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Elton John and Kiki Dee: A Deep Dive into Their Enduring Partnership
Introduction:
Beyond the dazzling costumes and chart-topping hits, the story of Elton John's career often includes a significant, yet often understated, partnership: his collaboration with Kiki Dee. Their iconic duet, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," cemented their place in music history, but their relationship extends far beyond that single smash hit. This in-depth exploration delves into the complexities of their professional and personal bond, examining the years of friendship, mutual respect, and creative synergy that underpinned their enduring success. We'll uncover the truth behind the rumors, the realities of their collaboration, and the lasting impact they've had on each other's lives and careers.
1. The Genesis of a Partnership: From Separate Stages to Shared Success
Elton John and Kiki Dee's paths first crossed in the vibrant music scene of the 1970s. Both were already established artists, carving their own unique niches in the industry. Kiki Dee, known for her powerful vocals and soulful performances, had already achieved considerable success in the UK. Elton John, on the other hand, was rapidly ascending to superstardom. Their initial interactions likely involved professional networking within the industry, perhaps through shared management or connections within the broader musical community. However, it wasn't until a later stage that their professional collaboration blossomed into something more significant. The key here was a shared understanding of musicality and a mutual respect for each other's talents. This laid the foundation for a truly fruitful and enduring partnership.
2. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart": The Duet That Defined Their Collaboration
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1976, the song topped charts worldwide and became instantly recognizable. However, the creation of the song itself holds a fascinating story. While Elton John composed the music and lyrics, he recognized Kiki Dee's unique vocal talent as perfectly suited to deliver the song's emotional depth and power. Her voice provided a counterpoint to Elton's piano and vocals, creating a dynamic that resonated with audiences globally. The song's success wasn't just a testament to their individual talents, but to their ability to create something truly magical together. It showcased a seamless blend of their styles, a testament to the chemistry they shared both musically and personally.
3. Beyond the Hit: A Continued Collaboration and Enduring Friendship
The success of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" didn't mark the end of their collaboration. While they didn't consistently work together on every project, their professional relationship continued over the decades. They collaborated on several other tracks, often appearing on each other's albums and performing together live. This sustained professional interaction speaks to a deeper, more significant connection between the two artists. Their collaboration wasn't a fleeting moment of success; it was an ongoing testament to their mutual respect and appreciation for each other's talents. This long-term collaboration also reflects the strength of their personal bond, a friendship that withstood the test of time and the pressures of the music industry.
4. Debunking the Myths: Examining the Nature of Their Relationship
The close working relationship between Elton John and Kiki Dee has often led to speculation about the nature of their bond. However, it's crucial to dispel any misconceptions. While their partnership was undoubtedly strong and enduring, it was primarily professional, built on mutual respect and creative synergy. They formed a deep friendship, but there's no evidence to suggest a romantic relationship. The focus should always remain on the significant artistic contribution they made together, rather than unfounded assumptions about their personal lives. Their professional collaboration became a powerful example of how a fruitful professional partnership can endure and create something truly exceptional.
5. The Lasting Impact: A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Elton John and Kiki Dee's collaboration left an undeniable mark on the music industry. Their work serves as a beacon of effective collaboration, illustrating how two distinct talents can combine to create something greater than the sum of their individual parts. Their impact extends beyond the charts, influencing countless artists and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Their legacy is one of musical excellence, fueled by a powerful friendship and a shared passion for music.
Article Outline:
Introduction: Hook, overview of Elton John and Kiki Dee's relationship.
Chapter 1: The beginning of their partnership; individual careers before collaboration.
Chapter 2: The impact and creation of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."
Chapter 3: Subsequent collaborations and the enduring nature of their professional bond.
Chapter 4: Addressing speculation and clarifying the nature of their relationship.
Chapter 5: Their lasting legacy and influence on music.
Conclusion: Summary of their enduring partnership and its significance.
FAQs:
1. Were Elton John and Kiki Dee ever romantically involved? No, their relationship was primarily a professional and deeply respectful friendship.
2. How many songs did Elton John and Kiki Dee record together? While "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is their most famous collaboration, they recorded several other songs throughout their careers.
