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Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
25 Great Elton John Songs That Shaped His Legacy
Singer Elton John has some of the most iconic hits in history. Sir Elton Hercules John is one of the most popular singers ever, selling more than 300 million albums, earning a career Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony and releasing more than 50 top-40 hits. Elton John music usually includes a piano—he's a piano whiz—and achieves a rare balance of critical and commercial success. The best Elton John songs, such as 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Rocket Man,' blend distinctive vocals with powerful messages. John grew up in Pinner, Middlesex, England, where he learned to play his grandmother's piano, and left school at 17 to pursue a musical career, finding songwriting partner Bernie Taupin in 1967. This list of greatest Elton John songs includes the highlights of his career as well as a few lesser-known gems. Elton John makes pop rock music, with a dash of glam rock and blues. He released his first album, Empty Sky, in 1969, and his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour (2018–2023) set a record (since surpassed) for highest gross. Is Elton John still making music? Yes—in 2025, he collaborated on the new studio album Who Believes in Angels with Brandi Carlile. He has released 32 studio albums. This list is based on the songs' songwriting prowess, commercial success, cultural impact, awards and critical acclaim. If you're looking for a song that demonstrates John's talent with the piano, look no further than this elegy from Diving Board. It pays tribute to the veterans of the Greatest Generation and was written with Taupin; both men said they adore this song. It wasn't released as a single, but the album sold well. Off the acclaimed Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, 'Roy Rogers' is an underrated song celebrating simpler times. It offers reminders of the heroes we worshipped as children and gets to the universal truth that we all want to feel loved, comforted and safe, as we presumably would with a cowboy like Roy Rogers. John has so many rousing songs you want to stand up and dance to, like this one. 'Philadelphia Freedom' became one of the first disco hits, paying tribute to the titular city. (Fun fact: Billie Jean King requested the song from John, who's a close friend.) It hit No. 1 and went platinum. 'Mellow' from Honky Château marks another collaboration with Taupin (written about his first wife, also the inspiration for 'Tiny Dancer'). Rolling Stone called it John's 'sexiest song,' which talks of 'wreckin' the sheets.' It wasn't released as a single but has received heaps of praise on an album that hit No. 1. John croons about loneliness and wishing he was with his person on this hit with Taupin-penned lyrics from Too Low for Zero. The song reached No. 4 on Billboard and hit the top 10 in five other countries. It's also one of the notable Elton John songs in movies (Peter's Friends). Speaking of popular Elton John movie songs—this one from The Lion King earned an Academy Award for Best Song and reached No. 4 on Billboard. John also won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and a Golden Globe for Best Song-Motion Picture. The song narrates the growing affection between Simba and Nala. Elton John and Tim Rice attend the 67th Annual Academy Awards ceremony March 27, 1995 in Los ... More Angeles, where they won Best Song. This soul song, which Aretha Franklin covered two years later on Young, Gifted and Black, became John's first song to chart in the U.S. It showcases his piano skills and, once again, was co-written with Taupin. The song closes with the (alas still relevant) prayer, 'He's my brother/Let us live in peace.' This smash became John's first No. 1 hit in the UK. He performed the duet with Motown singer Kiki Dee, a fellow Brit, and the two embraced the camp of the song just enough to make it fun. Taupin and John, who co-wrote the tune under pseudonyms, meant it as a tribute to Motown. A rock song from Caribou, John's second album, 'The Bitch Is Back' stemmed from a joke Taupin's first wife made about the singer's moods. It became a top-five hit in the U.S. and his sixth No. 1 in Canada, though some radio stations refused to play it because of the word 'bitch.' A rock song from Jump Up, John's 16th album, 'Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)' paid tribute to late friend John Lennon, who was murdered in 1981. John called performing with Lennon at Madison Square Garden in 1974 the greatest moment of his career, and he rarely sings the song live because it is too painful. John Lennon (right) makes a surprise appearance at a concert by Elton John at Madison Square Garden, ... More New York City, 28th November 1974. This Taupin-John effort from Honky Château was inspired by the singer's first trip to New York City, when he heard a gun fire. It also pays tribute to Ben E. King's 'Spanish Harlem.' John has said the song, which went gold, is one of his own favorites, and he later recorded a sequel to it. A pop song with orchestral backing, 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' off of Caribou rose to No. 1 on the charts, with backup vocals sung by three of the Beach Boys. The song went gold and earned Grammy nods for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance—Male. Davey Johnstone's guitar genius is on prime display in this song from the album of the same name. Taupin's lyrics, which John belts with passion, follow a public persona falling into a chasm. Many speculated it was about then-President Richard Nixon, but the songwriter denied that. The album has gone four times platinum. Too Low for Zero produced this toe-tapping hit, which reached No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada, boosted by a popular music video. The two-times-platinum