And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
When our legend isn’t adopting babies with HIV or being knighted by the Queen of England, he is busy receiving the coveted Legend Series award. Elton John has been a controversial figure since he released his first album Empty Sky in 1969. According to Billboard Magazine, Elton John was ranked as the third most successful artist of all-time, behind only Madonna and The Beatles.
So what makes Elton John a “Legend?” Is it the clothes? The hair? The persona? No, it is his ability to connect with his audience through his music. His most successful song to date paid tribute to the life and death of Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana: “Candle in the Wind,” of which there are two versions. The first version was recorded in 1973 and is ranked as the 347th Greatest Song of All-Time, according to Rolling Stone Magazine. With the untimely death of Princess Diana in 1997, Elton performed a slightly different version of this song at the funeral. This version became the highest selling single of all-time, selling over 37 million copies! How’s that for being a “Legend!?”
“Benny & The Jets,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” “That’s What Friends Are For” and “I’m Still Standing” are all classic Elton songs. In 1993, Elton released Duets which included the song “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” with George Michael. That was his last hit. Elton released two more albums, but critics dismissed him and considered him done. Then in 2001, Elton released Songs from the West Coast, which included the single “I Want Love.” What was most memorable about the song was the music video. In it, Robert Downey Jr. lip-syncs the words, which if you listen closely, tie into Downey’s dark past. The video is stunning and powerful, yet it was shot in one continuous scene. The bitch was definitely back!
Legendary songs were not the only thing Elton was famous for. His live show was always known for being over the top and high in style. In 1976, Elton told Rolling Stone that everyone was bisexual to a certain degree, then the rumors started. He officially announced that he was gay in 1984, perfect timing with AIDS spreading! He has since been married and is an activist for Gay & Lesbian rights as well as for AIDS and Human Rights. Elton has also opened a thrift store where he sells his clothes and donates the proceeds to charity. The store is aptly named Elton’s Closet.
Hit singles, hit albums, controversial and an activist, Elton John has done it all in his career. He celebrated his 63rd birthday yesterday and he continues to tour and be a leader in gay rights. For all his contributions to music, he has been one character that will be remembered long after he’s gone!
Top 5 Songs
2. I Want Love
3. Rocket Man
5. I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
Useful Links
amazing work have nice day kisses