Product Description
This terrific collection features note-for-note keyboard transcriptions for 18 of Elton John's best songs: Bennie and the Jets * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues * Little Jeannie * Rocket Man * Your Song * more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Awesome Book
This book is perfect for the advanced-intermediate piano player. After working with these songs you will see a great increase in your chord sight reading, plus these are a lot of fun, although Elton's vocal range is sky high. The down side is some of the songs don't include all the instruments (such as bass/backing vocals/guitar in Candle in the Wind) and some songs cannot really be played solo piano by the arrangement given because they incorporate xylophones, piano II, electric piano, or whathaveyou (Crocodile Rock, Honky Cat.) Still a tremendous amount of fun. Worth every cent.

Beware
Those looking for pin-accurate transcriptions maybe a bit disappointed. Whilst there is an obvious overall work of transcribing the original recording, it's not fully perfect.

I spotted a number of mistakes. Including:

1) First bar of 'Your Song'.
2) Forth bar of 'Mona Lisas And Had Hatters' (A-F chord descend).

Dedicated Elton John transcriber Glen at Elton's Cafe pointed out that 'Crocodile Rock' isn't as accurate as his.

Another big problem I have is on a number of songs, second verses (and sometimes beyond) are placed on the music transcribed for the first verse. I don't know if it was to save paper/costs, or just a naive idea?

I'd also be careful with the UK Elton John: The Piano Transcriptions book (sporting a few different songs as well), in which I've spotted similar issues. However, this (EJKB) does appear to have a more accurate (or possibly indeed 'accurate') transcription (note other instruments are usually covered too at select sections, which is nice) of 'Bennie And The Jets' compared to the UK book (which I believe, features no coverage of other instruments), which can be bizarrely different at times.

Very good, but . . .
This is a very good book for all the reasons stated (mainly that we have here the exact piano arrangements from the songs), but I think the song selection could have been better. Most of the songs that most piano-playing fans would want are here, but the omission of Levon is a real bummer. In fact, there are several great piano songs on "Madman Across the Water" that I would have included before latter-day fluff like Little Jeannie, Friends, and Mad Hatters and Mona Lisas (or whatever the hell it's called). Let's hope there's a volume two where they go beyond the predictable hit songs.

Unleash your inner rock star
If you are thinking about buying this book it may be helpful to know what's included.

Bennie and the Jets
Blue Eyes
Border Song
Candle in the Wind
Crocodile Rock
Daniel
Don't go breaking my heart
Don't let the sun go down on me
Empty Garden
Friends
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Honky Cat
I guess that's why they call it the Blues
Little Jeannie
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Rocket Man
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
Tiny Dancer
Your Song

If you're like me, then as you play these pieces you notice yourself making breakthroughs in your playing. Although I am still working through this book, I particularly enjoyed working on pieces such as Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, and Your Song.

I highly recommend this book, and hope you found this helpful.

Great EJ, BJ. Beatles Keyoard books
I just received the three books and they are great. As you progress reading and listening to what you play, you can recognize their notes (BJ, EJ, Beatles) as actually performed. Great to see how those songs come out from your hands and piano!!!
But..Song for Guy is missing!!! May be in a next edition. They are worth your money. ... Read more

Product Description
Cd begins with "The Bitch is Back, Lucy in the Sky with diamonds" and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Almost all you need"
The title is paraphrased from some other professional reviewer somewhere.And it's true.If you only buy one EJ album, this one has a nice assortment of hits...every track is a winner. ... Read more

Product Description
Elton's best from over three decades! Features easy arrangements in notes and tab for 34 hits: Bennie and the Jets * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I'm Still Standing * Levon * Philadelphia Freedom * Rocket Man * Tiny Dancer * Your Song * more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fast and Wonderful!!!
This book was in EXCELLENT condition and arrived MUCH faster than anything I have ordered online before!

Thank you so so so so much!!!!

Excellent.
The material is excellent. Only wish if it had a coil to keep it open while playing.

My opinion about Hal& Leonard's book "Elton John"
It's quite a good book, just like the others I have from H&L. The only thing bothering me is that the pages keep turning when I'm playing from it. Couldn't that be changed?

But the music in it is just perfectly done! ... Read more

Product Description
23 of Elton's very best, including: Bennie and the Jets * Candle in the Wind * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * Rocket Man * Sacrifice * Your Song * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Love Lost - Love Found - or just singing with the radio.
Some song will float in your head for many minutes after it is done.When you hear the first several bars of music - at first you may not know the name of the song (or who sang it), but some where from deep inside of you the words come to your mouth and you sing along with the radio.Elton John has written some of those songs you will find yourself doing just that. ... Read more

Product Description
60 of his greatest, including: Bennie and the Jets * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues * Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds * Philadelphia Freedom * Rocket Man * Sad Songs (Say So Much) * Tiny Dancer * Your Song. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

For absolute beginners, such as a four year old
I bought this for my six year old, but it is way too easy. It is only right hand (if not all right hand). Luckily, I have a three year old and four year old who will enjoy the giant notes with the letters on them. It is good for an absolute beginner.

Elton John Music

This music book was in perfect condition and arrived in a timely manner.

Nothing like Elton John plays, but okay nonetheless
This is yet another in that easy piano series of "Putting the melody in the right hand". It's fine for getting the basic gist of a few of the songs but useless on others as the arrangements are too far off from Elton John's original ones and sound nothing like them. Still, it's okay and good for beginners who at least want to play something nostalgic and somewhat recognizable.

I was disappointed to note that there are no chord suggestions on any of the songs. One of the things I have the most fun doing as a beginner piano player is messing around with the chord suggestions and progressions and making the songs sound fuller (and attempting them on the guitar at times, as well). This book has none of those and that's one of the reasons for my only giving 3 stars.

Not bad
Theres always a problem with books like these. Elton John is very good Piano Player and the problem for anyone compiling a volume like this is, do they try and transcribe Eltons own accompaniment to his vocal and then print the vocal line separately, or do they just print the melody and not attempt the accompaniment. This book does both.

For example "Burn Down the Mission" has the vocal line separate and the two main staves are reserved for an approximation of Eltons accompaniment. This particular track is well done and the essence of Eltons Piano style can be seen here.

There are many other tracks where this isn't done (i.e. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) and the melody is played straight without the distinctive fills behind the tune. Even played well these versions sound pretty average, because when the melody is incorporated Eltons Piano style goes out the window.

However to amalgamate the melody and accompaniment would result in difficult arrangements for the amateur Pianist so it is mostly avoided in this volume. This book also omits any Piano solos (such as on Bennie and the Jets). Chord symbols are provided.

It contains 50 songs the earliest being Your Song, Border Song, Take Me To The Pilot and Sixty Years On (all 1970) the latest being Ball and Chain, Blue Eyes, Empty Garden and Legal Boys all from Jump Up (1982).
There are 7 tracks from GYBR.

I would rate the difficulty level as moderate. For authentic Elton John Piano transcriptions you are best to look at the wonderful website Eltonscafe.

The book is garbage
I bought the book and sold it not too long after. It is your typical piano sheet music book where all someone did is put the vocal line in the right hand and a few basic chords/arpeggios in the left hand. Absolutely nowhere near how Elton actually played the songs on the piano. The book is complete garbage. DO NOT buy it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
David Buckley's biography of Elton John was well researched and a good overview of Sir Elton's life. David Buckley interviewed tons of people, and covered everything thoroughly. It didn't dwell on the unsavory gossip (as much as I might have wished), but it was extremely candid nevertheless. I would be very surprised to learn that the author wasn't British, but some of the more obscure Britishisms left me scratching my head. Whenever he gave chart positions on the songs, he gave both U.S. and U.K., and surprisingly, Elton John was often more famous in the U.S. than in his own country. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, of all places.

I confess that I read this book out of order, like the way F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. By that I mean that I began at the height of his fame, then I went back a chapter, then ahead to the next chapter, and so on. I read it in two directions: chronologically and counter-chronologically. I was just kind of impatient to begin with, but once I got into it I found the book to be fascinating and I read right through to the end.

------------------
Don't let the sun go down on me

Although I search myself, it's always someone else I see
I'd just allow a fragment of your life to wander free
But losing everything is like the sun going down on me
==================================

Some of the more memorable moments in the book were Elton's meeting with Elvis not too long before he died; his friendship with Rod Stewart (they called each other Phyllis and Shirley), his meeting with David Bowie (they didn't have much to say to each other), and he once jumped on stage in a gorilla suit and danced with Iggy and the Stooges.

-------------
Goodbye Yellowbrick Road

Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
====================

Elton has had a troubled relation with the fame. Three people very close to him died very tragically as a result of their fame, either by being hunted by paparazzi until she died in a tragic auto accident, or like the designer Versace and John Lennon, killed by twisted killers obsessed with becoming famous by killing a famous person. Sometimes he has been perhaps too candid about his personal life, and it has cost him some fans. David Buckley's book details all of these events, and also describes a battle Elton had with a British tabloid. The Sun printed some false claims that he attended wild parties and paid for underage rent boys. He filed a law suit for slander and libel against them and won. The source for The Sun story later admitted that he had made the whole thing up just to get money from The Sun, who weren't all that keen on verifying his outrageous claims. He didn't even know Elton John. Elton's trial went much better than Oscar Wilde's, who when asked if he had paid a certain lad testified, "Oh, no. He is much too plain."

----------
Your Song

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
=======================

Though Elton is a very talented composer, he hardly ever writes any lyrics. He met his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, when they both answered an advertisement by a music publisher looking for song writers. The publisher put them together, and they worked for a long time in London's Tin Pan Alley. Around this time Elton met a young woman who was a pickled onion heiress and he was engaged to her. Both he and Bernie Taupin lived with the woman. Elton and Bernie shared bunk beds. This woman wanted Elton to give up his musical career and work in a bank. He balked and decided he didn't want to marry the pickled onion heiress after all. Later on, Bernie and Elton wrote Someone Saved My Life Tonight about that episode:

---------------------
Someone Saved My Life Tonight

And someone saved my life tonight sugar bear
You almost had your hooks in me didn't you dear
You nearly had me roped and tied
Altar-bound, hypnotized
Sweet freedom whispered in my ear
You're a butterfly
And butterflies are free to fly
Fly away, high away, bye bye
================================

"Sugar Bear" is actually the singer Long John Baldry, a friend of Dorothy. Long John told Elton that this marriage would be a huge mistake because she was against his musical career, and also not really his cup of tea. Years later, after Elton had been out of the closet for a long time, he actually did fall in love with a woman and got married. She was a recording engineer from Germany, and they had grown very close; but alas, that didn't really work out.

------------
Tiny Dancer

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
===============

Tiny Dancer is about a woman that Bernie Taupin met in L.A. They were together for a long time. You could also say that it was about coming to the U.S. and making a huge splash at the Troubador on Sunset.

Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy is an album that Elton and Bernie wrote that is more personal than what they'd written previously. It is about them, in a way. Elton, the performer, is Captain Fantastic, and Bernie, though he is British, sees himself as a cowboy. Tumbleweed Connection is a concept album that Taupin wrote also exploring the Western theme. Later on they did kind of an update of Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy, and though it didn't sell that well, it was one of their better efforts. It was called The Captain and The Kid, and the orchestration was mostly just piano rather than a band and orchestra. The kid is Bernie, not Tenille, or Kiki Dee, even.

What I enjoyed the most about David Buckley's book was the insight into the songwriting process. Bernie would write a stack of songs and just give them to Elton to write music for. Elton would pick certain ones that he liked, and if he liked it he could write the music for it amazingly fast. He might cross out certain lines, leaving the lyrics a bit enigmatic and mysterious, and other lines might be repeated as a chorus or the hook. At the beginning of his career he went to a Château in France, and they recorded an album that came to be known as Honky Château. Bernie would hand Elton a stack of papers, and while the band was having breakfast he would knock out a song or two. Then they would record the songs. They flowed so easily at this point, like he just had to open the faucet. The band members were witnesses, and in the book they describe hit songs that were written before their eyes, in under 15 minutes.

For a while Elton stopped writing with Bernie, and during this time he wrote with Gary Osbourne. Gary was more of a lyricist, where Elton would write the music and Gary would write lyrics that fit. Gary did write a stack of lyrics for Elton, but by then he was back writing with Bernie Taupin, and Elton never even looked at them. During their hiatus Bernie had also written with other people, for instance, with Alice Cooper. Elton has also had success writing for Disney with Tim Rice.

Elton's music is mostly piano based, and sometimes will have more complicated harmonic structures and key modulations than your average three chord rock song, but a few of his songs really rock, powered by the guitar of Davey Johnstone. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) is one such example. While recording this, Elton couldn't get it right while playing the piano. He finally did it just standing at the mic, jumping and dancing like a mad man. The rocking piano was added later.

-------------------
Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)

My old man's drunker than a barrel full of monkeys
And my old lady she don't care
My sister looks cute in her braces and boots
A handful of grease in her hair
============================

Elton John was inspired by Rock 'N' Roll piano players like Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, and in performance he moves quite a bit, but he is kind of anchored to a piano. This led to him wearing outrageous costumes on stage, and the crazy glasses, to make up for the fact that he was mostly seated at a piano and couldn't move as much as a singer or a guitarist. He also felt drab and dumpy so he compensated for that, too.

One last tid bit that was gleaned from David Buckley's book on Elton John: as most people know, Elton's real name is Reginald Dwight, but maybe you didn't know that his middle name is Hercules. It wasn't the mythological hero Hercules he was named after, but rather it was the horse from the show "Steptoe and Son" that loyally pulled their cart about town. "Steptoe and Son" is about a cockney junk dealer and his son that served as the model for Redd Foxx's show "Sanford and Son."

Elton John
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Madman Across the Water
Tumbleweed Connection
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
The Captain and the Kid
Honky Chateau
Caribou

OTHER BOOKS BY DAVID BUCKLEY

Strange Fascination: David Bowie: The Definitive Story by David Buckley
R.E.M.Fiction: An Alternative Biography by David Buckley

Great book.
One of the best biographies I've read on Elton John. A great book to add to your collection.

Elton John....like fine wine.........
Elton John has matured and become a lasting superstar. He is so refined and polished at this stage of his life. You cannot read this and not find a new deep rooted respect for Elton's life, and abilities. You read this, you will be delightfully enlighted. Long live EJ! google Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti, Live Like Horses!

Elton John - Biography
I thought I knew alot more about Elton than I did.
Great stories from close people to him- and a very good read.
I highly recommend this book - Elton fans or not - very good book.

Behind the music
In this fascinating biography Mr. Buckley delves into the man behind the music without reverting to gossip and tabloid theatrics. Although there are a few moments in this book where Buckley allows himself to falter into such territory (an unseemly discussion of anagrams with Elton's name for example) overall the text focuses on the music of Elton John and how it came to be shaped and formed.
After reading this text I have a new appreciation for the longevity of Elton's career and music, and also for Mr. Buckley's nice ability for demonstrating how a long career in the music world unfolds and is shaped by the personality, and demons, of the singer.
Although this is an unauthorized biography Mr. Buckley has kept away from the slanderous territory of many unauthorized bios, and he cites wide-ranging sourcesfor his claims. The book also includes nice references and extensive notes about Elton's music, interviews, and television appearances.
This text is about Elton John and his music, and if you are looking for more personal and "juicy" insight into Elton's private life you might need to look elsewhere. However, as a source of many things Elton it is an invaluable resource.
Recommend.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Complete bio. From birth to present. This has it all.
The definitve bio of Elton from birth to present. Just when you think you knew everything on Elton this details his life from beginning to present with every deatil possible referring to all albums and important songs and charitable causes. Completely objective and informative with no bad opinions or hear say. Just complete biographical information taken from many interviews and essays given by Elton himself. A very thorough read for any Elton fan.

A Great Holiday Ready
LOVED THE BOOK!Bego is a great story teller about Elton and all the other celebrities he writes about.I've always tried to have one of his books on hand for my vacations - they provide a great read and dish plenty of dirt!

Whose next?!Brad Pitt!?

!!!!
A somewhat breathless account of the career of Elton John.I found the book tedious as a whole, especially in two areas:1.Mr. Bego uses exclamation points and 2.Mr. Bego refers to Elton John by a variety of silly sobriquets.Both contrivances are unnecessary.

Full of Inaccuracies!
As an author myself I usually don't criticize someone else's book, but here I found that I had to. Publisher's Weekly calls Mark Bego "The #1 Best-Selling Pop Biographer", but based on the number of inaccurarcies I found in this book, I wonder how that could be. The following is a summary of the major errors I have found.

Page 120 - Bego writes: "From the forthcoming album came "The Young Girls Love Alice", "Funeral for a Friend" leading into "Love Dies Bleeding", and "Crocodile Rock".

First of all, the title of the first mentioned song is "All The Girls Love Alice", as Bevo correctly wrote on page 123."Funeral For A Friend leads into Love LIES Bleeding, not Love DIES Bleeding, but I'll give Bego the benefit of doubt and assume this is a typo (which the book is full of). Finally, "Crocodile Rock" was NOT from the forthcoming album. It was from the previous album!

Page 139 - Bego writes: "One of the most dramatic songs on Caribou is the song "Ticking", about a deranged man who takes a group of hostages. It was essentially the same story later filmed in Dog Day Afternoon".

"Ticking" and Dog Day Afternoon have very little in common! "Ticking" is a fictional account about a deranged man who takes a bunch of bar patrons hostage in Queens. He kills some of the hostages before being shot dead by the police. Dog Day Afternoon is a true account about a pair of bank robbers who take bank employees hostage during a botched robbery of a Brooklyn bank. All of the hostages are safe at the end but one of the robbers is shot dead by the police. And what makes this paragraph even more appalling was the fact that Dog Day Afternoon opens with Elton John singing "Amoreena" and Bevo doesn't even say this! Why even mention the film?

Page 150 - Bego talks about the release of Greatest Hits (Volume 1) - "Included on the album was Elton's version of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". ...Aided by the success of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", the album Elton John: Greatest Hits proceeded to sell over 12 million copies worldwide."

"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" was not on Greatest Hits.

Pages 215-216 - Bego writes: "As he was recording 21 At 33, an interesting thought occurred to Elton. On March 25, 1980, he turned 33 years old. And, if he counted his album releases the way that Elton chose to count them, this was to be his twenty-first legitimate album. To come up with this figure, the British Empty Sky (1969) and the American Empty Sky (1975) each had to be counted separately, and The Thom Bell Sessions mini-LP had to be counted as a full album as well. Hence, the new album was titled: 21 At 33."

This is not true at all. Empty Sky was not counted twice (which is ridiculous), and the Thom Bell Sessions (which only contained three songs) was never counted as an album. In order to get the number to 21, Elton counted each of his two double albums, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Blue Moves, as 2.

Page 226 - Bego writes: "Elton was so impressed with Diana that he and Bernie wrote the song "Princess" about her and included it on his next album." Not true! The song was actually written by Gary Osborne, not Bernie Taupin, which Bevo confirms just four small paragraphs later: "Bernie Taupin contributed five compositions, including "Spiteful Child," "I am Your Robot," "Where Have All The Good Times Gone," "All Quiet On The Western Front," and "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)." Gary Osborne contributed four songs: "Dear John," "Ball and Chain," "Princess," and "Blue Eyes."

On page 191 it says "While he was in New York City that summer, Elton gave one of the most important press interviews of his career. It was to appear in the November 7, 1976, issue of Rolling Stone magazine. In a frank conversation with writer Cliff Jahr, Elton finally opened the closet door of his sex life......Instead he chose to admit to being "bisexual".But on page 286 it states: "It seemed that whenever Elton had a bombshell of an announcement to drop on the public, he did it on the pages of Rolling Stone magazine. Fourteen years after describing himself as "bisexual," the singer "came out" and proclaimed his homosexuality. Speaking to writer Philip Norman in its March 19, 1992, issue......"If I do my math correctly, March 19, 1992 is 15½ years after November 7, 1976, not 14.

Page 294 - The title of Elton's duet with Tammy Wynette is "A Woman's Needs", not "What A Woman Needs" which is what was printed.

Page 314 - "That night he entertained the crowd by singing "Your Song" and "The Way You Look Tonight".

"The Way You Look Tonight" is not an Elton John song. Bego is probably referring to "Something About The Way You Look Tonight" which is correctly mentioned two pages earlier.

Page 337 - "June 9, 2008, saw the release of deluxe and expanded versions of the albums "One" and "Tumbleweed Connection". Each one contained bonus tracks, rare recordings, demos, and even BBC broadcasts of some of his most beloved songs."

Technically, the album is called "THE One", not "One". But it doesn't matter because it was the "Elton John" album that had been rereleased along with "Tumbleweed Connection."

Elton John: The Bitch is Back Oh Yeah!
This book is a "must read" for the Elton John fan. I am a huge fan and I was extremely impressed with this book. There are some excellent photos included along with a really awesome pic on the front of the book jacket. If you love Elton...you'll love this book!! ... Read more

Product Description
The ultimate collection of 62 of Elton John's best songs spanning from 1965 to 1990. Songs include: Bennie and the Jets * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * Don't Go Breaking My Heart * Funeral For a Friend * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I'm Still Standing * Rocket Man (I Think It's Gonna Be a Long Long Time) * Sacrifice * Your Song * and many, many more! 264 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not for beginning or mid level playing
Great compilation. If you are more skilled than the middle of the road player then you may enjoy this. ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the popular singer/songwriter discusses John's childhood dreams of soccer fame, the marriage he avoided in his youth and the one that failed in the 1980s, his bisexuality, and his musical success. 35,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sensitive
This is a sensitive and articulated unauthorised biography of Elton John. In fact Elton has favourably stated that this is quite an accurate account of his life.

Only Elton can fill in the gaps.

For compelling reading by Philip Norman and for a great insite to the life of a legendary music star try to get your hands on a copy of this book. ... Read more

Product Description
His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John has become a critical volume in serious appraisals of this remarkable artist's career. More comprehensive than previous biographies, His Song provides the full story behind all of Elton John's recordings, including lyrical and musical analyses which, to date, have been offered by only a few books in only skeletal fashion; a complete chronicle of all the artist's concert tours; an authoritative view of how Elton John grew from a meek, unassuming man into a personality powerhouse both on and offstage and a major superstar; and the true story behind John's flamboyant costumes and why he wore them.

This revealing biography also examines the ebb and flow of EltonJohn's career, including the real reason for his commercial downturnpost-1976 and his difficult business relationship with David Geffen;his "coming out" as, first, a "bisexual" man and, finally, as a "gay"man; his rocky relationship with both the music and mainstream pressregarding his sexuality; his problems with drugs, alcohol, bulimia,and sexual addictions; his relationship with AIDS sufferer Ryan Whiteand his family; and the complete story of Elton John's performance atPrincess Diana's funeral and his rewriting of his song "Candle in theWind," which went on to become the biggest selling single in musichistory. Also covered are concerts of special note, including his 1979tour of the former Soviet Union, his 1986 tour of Australia with theMelbourne Symphony Orchestra, and his 1994-1995 joint tour of NorthAmerica with fellow piano superstar Billy Joel. The book includes 40black & white photographs chronicling the breadth of Elton John'scareer, as well as a discography.

Few artists in the music world have achieved the consistency and success of Elton John. From his self-titled debut album in 1970 to his music for the hit Broadway musical Aida, he has been lauded both for his recordings and for his extravagent and compelling live performances. It is estimated that he has sold over 200 million records worldwide. As of 2000, he had 10 multi-platinum, 24 platinum, and 33 gold albums in the United States alone. In addition, he boasts the biggest-selling single in the history of the music business, the double A-sided Princess Diana benefit record "Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight," and totals in America alone one multi-platinum single, six platinum singles, and 19 gold singles. In 1992, Elton John tied Elvis Presley's record for 23 consecutive years of Top 40 hits. By the spring of 1999, he would have a song in the Top 40 every year for 30 years.

Elton John has also won five Grammys, and been nominated 29 times since 1971, and has received a Grammy Legend award for his continuing contributions to music. In addition, he has won an Academy Award winner in the Best Original Song category for "Can You Feel the Love tonight" from The Lion King soundtrack, and he received a Golden Globe Award for the same song. Finally, Elton John has twice been inducted into a music Hall of Fame: with his lyricist Bernie Taupin he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

THE Elton resource for fans...
Elizabeth Rosenthal has done the near-impossible. Not only has she given an accurate account of Elton John's life and career (which spans nearly six decades), but she did it in a way that focuses on the vast amount of music this guy has put out.

And not just the Greatest Hits, either! No, no, no...she comments on almost all of his album and non-LP-B-side tracks - leaving one to wonder where she finds the time to do her grocery shopping.

As someone who has done a fair bit of writing and research on Elton John as well, I can recommend this book as an invaluable read for casual fan and fanatic alike. Even Elton himself may have learned a thing or two.

John F. Higgins

Album by album, song by song...overly effusive writing.
"His Song" is an impressive attempt at a biography of Elton John, using his album and single releases as a guide.
It appears to be exhaustively researched and is clearly a labor of love for the author.

I feel it does a good job of describing those dizzying, heady days of the early 70's. The author is meticulous about recording the various band members, release dates, important concerts...all thoroughly footnoted.

It's just not written very well, and is so effusive in praise that by the end of the book, you as the reader have become numb to it.

It's fairly repetitious. An example: She refers to the single, "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" as "thrilling."
Whether or not you happen to agree (of ALL his singles, THAT'S the "thrilling" one? Uh, no.), it does reveal a laziness in vocabulary when she uses that adjective for that single more than once.

It got to the point where I started to blow off every mention of Elton's "pianism."

What's a "chewy" melody? Is that good or bad? She uses even THAT adjective more than once, specifically to describe a melody.

Listen, I'm not asking for objectivity. Anyone who writes a biography always has an agenda. The author must find the subject fascinating, interesting...they either love or hate the subject...whatever. Bias doesn't bother me.

Blind faith does, though. There's no perspective. When she describes how unpredictably great he was in the 70's, I totally believed her. I listened to every album right before I read about it...which is a pretty cool experience, by the way.

Anyways, when she equates some of his lesser, later work with those early albums, it denigrates those older ones. It doesn't brighten his star, it dims it.

Then, when by all accounts he does release some classy, "old-fashioned" Elton John albums later in his career...they get the same adulation as the weak ones. Again, it diminishes his achievement...

Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh because I love Elton John; for many of us, he was the first rock superstar we came to love. I love the idea and concept of this book: a biographical review of a rock star's career, album by album, song by song. I wish this was available for dozens of other rock acts...

My problem is that the execution left a little to be desired.

A Collection of Reviews
The excitement of sitting down and reading about your favorite performer is wonderful.When I heard about Roshenthal's book I went straight to the public library to check it out.I came home with a copy of the book and just finished about three days ago.I will tell you of my experience.

Rosenthal is a very good writer indeed.The language she uses is very strong and very entertaining.I believe her skill in authorhsip really saves this novel.I have been an Elton John fan for twelve years or more, and indeed, I found this book interesting.The research must have taken forever so that Ms. Rosenthal could include all of the information she includes.

Although the writing is well done, the information is overdone.The reader doesn't want to hear a detailed description of the album, because the reader has already heard the albums, maybe ever multiple times.Yet, the descriptions are well written, but there is too much description.The reader can only take so much, and at times I felt like I would just abort the book and move on.But, I kept my faith in Ms. Rosenthal and have to say that she did a fair job.
Much of the novel is just a collection of reviews about Elton John.It is not usually interesting, but it pulls through.

The information that is given, that does not pertain to the description of the albums, is very interesting.It draws the reader in to see Elton John commiting suicide or going on a drunken binges.The facts presented in the book are many that even the most advanced fans couldn't possibly know.

