were chart hits but each of his albums from that time had at least a few songs that were really quite good. Well, all except the embarrassing "Victim of Love", which he had very little input on other than walking into a studio and recording the vocals. I like "Momma Can't Buy You Love" quite a bit. It was soulful and current for its time. "Empty Garden" is stunning. EJ's next album "Breaking Hearts" was perhaps even better, again IMHO. Then his personal issues took over again and he dropped a couple of stinkers, though even the poor "Ice on Fire" had "Nikita", which is a super track. He enjoyed yet another renaissance in the late 80's when he got clean once more. If your grandma objected to that one line in "Blues" she would have likely not thought much of "Part Time Love", EJ's single from 1978. Or maybe some of the lines from "Bennie and the Jets". You're right, though, he is pretty tame compared to many others. You might have skipped over "Hot for Teacher" from 1984 as well?
The irony is that the song is not actually a blues, and does not use the blues scale.
Definitely can't play blues in a that scale..
I remember growing up and hearing I guess that's why they call it the blues, I'm still Standing and Sad songs on the radio and being hooked. I caught flak in school for liking his music. He definitely wasn't cool at the time. Then I discovered his 70s songs and Elton has been my favorite music artist ever since. I actually got into Billy Joel first but with Elton it was like this is similar but even better. So sad these great artists are fading away.
No one stays on top forever. Just because some of those songs between 1977-1982 weren’t smash hits doesn’t mean they weren’t good. Song For Guy flopped here because of his record label but became a international hit. Mama Can’t Buy You Love (Grammy R&B nomination) was exactly the type of hit he needed in 1979, a top ten smash gold single. Little Jeanne in 1980 peaked at #3 and remains one of his biggest hits of the decade. And a gold single too. Playing to 400,000 people at.Central Park was huge and further cemented his legacy. 21@33, The Fox and Jump Up had excellent deep tracks. Blue Eyes (Grammy nominated and held at #12 for 4 weeks!), Empty Garden, even though it stalled just outside the top ten, is one of he and Taupin’s most heartbreaking efforts. The Jump Up tour was huge as well as the late 70’s solo shows with Ray Cooper. So with all that said, it was hardly a bad time for Elton. Yes, the albums really only had one hit but still a successful period. Agree, I’m still standing and I Guess That’s… are classics and cemented the comeback. Then Leather Jackets came along in 1986 and stopped everything again! But I really enjoy your videos and glad you are a EJ fan but no one could sustain that kind of success Elton and Bernie had initially. Just ask The Bee Gees…
Best Elton/Bernie song EVER!!! Love this one and Tiny Dancer. My two faves by these guys.
I agree.
This song is burned into my long term memory from the summer of 1983, it was everywhere and unavoidable, like an omni-present soundtrack to the reality show bio-pic that was our real lives. Arguably, it's a toss up which is downloaded to the hard drive of our minds more, the song or the music video. That video was on heavy rotation pretty much the entire summer vacation of Gen Xers, particularly the crescendo building peak at videos end when the sailor is hauling ass down the dock like a man possessed, a straight bee-line for his lady love who spots him too, springs up in her what dreams are made of summer dress and runs at him with equal unstoppable determination and undeterred lazor focus where it all culminates for the young lovers in an impossibly satisfying embrace without either losing a spec of momentum or forward propulsion, but instead, like a balletic dance of romantic destiny, the fluidity of motion has him effortlessly hoisting her into his arms in a swirling human turn-top of two souls fusing into one perfect captured realized moment of art and nostalgia cohesing together, capturing immortality, if only for a few precious finite moments that will stretch over infinite dimensions and universes without end, living in the head canon of their eternally young hearts, forever and a day.
I mean, if you like that kinda Satan worshipping cult propaganda rallying themes for the dispossessed like Gram-Gram's provocateur and societal upheavalist grandson of ill repute....
.....nooch
While this song is timeless, my favorite song from "Too Low For Zero" remains "I'm Still Standing".
A great song that made the album even better.
Classic.
Philadelphia Freedom captures my feelings of growing up in the Outer Suburbs of Melbourne. It wasn’t Philadelphia but the spirit of the song takes me back to that time.
