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Elton John, 76, and his lyricist partner, Bernie Taupin, 73, had the time of their life at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, where they received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in a three-hour concert event on March 20 (cosponsored by AARP).
Here are some highlights to watch for when the event is televised April 8 at 8 p.m. on PBS and PBS.org.
Half a century after their legendary debut, they looked back in wonder.
John and others, including Carole King, reminisced about his electrifying debut show at the Troubadour club in Los Angeles in 1970. Critic Robert Hilburn, 84, whose review ignited John’s career, appeared on a stage video screen (as did King), noting that John and Taupin signified a sea change in music. “It was a change after the turmoil of the ’60s,” said Hilburn. “We were going into a new style. [The songs] didn’t just sound good the first time you heard it; 50 years later, they sound fresh.”
And John sounded as fresh as the stars honoring him with renditions of his tunes: Joni Mitchell, 80, Garth Brooks, 62, Annie Lennox, 69, Billy Porter, 54 (who doubled as emcee), Metallica, Maren Morris, Charlie Puth, Jacob Lusk, Brandi Carlile and John’s band, preeminently virtuoso guitarist Davey Johnstone, 72, who shook his head at the composers’ incredibly efficient creative process. Taupin writes the lyrics alone and sends them to John. “Within a half hour, he’s got a song,” marveled Johnstone.
John joshed about the inconveniences of age, including another knee replacement.
He interrupting one song by saying, “I’m gonna stop and take my hearing aids out.” He apologized for his gait, explaining that he got one knee replaced two weeks ago and is about to get another, adding, “Thank you for putting up with my hobbling.” But he was utterly vital, pounding a big red piano like a British Jerry Lee Lewis and singing as well as ever, with a new resonance on the low notes. While seated, he and Taupin clapped and sang along as the stars interpreted their hits.
“This is the first time in my life where I’ve ever sat in the audience and listened to my band,” John noted. “I know they’re good — but they’re f------ fantastic! This has been like an acid trip for me tonight.”
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