Music 1010Craig Ferrin, PhD

Anton KodraMarch 26, 2012

SIR ELTON JOHN

INTRODUCTION

•I researched Elton John and his amazing piano playing and skills and his great music.

•I choose him because I too am a piano player and enjoy his music.

Biography Website

BIOGRAPHY

The Early Years

• Born in 1947 as Reginald Kenneth Dwight• Excelled at music at a young • Lyricist Bernie Laupin met Elton in 1967• The two began writing music together

BIOGRAPHY

The Breakthrough and Beyond

• Elton John’s breakthrough Album was self titled and introduced in 1970

• He continued to produce highly rated albums. • In 1976 Elton announced his bisexuality. • Worked with KiKi Dee on duet • Had surgery to remove a cancer on his vocal chords

BIOGRAPHY

Donations, Success, and Records

• In 1990, he decided to combat AIDS and formed a foundation against the disease.

• He also cleaned up his life and stopped drug use.• In 1997, his good friend Princess Diana died and he remade

“Candle in the Wind” for her.• In 1998 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II• He has record album sales and won multiple awards. He is

one of Britain’s most accomplished and awarded musicians.

COMPOSITION HISTORIES

Tiny Dancer

• Was recorded in August 1971 and released in 1972• Lyrics by Taupin • Platinum Song• About the spirit of California in 1970• Piano-based melody and pedal steel guitar and percussion• Covered by various artists, including country’s Tim McGraw

COMPOSITION HISTORIES

Crocodile Rock

• Written by John and Taupin and recorded in 1972. • Inspired by Australian band “Daddy Cool” and their single

“Eagle Rock”• There is no official dance, but there was a dance called

“The Alligator”• Features Farfisa Organ • Recorded as a song for the movie Gnomeo and Juliet

COMPOSITION HISTORIES

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

• Ballad written by Taupin and composed by Elton• Influenced by 1970s soft rock• Some of John’s best lyrics• Certified Platinum after being released in 1973• Title of the song taken from the 1939 movie The Wizard of

Oz• Features some really high vocal notes registered by Elton

John

COMPOSITION HISTORIES

Candle in the Wind (1997 Version)

• Re-written and re-recorded of Elton’s own version of a 1973 song of the same title

• Released as a tribute to his friend Princess Diana, who died• It is the “best-selling single of all time”• John performed it live only once, at Princess Diana’s funeral

on Sept. 6, 1997• It hit all kinds of records, and the profits from sales were

donated to the Diana Memorial Fund

COMPOSITION HISTORIES

Something About the Way You Look Tonight

• Released in 1997 and was dedicated in memory of Versace, who was murdered that year

• The music video features supermodels, although John doesn’t care for videos and not many of his songs have one

• Elton John plays the piano and is accompanied by his band

LISTENING GUIDE

Tiny Dancer

Three main sections-Verse, Pre-chorus, and Chorus Begins with solo piano playing, using C major and F major Left hand really stands out throughout the piece Rich chorus full of orchestra and texture

LISTENING GUIDE

Candle in the Wind

Arepeggiating style of playing throughout and homophonic texture

Sing able melody that is embellished by John’s playing Fancy riffs used to enhance the piece

LISTENING GUIDE

Crocodile Rock-Intro and Verse 1

Originally recorded with Farfisa organ Pop chord progression of I-VI-IV-V, creates retro 60s sound Played with a full band Simple lyrics, but upbeat tempo and quick meter make it

exciting Makes you want to dance!

BIBLIOGRAPHY• "Elton John Biography." Biography.com Web. 19 Feb. 2012.• <http://www.biography.com/people/elton-john-9355335?page=1>.• "Sir Elton John Biography." The Biography Channel (UK).com Web. 19 Feb.

2012.• <http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/elton-

john.html>.• "Candle in the Wind 1973 & 1997". The Pop History Dig.com Web. 19 Feb.

2012.• <http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=candle-in-the-wind>.• "Listen to Music E-Text Book". Listen to the Music-Music Appreciation.

Ferrin, Craig (2010). • Kendall Hunt Publishing. Dubuque, IA.• <http://webcom3.grtxle.com/musicapprec/index.cfm>.