Solomon Burke – “Three Psalms of Elton” (1971)

SOUL SOLOMON BURKE- Electric Magnetism. MGM SE 4767 Solomon Burke has bounced back better

than ever, as his hardworking hit, "Elec-
tronic Magnetism," signals new vigor for Burke's career via his refreshing brand of pop -gospel, well -produced with today's sophisticated soul sound. Burke's "Three Psalms of Elton," an Elton John medley, "All for the Love of Sunshine," "Bridge of Life," plus his version of Sly's "Stand"
ring out with the news that Burke's back. Paul Humphrey and David T. Walker pro- vide the great beat.

Source:
JUNE 5, 1971
A BILLBOARD PUBLICATION

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1971/Billboard%201971-06-05.pdf

“Three Psalms of Elton” is the opening track of Solomon Burke’s 1971 album Electronic Magnetism, released by MGM Records under the catalog number SE-4767. The medley combines three Elton John and Bernie Taupin compositions: Your Song, Border Song, and Take Me to the Pilot. Burke transforms these contemporary pop pieces into a soulful, gospel-infused interpretation that reflects both his vocal power and his spiritual background.

Background and Recording
Electronic Magnetism marked a creative moment in Burke’s career, bringing together a sophisticated soul production with strong gospel overtones. The album features an impressive roster of session musicians, including David T. Walker, Joe Sample, Larry Knechtel, Louie Shelton, and Victor Feldman. Their contributions give the project a polished sound typical of early-1970s Los Angeles studio work.

The Medley
“Three Psalms of Elton” runs approximately 3:17 and presents the three Elton John songs as a unified spiritual statement. By calling them “psalms,” Burke elevates the material into a reverent setting, as if framing Elton John’s melodies within a gospel tradition. Your Song is rendered with tenderness, Border Song gains weight through Burke’s deeper vocal approach, and Take Me to the Pilot closes the medley with energetic soul phrasing. The arrangement blends organ, soft horns, rhythmic guitar, and light percussion to create an atmosphere that is both devotional and contemporary.

Electronic Magnetism was issued as a vinyl LP on MGM Records. The track “Three Psalms of Elton” appears on Side A of the album. Known matrix numbers for the LP include MGS-2572 and MGS-2573, associated with the SE-4767 pressing.
There is no reliable evidence that “Three Psalms of Elton” was released as a separate single (45 rpm). Discographies of Solomon Burke list other singles from the period, but this medley does not appear among them. The track is therefore considered an album-only recording.


Label, Catalog, and Formats
Label: MGM Records
Album catalog number: SE-4767
Matrix / Runout: MGS-2572 / MGS-2573
Format: LP, Stereo
Country: United States
Original Release Year: 1971

The medley is notable for showing Solomon Burke engaging directly with modern pop songwriting. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were rising rapidly in 1970–1971, and Burke’s decision to reinterpret three of their early works demonstrates both admiration and artistic curiosity. Rather than imitate Elton John’s arrangements, he re-imagines the songs through the lens of Southern soul and gospel, highlighting new emotional colors and lyrical depth.

Although not a hit single, “Three Psalms of Elton” remains a unique entry in Solomon Burke’s discography. It documents an intersection between classic soul and the emerging pop-rock era of the early 1970s. For collectors and fans, the track is appreciated for its originality, its strong musicianship, and its rare example of a soul legend paying tribute to Elton John through a medley format.

https://www.discogs.com/release/4077322-Solomon-Burke-Three-Psalms-Of-Elton-John?srsltid=AfmBOoru-rm9HqlTTYod6-a28gHYt-qefFbEy1k_hrTjV96-lCBHn2jy