The Illustrated Cornflakes & Classics A musical history of Elton John
by Paul Maclauchlan
Copyright 1989, 2006 Paul Maclauchlan
Permission granted to copy this information if credit is given
1969
Jan 7 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Stayed at home. Wrote: Empty Sky, Flowers Will Never Die."
Jan 11 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Eurovision songs start. Are You Ready For Love. Not bad."
Jan 12 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went to LJB's birthday party had row with Bernie." (LJB: Long John Baldry)
Jan 17 1969
UK 45
Phillips BF1739 (did not chart)
Lady Samantha (3:03)
*All Across The Havens (2:54)
Elton John's second (and last) single for Phillips. Elton John plays organ, piano & electric piano. A newspaper article quotes Reg Dwight: "I want recognition as an artist and a songwriter."
Reviews
Disc & Music Echo: "Elton John's Lady Samantha is nice thought it's much as we've heard before. Semi-Elizabethan feel but lyrically interesting."
New Musical Express: "Co-written by Elton, this is typically professional and musicianly - Elton has written several big numbers for others. Lyrics are sensible and worthwhile - not part of the underground-type scene. A promising talent."
Melody Maker: "1969 is going to be the year of Elton John, say those anxious promoters introducing this pianist - organist - harpsichordist - celeste playing singer in our midst. I don't want to appear a prophet of gloom, but I distinctly remember 1943 was going to be the year of Ezekial Sludgegulper - and look what happened to him! Nevertheless, Elton has a sturdy voice, and this is an interesting guitar-ridden sound that could well create waves of interest. V. good and a gold star."
Jan 17 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Lady Samantha released. Stayed home. Saw: Lady In Cement - Good; Secret Life Of An American Wife - Lousy."
Jan 1969
US 45
DJM 7008 (did not chart)
Lady Samantha
*All Across The Havens
Jan 1969
ENGLAND AUDITION
Elton John auditions for the position of lead singer with King Crimson, Robert Fripp's new group. Elton is turned down.
Feb 1 1969
UK TV - Lulu's TV Show
I Can't Go On Living Without You - Lulu
The Elton John & Bernie Taupin song is one of six songs selected as a British entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. Lulu was chosen as the performer to represent Britain, and she performed the song on her Saturday pop TV show.
Reviews
Excerpts from reviews in the Daily Express, where one credit reads "Bernie Paupin" and the other "Bernie Taublin":
"It would be hard to get this title on a postcard when voting. A very unimaginative title for what is just a dull and uninteresting song."
"Elton John is undoubtedly a promising talent of the future... listen to his record Lady Samantha. But Saturday's song has little chance of representing Britain in the contest.
After a promising introduction I strained my ears to hear a non-existent melody coupled with a pathetic lyric which consisted of the title phrase and very little else."
Feb 3 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went in to the office. General reaction to Lulu - not very good. Slated in the Daily Express by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter."
Feb 1969
UK 45 - The Bread And Beer Band
DECCA
*The Dick Barton Theme (The Devil's Gallup)
*Breakdown Blues
Elton John played piano in the band. Other members: Bernie Calver (bass); Caleb Quaye (quitar), Roger Pope (drums) and two Jamaican percussionists Rolfo and Lennox.
Hookfoot 1970 Roger Pope, Caleb Quaye, Ian Duck and Dave Glover
Elton John (Reg Dwight) was the keyboardist for The Bread and Beer Band in the late 1960s - at the same time he was attempting to launch his solo career as Elton John. "Dick Barton Theme (The Devil's Gallop)" was the band's only official release. The Bread and Beer Band was Reg Dwight, Caleb Quaye on guitar, Roger Pope on drums, Bernie Calvert on bass, and Lennox Jackson on percussion. They were produced by Tony King. The song, written by Charles Williams, had been a radio theme song on the BBC in the 1940s. Fortunately for all of us music-loving humans, The Bread & Beer Band was not a success, but young Elton John managed to keep his carrer going for the next 40 years!!!! And still going strong!