The part that really drew me in, was the prologue.It was written very well, and the information at the end sets the reader on fire.They want to read more.

I believe any Elton John fan should read this book, then consider purchasing it.

Altoghether, the book is well written and contains some very good facts about the musical legend.

For more information visit: [...]
Good reading!

Simply THE best book about Elton yet
This book focuses on the music of Elton, unlike any other bio. It goes through an album song by song, and offers interesting interpretation and insight into each, unlike Norman's or other bio's that mention the two or three well known songs from each album. It was amazing the amount of info I learned in this book even though I've been a lifelong fan.

Terrific "musical biography"!
This is a marvelous book, especially noteworthy because the author pays as much attention to the music as to the musician. Although her writing style at times can get a bit florid, that's understandable given the fact that she has to describe literally hundreds of songs and performances, so she's always searching for new and creative descriptions. Sometimes it doesn't work, but usually it does. At any rate, this is a highly detailed, engrossing account of Elton John's life and music, and I always found that I had trouble putting it down. Better yet, I was always eager to get back to it! The author clearly loves her subject, "warts and all," which she doesn't shy away from. A very enjoyable and extremely informative book--a must for dedicated Elton John fans, and highly recommended even for more casual fans who simply want to learn more (a lot more) about one of the most successful artists in the history of popular music. ... Read more

Product Description
Melody, chords and lyrics for 66 of Elton's best, all in a handy pocket-sized collection. Includes: Bennie and the Jets * The Bitch Is Back * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Candle in the Wind * Candle in the Wind 1997 * Crocodile Rock * Don't Let the Sun Go down on Me * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I'm Still Standing * Little Jeannie * Philadelphia Freedom * Pinball Wizard * Rocket Man (I Think It's Gonna Be a Long Long Time) * Sad Songs (Say So Much) * Tiny Dancer * Your Song * and more. ... Read more

Product Description
8 vocal selections from the Disney blockbuster: Be Prepared * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Circle of Life * Hakuna Matata * I Just Can't Wait to Be King. Includes both film versions and Elton John solo versions of the songs. P/V/G and Easy Piano editions are filled with beautiful full-color scenes from the film. ... Read more

Product Description
A lavishly illustrated giftbook, the first such collection in the U.S., contains lyrics to more than 250 songs of the popular music superstar from the seventies to the present, accompanied by one hundred color and black-and-white illustrations. 25,000 first printing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Terrible Service!
I never received the item and they never returned my numerous attempts to contact them.

An exquisite book portraying Elton John the singer...
This book shows the extreme works of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.The beautiful pictures within the book make the book.Elton John has worked hard to get where he is at now, and he will soon be better has he growsolder.I suggest this book for any Elton John lover!

How wonderful life is while they're in the world. . .
A crowning achievement, The Complete Lyrics wraps Taupin's lyrics (and the -- thankfully -- lingering haunts of Elton's melodies) with some of the most beautiful art ever to accompany pop and rock writing.The only flaw lies in the editors' failure to check the accuracy of certain lyrics.Nevertheless, The Complete Lyrics reminds fans and critics alike of the indelible mark John and Taupin have made on twentieth-century music. ... Read more

Product Description
22 songs from this pop piano master, including: Bennie and the Jets ¥ Can You Feel the Love Tonight ¥ Candle in the Wind ¥ Daniel ¥ I Guess ThatÕs Why They Call It the Blues ¥ Rocket Man ¥ Sacrifice ¥ Your Song ¥ and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Elton John Piano Solo Collection
Pretty on the mark music wise, but no lyrics. I was disappointed with that, but it's not a huge deal if you're an avid Elton fan like I am. I did not see anywhere when I bought the item that the lyrics were not included in this book, that should be corrected. Other than that, good book, on the mark music, but no lyrics.

Not quite what I hoped for
I bought this collection based on another buyer's enthusiastic review, and I must say I was rather dissappointed.The selection of songs is good, and all arranged in easily playable keys.The arrangements themselves are, however, fairly plain and unimaginative, with very (extremely?) repetitive basic rythmic figures getting boring after a short while.For really good pianists, this book may be a very good foundation for improvisations, but I'm unfortunately not on that level.

Wow!!
I ordered this after seeing another copy belonging to one of my piano students.I love that there are no lyrics in this book.This is a true piano solos books.The songs are quite difficult - probably a grade 7 - 9 level.The songs they chose for this book are fabulous!I was expecting a typical pop song book, with arrangements that just don't sound quite right.But I was pleasantly surprised even when I just played the first bar or two of each song.They sound just like the real thing!

I am so happy with this book!

... Read more

Product Description
This book contains just what you need to strum and sing 60 of your favorite Elton John songs, including: Bennie and the Jets * Blue Eyes * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * Philadelphia Freedom * Pinball Wizard * Rocket Man (I Think It's Gonna Be a Long Long Time) * Sad Songs (Say So Much) * Tiny Dancer * Your Song * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for singing along
Great price for the number of songs in this book.Chords, lyrics, and chord diagrams make it easy to play and sing along or jam with the cd.I have three other songbooks (two Beatles and one assorted rock songs) from this same collection.Great value if you are just looking for something that will help you play along.No tabs if you are looking for solo material. ... Read more

Product Description
CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHTFrom The Lion KingSeries: Piano VocalArtist: Elton John ... Read more

Product Description
Easy-to-read, simplified piano arrangements of 14 great Elton John songs. Titles are: Bennie and the Jets
* Border Song
* Candle in the Wind
* Country Comfort
* Crocodile Rock
* Daniel
* Don't Go Breaking My Heart
* Ego
* Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
* Honky Cat
* Island Girl
* Rocket Man
* Someone Saved My Life Tonight
* Your Song. ... Read more

Product Description
This deluxe collector's edition features two volumes containing more than 100 huge hits spanning his entire career. Volume 1 features songs beginning A - Le, Volume 2, Lo - Y. Includes: Bennie and the Jets * Blue Eyes * Border Song * Candle in the Wind 1997 * Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy * Circle of Life * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * Don't Go Breaking My Heart * In Neon * Little Jeannie * Levon * Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds * Made in England * Nikita * Philadelphia Freedom * Pinball Wizard * Rocket Man * Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word * Tiny Dancer * You Gotta Love Somebody * Your Song * many more! The contents page in both books also states the album on which each song first appeared, and the year. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Very Pretty Binding, Terrific Selection, But ...
The publisher Hal Leonard calls this the "Deluxe Collector's Edition" and that's exactly what it is: It's very pretty, great-looking gift, looks great on the shelf.But the first hint that this might not be as ultimate as you'd like comes the moment you open it:it doesn't stay open nearly as well as you'd hope.

This collection's best feature is that there are more songs here than you will find anywhere else at the price.There are over 100-songs here, including rarities you won't find printed in other books.Still, it's something of a quantity-over-quality approach:"Someone Saved my Life Tonight", "Something About the Way You Look Tonight", and "Sacrifice" aren't in the right key.But if you want "Skyline Pigeon," you'll only find it here.

It's also important to note that These Are Not Transcriptions.Meaning that this is not what Elton John plays exactly (for that, look to the Elton John Keyboard Book).The melody-line is built-in to the right-hand, and it's somebody else's interpretation.This is terrific for folks who don't sing, don't want to sing, but still want to hear the melody.This is irritating for folks who want to sing along with the music without the melody echoed in the piano.

It is what it is.Decent interpretations, incredible selection, at the expense of something more detailed and accurate, for 3x the price of other books.I'd suggest getting it only if you must have every song of Elton's you can possibly get, as you can find his biggest hits at the same or better quality in a different collection for cheaper.

Elton JOhn collection
THis collection contains all his best songs! The arrangements are original and not dumbed down for the begining player.
I have done internet searches and not found a more complete collection any where near this price. It was just what I was searching for!

Truly the Ultimate Edition
If you only like Elton John's songs a little bit, this is the book to own. The book includes all of the songs you need. My biggest problem is to find all of the songs on CD. This is a complication to grow with.

From Russian With Love
Exuse me, I speak to English very little.
I am from Russia. I was Elton Live Concert in Moskow and I buying
this book. It's great book of great performer. 100 very beautiful
songs. Amazon like me and I will be glad if it mini review help to you. Thank you.

Elton's A Survivor Like Me!
If you look back at the career of Sir Reginald, you realize what
an influence he's been for the Decades! I got hooked in early'71
& will continue to stand by EJ the DJ.Going on 40 yrs.in the biz!
He's a Legend! Sure he had his share of lows, but great artists
always do! If they have the will to continue,they go on & that's
VERY fortunate for fans like myself who's been there thruout his
ups & downs.Him & Taupin are 2 of the most influential songwriting duos in the History of Pop/Rock/Opera!/Disney Soundtracks...Not too many Rock stars can boast the achievements
of Mr.Dwights!He's pulled me thru numerous crises & I'm eternally greatful for that! I wish I could talk to him-1 on 1-
& THANK him in person! Lots of memories. He's "The One"! ... Read more

Product Description
60 favorites from this piano icon, including: Bennie and the Jets * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Goodbye Yellow Brick Road * I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues * Levon * Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters * Rocket Man (I Think It's Gonna Be a Long Long Time) * Tiny Dancer * Your Song * and many more. Format includes piano chord diagrams with complete lyrics and chord symbols. ... Read more