Elton John’s Towering Inferno Of Hits!
Time to celebrate a period of time in the 70’s when one Artist ruled the charts – usually wearing some of rock’s wildest outfits!
There was no one more flamboyant on stage than Elton John in the early 70’s – but he had the smash hits to back it up – beginning in the early 70’s with “Your Song”, and then this smash hit:
“Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone…”
Here is a live TV appearance from 1972, with Elton announcing that this new song is about to be released as a single…
Thanks to “Philip Anness” for posting this on youtube!
Elton’s String Of Hits!
“Rocket Man” was the beginning of a massive onslaught from the Singer/Songwriter – who wrote most of his material with Bernie Taupin. check out these facts, courtesy of wikipedia!
“The singles discography of British musician/singer-songwriter Elton John consists of 128 official singles and 17 as featured artist, as well as 40 other non-single guest appearances. Across his career, John has yielded 57 top 40 hits in the United States, only second to Elvis Presley in total,[1] with 27 of those hitting the top ten and 9 achieving number-one. In his native United Kingdom, he has accumulated 69 top 40 singles, including 32 top tens and 7 number-ones!”
Elton Crocodile Rocks To #1 Around The World!
His statistics are mind-boggling, and the songs are just great pop hits, like “Crocodile Rock”, which was a worldwide smash…here he is performing it live from 1972:
Thanks to “SteelheartMike” for posting on youtube!
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road!”
In 1973, Elton John stunned the world with his masterpiece – and as you can tell by his shoes, he’s not afraid to show off as well!
From “Bennie And The Jets” to “Goodbye Norma Jean”, his heartfelt ode to Marilyn Monroe, Elton was on fire, with a double album full of incredible music. Pop hits, instrumentals, gritty rockers like “Your Sister Can’t Dance (But She Can Rock n’ Roll)”, and my favorite:
Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)!
This is a terrific rocker, full of the energy of youth:
“Well they’re packed pretty tight in here tonight
I’m looking for a dolly who’ll see me right
I may use a little muscle to get what I need
I may sink a little drink and shout out she’s with me
A couple of the sound that I really like
Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike
I’m a juvenile product of the working class
Whose best friend floats in the bottom of a glass, oh
Don’t give us none of your aggravation
We had it with your discipline
Saturday night’s alright for fighting
Get a little action in”
Just terrific songwriting from his writing partner Bernie Taupin. Here is a great live version from the 70’s:
Thanks to “bccsrox’s channel” for uploading this terrific version on youtube!
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, “The Bitch Is Back” and “Philadelphia Freedom” were just a few of his mega-hits that followed, but if you want to see just how wild Elton got, then check out his outfit as he performs “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” on Cher’s TV show:
Thanks to “EltonJohnVideos” for posting this on youtube!
Then there is this version of the same song from England’s “Top Of The Pops” in 1974 – you must see it just for his glasses!
Thanks to “exclusivevids1000” for posting this gem!
Elton’s A “Pinball Wizard!”
It all culminated in John’s raucous performance in The Who’s “Tommy” film, directed by flamboyant British Director Ken Russell!
Check out this raucous performance in very very VERY big boots!
Go out and buy this film – it’s amazing!
There’s no doubt that the films’ release coincided with the height of Elton John’s popularity…
Ann-Margret Rocks Too!
Iconic Hollywood Actress Ann-Margret also had a memorable turn in the movie “Tommy” as well, thanks to a room full of baked beans…
Yes, she rolled around in them! See that iconic scene here:
One of Elton John’s most memorable songs from “Yellow Brick Road” has become the best selling song of all time…
Here is what wikipedia reports:
“In 1997, John released the double A-side single “Something About the Way You Look Tonight”/”Candle in the Wind 1997″ in dedication to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It subsequently hit number-one in every country that it charted in and became the biggest selling single of all-time since the UK and US charts began in the 1950s, with sales of 33 million.”
Here is that haunting performance from her funeral:
Elton John has continued to release terrific new music since the 70’s, with smash hits and brilliant albums…bravo to him for his talent – and his choice of eyewear!
Categories: 70's Cinema, 70's Music, Action Films, Art, Awards, Books / Media, British Cinema, Classic Rock, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Independent Cinema, London, Movies, Music, Obscure Movies, Obscure Music, Talent/Celebrities, The Beatles, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
Great pictures, great music. I love most of his 70s hits.
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Thanks for your note! I look forward to checking out your blog as well! Thanks again!
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I am a fan of Elton’s music, and Benny and The Jets is one of my favourites, along with Border Song.
I liked his outrageous outfits a lot less, and don’t find him as appealing to watch than to listen to during that period. Thanks for the reminder about Ann-Margaret too. You know how much I love looking at her!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I understand your POV on the outfits, but to me it defined that era – Bowie and Peter Gabriel were also dressing provocatively as well…the boots in “Tommy” were to me a highlight!
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They were funny indeed, John. I liked Bowie’s outrageous outfits a lot, but he could carry them off. Elton John always seemed a little too ‘creepy’ to me, and that got worse when he dressed up.
That said, the ‘Pinball Wizard’ scene is a classic.
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