Elton John and Brandi Carlile have a busy and exciting few days ahead, beginning today (April 4) with the release of their hotly anticipated collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?
Videos by American Songwriter
Coinciding with the album’s arrival, a new music video for the song “Little Richard’s Bible” has debuted at Elton’s official YouTube channel. The clip features footage of John recording the song in the studio with his collaborators, including Carlile, producer Andrew Watt, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
The tune is a revved-up, piano-driven homage the late rock ‘n’ roll pioneer. The song’s lyrics, penned by Bernie Taupin, celebrate Little Richard’s flamboyant style and his energetic blues-rock music, as well as focusing on his renouncement of rock ‘n’ roll to embrace gospel music.
As previously reported, the recording sessions for Who Believes in Angels? were filmed, and a documentary about the making of the album featuring some of the footage is scheduled to premiere on John’s YouTube channel on Saturday, April 5, at 3 p.m. ET.
Immediately following the documentary, a Q&A with John, Carlile, Taupin, and Watt moderated by TCM host Dave Karger will be shown. The conversation is being taped at a premiere screening event taking place April 4 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.
Elton and Brandi on Saturday Night Live
In addition, Elton and Brandi will be the musical guests on Saturday Night Live on April 5. The show, which airs on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, will be hosted by Jack Black.
You can check out some humorous promos featuring John, Carlile, Black, and SNL cast member Heidi Gardner at the show’s YouTube channel.
CBS Concert Special on Sunday
If that’s not enough John and Carlile, the two singer/songwriters also will be featured in a CBS concert special celebrating Who Believes in Angels? that premieres Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
As previously reported, the special, titled An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, features highlights of the two played on March 26 at the Palladium Theatre in London. The event also included an interview Q&A segment conducted by Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy.
According to Setlist.fm, the concert featured renditions of songs from Who Believes in Angels?, several classic Elton hits, and a couple of Brandi’s best-known tunes. In addition, the show included covers of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” and Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have to Go.”
You can check out several preview clips from the special at CBS’ YouTube channel. They include snippets of performances of the Who Believes in Angels? title track; Elton’s classics “Bennie and the Jets,” “I’m Still Standing,” and “Tiny Dancer”; and Brandi’s hit “The Joke.” Another clip shows Levy chatting with John and Carlile about how they became friends.
The duo’s backing band for the concert included Watt, Smith, and ex-Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. All three contributed to Who Believes in Angels? Brandi’s longtime collaborators Phil and Tim Hanseroth also took part in the show.
An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile also will be available for streaming on Paramount+.
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