This song is what actually got me into Elton’s music. I had heard his music before from my dad, but once this song, and video, came out I began looking for anything of his I could find to listen to. Still have the Goodbye Yellowbrick Road LP at the house from my dad.
Very cool James!
Elton has a varied catalog with so many great hits.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Gotta Luv Grandma's 💕 at least you didn't get a thrashing with
La Chancla / sandles
First?!? Edit: awwwwww. Man. Just missed it. 🤦🏻♂️🤣
Well, 2 otta 3 ain’t bad???
@@Damaged262 😅😂💯💯🤷🏻♂️
Close Thanks Joe!
I like listening to your videos while I'm having breakfast in the morning. Great start to the day.
My favorite Elton John / Bernie Taupin song is 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting'.
As a kid with a paper route the first album I ever bought was Jim Croce's Greatest Hits. To me Jim Croce has always been an under rated genius.
The second album I ever bought was Elton John's Greatest Hits.
As a kid with limited income I needed to have a lot of hit songs on an album. I still have both of those albums to this day in my collection.
And one of those songs that never charted was the best song they ever wrote together; Empty Garden
It's amazing. Best tribute on Lennon.
@@ProfessorofRock I still like "All Those Years Ago" the best, but "Empty Garden" is very heartfelt. Queen's tribute, "Life is Real", by Freddie, is also very good because it's a little more stark, like Lennon, perhaps.
Beautiful Lennon homage.
It was a top 10 hit in Canada, although it never gets played on oldies stations now; it wasn't as big a hit in the U.S.
@@orbyfan only got to No 62 in the UK
As a lil' kid in the '70s, EJ & BP's songs were just always on the radio, such that I took them for granted. "Blues" isn't sad, just a somber acceptance of how life/love is sometimes, but that SW harmonica...! As for this duo, the song that got my GenX attention w/that early MTV vid was "I'm Still Standing." At 50+ now, whenever I hear it, makes me wanna dance in a parking lot, looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid.😉
Yeah, yeah, yeah 🎵
So many great Elton John songs, but I always loved Rocketman growing up in Boston and going to Fenway Park. It would be blaring on the loudspeakers while Roger Clemens would be warming up in the bullpen.
Elton played and sang the hell out of IGTWTCITB on his Final Tour in Phoenix this past Nov! I also saw him in 82 when Quarterflash was he opening act! I also love "Kiss The Bride" from the same album, glad it is sampled in his Duet with Dua Lipa!
Do t worry. You can catch him again on his next final tour.
Kiss the Bride is an overlooked great song from the album.
666 thousand subscribers! Yeeeeees! 👹👹👹👹👏👏👏👏
I was fortunate enough to see Elton John at his final ever concert in Australia (per his own announcement) a few weeks ago. Amazing show, the band was still tight, and his voice was astonishingly good. It’s difficult to believe that he’s 75. This song was a great singalong song back in my teen years. Thanks Professor
He will be 76 in a few weeks! He’s still going strong after more than 50 years.
Great content as always. Elton’s catalog is amazing.
Couldn't agree more!
Probably the greatest collaborators since the Gerswin Brothers. It's as if they could read and feel each others minds. An era that will never be repeated. Good ep Prof 👍👍👍
One of a kind indeed.
Holland-dozier-holland come to mind as well. You decide.
"Blue Eyes" is a very good song!
Elton and Bernie are on another planet when it comes to writing incredible songs. My personal favourite album is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and favourite track Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.
They are right up there with Lennon/McCartney.
This duo went together like fine wine.
Great, another one under the radar was The Ballad of Danny Bailey...love the piano on that one.
"I Guess Why They Call it the Blues" was a staple during my HS dances.
I’m a fan of of their rock songs of the 70s. There are a number of songs I like but the first song that popped in my head was Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Amazing, simply amazing. The pop songs I'm not a big fan of but when they rocked like in Funeral, that is what I really liked. What was nice is back in the 70's radio stations would play the whole song. They were not as restricted to the 3 minute long song like they radio is today. What a shame.
I was a fan of the song and video for _I'm Still Standing_ but when _...Blues_ was released it really moved to the top of my favorites.