song included catchy lyrics like, 'You know, I'm still standin' better than I ever did/Lookin' like a true survivor, feelin' like a little kid.' Off the album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, this highly personal song details John's suicide attempt and runs 6 minutes, 45 seconds. The singer refused attempts to shorten the song for radio airplay, and he was right—it reached No. 4 with gorgeous lyrics like 'And butterflies are free to fly.' Elton John and David Furnish attend the The CAA Pre-Oscar Party at Sunset Tower Hotel on March 10, ... More 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Another track from Madman, the five-times platinum single 'Tiny Dancer' contrasts the women of the U.S. with those of the UK, where writer Taupin and John came from, focusing on Taupin's first wife. The signature hit is long (over six minutes) and was banned by some radio stations for the mention of 'Jesus freaks.' This two-song medley, the opening to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, combines an opening instrumental with pop rock. Though they weren't originally envisioned to go together, they fit nicely as symbols of death segueing into a breakup diatribe. Rolling Stone ranks the song No. 6 on its list of best Elton John songs. This song clearly establishes John as one of the most versatile '70s artists. As John himself pointed out, it sounded nothing like his earlier music, and he initially didn't want to release it as a single in the U.S. But it was successful, hitting No. 1 on Billboard and going top-20 on soul charts. 'Levon wears his war wound like a crown' opens this powerful song about a wealthy kid who dreams of escaping his restrictive family. (It is not, contrary to popular belief, about The Band frontman Levon Helm.) While 'Levon' only reached No. 24, its incredible orchestral arrangement has prompted critics to elevate the song. This ballad referencing The Wizard of Oz ranks among Rolling Stone's top 500 songs of all time and went two-times platinum, reaching No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Canada. Taupin has said the song expresses a yearning for simplicity and returning to his roots. John included it in most of his concerts. Recording artist Sir Elton John gestures to the audience after performing the song "Tiny Dancer" ... More during a stop of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour at Allegiant Stadium. Recorded as a prelease to Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, the fun, flouncy 'Crocodile Rock' became John's first No. 1 in the U.S. and went platinum. The lyrics examine and pay tribute to early rock artists, and John plays a Farfisa organ as well as doing the falsetto backing vocals. Glam rock at its best, 'Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)' details the narrator's plan to have fun and let loose with his friends: 'It's getting late have you seen my mates/Ma tell me when the boys get here.' Johnstone's guitar playing stands out on this platinum-certified song, which hit No. 12. A ballad that opens with a simple yet gorgeous piano riff, 'Young Song' became John's first international hit and remains one of the most beloved love songs ever recorded. 'And you can tell everybody this is your song,' John croons to his lover. The song entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. The lead release from Honky, 'Rocket Man' helped define John as one of the most popular '70s songs and, later, the title of his biopic. The five-times platinum song hit No. 2 and has been streamed more than 1 billion times on Spotify. It was inspired by the Ray Bradbury short story 'The Rocket Man.' John rerecorded his 1973 hit 'Candle in the Wind' in 1997 as a tribute to his dear friend Princess Diana and played it at her funeral. It was wildly successful. John's most recent No. 1 single held the spot for 14 weeks and became the No. 2 single of all time behind Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas.' Bottom Line A gifted artist who has also given much of his time to AIDS charities and other causes, Elton John has contributed more than just amazing music to the world. The works on this list represent his best work, but you can never go wrong with any John song. How Many Albums Has Elton John Released? Elton John has released 32 studio albums. They are: 1. Empty Sky (1969)2. Elton John (1970)3. Tumbleweed Connection (1970)4. Madman Across the Water (1971)5. Honky Château (1972)6. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)8. Caribou (1974)9. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)10. Rock of the Westies (1975)11. Blue Moves (1976)12. A Single Man (1978)13. Victim of Love (1979)14. 21 at 33 (1976)15. The Fox (1981)16. Jump Up! (1981)17. Too Low for Zero (1983)18. Breaking Hearts (1985)19. Ice on Fire (1984)20. Leather Jackets (1986)21. Reg Strikes Back (1988)22. Sleeping with the Past (1989)23. The One (1992)24. Made in England (1995)25. The Big Picture (1997)26. Songs from the West Coast (2001)27. Peachtree Road (2004)28. The Captain & The Kid (2006)29. The Diving Board (2012)30. Wonderful Crazy Night (2016)31. Regiment Sgt. Zippo (2021)32. Who Believes In Angels? (2025) What Elton John Songs Have Been Featured In Movies? Elton John songs that have been featured in movies include: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Already," "Keys to the Kingdom" and more from The Lion King. From The Road to El Dorado, "Queen of Cities," "El Dorado," "The Panic in Me" and more. "Hello, Hello" and "Love Builds A Garden" from Gnomeo and Juliet, and 'Electricity' from Billy Elliot. Is Elton John Still Making Music Today Yes, he continues to make music, most recently releasing an album with Brandi Carlile (Who Believes In Angels). He finished touring in 2023, closing out the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour after five years and 330 performances. He has said it will be his last tour.
