Spark, ” Bluesology

Success was far from instant, as Bluesology worked for several years as a backup band for touring soul groups such as Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells, the Ink Spots, and as an opening act for his boyhood hero, Little Richard. Years later, John recalled, “When I saw Little Richard standing on top of the piano, all lights, sequins, and energy, I decided there and then that I was going to be a rock androll piano player!” Bluesology also backed up a blues singer named Long John Baldry, who had a number one hit in England, “Let the Heartaches Begin.” Not only did Baldry stand nearly a foot taller than the short and generally overweight Dwight, he became Dwight’s hero musically and in other ways. Soon thereafter, in 1967, Reggie Dwight made some changes. “Being called Reggie was kind of like a nightmare when I was young. I couldn’t wait to be somebody else,” he stated in a 1988 radio interview.

He took the name “Elton” from Bluesology’s sax player, Elton Dean, and “John” from Baldry. Armed with solid experience ranging from the classics to the blues, plenty of ambition, and a new name, the stage was set for him to move from backup to big time. All he needed was a special spark to light the fire within him. That spark was Bernie Taupin.

Upside Down Creative Process Elton John’s career as a pianist and as a singer was stalled; he even flunked a voice audition in 1967 at Liberty Records. He did, however, get work as a studio musician at Liberty, where Ray Williams, the head of A&R, handed him a bunch of lyrics written by a “fellow from Lincolnshire” who couldn’t compose music, named Bernie Taupin.