Dee Murray: The Hidden Voice of Elton John’s Bassist

 Dee Murray: The Hidden Voice of Elton John’s Bassist

In 2019, a surprising discovery surfaced among fans and scholars of Elton John’s work: an unreleased recording featuring legendary bassist Dee Murray singing lead vocals. Widely acclaimed for his melodic basslines and harmony work during Elton John’s 1970s golden era, Dee Murray had never been publicly heard as a lead vocalist. The resurfacing of this track is therefore of significant historical and emotional value.

The recording took place in 1983 at Dee Murray’s private home studio in the Hollywood Hills. On that occasion, Dee performed the song “Don’t Put Out The Fire,” written by acclaimed songwriters Stephen Kipner and Peter Foldy. The session was informal, never intended for commercial release. Musicians featured on the track included longtime Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone, keyboardist Fred Mandel, and drummer Dennis Conway, with Dee himself handling both the bass and lead vocals.

Stephen Kipner, one of the song’s writers, is a major figure in the international pop landscape. Born in Australia, Kipner made his mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Among his most well-known compositions are “Physical,” made famous by Olivia Newton-John, and “Hard Habit to Break,” a hit for the band Chicago. Kipner has also written for artists such as Christina Aguilera, The Script, Natasha Bedingfield, and Kelly Clarkson.

Peter Foldy, co-writer of “Don’t Put Out The Fire,” is an equally versatile artist. Born in Budapest and raised in Canada, Foldy began his career as a singer-songwriter before moving into film and television as a screenwriter and director. In the 1970s, he charted several pop hits in Canada, establishing himself as a recognizable figure in the country’s entertainment industry. His collaboration with Kipner on the song Dee recorded reflects a convergence of talents from different creative spheres.

The release of this rare vocal recording reveals a little-known aspect of Dee Murray’s musicianship. His voice—steady, expressive, and emotionally resonant—offers a fresh perspective on his contributions to the Elton John Band. Though his legacy as an instrumentalist is firmly established, this track suggests a vocal talent that remained largely hidden. It serves as a poignant reminder of the quiet brilliance that often supports iconic stars from behind the spotlight.

Dee Murray passed away in 1992. For those interested in learning more about his personal life, rare photos of Dee with his children and family can be viewed at the following links:

Photos of Dee Murray’s children: https://www.angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub/murraykids.html

Photos of the Murray family: https://www.angelfire.com/ca/nigelfanclub/murrayfamily.html

I am currently seeking to get in touch with any family member of Dee Murray for the purpose of conducting a respectful interview about his life and legacy. If anyone has information or knows how to contact a relative of Dee, please feel free to message me privately via Messenger.

The track remains unofficial and is only available through informal channels and video platforms. Nevertheless, for those closely following the story of the Elton John Band and its musicians, it represents a true hidden gem—rich in personal and historical significance.

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