Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The month is a big one for Sir Elton Hercules John. Not only did he just celebrate birthday #76 on March 25, but he is also about to release the 50th anniversary edition of his fifth studio album, Honky Chateau. It was originally introduced in May 1972 and it further established just how prolific John and his unbelievably talented lyricist, Bernie Taupin, were. Fifty years later, no one is surprised that both men are legends and beloved beyond measure thanks to the unbelievably exquisite catalog of songs that have shared with all of us.

I cannot begin to imagine what my life would sound like without their words & music guiding me all these years. And John especially has reinvented himself many times over the past five decades and has become a prominent philantropisit, especially through his AIDS foundation.

John has also beaten addiction, outlived so many of his dearest friends and found two of his greatest loves in life by choosing to become a father with his husband after many years together. John is a survivor and taught us all how to keep going no matter how many times the sun goes down. He is an incredible man & artist and, despite his pending retirement from touring, I do not think he will ever walk away from his piano completely.

Today’s song is one of my favorites and John’s, too, as he mentions in the stunningly beautiful live version I have included here as well. I never thought this song could get any better but @ 2:05 it does with the addition of a spectacular string arrangement added in.

Happy birthday, Elton John. I adore you.

“This Broadway’s got
It’s got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in
I’ll go my way alone grow my own
My own seeds shall be sown in New York City“.

Elton John circa 1972 (Photograph from eltonjohn.com).

Elton John: “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” (1972, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters” (as performed live at NYC’s Madison Square Garden in 2007).

Stay safe & well.