Elton John: (Piano Man)

BACKGROUND Originally released in October 1975, Rock Of The Westies was Elton John's tenth studio album. Recorded at Caribou Ranch in Colorado and produced by Gus Dudgeon, the album captured Elton and his band at the height of their mid-1970s success. Elton John has since described the album as "the most genuine rock and roll record that I've ever made." Rock Of The Westies made history by entering the US Billboard 200 at No. 1, where it remained for three consecutive weeks.

Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, March 25, 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. One of the most successful and enduring artists in popular music history, he has sold over 300 million records worldwide. Famous for his powerful piano playing, flamboyant stage costumes, and legendary songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, Elton John has dominated pop, rock, and ballad genres for more than five decades EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS Born i

The long-lost debut album by Elton John, recorded in 1967/68 and finally released for Record Store Day on June 12, 2021, under the title Regimental Sgt. Zippo. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Elton John Title: Regimental Sgt. Zippo Date: June 12, 2021 Label: DJM / Rocket Music Format / Type: Studio Album (LP, Mono) Country: International Catalogue: 0602435557878 TRACK LIST Side A When I Was Tealby Abbey And The Clock Goes Around Sitting Doing Nothing Turn To Me Angel Tr

In May 1979, Hit Parader magazine looked back on Elton John’s remarkable career with a detailed retrospective titled “This Is Your Life”. SOURCE DETAILS Publication: Hit Parader Date: May 1979 Country: United States Section / Pages: Career retrospective feature (page 12) THE STORY This full-page timeline chronicles Elton John’s journey from his birth in 1947 through to 1979, highlighting key milestones: band formations, major albums, chart successes, and personal moments. A s

A Single Man marked a significant turning point in Elton John's recording career. It was the first Elton John album not to feature lyrical contributions from Bernie Taupin and the first since Empty Sky not to be produced by Gus Dudgeon. Unlike previous projects where lyrics were typically provided first, Elton John approached the songs by composing melodies at the piano before lyrics were completed. The album also featured a noticeably lower vocal register than many of his ea

The June 23, 1977 issue of Circus magazine features an in-depth article titled “Elton’s Rocket Is Not In His Pocket”, focusing on Elton John’s expanding role at Rocket Records and his recent activities following the announcement of his semi-retirement from touring. Publication: Circus Magazine Date: June 23, 1977 Country: United States Location: New York Section: Front Pages / Feature (Page 18) THE STORY T he piece details how Elton John is taking a more active role in Rocket

In the summer of 1977, Elton John released the uplifting disco-infused single “Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)” as a double A-side with Kiki Dee’s “Chicago,” bringing high-energy grooves and joyful collaboration to fans worldwide. Co-written with Bernie Taupin, this track from the Blue Moves album encouraged everyone to let loose and dance, embodying an inclusive spirit that welcomed listeners of all ages and backgrounds to join the celebration. RELEASE DETAILS: Date: June

Blue Moves was released in the UK on October 22, 1976 by The Rocket Record Company. Issued as an 18-track double LP under catalogue number ROSP 122, it was Elton John's second double studio album. The album presented a more reflective and melancholy direction, combining pop, rock, jazz and ballads and moving away from the predominantly upbeat character of many of Elton John's earlier hits. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, Blue Moves also continued Elton John's creative partnership wi

Elton John’s recording of Pinball Wizard was created for Ken Russell’s 1975 film adaptation of Tommy. His performance appears in the movie as a flamboyant pinball champion, complete with oversized footwear and a piano‑keyboard pinball interface. The track was first issued in 1975 as a US promotional‑only single, and later released commercially in the UK in 1976, where it reached number seven. Because the US edition was not commercially available, it was ineligible for the Bil

A Motown-inspired duet, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” became one of Elton John’s biggest hits and a summer anthem of 1976. Recorded with Kiki Dee, the song topped the UK and US charts and remains a fan favourite for its playful chemistry and upbeat energy. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Elton John & Kiki Dee Label: The Rocket Record Company Date: June 25, 1976 Catalogue: ROKN 512 Format: 7" Vinyl Single Country: UK A-Side: “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” B-Side: “Snow Queen” Written by: