Candle In The Wind’ is Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s love note to the flim icon Marilyn Monroe. The song was recorded and released in 1973 on the classic double album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ along with numerous other great hits from the songwriting duo. In 1997 Elton revisited the song and re-tooled the lyrics to create a tribute to the late Princess Diana. That version of the song outstripped the sales of the original becoming the highest selling single of all time. This moving and delicate ballad is a timeless classic!
Archives: Arrangements
Arrangement set encompassing one or more Engravings
‘Blame It On The Boogie’ is Disco at it’s finest – as presented by the family super-group, the Jacksons. Featuring the King of Pop on top and the vocal harmonies of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy it has become a stalwart favorite of the genre. Michael reminisced on recording the song in his book ‘Moonwalk’: “It was an uptempo, finger-poppin’-time type song that was a good vehicle for the band approach we wanted to cultivate. I had fun slurring the chorus: [the lyric] ‘Blame It on the Boogie’ could be sung in one breath without putting my lips together.”
Elton John’s tribute to the ‘Happy Days’ of the 50s, ‘Crocodile Rock’ is loved as one of his bubbly, nostalgia filled hits. The lyrics, penned by his long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin harken back to a simpler time of Malt shops, fast cars and a jukebox that never quits. This #1 hit was recorded at Château d’Hérouville in France as part of the ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m The Piano Player’ sessions in 1972.
Here’s some good ole Canadian rock for ya — ‘Born To Be Wild’ by Canadian-born Mars Bonfire for the 60′s/70′s rock group Steppenwolf. The song was the third single off the band’s debut album and quickly became their most successful reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts. Rolling Stone honored the number as #129 on the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was featured on the soundtrack for the 1969 film ‘Easy Rider’, which solidified the number as an anthem for Biker culture.
The writing credits to ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ are attributed to pseudonyms ‘Ann Orson’ and ‘Carte Blanche’ — Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s play on the expression “an horse and carte, blanche”. The song is a tribute to the classic Motown/Tamla duets that featured artists such as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell or Kim Weston. The 1976 single was never included on one of John’s albums (until the 1977 ‘Greatest Hits: Volume II’) but had #1 success on the UK singles charts upon its release. The duet features Elton and his singing partner Kiki Dee in a bouncy, fun love song. The number is a ladies favorite and Karoeke stalwart — a must for any function group!
The songwriting/producing powerhouse of Holland, Dozier and Holland followed up their successes on the Motown label by forming their own banner, Invctus Records under Capitol Records. ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ was one of the new labels greatest successes, featuring the newly formed soul group ‘The Chairmen Of The Board’. The cut featured the usual Holland/Dozier/Holland compostion which was minted by the powerful interpreating abilities of the Funk Brothers session band (as heard on numerous Motown Classics). ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, but has remained a top hit in the hearts of soul lovers worldwide.
‘Honky Cat’ is the opening cut from Elton John’s 1972 album ‘Honky Chateau’. The album was recorded in the legendary Château d’Hérouville, just outside of Paris which was the site of such classic recordings from Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, The Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mack. ‘Honky Cat’ features many distinct stylistic points in addition to Elton John’s powerhouse piano, including the use of Banjo and strong horn lines. A fun take on the illusions of urban life and a great dance number!
The Wonder Of You’ is a 1959 Gospel-inspired song from composer Baker Knight. The number saw initial success with a recording by Ray Peterson, followed by covers from the Platters, The Sandpipers and an instrumental treatment from Nelson Riddle. Elvis took on the number in 1970 and his usual, bold orchestration and moving vocal treatment landed the cut at #9 in the US and at the top of the single charts in the UK. With Elvis’ love of Gospel this number found a home in his live stage show. The song is also the anthem for English football teams Port Vale and Ansenal.
This 1973 number-one hit for Gladys Knight & The Pips was only their second release after leaving Motown Records — and was it a doozy — nabbing them the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus. ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ is a haunting Soul ballad written by Jim Weatherly and has become one of Glady’s calling cards. The horn section featured the legendary Brecker Brothers and production from the great Tony Camillo.
Kentucky Rain’ was a hit fusion of Elvis’ pop and country stylings that saw him back on the charts in 1970. The song, written by Eddie Rabbit and Dick Heard peaked at #16 on the Pop charts that year. It was a regular feature of his live shows that year and was included on some of his classic live recordings including ‘From Elvis In Memphis’ and ‘Live In Las Vegas’.