3. What is Kiki Dee's current musical status? Kiki Dee continues to perform and record music.
4. Did Elton John write "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" specifically for Kiki Dee? While Elton wrote the song, he recognized Kiki Dee's vocal capabilities as the perfect fit for the song's emotional weight.
5. What is the significance of their collaboration beyond "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"? Their collaboration highlights the enduring power of creative partnerships and mutual respect within the music industry.
6. How did their collaboration impact their individual careers? The duet boosted both artists' profiles and solidified their places in musical history.
7. What makes their collaboration so successful? Their success stemmed from their shared musical understanding, mutual respect, and complementary vocal styles.
8. Are there any unreleased recordings of Elton John and Kiki Dee? This is unknown; however, future releases are always a possibility.
9. Where can I find more information about Kiki Dee's solo career? Her official website and various music databases provide details on her extensive solo work.
Related Articles:
1. Kiki Dee's Solo Career: A Retrospective: A look at Kiki Dee's successful solo career, highlighting her most notable albums and songs.
2. The Making of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart": A Behind-the-Scenes Look: A deep dive into the creative process behind their iconic duet.
3. Elton John's Collaborations: A Comprehensive Guide: An overview of Elton John's collaborations throughout his career, including his work with Kiki Dee.
4. The 1970s Music Scene: A Cultural Overview: Contextualizes Elton and Kiki's collaboration within the vibrant music scene of the era.
5. The Evolution of Duets in Popular Music: Examines the historical importance of duets, tracing their evolution through various musical styles.
6. Kiki Dee's Influence on Female Vocalists: Explores how Kiki Dee's unique style has impacted and inspired female vocalists.
7. Elton John's Greatest Hits: A Critical Analysis: An analysis of Elton John's most successful songs and their impact on popular culture.
8. The Power of Collaboration in the Music Industry: Explores the general benefits and impact of collaboration in music.
9. The Enduring Legacy of 70s Pop Music: Looks at the ongoing influence of 70s pop music on contemporary artists and culture.
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Every Chart Topper Tells a Story Sharon Davis, 2012-01-06 The seventies witnessed great changes not only in dress style but also in music. The psychedelia of the late sixties had mutated into glam rock by the early seventies, while the latter half of the decade is best remembered for the punk and disco explosions which gripped both Britain and America. The number-one singles of the decade are recalled in Every Chart Topper Tells a Story: The Seventies, from artists as diverse as Gary Glitter, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, The Bee Gees, T-Rex, Commodores, Donny Osmond, The Three Degrees and Abba. It is the ideal volume both for those wanting a trip down memory lane and for serious music connoisseurs. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Elton John FAQ Donald Gibson, 2019-09-15 This month, as Sir Elton John celebrates his seventieth birthday, Backbeat Books is thrilled to announce the release of Donald Gibson's Elton John FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Rocket Man. An exploration of Sir Elton's accolades alone could span several volumes: in a career spanning nearly five decades, he has sold over 250 million records worldwide, appeared in nearly 4 000 live performances, been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received multiple awards and nominations from the Academy, GRAMMYs, Oscars, and Tonys. How can one possibly hope to examine the life and times of this peerless singer-songwriter, the most successful solo artist Great Britain has ever produced and the third-most successful artist overall in American music history? Why, with Backbeat's acclaimed FAQ format, of course! Like every other volume in the FAQ series, Elton John FAQ is overflowing with enlightening data, compact histories, rare photographs and period ephemera, all organized into chapters equally suitable for a straight-through read or random perusal. Gibson touches on every major episode from Sir Elton's life, from his humble, and at times disheartening, childhood in the North London suburb of Pinner to his serendipitous meeting with lyricist Bernie Taupin, with whom he'd form a songwriting partnership that would ultimately rank alongside Lennon and McCartney in its success, and beyond. Scrutinizing the highs and lows of a life crammed with musical phases and sartorial changes, the book underscores not only the renowned musician's talents, but the truth behind tales that are familiar only to diehard fans. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Wyen Experience Stew Cohen, 2013-02-01 James Earl Jones voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars had a set of pipes a radio news anchor in the 1970s might envy. CBS News legend Edward R. Murrow wrote in a style many radio news writers tried to copy. Their skills were honed over time. While few ever reach the stature of a Jones or Murrow, radio broadcasters rely on stations where they can develop these skills. In the seventies, one such place was WYEN-FM in Des Plaines, Illinois. In The WYEN Experience, author Stew Cohen tells the story of this mom-and-pop radio station106.7 on the dialthat opened in 1971 and was built on a genuine passion for radio. It flourished through the 1970s, stumbled in the early 1980s, and then sold to a new owner. He provides an insiders look into the happenings of this station that entertained thousands with its music and announcersincluding Ed Walters, the driving force behind WYEN; the lives of many of the talented broadcasters who worked here; Cohens personal coverage of some of the biggest stories of the time; and his interviews with some greats from the entertainment industry. Cohen describes an era that lived with pay phones, typewriters, turntables, transistor radios, and boom boxes; in The WYEN Experience he brings to life to both the times and the radio station. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Popstrology Ian van Tuyl, 2008-12-01 Which force was more likely to have penetrated your essence and shaped your destiny if you were born in February of 1964: the orbital shufflings of Mars and Jupiter, or the explosive rise of the stars called the Beatles? By linking your personality and potential to the star who ruled the pop universe at the moment of your birth, Popstrology offers an entirely new approach to illuminating your spirit and your soul. Could the roots of your chronic restlessness lie in the fact that you are a Commodore born in the Year of Debby Boone? Could your crippling sexual inhibition result from being a Pat Boone born in the Year of Elvis Presley? Yes, they could. Could Britney Spears have been born under the influence of anything other than Olivia Newton-John's Physical? No, she couldn't. Fresh, funny and remarkably persuasive, this groundbreaking book reveals the powers hidden in a galaxy of stars we all can name, and in so doing gives us the right sign for modern times. Ian Van Tuyl is a Double Monkee and the author of the original Princeton Review Guide to the Best U.S. Law Schools. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Elton John at 75 Gillian G. Gaar, 2022-09-20 Elton John at 75 celebrates the anniversary of the rock icon’s birth with this beautifully produced retrospective of 75 touchstone achievements and life events. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Elton John All the Songs Romuald Ollivier, Olivier Roubin, 2023-04-04 This first-of-its-kind catalog of Elton John’s decades-long career tells the story of one of rock's all-time greatest artists, album-by-album and track-by-track. Organized chronologically and covering every album and song that EGOT-winner Sir Elton Hercules John has ever released, Elton John All the Songs draws upon years of research to tell the behind-the-scenes stories of how each song was written, composed, and recorded, down to the instruments used and the people who played them. Spanning more than fifty-years of work from Elton and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, this book details the creative processes that resulted in seminal albums like Goodbye Yellowbrick Road, Madman Across the Water, and Tumbleweed Connection, as well as Academy Award wins for 1995's Lion King and 2020's Rocketman. Newer work like The Lockdown Sessions, which released in 2021, is also featured alongside Billboard stats, tour dates, producing and mixing credits, and other insider details that will keep fans turning pages. Starting with the artist's early days working as a studio musician in London, and featuring interviews with actors, musicians, collaborators, and confidantes, Elton John All the Songs offers readers the most detailed portrait of the artist and his creative process that has ever been produced. Featuring hundreds of vivid photographs that celebrate one of music's most visually arresting performers, Elton John All the Songs is the authoritative guide to one of rock'n'roll's greatest stars. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Confessions of a Serial Songwriter Shelly Peiken, 2016-03-01 (Book). Confessions of a Serial Songwriter is an amusing and poignant memoir about songwriter Shelly Peiken's journey from young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to working professional songwriter writing hits of her own. It's about growing up, the creative process the highs and the lows, the conflicts that arise between motherhood and career success, the divas and schemers, but also the talented and remarkable people she's found along the way. It's filled with stories and step-by-step advice about the songwriting process, especially collaboration. And it's about the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing and youth-driven world. As Shelly so eloquently states in Confessions of a Serial Songwriter : If I had to come up with one X factor that I could cite as a characteristic most hit songs have in common (and this excludes hit songs that are put forth by an already well-oiled machine...that is, a recording artist who has so much notoriety and momentum that just about anything he or she releases, as long as it's 'pretty good,' will have a decent shot at succeeding), I would say it would be: A universal sentiment in a unique frame . Peiken has tapped the universal sentiment again and again; her songs have been recorded by such artists as Christina Aguilera, Natalie Cole, Selena Gomez, Celine Dion, the Pretenders, and others. In Confessions of a Serial Songwriter , she pulls the curtain back on the music business from the perspective of a behind-the-scenes hit creator and shares invaluable insight into the craft of songwriting. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Elton John Gillian G. Gaar, 2024-01-30 This re-release of Elton John at 75 (2022) celebrates the rocker’s life in a beautifully produced retrospective detailing 75 key releases and life events. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: LIFE Elton John The Editors of LIFE, 2019-05-24 The editors of LIFE Magazine present Elton John. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Long and Winding Road Vince Tracy, 2013-06-06 There must have been a time when you just could not get a certain song out of your head. Perhaps it was the last sound played at the disco or perhaps theres a certain riff in a song that haunts you? Perhaps its one of those songs which have a special meaning for you or a special person in your life? Whatever the reason we all have had musical influences throughout our life and some we have deliberately chosen whilst others have crept in because we watch television and listen to the radio. We also have been subjected to other musical influences from shops, restaurants, churches, dance halls and anyone whistling or singing near us. Why was it almost impossible to remember Shakespeares quotations when I tried to learn them for school yet I can remember words to songs without even trying to memorise them? As someone who has made a living from playing music for others to listen to it has interested me greatly to find out whether any of the records which have made the popular music charts has had a greater influence on me than I have realized. I will also try to remember the words to the songs I heard in my younger years without using either reference books or a safety net! I will also attempt to put the music in some kind of time frame looking at what else was happening aside from the music. I will also identify how my own appreciation of music has evolved and that charts become less important with age. This will be the basis of a large part of my book. I will also try to show that I have had to show a good amount of true grit and determination in order to eventually find the job I had always wanted from my childhood days of listening to Radio Luxembourg and Radio Caroline. Moreover, it takes a lifetime to really see your priorities. Join me now in my musical voyage of discovery. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Advocate , 2001-12-25 The Advocate is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) monthly newsmagazine. Established in 1967, it is the oldest continuing LGBT publication in the United States. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: His Song Elizabeth J. Rosenthal, 2001 A comprehensive overview of the musical career of Elton John provides the full story behind all of the musician's recordings, a complete chronicle of his concert tours, an assessment of his musical odyssey, and a study of his sometimes turbulent personal life, along with more than forty photographs and a complete discography. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Good As You Paul Flynn, 2017-04-27 ‘One of the most important books about gay culture in recent times’ The Quietus Long-listed for the Polari First Book Prize In 1984 the pulsing electronics and soft vocals of Smalltown Boy would become an anthem uniting gay men. A month later, an aggressive virus, HIV, would be identified and a climate of panic and fear would spread across the nation, marginalising an already ostracised community. Yet, out of this terror would come tenderness and 30 years later, the long road to gay equality would climax with the passing of same sex marriage. Paul Flynn charts this astonishing pop cultural and societal U-turn via the cultural milestones that effected change—from Manchester’s self-selection as Britain’s gay capital to the real-time romance of Elton John and David Furnish’s eventual marriage. Including candid interviews from major protagonists, such as Kylie, Russell T Davies, Will Young, Holly Johnson and Lord Chris Smith, as well as the relative unknowns crucial to the gay community, we see how an unlikely group of bedfellows fought for equality both front of stage and in the wings. This is the story of Britain’s brothers, cousins and sons. Sometimes it is the story of their fathers and husbands. It is one of public outrage and personal loss, the (not always legal) highs and the desperate lows, and the final collective victory as gay men were final recognised, as Good As You. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Color Your World Frank Don, 2001-05-31 Color plays an important role in our lives from birth. Knowledge of the meaning of colors can help everyone become a master artist in the art of living. Although we constantly use color to both express and accent our lives, the nature and meaning of color remains one of the world’s greatest mysteries. As science advances man’s knowledge, the basic truths of ancient wisdom are continually confirmed. These truths have been handed down to mankind through the mystery teachings of the Egyptians, Pythagorean thought of the Greeks, the Jewish energy system of the Qabalah, and Christianity’s Bible. Color Your World is an exploration into the language, magic, and application of color. Through a unique system of color-number analysis, we can seek a better understanding of color preferences, and learn how color affects our temperament. We learn how to pick personal colors to relax, revitalize and complement personal makeup. Color Your World illustrates the secrets of meditations on the colors, a system that has been used for centuries to attune oneself to the energies of the universe. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: 10,000 Ways to Say I Love You Gregory J.P Godek, 2009-11-01 The small book with the biggest collection of loving ideas ever gathered in one place, now in a tenth anniversary edition This is the ultimate practical, giftable resource for couples, filled with 10,000 ideas for expressing affection. From the author of the phenomenally successful 1001 Ways to Be Romantic, America's Romance Coach Gregory J.P. Godek, 10,000 Ways to Say I Love You overflows with surprise ideas, back-to-basics classics that always work, and inspired twists on creative expression. Readers can express true affection with secret love notes, perpetual bouquets, secluded picnics, outrageous gifts...and 9,996 more ways to say I love you. At one idea per day, this book will last couples 27.4 years! This tenth anniversary edition offers fresh tips for today's world of texting and social networking, giving readers more reasons than ever to pick up this best-loved romantic collection. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Elton John, 2024-09-24 In this lavish retrospective authored by the icon himself, Elton John shares his fondest memories, most unforgettable moments, and previously untold stories from his record-breaking final tour. Farewell Yellow Brick Road is a full-color celebration of Elton John's record-breaking, globe-spanning farewell tour—from Allentown to Auckland, from Sydney to San Francisco. Featured concerts include Elton’s dazzling performances at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in November 2022, the finale of which streamed live on Disney+. Fans will be treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into every aspect of these spectacular shows, including Elton’s legendary touring wardrobe by Gucci, the set design, official photography, and more. As the tour weaves across the world, Elton reaches back in time to reflect on key moments from his life on the road and to reminisce about the beginning of his career while sharing never-before-seen images and memorabilia. A poignant foreword by David Furnish, Elton’s husband and manager, as well as the tour’s creative director, rounds out this incredible insider’s look. Join Elton on his remarkable, career-affirming farewell. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Wham! Guide Daniel Wheway, 2017-01-07 Wham! were one of the most successful acts of the 1980's. Members George Michael and Andrew Ridgely scored three #1 singles on the US Hot 100 with the decade's classics Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Careless Whisper and Everything She Wants. Two of those also hit the UK#1 spot, as did Freedom and I'm Your Man.The duo's two UK studio albums Fantastic and Make It Big hit the top spot of the UK Official Albums Chart, whilst the later also hit the United States' Billboard 200 top spot, and went 6xPlatinum there! Michael and Ridgely were seemingly unstoppable - that is until the pair pulled the plug on the act themselves, bidding farewell with UK#1 The Edge of Heaven and a farewell concert in front of 72,000 fans at London's Wembley Stadium.Moreover, Wham!'s Last Christmas is one of the most successful festive hits of all-time, so it only adds to the heartache for music fans all over the globe that Michael sadly passed away on Christmas Day, 2016.As Ridgely stated, Michael had a voice that would transport you, he was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation and has left the best of himself for us. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Advocate , 2001-12-25 The Advocate is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) monthly newsmagazine. Established in 1967, it is the oldest continuing LGBT publication in the United States. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Rocket Man Mark Bego, 2020-01-07 The colorful and kaleidoscopic life of one of the world’s most original and talented musical artists. Here’s the book every pop music lover has been waiting for—full of the scandals, addictions, affairs and tantrums that underscored the life of arguably the world’s greatest pop musician. Flamboyant, iconic Elton John is as much part of the American musical landscape as he is in his native England. In the 1970s, when popular music on both sides of the Atlantic fragmented into disco, soul, hard rock, pop and folk, Elton John embraced them all with his signature creative panache. Emerging in the late 1960s as a singer/songwriter, Elton was widely acknowledged as the most prolific pop and rock star of the decade by the mid-1970s. His peerless musical style and ability to jump from sensitive ballads to bawdy rock anthems to campy pop have made him a musical superstar for the ages. From his heartfelt ballads like “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song,” to his rock & roll hits including “Benny and The Jets” and “Crocodile Rock,” Elton has lived one of the most outrageous and colorful lives in show business. Having met the “Rocket Man” the first time in the 1980s, Bego has drawn upon his personal observations, vast research, and has been able interview dozens of Elton’s collaborators and lifelong friends to produce the the ultimate story on the amazing and larger-than-life Elton John. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: A Head Full of Music Cliff Richard, 2023-10-26 Foreword by Bob Stanley On a sunny Saturday morning in May 1956, a fifteen-year-old, then called Harry Webb, was mooching down Waltham Cross High Street. He heard some music blaring out of a parked car. It stopped him in his tracks. The song was 'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis Presley. It sounded like nothing he had ever heard before. In that instant, the schoolboy who was destined to take the hit parade by storm as Cliff Richard fell in love with rock and roll. It gave him the thrill, the purpose and the mission that has shaped his life ever since. Cliff lives in and for music. And with 65 years as a hitmaker, the music filling his head is a broad category. His soundtrack begins by blasting us all back into that first life-changing explosion of rock and also includes great soul soul stars such as Aretha Franklin, longtime colleagues like Elton John, and much-missed close friends Cilla Black and Olivia Newton-John. This book is meaningful to Cliff on many levels. The 30 or so songs here that make up the soundtrack to his life have each moved him deeply, but it's also about the legendary artists he met, and often got to know. He shares those stories and memories with you, too. A Head Full of Music is a vibrant personal journey for Cliff, and it's a joy to accompany him on it. Get wired for sound with him and read on. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Harry Styles Alice Montgomery, 2013-02-15 Find out all about Harry Styles - the sexiest member of the hottest boy band on the planet - in this Sunday Times bestselling biography by Alice Montgomery. When Harry Styles auditioned for the X-Factor, little did he know he'd soon be leaving behind school, his Saturday bakery job, obscurity and an ordinary life. One Direction made it to the final and won a record deal, and it wasn't long before Harry's face covered bedroom walls up and down the country. But how did Harry cope with his new-found fame? And what happens when you take America by storm in a 'British Invasion'? With gorgeous green eyes and curls that send girls wild, Harry has found himself surrounded by beautiful women. But what's the truth behind the rumours? Here, his relationships with Caroline Flack, Taylor Swift and the married Lucy Horobin are laid bare. And what next for Harry and 1D? This book by Alice Montgomery will give you the low down on how Harry Styles and the rest of 1D are set to take on the world. Alice Montgomery works in London and is a freelance author. She has written several bestselling biographies, including Susan Boyle: Dreams Can Come True and Katy Perry. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Quicklet on Glee Season 2 (CliffsNotes-like Summary, Analysis, and Commentary) Paula Braun, 2012-03-04 Quicklets: Your Reading Sidekick! ABOUT THE BOOK Glee is part musical, part teenage drama, and part dark (but not too dark) comedy. The show is set in Lima, Ohio at fictional McKinley High School. Glee tells the story of the New Directions, McKinleys show-choir team that is composed of ambitious misfits. They are determined to win the national competition, but it is an uphill battle against their show-choir competitors, social pressures to be popular, and their own interpersonal dynamics. If thats not enough, Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach at McKinley, is hell-bent on destroying the glee club. She constantly torments the students for her own entertainment and inexplicably hates their coach, Will Schuester. Beneath her tough exterior, though, shes a bully with a big heart. Drawing off the popularity of American Idol, Glee provides prime-time audiences a rich context to experience the power of music. As the on-screen characters wrestle with theirs stereotypical identities, music gives them opportunities to express themselves fully and feel that they are part of something special. Its not all campy show tunes and sappy love songs. Often satirical, and at times absurd, Glee allows viewers to connect with their inner you-fill-in-the-blank: inner diva, inner jock, inner geek, inner over-achiever. . . you get the picture. The ensemble cast brilliantly portrays the anxieties and crises teenagers face. In watching them, were reminded that our insecurities dont all disappear the day we graduate high school. MEET THE AUTHOR Paula Braun is a recovering bureaucrat. On a whim, she took a one-year assignment in Iraq and followed it with another one-year assignment in Afghanistan. After that, she needed a break, so she semi-retired and joined a bridge club. To support her bridge habit, she entered the glamorous world of freelance writing. You can follow Paula on twitter @paula_braun EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Finn feels personally responsible for Sams injury and confesses to Emma that