Elton John

by Philip Norman

Book Overview

A revealing biography of one of rock's most beloved, flamboyant, and controversial personalities, by the author of the classic Beatles biography, Shout Norman delivers a beautifully written, sympathetic portrait of the performer and songwriter of such hits as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Daniel, and Your Song. 40 photographs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517587629
• ISBN13: 9780517587621
• Release Date: February 1992
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 520 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very Detailed...

This is a very good book. I found it at my local library, and, being a very big fan of Elton John, I decided to give it a read. It is detailed, and it's very evident that the author went through great pains to make sure he interviewed as many people as possible in order to ensure accuracy, and that's to be commended. I have only 2 gripes about this book. One is that, rather than continue throughout the years, the author does a lot of jumping back and forth from chapter to chapter. One minute you're reading about Elton in 1971, and, just when you think you're on a straight track, for whatever reasons he deemed necessary, the story suddenly jumps back to several years earlier. It does make for confusion and sheer frustration. The second is how the author also cites Elton's amazing gift for mimicry when describing his early work playing compilation/cover albums as a session musician. He notes Elton's vocals on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder, "Up Around The Bend" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, and "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum as being uncannily close to, and not being able to tell the difference from, the originals. Well, back in '99 I purchased a CD in Australia called "16 Legendary Covers from 1969/70 As Sung By Elton John". I had completely forgotten about this CD until I read this book, and after giving it another listen, I'm wondering where the author has come up with his inane idea of his that EJ's vocals were amazingly similar to that of the originals. The 3 songs I listed above just happen to be included on that CD, and they don't even sound anywhere in the same vicinity as the originals when it comes to the vocals. It's a nice CD to own, if you're a major collector like I am, but don't believe what the author has stated in his book regarding EJ's vocal mimicry and early session work. Other than those, the book does make for a nice read. I just wish he had kept everything in chronological order, rather than continually jump back and forth between the years. The author also makes reference to a documentary that was filmed in 1973, and talks about it extensively, with footage being shot of Elton doing everything from lounging about to goofing off to recording. But, for all the detailed work that went into this book, he fails to mention that the documentary was eventually completed, and released, and entitled "Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say 'Goodbye To Norma Jean' and Other Things...". It wasn't released theatrically, but on television. Why the author chose to disregard this fact is beyond me.

Still the "Definitive" Biography

I sympathize with those who find the pace of this one troubling. I bought the first edition when it came out twelve years ago; I was only ten years-old but read it with eyes wide-open. I was excited to hear Norman was coming out with a new version including everything that the first edition and second edition originally offered--but with supplemental info that captured the story of his 1990s renaissance. I was, however, disappointed in the following:A) only one or two additional chapters had been added to cover this significant time of John's careerB) the discography (by leading archivist Mark Lewisohn) had been updated, but nowhere near as comprehensive (the new one is SHORTER)C) what had once been three extensive sections of color and b & w photos had been compromised into only two... so, be advised of these differences that make this new version a disappointing replacement for Norman's original.BUT, make no mistake. I have given 4 stars based on the merits of Norman's extensive research and outstanding writing as a biographer. He paints a fair and honest picture of a superstar based on first hand testimony from John's closest friends, relatives and bandmates. This is, and always will be, the 'definitve' portrait in words. This book was not "authorized", by the way. However, of the original, Elton John himself was quoted at the time as saying "He's got me spot on" (this quote is printed, of course, on the back of the book). I think that says enough. Enjoy the book.

Sensitive

This is a sensitive and articulated unauthorised biography of Elton John. In fact Elton has favourably stated that this is quite an accurate account of his life.Only Elton can fill in the gaps.For compelling reading by Philip Norman and for a great insite to the life of a legendary music star try to get your hands on a copy of this book.