Tag Archives: Your Song

Music Monday: April 14, 2025

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The year 1970 introduced us to the genius that is Elton John. Five years later, he was one of the biggest stars on the planet, with his music-and lyrics by Bernie Taupin-underscoring a number of “wonder years” moments for many of us.

His self titled album was released 55 years ago on April 10, 1970 in the UK. It premiered in the U.S. three months later as his debut album. But in the UK it was his sophomore record after 1969’s Empty Sky (which was not released in the U.S. until 1975 with a new cover design).

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The 1970 release features two of my favorite EJ songs along with “Take Me To The Pilot” and “Border Song”. Later that year on October 30, he released Tumbleweed Connection. Thus began his reign as one of the top talents of the decade.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In 1975, EJ had several #1 hits (which I highlighted in my February 24, 2025 post). That was also the year he made his acting debut as The Pinball Wizard in The Who’s rock opera, “Tommy”. It premiered 50 years ago on March 19, 1975. Two months later, on May 19, 1975, EJ released Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

Together Elton John and Bernie Taupin brought us one of the greatest, most beloved chapters of music. It remains one of my all time favorites.

Top: Elton John’s 1975 album premiered two months after his acting debut in the movie, “Tommy” (bottom picture). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Elton John: “Your Song” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “I Need You To Turn To” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “Burn Down The Mission” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Elton John: “Pinball Wizard” (1975, written by Pete Townshend).

Elton John: “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

Stay safe & well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 390

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

May 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

On April 10, 1970 the self titled album by Elton John was released. It was his first for North American audiences and his second in the UK. Some of its tracks included “Take Me To The Pilot”, “Border Song” and his first hit record which went on to become one of his most beloved & enduring songs. It is also unbelievably beautiful, especially the lyrics and the string & harp arrangements.

The birth of that record is a spotlight in the movie of John’s life, 2019’s “Rocketman”. When John participated in “Carpool Karaoke“, he told host James Corden that today’s tune was the one that made John believe he & lyricist Bernie Taupin had taken a huge step forward in their songwriting partnership. I also believe that was the understatement of the decade.

“I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses, well they’ve got me quite cross
But the sun’s been quite kind
While I wrote this song“.

Bernie and Elton 1975

bernie elton 2020

Top (L-R): Bernie Taupin and Elton John circa 1975 with a few of the gold records they earned over the years. Bottom (L-R): Taupin and John in 2020 at the Golden Globe Awards celebrating their win for Best Original Song for the 2019 film “Rocketman”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Elton John: “Your Song” (1970, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 234

Posted in Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Thoreau quote 2

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Elton John is celebrating several career milestones this time of year. October 26 marked the 50th anniversary of the release of his first hit, “Your Song”. On November 4, 1992 publishing giant Warner/Chappell signed him & his writing partner extraordinaire, Bernie Taupin, to a $39 million dollar deal which was the most lucrative one ever offered at that time. That contract came 25 years after he & John signed their first major publishing deal in 1967 when John was still known by his real name, Reginald Dwight. He was 20 years old & Taupin was 17.

John had a live radio concert broadcast on November 17, 1970 which was released as an album the following April. (The station which broadcast the event-WABC-FM in NYC-became WPLJ-FM in February 1971 which was one of my favorites during my teenage years). And 49 years ago today-November 5, 1971-John released the album with today’s tune on it. The record contains two of his best know songs-“Levon” and “Tiny Dancer”-and as much as I enjoy them, it is the title track that I am most enamored with.

“Once a fool had a good part in the play
If it’s so would I still be here today
It’s quite peculiar in a funny sort of way
They think it’s very funny everything I say“.

Taupin and John

Bernie Taupin (L) and Elton John (R) circa 1971. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Elton John: “Madman Across The Water” (1971, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.