all three prayers he made to Grilled Cheesus have been answered. Emma provides practical explanations for what occurred, and tells Finn, Everyone struggles with the big questions. Finn is shaken by the news and sings R.E.M.s Loosing My Religion. Kurt is excited about the fashion at Mercedes church, and he show up with her wearing a fabulous hat. Mercedes asks the congregation to pray for Kurts father and leads the choir in an ensemble performance of Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. After church, Kurt visits his father in the hospital and tells him, I dont believe in God, Dad, but I believe in you, and I believe in us. You and me. Thats what sacred to me. Burt lightly squeezes Kurts hand, and Kurt calls for a nurse. The episode ends with the New Directions singing Joan Osbornes One of Us. Will expects Sue to turn him in to Principal Figgins, but she agrees not to use the song against Will. She had a change of heart after visiting her sister Jane who told her God never makes mistakes. Finn finally eats the remaining half of his Grillled Cheesus sandwich... Buy a copy to keep reading! CHAPTER OUTLINE Quicklet on Glee Season 2 (TV Show) + About Glee + About the Director and Producer + Overall Summary + Episode by Episode Commentary and Summary + ...and much more |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Still Whispering After All These Years Bob Harris, 2015-05-14 The gripping autobiography of broadcasting legend 'Whispering' Bob Harris. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Billboard , 1976-10-02 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Me Elton John, 2019-10-15 In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life. Me is the joyously funny, honest and moving story of the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of all time. The Sunday Times bestseller with a new chapter bringing the story up to date. 'The rock memoir of the decade' – Daily Mail 'The rock star's gloriously entertaining and candid memoir is a gift to the reader' – Sunday Times ______________ Christened Reginald Dwight was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming a pop star. By the age of twenty-three, he was performing his first gig in America, facing an astonished audience in his bright yellow dungarees, a star-spangled T-shirt and boots with wings. Elton John had arrived and the music world would never be the same again. His life has been full of drama, from the early rejection of his work with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin to spinning out of control as a chart-topping superstar; from half-heartedly trying to drown himself in his LA swimming pool to disco-dancing with the Queen; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation. All the while, Elton was hiding a drug addiction that would grip him for over a decade. In Me Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you, by a living legend. ______________ 'Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all' – The Times 'Racy, pacy and crammed with scurrilous anecdotes - what more could you ask from the rocket man' – Guardian (Book of the Week) 'Chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid' – Telegraph |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Rocket Man Claude Bernardin, Tom Stanton, 1995-11-06 Grammy winner for Can You Feel the Love Tonight from Disney's 1994 blockbuster movie The Lion King, Elton John is a musician that has transcended generations. Since his U.S. debut 25 years ago, E.J. has had a top-40 hit every year. This first reference dedicated to the legendary singer/songwriter, who has been enchanting fans for nearly three decades, contains hundreds of anecdotes on people, places, and things related to his career. It includes a behind-the-scenes look at every album, a comprehensive list of all songs written or recorded (dozens never released), and the most extensive look ever at E.J.'s pre-career life. Well researched, the volume's rich detail offers a gold mine of Elton John trivia gathered by one of the artist's premier historians and the editor of the international Elton John fan magazine East End Lights. Fans and popular music buffs will enjoy the comprehensive treatment on this 25th anniversary of Elton John's U.S. debut. There are four sections to this encyclopedia: Elton A-Z, featuring explanations, details, and anecdotes related to aspects of his career and life, with entries on celebrity friends, important places, and a wide variety of other topics; Albums, giving a chrononlogical, behind-the-scenes look at his more than 35 albums up to and including 1995's Made in England; Performances, listing his concert tours year by year, highlighting major performances such as John Lennon's final stage appearance in a 1974 show, a 1979 concert in Russia, and a little-publicized 1992 tribute; and Songs, listing alphabetically more than 500 songs recorded or written by Elton John. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: My Husband Is Gay Carol Grever, 2012-03-07 “These women demonstrate the will to survive intact . . . Their passage to wholeness exemplifies forgiveness, growth, healing, hope, and sometimes reconciliation.”