Five Times When Elton John Masterfully Covered Other Music

Elton John is a legend. He's known for his amazing original songs. But did you know he's also a fantastic cover artist? He takes songs by other people and makes them his own. It's like he adds his special Elton sparkle to everything he touches.

Here are five times Elton John totally nailed it with his covers. Get ready to be amazed and maybe even a little bit wowed. These are songs you might already know, but you'll hear them in a whole new way. It’s Elton being Elton, but with someone else’s tune.

1. "Pinball Wizard" by The Who

This is a classic rock anthem. The Who originally performed it. Elton decided to take it on for the movie soundtrack of Tommy. He was playing the character of the Pinball Wizard himself.

Elton's version is so much fun. He brings his signature piano flair to it. It sounds a bit more theatrical than the original. His voice is powerful and energetic.

It's a wild ride from start to finish. You can almost see him leaping around the piano as he plays. The energy is infectious. It’s a perfect example of him transforming a beloved song.

He doesn't just sing it; he embodies it. He makes you feel the frantic energy of the pinball machine. It's a showstopper. If you haven't heard his take, you're missing out on pure rock and roll magic.

His performance on the Tommy soundtrack is legendary. It showed off his versatility as an artist. He could rock out with the best of them. This cover cemented his status as a true performer.

Think of it as Elton giving a high-five to rock history. He pays homage to the original while adding his own stamp. It’s a brilliant mashup of two musical giants.

2. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by The Beatles

This is a very famous song by The Beatles. It has a dreamy, psychedelic vibe. Elton decided to cover it with a little help from his friends. He recorded it with John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Yes, you read that right. Elton, John, and Paul all on one track. Talk about a musical dream team. It’s a collaboration for the ages.

Elton's version adds a bit more upbeat tempo. His piano is, of course, front and center. It feels a little more polished and pop-friendly. But it still retains that magical, surreal quality.

Hearing Elton sing those iconic lyrics is a treat. He brings a unique vocal interpretation. The harmonies are amazing, especially with John Lennon there. It’s a very special recording.

It’s like taking a familiar, beloved painting and adding a few more vibrant strokes. The essence is the same, but the artistry is new. This is a cover that truly shines.

The story behind it is fascinating too. It shows the musical camaraderie of the era. Elton was clearly a huge fan of The Beatles. This cover is a testament to that admiration.

He managed to make it feel both familiar and fresh. That’s the mark of a truly gifted interpreter. This song is a perfect example of that skill.

3. "Take Me to the Pilot" by Little Richard

This one might surprise you. Little Richard is a true pioneer of rock and roll. He's an icon. Elton John has always cited him as a huge inspiration.

So, Elton covered one of his idols' songs. It's a beautiful tribute. He performed "Take Me to the Pilot" live. It was often part of his concerts.

Elton's rendition is full of soul and energy. He channels the spirit of Little Richard. His piano playing is electrifying, as always. You can feel the respect he has for the original.

He doesn't try to imitate Little Richard exactly. Instead, he infuses it with his own powerful style. It’s a passionate and heartfelt performance. It’s Elton honouring his musical hero.

It’s a celebration of rock and roll history. You can hear the joy in his voice. He’s clearly having a blast performing it. This is music made with pure love.

This cover shows Elton’s deep appreciation for the roots of music. He understands where it all came from. He carries that legacy forward. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new audiences to Little Richard’s genius.

The live versions are particularly spectacular. They are spontaneous and full of life. It’s a must-hear for any Elton John fan. It’s also a great listen for fans of rock’s early days.

4. "Candle in the Wind" (originally by Elton John, but covered by many, notably Marilyn Monroe)

Okay, this one is a bit of a twist. "Candle in the Wind" is an Elton John song. But its most famous, rewritten version was for Marilyn Monroe. The original song was about Norma Jeane, the woman before the legend.

Elton wrote it as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe's life. He later rewrote it for Princess Diana. That version became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

While Elton wrote the original, the interpretations are key. His heartfelt performance of the original version is a masterclass in raw emotion. When he performs it, especially the original iteration, it feels intensely personal.

The way he delivers the lyrics is profound. It’s quiet, reflective, and deeply moving. His piano playing is delicate and sorrowful. It perfectly complements the poignant words.

This isn't about changing a song drastically. It's about taking a song you wrote and infusing it with a different kind of magic. It’s about emotional resonance. Elton’s performance of his own ballad is a cover of his own legacy.

He poured his feelings into it. You can hear the ache in his voice. It’s a song that speaks to the fragility of fame and life. His interpretation is what makes it so enduring.

This cover, in a sense, is Elton covering the memory of someone else through his own art. It’s a beautiful and powerful act of remembrance. It showcases his ability to convey deep feeling.

5. "Come Together" by The Beatles

Another gem from The Beatles that Elton decided to tackle. This is a much grittier, bluesier track. Elton took it on and gave it his own distinct flavour. He covered it live.

His live performance of "Come Together" is electric. He cranks up the energy. His piano playing is more percussive and driving. It sounds fantastic.

He really leans into the groove of the song. It’s a more rock-oriented rendition. You can hear the influence of artists like Chuck Berry in his playing. It’s a joyful explosion of sound.

Elton’s voice is perfectly suited to the swagger of this song. He adds his own vocal inflections that make it unique. It’s a performance that grabs you from the first note.

This cover shows how Elton can take a well-known song and inject it with his own brand of showmanship. He doesn't just replicate; he reinvents. It's a testament to his musical adaptability.

It’s a cover that makes you want to get up and dance. It’s a party on the piano. He brings his signature theatricality to the track. It’s pure Elton magic.

These five examples are just a taste. Elton John has a gift for making any song his own. He respects the original but adds his undeniable charisma. It’s always a thrilling listen.