Feb 1969
UK LP - THE BREAD AND BEER BAND
Unreleased
Wooly Bully
Mellow Yellow
If I Were A Carpenter
Zorba's Dance
The Letter
Quick Joey Small
Needles And Pins
God Knows (A Bit Of Freedom)
Billy's Bag
Last Night
An instrumental album, recorded in February 1969 at EMI Studio, Abbey Road, planned for release in June 1969, but cancelled. Only exists as test pressings and sample covers. Produced by Chris Thomas.
Elton John played piano in the band. Other members: Bernie Calver (bass); Caleb Quaye (quitar), Roger Pope (drums) and two Jamaican percussionists Rolfo and Lennox.
Tony King, the producer that founded The Bread And Beer Band, discusses this unreleased album in an article in the December 1975 issue of the US magazine Circus Raves.
Feb 1969
UK 45 - Ayshea
Polydor 56502
[Another Night]
Taking The Sun From My Eyes (Elton John / Bernie Taupin)
The A-side has no connection with Elton John.
Feb 1969
UK LP - Currency - Plastic Penny
Page One POLS 014
Turn To Me (Elton John / Bernie Taupin)
The group Plastic Penny included drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Tony Murray.
Feb 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
Child
This song has not been released by any artist.
Mar 28 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Lunch with Tony Brandon 12:30. Going to Bernie's 2:20. Just caught the train. Went out tonight with Ralf and Pete."
Mar 29 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Watched the Grand National and then went to see Owmby United win 2-1. Went to R.A.F. Waddington tonight."
Mar 30 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Got up early to play football, but Pete didn't come. Pete - Dave came round in the afternoon."
Mar 1969
ENGLAND RECORDING SESSION - The Scaffold
Elton Johnsession work.
Apr 10 1969
ELTON'S DIARY / RECORDING SESSION - Olympic Studios, Barnes
It's Me That You Need
"Recording at Olympic It's Me That You Need 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. Session was great. Helped in Musicland today."
Apr 11 1969
ELTON'S DIARY / RECORDING SESSION - Olympic Studios, Barnes
It's Me That You Need
"Going to Steve's for weekend. Heard the tapes today, decided to do the vocal again. Helped in Musicland. Saw The Party and Hannibal Brooks again with Steve, Gill and Dave."
Apr 12 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Caught the 9:30 train and went into Musicland. Got "duffed up" on the way home. Went straight to bed."
Apr 12 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Got up and went to play football and took photos."
Apr 22 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went into Musicland today. Got home tonight to find that Auntie Win and Mum had bought me a car - Hillman Husky Estate - Superb!!"
Apr 30 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Tony King - 12:30. Got up at 11:30!! But made it O.K. Went to the office - offer to open a carwash in Cricklewood - what!! Stayed in tonight. My glasses broke."
Apr 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
Last To Arrive
This song has not been released by any artist.
Apr 1969
ENGLAND RECORDING - Dick James Studios, London
Just Like Strange Rain
May 16 1969
UK 45
DJM DJS8205 (did not chart)
It's Me That You Need (4:01)
Just Like Strange Rain (3:47)
May 28 1969
UK 45 - The Family Dogg $
Bell BLL 1055 (UK: #6; 14 weeks)
#A Way Of Life
[Elton John: piano]
Albert Hammond featured in the group The Family Dogg.
May 28 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Pinner Fair. Went up to get paid. Went to the fair with Mick and Pat. I won a coconut and two goldfish!! - John and Yoko."
May 29 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"My goldfish died tonight - very upset!!"
May 30 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went to get some more goldfish. Got a tank and four fish. Played tennis with Tony's friend Mark - won 6-2 6-4 2-6 4-6 6-0."
Jun 3 1969
UK LP - EMPTY SKY
DJM DJLPS 403
Empty Sky
Val-Hala
Western Ford Gateway
Hymn 2000
Lady What's Tomorrow
Sails
The Scaffold
Skyline Pigeon
Gulliver / Hay Chewed
Elton John: piano, organ, electric piano, harpsichord; Caleb Quaye: electric & acoustic guitars, conga drums; Tony Murray: bass guitar; Roger Pope: drums, percussion; Don Fay: tenor saxophone, flute; Graham Vickery: harmonica. Nigel Ollson: drums on Lady What's Tomorrow.
