Women Cover Elton John: 5 Fun Live Cuts
Over the last 55 years, no single musical artist has had a greater singular impact than Elton John. As an entertainer, musician, and songwriter, John’s aptitude is simply second to none. As a global humanitarian and philanthropist, he has set the standard for the modern-day celebrity. And without his artistic contributions, the social songbook of the last half century would be a much lesser version of itself.
The man was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in March of 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He wasn’t legally “Elton John” until 1972 but by then, he was well on his way to stardom. His success in the recording industry speaks for itself. According to his official biography, “Elton has achieved two diamond, 43 platinum or multi-platinum, and 26 gold albums. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and has logged 67 Hot 100 entries between 1970 and 2000, including nine No. 1s. Launching his first tour in 1970, Elton has over 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries to his credit.”
John is one of the most admired artists by other artists. This is illustrated by the sheer number of distinctive artists who have covered his work. Since the beginning of his professional recording career, Elton’s tunes have been released by other performers. And most of them are pretty good because the songs are so good to begin with. But they are particularly effective when delivered from women due to their inspirational nature. When performed live by a female artist, the songs of Elton John seem to reach new heights. Here are five fun live cuts that illustrate the point.
“Border Song” – Annie Lennox
Released in April 1970, “Border Song” is the first John/Taupin tune to enter the U.S. charts, making No. 69 in the Cash Box Top 100. In March of 2024, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were honored with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. At the corresponding concert celebration, Annie Lennox kicked off the festivities with a resounding version of “Border Song.” Lennox, one half of the groundbreaking pop duo the Eurythmics, puts a haunting twist on an already somber song.
“Your Song” – Lady Gaga
This is the tune that introduced Elton to the masses. 54 years later, it remains the standard by which all his subsequent works are measured. Peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Your Song” is a near perfect love song in both sentiment and substance. Many artists have covered it but one performance that sticks out comes from another dynamic and flamboyant piano player. Lady Gaga performed “Your Song” at a 2018 Grammy Salute to John. As Elton immediately conveyed after the performance, Gaga’s rendition “will blow you away.”
“Madman Across the Water” – Brandi Carlile
The album of the same name was Elton’s third released in 1971. Overshadowed by the likes of “Tiny Dancer” and “Levon”, the title track was not released as a single. As a result, “Madman Across the Water” is a largely unknown tune to novice Elton fans. But it fits country songbird Brandi Carlile perfectly. In a stunning 2018 live rendition of the song that Brandi calls “rhythmically unique”, she absolutely mesmerizes. Carlile adds a poignant elasticity to the number while matching every ounce of John’s frenetic delivery. A fantastic Elton cover by any benchmark.
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” – Heart
Bernie Taupin penned the lyrics for this song after his first time to the Big Apple. It turned out to be the quintessential New York ballad. “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”, which Elton has called “one of my all-time favourites”, appeared on the 1972 album Honky Château. In 2002, legendary rock band Heart performed the tune on their summer tour and subsequent live album. Ann and Nancy Wilson impart a cautious optimism in this heartfelt rendition. In addition, the flawless fretwork and seasoned harmonies intensify the depth to one of John’s deepest numbers.
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – Sara Bareilles
Many consider this work Elton at his creative peak. From October 1973, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is the second single off the album of the same name. The tune reached No. 1 on the US Cash Box Top 100. Forty years later, American singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles included the iconic number on her live album at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse. Bareilles’ stripped-down rendition is superbly conceived and reaches places unexplored by the original. Regarding Sara’s performance, Elton said, “I was so blown away by the version of ‘Yellow Brick Road.’ I’ve never heard anyone sing one of my songs like that. Ever.”
