Most of us know Elton John as the man behind “Crocodile Rock,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Rocket Man.” But here is something worth knowing: he has been writing songs for other artists almost as long as he has been performing.
Long before his name was in lights, Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin signed with DJM Records in 1968 as staff songwriters. Their job was to write songs for other people. Some of those songs ended up becoming well-known hits, just not under Elton’s name.
Here are nine songs you have almost certainly heard that Elton John had a hand in writing.
Let Me Be Your Car — Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart’s fifth solo album, Smiler, came out in 1974. It featured covers from Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, and Sam Cooke. It also included a duet with Elton John himself and most people never realized Elton wrote it. The album went all the way to number one in the UK. John did not record his own version until 1992.
Supercool — Kiki Dee
John and Taupin wrote this track especially for British singer Kiki Dee, who included it on her 1973 album Loving and Free. They also contributed another song to that same album, “Lonnie & Josie.” Dee is remembered as the first female singer from the UK to sign with Tamla Records. A few years later, she and Elton would score a massive hit together with “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” in 1976.
Sweetheart on Parade — Judy Collins
This one came from a collaboration between John and songwriter Gary Osborne, a writing partner he worked with for many years. Grammy Award-winning folk and country singer Judy Collins recorded it in 1984. The following year, Australian singer and actor Geraldine Turner covered it as well.
Empty Sky — Roy Everett
“Empty Sky” opened Elton John’s debut album of the same name, released June 6, 1969. Written with Bernie Taupin, it runs eight and a half minutes, an ambitious rock piece for a debut record. What most people do not know is that Birmingham singer Roy Everett had already recorded his own version a month before the album came out.
Skyline Pigeon — Guy Darrell and Roger James Cooke
Another track from that 1969 debut, “Skyline Pigeon” is a harpsichord-driven, psychedelic-tinged ballad. British singers Guy Darrell and Roger James Cooke, himself a well-regarded songwriter, had recorded and released the song a year before Elton’s version appeared. John actually recorded the song twice: once for Empty Sky and again in 1972, swapping the harpsichord for piano.
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ — Scissor Sisters
American group Scissor Sisters formed in 2000 and built a following with their exuberant blend of glam rock and dance music. Their 2006 single “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin'” shot to number one in the UK and did well across Europe. Elton John co-wrote the song and played piano on the recording. It appeared on the group’s second album, Ta-Dah.
Snookeroo — Ringo Starr
After the Beatles went their separate ways, all four members launched solo careers. Ringo Starr’s albums do not always get the attention they deserve, but his fourth LP, 1974’s Goodnight Vienna, contains some real gems. “Snookeroo”, a song about rebellious youth, was co-written by John and Taupin, with John playing piano on the track.
Rocket Man — Kate Bush
John and Taupin’s “Rocket Man” first appeared as the lead single from the 1972 album Honky Château. It reached number two in the UK and number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, Kate Bush recorded her own version, one that some have ranked among the greatest covers of all time. For many listeners, her take is the first one that comes to mind. John’s original, of course, remains just as strong.
Easy as Life — Tina Turner featuring Angélique Kidjo
This sweeping ballad brought together two very different singing legends. John wrote it with lyricist Tim Rice, best known for his many collaborations with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song was originally created for Aida, a 1999 concept album John and Rice developed together. Their songs then became the foundation of the Broadway musical of the same name the following year.
Nine songs. Nine different artists. All carrying a melody that started with Elton John. The next time one of these comes on the radio, you will hear it a little differently.