All compositions by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Recorded at the studios of Dick James Music Limited. Steve Brown: producer; Frank Owen: engineer; Clive Franks: tape operator & whistling; Dave Larkham: sleeve design & illustration; Jim Goff: sleeve production & lunch.
Liner notes
On the scene comes a refreshing new talent, ELTON JOHN, if he has any gimmick at all it is his warmth, sincerity and total involvement in music, so listen closely to this his first album, and like me you'll be saying "I can't wait to hear the next one". - Tony Brandon
When I was a small boy there was a man who used to sing to an even smaller guitar, and his name was Elton Hayes. Nice little runcible songs that helped to make the summers longer than they ever seem to be now.
Elton John plays and sings and pleases on this album but unlike his namesake he does not confine himself exclusively to the brighter side of life. The runcible has since changed to the smouldering crucible of a million injustices. It's a sign of the times. I too want to hear the pealing bells of distant churches sing. When it does happen it will be a sign of tomorrow. And Elton will have a song about that as well. - David Symonds
A great deal of hard work and late nights have been caused in making this album. Special thanks to Stewart and Jeff for guarding the studio with complete devotion.
Bernie and I would also like to thank John and Ian for providing many hours of inspiration and also to everyone at "Auntie" for encouragement and good wishes. - Elton John
Elton John:
"Making the Empty Sky album still holds the nicest memories for me, because it was the first I suppose. We used to walk back from the sessions at about four in the morning and stay at the Salvation Army headquarters in Oxford Street. Steve Brown's dad used to run the place, and he used to live above it."
"I used to sleep on the sofa. It's difficult to explain the amazement we felt as the album began to take shape, but I remember when we finished work on the title track... it just floored me. I thought it was the best thing I'd ever heard in my life."
Reviews
Evening Standard
I have aways held that the best of pop music is closely related to the culture and tempo of the moment. Pop is, I believe, only a poetic and musical illustration of the times and it's for this reason that the blues have always held such enormous potency, and why the Beatles with their songs about meter maids, old age, spinsters, etc. have found such a huge appreciation.
This record by Elton John, nicely recorded though it may be, is, to my mind, practically unrelated to anything I experience. While the melodies are sweet, it is unadventurous, the lyrics seem to be a bit self-consiously cultured and "poetic" in a highly fanciful style.
The last track is the best one. Called Gulliver, it is about the death of a dog, but it is evenually spoiled by a musical montage of no great significance. To be fair though I think we'd do well to watch out for Elton John. He has a talent. When he gets less fanciful, and less pretentious, he will I'm sure have a more worthwhile contribution to make.
Unknown (from a clipping)
This is a sort of folk-rock album. When I first saw it, before I heard it, I couldn't believe that the record could be as bad as the cover design and I was right. The record is excellent. All the numbers are original and make very pleasant listening. If you have an hour to spare, give the album a spin and "turn on."
Elton John - Empty Sky
CD
Jun 25 1969
ENGLAND SESSION - Abbey Road Studios, London
#He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
Elton John plays piano on the session.
Jun 1969
FILM RECORDING SESSION - For The Games
From Denver To LA
The film soundtrack contains this song by Elton John. See the Internet Movie Database listing.
Jul 11 1969
ENGLAND RECORDING SESSION - Aeolian Hall, BBC London Studio 2
+Son Of Your Father
+Lady Samantha
+Sails
+Rock And Roll Madonna
Elton John: piano; Roger Pope: drums; David Glover: bass; Caleb Quaye: guitar. Unknown Producer.
Broadcast July 20 1969 on the Symonds On Sunday show.
Jul 20 1969
UK RADIO - BBC - Symonds On Sunday
David Symonds, 10am to noon.
+Son Of Your Father
+Lady Samantha
+Sails
+Rock And Roll Madonna
Elton John: piano; Roger Pope: drums; David Glover: bass; Caleb Quaye: guitar.