The Guardian
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘It's distressing': Elton John speaks of pain of losing his eyesight
Elton John has spoken of his distress at losing his eyesight and how he can no longer watch his young sons playing. John revealed in a social media post last year that a 'severe eye infection' had left him 'with only limited vision in one eye'. In an interview with the Times, the singer and songwriter, who has two children, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, with his husband, the filmmaker David Furnish, said he 'can't see the telly' and he had not 'been able to see anything since last July'. He added: 'I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up. It's distressing. 'You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here,' he said, pointing to his left eye. He added: 'You say to yourself, just get on with it.' John has previously said his eye issues have affected his ability to record music and left him feeling 'stuck'. However, he recently recorded Who Believes In Angels?, a collaboration with the US singer Brandi Carlile, which involved working with the producer Andrew Watt and his long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Last month, and before the album's release on Friday, John and Carlile hosted an evening of performance and storytelling at the London Palladium. His headline set at Glastonbury in 2023 had previously been his last UK performance as part of his 330-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ended with an emotionally charged show in Stockholm, Sweden. John reflected on how he used to do '120 shows a year' but said having children had made him entirely shift his perspective. 'I always said I wanted to die on stage,' he said. 'Now I want my gravestone to read: 'He was a great dad.' My career has been wonderful, but the kids are what matters.' Reflecting on his career he said he was 'riddled with music' and it was the 'greatest gift' he had ever been given. 'Here I am at 78, feeling better than I have ever been,' he said. Gesturing to his eyes, he added: 'This is a bastard, but we'll get over it. There is a lot more to do.'
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Elton John on ‘distressing' sight loss as he is unable to see his boys play
Sir Elton John has said losing his eyesight has been 'distressing' and emotional for him. The British superstar, 78, revealed in a social media post last year that a 'severe eye infection' had left him 'with only limited vision in one eye'. He told The Times he 'can't see the telly' and he has not 'been able to see anything since last July'. Sir Elton added: 'I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up. It's distressing. 'You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here.' He said that 'you say to yourself, just get on with it'. Sir Elton has previously said his eye issues have impacted his ability to record music and left him feeling 'stuck'. However, he recently recorded Who Believes In Angels?, a collaboration with US singer Brandi Carlile, which saw Sir Elton work with producer Andrew Watt and his long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Sir Elton also said he became 'frustrated' when 'they stood up to me'. He said: 'If I want to make a great album aged 76 or 77 I've got to be told and they put up with my little foibles, which were really about anxiety, self-doubt and not feeling very well at the time. I was tired so I thought, I'm going to abandon this. 'The problem was three other people were involved and I knew that if I walked away from it I would hate myself for the rest of my life.' Before the album's release on Friday, Sir Elton and Carlile hosted an evening of performance and storytelling at the London Palladium on March 26. His headline set at Glastonbury in 2023 had previously been his last UK performance as part of his 330-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ended with an emotionally charged show in Stockholm, Sweden. In January he achieved his ninth UK number one album with Diamonds, a greatest hits compilation, and last year achieved so-called EGOT status after earning an Emmy, following his Grammy, Oscar and Tony award wins. He bagged the best variety special live Emmy for Elton Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium in 2024. Sir Elton has two children, Zachary and Elijah, with his husband, filmmaker David Furnish.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elton John on ‘distressing' sight loss as he is unable to see his boys play
Sir Elton John has said losing his eyesight has been 'distressing' and emotional for him. The British superstar, 78, revealed in a social media post last year that a 'severe eye infection' had left him 'with only limited vision in one eye'. He told The Times he 'can't see the telly' and he has not 'been able to see anything since last July'. Sir Elton added: 'I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up. It's distressing. 'You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here.' He said that 'you say to yourself, just get on with it'. Sir Elton has previously said his eye issues have impacted his ability to record music and left him feeling 'stuck'. However, he recently recorded Who Believes In Angels?, a collaboration with US singer Brandi Carlile, which saw Sir Elton work with producer Andrew Watt and his long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Sir Elton also said he became 'frustrated' when 'they stood up to me'. He said: 'If I want to make a great album aged 76 or 77 I've got to be told and they put up with my little foibles, which were really about anxiety, self-doubt and not feeling very well at the time. I was tired so I thought, I'm going to abandon this. 'The problem was three other people were involved and I knew that if I walked away from it I would hate myself for the rest of my life.' Before the album's release on Friday, Sir Elton and Carlile hosted an evening of performance and storytelling at the London Palladium on March 26. His headline set at Glastonbury in 2023 had previously been his last UK performance as part of his 330-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ended with an emotionally charged show in Stockholm, Sweden. In January he achieved his ninth UK number one album with Diamonds, a greatest hits compilation, and last year achieved so-called EGOT status after earning an Emmy, following his Grammy, Oscar and Tony award wins. He bagged the best variety special live Emmy for Elton Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium in 2024. Sir Elton has two children, Zachary and Elijah, with his husband, filmmaker David Furnish.
