Fresh Air Podcast Summary: "Someone Once Told Elton John He Would Never Be A Pop Star"

Release Date: December 15, 2024

Introduction

In this special bonus episode of Fresh Air, host Terry Gross presents two in-depth interviews with the legendary musician Elton John. These conversations delve into Elton's illustrious career spanning over five decades, his personal struggles, influences, and the journey that solidified his status as a global pop icon. The episode juxtaposes insights from a 2019 interview during the release of his memoir Me and a 2013 discussion during his Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas, offering listeners a comprehensive look into Elton John's life both on and off the stage.

Part 1: Reflections from the 2019 Interview

Context: Recorded in 2019, shortly after Elton John penned his memoir Me, this interview explores his early lessons in handling fame, his tumultuous childhood, addictive behaviors, and the genesis of his musical influences.

1. Early Lessons in Stardom

   Elton John candidly discusses the abrupt transition from playing in clubs to facing overwhelming fame. He recalls an incident where young female fans became overly enthusiastic, leading to uncomfortable situations.

   Elton John [02:07]: "So the book is a very candid description of your life..."

   Bernie Taupin [02:31]: "John didn't know how to cope with it. He just really didn't know how to cope."

2. Sexual Identity and Public Perception

   The conversation touches upon Elton's realization and acceptance of his sexuality amidst public adoration, highlighting the complexities of being a hidden LGBTQ+ figure during his rise to fame.

   Elton John [03:39]: "That's right. So what was it like for you, knowing you were gay..."

   Bernie Taupin [04:13]: "I had great love for Bernie. I didn't want to go to bed with him. But I did love him more than I did love Linda."

3. Challenges of Youth and Identity

   Bernie Taupin shares his personal struggles growing up, including a strict and abusive household that led him to find solace in collecting objects, a behavior that persisted into adulthood.

   Bernie Taupin [09:21]: "I have a determination to prove to my dad that it's been okay ever since."

   Elton John [12:06]: "It was the instigation of being an addict, but it was because I felt safe with the objects and not with my parents."

4. Pursuit of Music Over Stardom

   Bernie reflects on his initial desire to focus solely on songwriting rather than becoming a performer, revealing doubts instilled by early rejections from the music industry.

   Bernie Taupin [06:54]: "If I hadn't gone to that meeting, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you now."

   Elton John [08:11]: "Were the costumes that you like, the crazy clothing... in part armor to cover up your low self-esteem?"

   Bernie Taupin [08:26]: "Yeah, it was... I went hell for leather for it."

Key Takeaways from the 2019 Interview:

• Personal Growth: Both Elton and Bernie discuss overcoming personal and familial challenges to carve out their distinct paths in the music industry.

• Identity and Legacy: The interviews underscore the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of early life experiences on their musical careers.

• Determination: Bernie's resolve to prove his worth despite familial disapproval highlights the resilience required to succeed in the arts.

Part 2: Insights from the 2013 Interview During the Million Dollar Piano Residency

Context: Recorded in 2013, this segment captures Elton John reflecting on his admiration for the flamboyant pianist Liberace and how this influenced his own performance style and stage presence during his lucrative residency in Las Vegas.

1. Influence of Liberace

   Elton shares how Liberace's unique blend of musical talent and extravagant showmanship inspired him to infuse his performances with similar flair.

   Elton John [16:54]: "Liberace, he wasn't publicly out... he just went for it."

   Elton John [17:25]: "He gave me that idea probably subconsciously... if you're stuck at a piano... you have to do something about it."

2. Stage Presence and Costuming

   Discussing his efforts to stand out on stage, Elton recounts his attempts to rival Liberace's glamorous outfits, which sometimes received mixed reactions from critics and audiences.

   Elton John [19:06]: "To become a little more Liberace... All my stuff has been done with firmly tongue in cheek."

   Elton John [20:35]: "Anything like that, it was part. It was all down to me."

3. Evolution of Performance Style

   Reflecting on his early days, Elton acknowledges that while his costumes initially captivated audiences, they sometimes overshadowed his musical talents, leading to a more balanced approach over time.

   Elton John [19:15]: "In the beginning, it was natural. It was like, oh, yeah, let's do this, let's do that."

   Elton John [19:16]: "It became tired and it became too much and it became less fun."

4. The Million Dollar Piano

   Elton introduces his state-of-the-art piano, Blossom, which incorporates advanced technology to enhance his live performances, symbolizing his commitment to innovation and spectacle.

   Elton John [20:46]: "It lights up. You can show films on it, you can show video."

   Elton John [21:24]: "She's named Blossom... after Blossom, dearie."

Key Takeaways from the 2013 Interview:

• Inspirational Figures: Liberace's influence on Elton's performance style underscores the importance of role models in shaping an artist's public persona.

• Balancing Act: Elton's reflections reveal the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity while meeting audience expectations for spectacle.

• Innovation: The introduction of Blossom, his high-tech piano, signifies Elton's dedication to merging traditional musicianship with modern technology.

Conclusion

This Fresh Air episode offers a profound exploration of Elton John's multifaceted persona—from his early struggles with identity and fame to his relentless pursuit of artistic expression influenced by flamboyant predecessors like Liberace. Through candid discussions, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the personal battles and inspirations that have defined Elton John's enduring legacy in the world of music. The juxtaposition of interviews from different periods highlights the evolution of his career and personal growth, cementing his status as not just a pop star, but a resilient and innovative artist.

For full access to both interviews, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Fresh Air Plus and visit the show notes at www.whyy.org/freshair.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elton John [06:24]: "You weren't going to be a pop star material. So did you think, like, maybe they were right..."

• Bernie Taupin [12:06]: "It was because I felt safe with the objects and not with my parents."

• Elton John [19:16]: "I took it too far. It became less fun."

• Elton John [20:35]: "I had to take responsibility for it."

Credits

• Produced by: Nick Anderson
• Engineer: Adam Staniszewski
• Host: Terry Gross
• Support: Fresh Air Plus subscribers and NPR