Recorded July 11, 1969, Aeolian Hall, BBC London Studio 2. Produced by: ? (commissioned by Paul Williams)
Jul 28 1969
ENGLAND RECORDING SESSION - The Camden Theatre, London
+Rock And Roll Madonna
+Empty Sky
+Son Of Your Father
+Sails
Elton John: piano; Roger Pope: drums; David Glover: bass; Caleb Quaye: guitar. Unknown Producer.
Broadcast August 9 1969 on the Johnnie Walker show
Jul 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
I'm Going Home (Elton John / Bernie Taupin)
[Elton John: piano]
This song had not been released by any artist, until it cropped up on a Simon Dupree collection on April 27 2004.
Part Of My Past - Simon Dupree & The Big Sound
2 CD set
Aug 9 1969
UK RADIO - BBC - Johnnie Walker
Saturdays 2 to 3:55pm.
+Rock And Roll Madonna
+Empty Sky
+Son Of Your Father
+Sails
Elton John: piano; Roger Pope: drums; David Glover: bass; Caleb Quaye: guitar.
Recorded July 28, 1969, The Camden Theatre, London. Produced by: ? (commissioned by John Bussell)
Aug 14 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Didn't wake up until 3:00. Bernie went to the dentist. Steve came over tonight. Got drunk on Merrydown. Bernie very ill."
Aug 15 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went to the office with Steve. Bernie not feeling too good stayed behind. Lunch with Lionel. Helped Ian out this afternoon. Rita Bateman left today."
Aug 15 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Going to Bournemouth. We (Bern, Sal, Cathy, Stevie and I) left at 9:30. Got there at 2:00. Accom OK. Went for a swim tonight - superb."
Aug 23 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Going on holiday to Ilfracombe. Got up at 3:30. Got to Mulacott Cross at 11:00. Got tents up O.K. Went to W. And Il."
Aug 24 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went to beach today. Rained tonight."
Aug 31 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Going to the I.O.W. to see "Bob". Too much!!"
Along with "Bob" (aka Bob Dylan), Elton John sees The Band at the Isle Of Wight Festival.
Aug 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
Big Circle Of Stone (Elton John / Bernie Taupin / Caleb Quaye)
This song has not been released by any artist.
Aug 1969 to Aug 1970
UK LPs & EPs - various anonymous cover versions of hit songs
Albums include:
Charbusters Again (Marble Arch), Hits '70 (Music For Pleasure MFP 1383), Top Hits Of 1970 (unknown label), Pick Of The Pops (Deacon 1010) & other titles and labels (Gallery, Hallmark, Boulevard, Avenue) $
Song Title ("Original" Artist) - shown in alphabetic order
All Right Now (Free)
Back Home (1970 England World Cup Squad)
The Best Of Both Worlds (Lulu)
Come And Get It (Badfinger)
Cotton Fields (The Beach Boys)
Don't Forget To Remember (Bee Gees)
Down The Dustpipe (Status Quo)
Early In The Morning (Vanity Fare)
Everybody Get Together (Dave Clark Five)
Good Morning Freedom (Blue Mink)
Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha (Cliff Richard)
I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top (Hollies)
I Will Survive (Arrival)
I'll Say Forever My Love (Jimmy Ruffin)
It's All In The Game (Four Tops)
In The Summertime (Mungo Jerry)
(I'll Be Your) Jack In The Box (Clodagh Rodgers)
Jingle Jangle (Archies)
Knock, Knock, Who's There? (Mary Hopkin)
Lady D'Arbanville (Cat Stevens)
Lola (Kinks)
Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) (Edison Lighthouse)
Love Of The Common People (Nicky Thomas)
My Baby Loves Lovin' (White Plains)
Natural Sinner (Fair Weather)
Neanderthal Man (Hotlegs)
Rainbow (Marmalade)
Saved By The Bell (Robin Gibb)
She Sold Me Magic (Lou Christie)
Si Tu Dois Partir (Fairport Convention)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) (Stevie Wonder)
Snake In The Grass (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich)
Soul Deep (Box Tops)
Spirit In The Sky (Norman Greenbaum)
Sugar Sugar (Archies)
Too Busy Thinking 'Bout My Baby (Marvin Gaye)
Travellin' Band (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
United We Stand (Brotherhood Of Man)
Up Around The Bend (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) (Junior Walker and the All Stars)
The Wonder Of You (Elvis Presley)
Yellow River (Christie)
Young, Gifted And Black (Bob & Marcia)
Elton John recorded (played piano, sang lead or backup) many cover versions of popular songs. These were released on sound-alike albums & EPs that were sold at stores like Woolworths. The musicians on these albums were uncredited... in fact, some of the cover copy challenged the listener: "Can you tell the difference between these and the original sounds?" These "copycat cover" sessions continued after the release of Empty Sky and even after the Elton John album. The artist being mimicked is shown in brackets.
