Sir Elton’s 5 Queerest Tracks
Elton’s Song (1981)
His 1981 album The Fox is not remembered fondly by critics, but we beg to differ. It also came as a long-form video of ten songs directed by gay Aussie wunderkind Russell Mulcahy with the highlight being Elton’s
Song – all about a young boy’s infatuation with an older boy. You thought Lil Nas X was groundbreaking? Honey, Elton was doing dat shit 40 years ago!
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (1993)
Originally a #1 hit when he teamed up with British songstress Kiki Dee for it in 1976, years later, Elt re-recorded it with RuPaul for a camp dance remake. Produced by the king of disco himself, Giorgio Moroder, it became a hit all over again, especially in the gay clubs where it was suitably massive. There’s a hilarious OTT video, too, which is gay, Gay, GAY!
Chosen Family (2021)
Earlier this year, Elt teamed up with “the future of pop” Rina Sawayama for her power ballad ode to LGBTQAI+ bonds. “The song means so much to both of us and recording it together was such a special experience,” Rina gushed. “I got shivers when I heard his voice through the monitor and became emotional when he added the piano. I hope people can hear the magic!”
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1991)
Originally recorded by Elton in 1974, decades later this tune was brought out of retirement by none other than George Michael for this classic live recording from London’s Wembley Arena. Although Elt and George were famously on-off pals, the song sold millions of copies and made millions of dollars for 10 different HIV/AIDS charities.
Sine From Above (2020)
Once again proving his relevance to a modern audience, Elton popped up on this highlight from Lady Gaga’s pop comeback album
Chromatica. Not only was this a musical collab, but a very personal connection, too, as Gaga has oft cited Elton as a driving force in her own sobriety. The pair previously teamed up for Hello Hello for kiddie flick Gnomeo and Juliet. duet with Dua Lipa, remixed by PNAU, has already been a huge hit.
• He’s sold over 250 million records worldwide and holds the record for biggest selling single of all time: Candle In The Wind 1997, a tribute to Princess Diana.
• Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played more than 3,500 concerts in over 80 countries!
• He’s written three musicals – The Lion King, Aida and Billy Elliot The Musical!
• Besides his knighthood, Elton was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1994, won six Grammys, two Oscars, a Tony Award and, perhaps most importantly, won 2020’s British LGBT Global Impact Award for his Elton John AIDS Foundation.
All hail, Sir Elt!