Fox News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Elton John throws 'nightmare' tantrum, breaks down in tears while recording new album
Elton John launched into an expletive-filled tantrum during the recording of his new album "Who Believes in Angels" with Brandi Carlile. On Wednesday, the 77-year-old music icon released the trailer for the short film "Who Believes In Angels? Stories On The Edge Of Creation," which gives fans a candid look behind the scenes of how the album came together over just 20 days. In the video, the singer was seen in a studio as he clashed with record producer Andrew Watt, one of his four collaborators on the project, including Carlile and John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. "Are you ready to record?" Watt asked John, to which the "Rocket Man" hitmaker snapped, "I'm sitting here, aren't I?" As the clip continued, John was seen growing increasingly frustrated. In a voiceover, the five-time Grammy Award winner, who had recently concluded his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with a performance at the Glastonbury Festival, admitted, "Reality is, I was exhausted. I had a lot of doubt…. and I was a nightmare." "Angry. I was tired. I was irritable," he added. At one point in the video, Watt told John, "Dude, I'm just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You're so impatient." "F---ing nightmare!" John exclaimed while slamming his headphones down onto his keyboard. He recalled in a voiceover that there was "tension in the studio." Carlile, 43, who earlier said that she had "idolized" John since she was 11, explained that she began having her own doubts about the collaboration. "Elton is prone to moments of insecurity," she said. "Especially where the stakes are high." "I'm having a hard time connecting to Elton," "The Story" singer admitted. "There were times I thought, 'Why does he want to do this? Why? Why is he going from Glastonbury to making an album with me?'" "And I thought, 'I don't wanna do it,'" Elton said in a voiceover as he was then seen ripping up sheet music while sitting at a keyboard. "I'm done," he told Watt, who protested, "No, man. Elton." "Cut the mics," Watt told the production crew, who were filming the behind-the-scenes footage. Elton went on to say that he felt he couldn't give up on the album at that point because "other people were involved." As the video continued, tensions within the studio began to ease as Elton found his groove. "The fog started to lift," Elton said. "And once we got going – Jesus!" "Finally it all started to flow," he added. The mood of the four appeared to lighten as they fell into sync while collaborating on songs. "It wasn't easy, which is a place where such great music came from," Carlile noted. The clip cut to a beaming Watt, who told John, "You know what you just did? Kicked some f---ing a--!" "Pretty damn good," John said with a smile. In a voiceover, John opened up about how he wanted to push himself creatively with the album. "I wanted to play better. Sing better. Write better and challenge myself at the age I am," he said. "In 50 plus years, we've never made a record like this," said Taupin, who has worked with Elton since 1976. "Brandi really pushed me. Pushed me, pushed me," John said. Earlier in the video, John explained why he sought out a collaboration with Carlile, who has received 11 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination. "When I met her, I fell in love with her, and I just thought she had the most amazing voice. I knew I would find her inspiring, and I knew she would find me inspiring," he recalled. Carlile later celebrated how the project turned out. "We made an album that I think is spectacular for all the ages," she said. "My life has been taking me to this album the whole time." John gushed that "Who Believes in Angels?" was "immaculate." "This came out the way I wanted it to come out," he said while breaking down in tears at the keyboard as Carlile gave him a comforting hug. "This [has] never happened to me in my whole career," John added. "Who Believes in Angels" is set to be released on April 4.
