Elton John Interprets the Gershwin Legacy:“Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Love Is Here to Stay” (1994)

In 1994, Elton John contributed a distinguished performance to The Glory of Gershwin, an orchestral tribute album produced by George Martin that honored the musical legacy of George and Ira Gershwin. Rather than approaching these works as conventional pop covers, the project placed contemporary artists within a refined classical and jazz-oriented framework, emphasizing interpretative discipline and respect for the original compositions.

Elton John’s recording combines “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Love Is Here to Stay” into a single, cohesive track. The performance reflects a deliberate artistic choice: restraint replaces theatricality, and emotional clarity takes precedence over vocal excess. This approach aligns with the album’s broader objective of presenting Gershwin’s music as timeless repertoire rather than period nostalgia.

Originally composed in 1926 for the Broadway musical Oh, Kay!, “Someone to Watch Over Me” captures emotional vulnerability through understated lyricism. George Gershwin’s melodic structure, paired with Ira Gershwin’s intimate text, has allowed the song to endure as a standard interpreted across jazz, popular, and classical traditions. In contrast, “Love Is Here to Stay”, completed in 1938, represents a mature affirmation of enduring love. As George Gershwin’s final composition, later completed lyrically by Ira, the song carries historical and emotional significance that extends beyond its musical form.

The arrangement crafted for The Glory of Gershwin reinforces this emotional progression. Larry Adler’s harmonica is not ornamental; it functions as a melodic counterpoint, engaging in a subtle dialogue with Elton John’s vocal line. George Martin’s production ensures balance between orchestra, voice, and harmonica, avoiding stylistic intrusion while preserving tonal warmth and coherence.

This recording stands as a measured and respectful contribution to the Gershwin interpretive tradition. It demonstrates how artists from outside the jazz canon can engage meaningfully with classic material when guided by thoughtful production and musical integrity.

Watch the video below for more context and visual material related to this story:

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Technical Credits and Recording Information

Track Title:
Someone to Watch Over Me / Love Is Here to Stay

Composer:
George Gershwin

Lyricist:
Ira Gershwin

Performing Artist:
Elton John – lead vocals

Featured Musician:
Larry Adler – harmonica

Producer:
George Martin

Album:
The Glory of Gershwin

Recording Period:
1993–1994

Recording Locations:
Abbey Road Studios, London (primary sessions)

Release Date:
1994

Record Label:
Mercury Records (PolyGram / Universal Music Group)

Format at Release:
CD, Cassette, Vinyl (select markets)

Catalog / Serial Numbers (varies by territory):

• Mercury UK CD: 518 270-2

• Mercury US CD: 314 518 270-2

• Mercury LP (EU): 518 270-1

Genre Classification:
Orchestral Pop / Jazz Standards / Vocal Traditional

Copyright:
© 1994 PolyGram Records Ltd.

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