While Elton John has recently retired from touring, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the “Rocket Man” singer and his prolific accomplishments. Indeed, the 76-year-old British-born songwriter and performer, known for his flair as much as his musicianship, is one of the greats.
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And as part of that greatness, John also helped several other artists out along the way. Known for collaborating early and often with lyricist Bernie Taupin, John (and Taupin) have also worked with a number of other musicians on songs. These are three songs you likely didn’t know Elton John wrote for other artists.
[RELATED: Remember When: Elton John Joined Eminem to Perform “Stan” at the 2001 Grammys?]
1. “When the First Tear Shows,” Brian Keith
Written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
In 1967, British singer Brian Keith formed the pop group Plastic Penny with Paul Raymond, Mick Graham, Nigel Olsson and Tony Murray. But not long after, Keith left the group, which itself only lasted a few more years, and went out on a solo career. As part of that solo career, Keith cut the Elton John and Bernie Taupin-written song, “When the First Tear Shows,” releasing the song first in 1968. The rock ballad features great, swelling instrumentation and Keith’s rockabilly voice. On it, he sings passionately,
Hold my hand girl much tighter, much much tighter
‘Cause what I’ve got to say I only hope and pray
Comes out as well as I rehearsed it yesterday
And baby when the first tear shows
It’s a sign for you to go
And baby when the first tear shows
It’s a sign for you to go and leave her alone
With the broken dreams that she owns
2. “Hero on Parade,” Albert Hammond
Written by Elton John, Gary Osborne
This song was one of the few early tracks that Elton didn’t compose with the help of lyricist Taupin. Instead, he wrote it with English songwriter Gary Osborne. But the first to track the song was Albert Hammond in 1982 on his LP, Somewhere in America. Sounding his best like John, Hammond plays the song with wistful emotion over a constant piano. Hammond adapted the song, which was originally written from the point of view of a woman. Later, Judy Collins released a version of the song, which was also known as “Sweetheart On Parade.” On this one, Hammond sings,
Everybody loves to love
The hero on parade
Out there on the stage tonight
The guy who’s got it made
Still at times I find myself
Wishing they were right
If everybody loves me
Where are they tonight
3. “Let Me Be Your Car,” Rod Stewart
Written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
This 1974 album from the iconic London-born performer Rod Stewart features covers of big-name artists, including Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke, as well as this duet with Elton. Written by John and Taupin, this song moves. It almost sounds like a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, it’s got so much energy and push. On the amorous number, Stewart sings with great emotion, using a car metaphor for love. He sings,
I may not seem your ideal
When you look into my eyes
I don’t smoke, I don’t tell jokes
I’m not the custom made size
But baby let me take you
Out on the highway for awhile
I’ll show you where the man in me
Is when he doesn’t hide
He’s cruisin’ in the fast lane
Stuck behind the wheel
Jekyll and Hyde going on inside
When I’m your automobile
Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage, Courtesy of Getty Images