20 of these songs were collected on CD titled Reg Dwight's Piano Goes Pop in October 1994 by RPM International. Tim Joseph wrote this essay for that release's liner notes.
Sep 1 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Got back home at 6:30. Tonight Bernie and I went to Putney to see his mum and dad."
Sep 2 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went into the office - being decorated. Bought a new jacket. Bernie bought new suit. Went to Cathy's tonight (picked her up) and she came over to us."
Sep 21 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Going to see The Who at "Croydon". Took Catherine. They were excellent."
Croydon: Croydon Fairfield Hall
Sep 30 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Derf's birthday. Went up to the office all day. The units didn't come. Very fed up. Caleb's group signed - will nothing go right!!"
Sep 30 1969
ENGLAND RECORDING SESSION - BBC London Maida Vale 5 Studio
+Border Song
+Rock And Roll Madonna
Produced by Jeff Griffin. Broadcast October 11 1969 on the Speakeasy show.
Oct 4 1969
UK 45 - The Hollies
Parlophone R 5806 (UK: #3, 15 weeks; 1988 re-issue EMI EM 74: #1, 11 weeks)
#He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
[Elton John: piano]
Oct 11 1969
UK RADIO - BBC - Speakeasy
Saturdays 5 to 5:45pm, presented by Jimmy Savile.
+Border Song
+Rock And Roll Madonna
Recorded September 30, 1969, BBC London Maida Vale 5 studio. Produced by: Jeff Griffin.
Oct 27 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Session De Lane Lea 9:00 Bobby Bruce. Stayed home today. Went to South Harrow market. The session was hilarious. Didn't do anything in the end. Wrote Your Song."
Oct 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
She Sings Rock And Roll
In The Morning
None of these songs have been released by any artist.
Oct 1969
UK SINGLE - Guy Darrell
Sing Me No Sad Songs - Guy Darrell
Elton John and Bernie Taupin composition. The single was immediately withdrawn. The song remained unreleased until October 1974.
Nov 12 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Stayed home today. Had a phone call from Danny Hutton all the way from L.A. We've got some tracks on their next album. I'm so knocked out. Phoned Dick, Steve, Bernie. Watched the football tonight."
Nov 14 1969
UK 45 - Simon Dupreee And The Big Sound
Parlophone R 5816
[The Eagle Flies Tonight]
#Give It All Back
[Elton John: piano]
This track was released on CD on April 27 2004.
Dec 9 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went into Musicland all day. Left at 5:00 because Dick wanted to see Bernie and I about writing a film song. Went for a meal with John and Iain."
Dec 20 1969
US 45 - The Hollies
Epic 10532 (US: #7, 18 weeks)
#He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
[Elton John: piano]
Dec 29 1969
ELTON'S DIARY
"Went into Musicland all day. In the evening went to Muff and Zena's. Played football and watched TV. Muff in great gallactic form tonight!!"
Dec 1969
UK COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION
All The Way Down To El Paso
Thank You Mama
None of these songs have been released by any artist.
1969
ENGLAND STUDIO SESSION - Simon Dupreee And The Big Sound
#Laughing Boy From Nowhere
[Elton John: piano]
Recorded for the unreleased second album Once More Into The Breach Dear Friends, this tracks was eventually released on April 27 2004.
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