—from MY HUSBAND IS GAY Carol and Jim were high school sweethearts who married in their early twenties. Thirty years and two children later, Jim announced to his wife that he was homosexual. A fundamentalist Christian, he had been leading a double life for years. In an effort to sort out her pain and confusion, Carol Grever sought out other heterosexual women, of all ages, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds, who were married to gay men. The stories she uncovered examine their coping strategies and form the basis of this manual for healing. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Billboard , 2001-06-30 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: How to Write Lyrics Rikky Rooksby, 2021-09-15 Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of writing lyrics for music and will make lyricists and songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don’t like their own lyrics and find lyrics difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership. The book discusses channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding clichés, and more. It also offers tips on the various styles of lyrics, from protests, spirituals, and confessionals to narratives and comic songs. New to this edition are artist and song references throughout to reflect musical history to date. Also, a new section provides examples of taking lyric ideas right through the drafting process, illustrating development and re-drafting and using a handful of contrasting approaches. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Lyrics Rikky Rooksby, 2006-10-01 (Book). Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of lyric writing for music and will make songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don't like their own lyrics and find them difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership. Topics include channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding cliches, and more. The book also offers tips on the various styles of lyrics, from protests, spirituals, and confessionals to narratives and comic songs. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Sight and Sound , 2000 |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Singer-Songwriters of the 1970s Robert McParland, 2022-08-10 The 1970s saw a wave of singer-songwriters flood the airwaves and concert halls across the United States. This book organizes the stories of approximately 150 artists whose songs created the soundtrack to people's lives during the decade that forever shaped musical composition. Some well-known, others less known, these artists were the song-poets and storytellers who wrote their own music and lyrics. Featuring biographical information and discography overviews for each artist, this is the only one-volume encyclopedic overview of this topic. Featured artists include Carole King and James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Gordon Lightfoot, Elvis Costello and dozens of other song-poets of the seventies. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Advocate , 2001-07 |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Billboard , 1974-04-20 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Historic Connecticut Music Venues: From the Coliseum to the Shaboo Tony Renzoni, Felix Cavaliere, 2022 Connecticut is home to a number of landmark music venues that have featured local and national performers. While some of the locations have closed, they have certainly not been forgotten. The New Haven Coliseum, the Arena and the Bushnell Memorial were once the places to be for music lovers, while elsewhere places like the Cheri Shack and the Shaboo hosted local bands and national headliners. Other venues such as Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, The Meadows and Toad's Place have now taken center stage and continue to attract large crowds. With in-depth interviews with performers and many timeless photos, author Tony Renzoni takes you on a nostalgic and fun tour of the Nutmeg State's most beloved music sites. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: The Great Scots Musicography Martin Charles Strong, 2002 |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Blackbird Geoffrey Giuliano, 1997-08-21 The most prolific and commercially successful of the Beatles, Paul McCartney has made musical waves for over three decades. In Blackbird, Beatles insider Geoffrey Giuliano unfolds the whole story of McCartney's contradictory character and colossal talent and presents the real Paul. 90+ photos. |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: I Hear a Symphony Andrew Flory, 2017-05-30 Investigates how the music of Motown Records functioned as the center of the company's creative and economic impact worldwide |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Abstracts of Popular Culture , 1977 |
elton john and kiki dee relationship: Superstar Glyn Davis, 2008 Banned by the Carpenter Estate, Todd Haynes' experimental biopic Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story - which uses dolls to narrate the tragic life of the American singer - has attained significant cult status due to its illegality and lack of availability. This study details the film's fascinating history: its production and initial reception, the journey through the courts, and the subsequent bootleg circulation amongst fans. Superstar's rich, provocative and moving content is also explored, with attention focused on the film's aesthetics, generic form and its cultural position as a hybrid text.--Back cover. |