Elton John personnel tier list

Greatest 1970s rock hitmaker has worked closely with many greats, famous and unsung. The following are notable.
Ray Cooper drums/percussion mid-1970s to live retirement
Gus Dudgeon producer of most albums during “classic years”
Davey Johnstone guitar, mandlin, backing vocals (BV) commencing 1971, missing three or so albums when nadir hit
Dee Murray bass gtr/BV for two different spells including early peak
James Newton-Howard synthesizer & other keyboards 1975 into Blue Moves
Nigel Olsson drums, BV, female’s choice and eventual solo artist
Gary Osborne overlooked lyricist 1978-82 & Leather Jackets
Kenny Passarelli replacement for Murray on Rock…Westies plus Blue Moves
Roger Pope drummer circa. first albums, taking Olssen’s place when Passarelli joined Caleb Quaye guitars/BV; history with EJ similar to Pope
Bernie Taupin do you have to ask! All words during first twelve studio albums including Regimental... then virtually everything important after 1981
Chris Thomas legendary producer whose pedigree is unmatched, helping our subject make decent recordings in the MTV era through lean Nineties