Elton John: (Piano Man)

The Piano Player That Hit No. 1 Released as an LP album in the UK by DJM Records (catalogue: DJLPS 427) on January 22, 1973, Elton John’s Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player was his sixth studio album. The first of two albums in 1973 (followed nine months later by Goodbye Yellow Brick Road), it marked his second consecutive No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and his first No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. The lead single "Crocodile Rock" gave John his first No. 1 hit in both the

A Melody Maker Warm Calypso Praise Published in the UK on January 13, 1973, Melody Maker’s one-page single review “ELTON JOHN: “Daniel”” hailed the track as a warm, attractive song that grows with each hearing. Set to a lilting calypso beat with electric piano and steel drum effects, the review called it a fine song and convincing hit. The Bernie Taupin lyrics about an elder brother who flies away have a cloudy, floating quality, and the old firm (Elton & Bernie) believe it's

A Melody Maker Warm Calypso Praise Published in the UK on January 13, 1973, Melody Maker’s one-page single review “ELTON JOHN: “Daniel”” hailed the track as a warm, attractive song that grows with each hearing. Set to a lilting calypso beat with electric piano and steel drum effects, the review called it a fine song and convincing hit. The Bernie Taupin lyrics about an elder brother who flies away have a cloudy, floating quality, and the old firm (Elton & Bernie) believe it's

A Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Classic Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on January 12, 1973, on DJM Records (catalogue: DJS 271), Elton John’s “Daniel” — backed with “Skyline Pigeon” — was a poignant piano ballad written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin. The single entered the UK Singles Chart on January 20, 1973, remained for 10 weeks, and peaked at No. 4. A timeless Goodbye Yellow Brick Road era gem. It initially appeared as the opening track on John's 1973 album, Don'

The Edge That Hit Music Star Published in the UK on January 1, 1973, Music Star magazine’s two-page feature “Tottering on the Edge” included Elton John reflecting on a difficult period during the making of the new album (released in January). He explained: were making the new album (it's released in January) I was really low. It was just because I was exhausted and everything was getting on top of me. I had glandular fever, but didn't realise. So I got very depressed. But I p

A Retro Rock 'n' Roll Romp The song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and recorded in summer 1972 at the Château d'Hérouville studio in France (it was listed as "Strawberry Studios" in the album's credits), where John and his team had previously recorded the Honky Château album. It was released on October 27, 1972 in the UK and November 20, 1972 in the U.S., as a pre-release single from his forthcoming 1973 album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, and became hi

Elton John’s "Elton's Rocket Man" , a one-page portrait in Bravo Magazine , October 18, 1972.

Elton John’s "Down at Elton's" , a two-page feature in New Musical Express , September 23, 1972.

David Cassidy’s "Cassidy Flies In" , a news flashes article with Elton John in Record Mirror , September 2, 1972.

Elton John’s "Honky Cat" , a one-page advert in New Musical Express , September 2, 1972.