Elton John and Ryan Adams: A Brief but Impactful Collaboration
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In the early 2000s, a unique musical connection emerged between pop-rock legend Elton John and rising alt-country artist Ryan Adams. This collaboration, though brief, left a lasting mark on both artists’ careers, influencing Elton’s creative direction and providing Ryan with unprecedented recognition.
The relationship began after Adams released his debut solo album, Heartbreaker, in 2000. The album’s raw, emotional style caught Elton John’s attention. According to multiple reports, Elton admired the album so much that he purchased around one hundred copies to share with friends. He has stated that Heartbreaker inspired him to return to a more stripped-down, honest approach on his 2001 album Songs from the West Coast, describing the album as a source of personal motivation to “do better” musically.
Their first personal contact occurred shortly after Elton expressed his admiration. Ryan Adams recalled receiving a letter from Elton, followed by a phone call from London, in which Elton expressed his desire to meet him. This initial exchange led to live collaborations later that year.
In 2001, Elton appeared as a surprise guest at two of Ryan’s shows. On October 3, at Irving Plaza in New York, and October 8, at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, Elton joined Ryan on songs including “La Cienega Just Smiled” and duetted on “Rocket Man” and “New York, New York.” These performances established a visible musical chemistry between the artists.
In April 2002, the collaboration reached a wider audience through the television program CMT Crossroads. The format allowed Elton and Ryan to exchange songs, with Elton performing Ryan’s compositions and Ryan covering Elton’s classics, including “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man.” Elton praised Ryan on camera, calling him a “fabulous one.” The special aired on May 26, 2002, documenting the collaboration for a broad audience.
Another notable performance took place on March 24, 2002, at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party at Moomba Restaurant in Hollywood, California. Adams and Elton performed “Rocket Man” together. Elton appeared visibly uncomfortable witnessing Ryan out of control, while Ryan seemed altered — an observation that contextualizes the dynamic of the partnership during this period.
Chronologically, the documented collaborations are:
- October 3, 2001, Irving Plaza, New York — live performance of Ryan’s “La Cienega Just Smiled” and Elton’s “Rocket Man.”
- October 8, 2001, Lee’s Palace, Toronto — similar repertoire including “New York, New York” and “Rocket Man.”
- April 2002, CMT Crossroads recording, Nashville — song exchanges and duets.
- May 26, 2002, CMT Crossroads airing.
- March 24, 2002, Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, Hollywood — performance of “Rocket Man.”
Following these collaborations, Ryan Adams continued his solo career, releasing albums such as Rock n Roll (2003), Cold Roses (2005) with The Cardinals, and later solo works including Ashes & Fire (2011), Prisoner (2017), and Wednesdays (2020). In 2019, allegations of misconduct affected his career, delaying album releases and tours, including Big Colors, which was eventually released in 2021.
The partnership between Elton John and Ryan Adams did not continue extensively after 2002. There is no public record of a falling out; rather, the collaboration was based on mutual respect, admiration, and occasional artistic exchange. Differences in career focus and schedules contributed to the natural dissipation of the partnership.
Ultimately, the brief collaboration is notable for bridging generations and musical styles. Elton John credited Ryan Adams’ Heartbreaker as a source of inspiration that shaped one of his most praised albums in years, while Ryan gained the recognition and validation of performing with a global music icon. Live performances and the Crossroads special remain highlights of this creative exchange, leaving a legacy of sincere musical dialogue between two distinct artists.
Links:
- CMT Crossroads airing: https://idobi.com/news/sir-elton-meets-ryan-adams-at-the-crossroads/
- Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party 2002:
- Ryan Adams career update: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/06/ryan-adams-apologises-for-his-mistreatment-of-friends-and-colleagues
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