Reg Dwight – Part 1

The Jean is back! How I spent my summer vacation in the U.S. included revisiting the songs of Elton John whose music for me still conjures up childhood memories of Long Island summers. “Philadelphia Freedom” might as well have been the unofficial anthem for America’s Bicentennial and I remember “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” being all over the radio and even singing it with the neighborhood kids (though at the time I was probably still in diapers).

I did not become fully aware of the English piano man until the early ‘80s (during his pork pie hat wearing pop star phase) and it wasn’t until the end of the century that I started to appreciate John’s ‘70s singer-songwriter back catalogue (thanks to the movie Almost Famous). All this just goes to show that Elton John (born Reginald Dwight) is an institution who- despite the tabloid stories and crazy stage costumes- was a talented pianist and singer who brought joy and pleasure to millions. Unfortunately, John seems to have lost his beautiful singing voice sometime in the mid-‘80s and that is where my appreciation of his talents ends. Sorry, Lion King. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. Elton John – “The Bitch Is Back” (1974)

02. Elton John – “Philadelphia Freedom” (1975)

03. Elton John – “Blue Eyes” (1982)

04. Elton John – “Elton’s Song” (1981)

05. Elton John – “Your Song” (1970)

06. Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973)

07. Elton John – “Amoreena” (1970)

08. Elton John – “Song for Guy” (1978)

09. Elton John – “Friends” (1971)

10. Elton John – “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” (1976)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

 

Recommended Links:

Elton John – “I’m Still Standing”