I was never an Elton John fan (just like the Beatles). Even so, there were certain Elton tunes that I liked a lot. Rocket Man, Good by Norma Gene, Saturday Night, Yellow Brick Road, and this tune were some of them.
Elton John earned his place in rock history, with as prolific a career as he had, over as many years as he did, he earned his place. Very few ever come close. ;-)
Good choices.
Norma *Jean
He’s truly a legendary guy.
@@OttoByOgraffey OOP's My bad. You must be an English teacher, or a troll. ;-(
@@robertweldon7909 do I have to be a teacher, or a troll, because I know the correct spelling of Norma Jean?
Wow I totally did not know about those harmonica solos. Stevie Wonder is such an amazing musician.
Thank you for including an episode about "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", Adam. *Too Low for Zero* was my first Elton John record. I was three years old when it came out, and the opening cut, "Cold as Christmas", would become my favorite song of Elton's and on some level become prophetic to win my own parents split up 20 years later. The craziest thing for me is that on this song, just because of the shuffle Rhythm, I convinced myself Elton had a guest vocalist instead of himself singing the lead. For some reason, I got images in my head of somebody that resembled James Ingram or Lionel Richie, which is ironic when you think about the inclusion of Stevie on the harmonica. Then, as an adult, I grew to really Embrace how great it was that Elton had brought Nigel, Davey and Dee back together for this session. Between this record, the *Breaking Hearts* follow-up and all the stuff they did in the 70s, those three always struck me as being Elton's pocket Bee Gees because of how well they could play and thing at the same time. I also was privy to Nigel's solo material, on which his voice reminds me of Peter Cetera..
When you mentioned the little incident regarding your grandmother and the juxtaposition against the *1984* album by Van Halen which is much more explicit, it really made me laugh. I think I even sang out loud the song from that album you included here. My three-year-old self just thought about somebody my age having a bad dream when I heard this song. Children don't really know about what is sexually explicit. I think I wrote earlier that I was not remotely bothered by the explicit lyrics written by Prince for "Darling Nikki" and was more scared of the music.
I lip synced Darling Nikki at a school dance once. My buddy and I had a few before the dance and based our "dancing" during the song on Prince's which WASN'T cool with the Vice Principle and the teachers in attendance. So we were asked to head out Immiediately following the song. We DID however win the lip sync contest, just weren't there for it. 😆
Ahhh as the Boss would say, Glory Days, they've passed me by. But now I get to enjoy my daughters with her. ✌️💜🤘
What a story, @@NamathCB!
A lot of parents weren’t aware of the explicit stuff back then.
In my personal opinion, @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980, one which I'm not sure is actually "humble", I think nobody would have considered the explicitly of Prince' lyrics if somebody like Tipper Gore had not put it under a magnifier before going in front of the camera.
@@ericbgordon1575 I agree. Tipper Gore was really selective about that type of stuff.
I think it’s funny you included his saying: “Stay off Social Media” when I’m learning these things about music ON SOCIAL MEDIA 😂
I won't deny that I like Elton's hits. But, unfortunately, now that I know he is WOKE, I don't like his opinions, but I like his music. So, I'll say I like Elton John MUSIC, but not Elton John the PERSON.
Barry Manilow too.
Woke means that you are a joke, it's the current word that some use to describe everyone and everything they disagree with.
My favorite is "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy."
You hit my sweet spot on this one Prof! I always have a copy of Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy in my library. It’s been one of those albums you listen to in order of the tracks every time. It’s carved in that way. Very hard to pick a fav track, but the song Curtains strikes a deep chord with me.
Great underrated album
The album is fantastic like its namesake.
I always laugh when I see or hear what Bernie’s lyrics really are because the way Elton sings them, they are indecipherable! That’s his signature.
My parents bought me the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album for Xmas (probably sent my sister to Tower Records tho). Still love that album. I graduated in 76 and Elton left Bernie and my music rotation…Philadelphia Freedom is hideous! I did see Elton at Dodger Stadium and it was iconic! And then like you Prof, that song , The Blues absolutely floored me! I still get a lump hearing it.😢