Many artists have covered an Elton John song. His songs have become standards, and thus everyone wants to try their hand at them. Despite the lengthy list of artists who have tipped their hat to John, in the early ’00s, he was holding out hope for two more. Find out which legendary artists John wanted to cover his songs, below.
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The Two Legendary Artists Elton John Wanted to Cover His Songs
Neither Willie Nelson or Bonnie Raitt are strangers to a cover. Both artists have earned some of their biggest hits that way. For example, Nelson’s “Georgia On My Mind” and Raitt’s “Angel From Montgomery.”
All that to say, it wouldn’t be out of the question for either artist to cover a John song. It was certainly on John’s list of dreams in the early ’00s.
When asked who he’d like to cover a song of his, John said, “Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, people like that…I don’t really have specifics in mind. It’s just when anybody records your song it’s exciting, whether they make a good job of it or a mess.”
Holy Moses, I have been removed
I have seen the spectre, he has been here too
Distant cousin from down the line
Brand of people who ain’t my kind
Holy Moses, I have been removed
John did eventually get his wish with Nelson. The country icon delivered a rendition of “Border Song” in 2018. The slow ballad was the perfect choice for the “Red Headed Stranger.” Though John and Raitt have crossed paths in the studio before, she has yet to cover one of his classic tracks.
We could see why John would want that to happen. Raitt’s powerful vocals run the gamut. She can do belted high notes and intimate, whispered verses. We too would like to hear her have a go at “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” or “Your Song.”
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
Despite not getting that wish, John has plenty of covers to turn to. Among the list of legendary artists that have covered John’s music are Aretha Franklin, Beastie Boys, Kacey Musgraves, Dua Lipa, and more.
Check out Nelson’s cover of “Border Song,” below.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Philip Ollerenshaw/Shutterstock
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