Elton John

Elton John

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

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Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala Raises $3.9 Million

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The GRAMMY-winning legend's foundation continues its successful work fighting the life-threatening condition, in part because of great nights like this
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Nov 6, 2018 - 5:10 pm

On Nov. 5 the Elton John AIDS Foundation held its annual New York Fall Gala, "An Enduring Vision," raising $3.9 million for the music icon's charity at this year's event, to support its work surrounding HIV/AIDS research, prevention and treatment internationally. The evening also feature musical auction items and a performance by Sheryl Crow.

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"Your generosity enables us to support organizations responding to HIV/AIDS in communities where help is most needed," said John. "These organizations reach people who are often forgotten or overlooked and treat them with the dignity, respect and compassion they deserve."

The GRAMMY-winning legend was honored earlier this year by the Recording Academy's "Elton John: I'm Still Standing—A GRAMMY Salute," where he was feted by the likes of Kesha, Ed Sheeran and SZA.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation has been a leader in the fight to treat HIV/AIDS and raise awareness for 25 years. Additional musicians in attendance included Tony Bennett, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and Bernie Taupin.

Music-related artworks auctioned at the event included a set of 12 prints by Bernie Taupin signed by himself and John recognizing their 50 years of collaboration, photographs of John, Michael Jackson and more. A Tony Bennett original watercolor painting of the French Academy in Rome sold for $200,000.

John told a touching story about the photograph of Aretha Franklin's performance at last year's event that was auctioned for $100,000. It was her final public performance. "I couldn't let you down," she had told him, before walking on stage for the last time.

Elton John AIDS Foundation Receives $1 Million Donation From AEG Chair

Maren Morris

Maren Morris

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

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Maren Morris On Elton John Crossing Genres As A Soulful Chameleon

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The country artist praises John's soulful essence and his power to "dip into any genre easily" and sustain his music's impact across decades
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Apr 4, 2018 - 2:49 pm

Maren Morris, winner of Best Country Solo Performance at the 59th GRAMMY Awards for "My Church," sees Elton John from her perspective as a country artist with added gratitude for his personal support.

Maren Morris: Elton John's Soulfulness Has Power

The GRAMMY Camp alum chose "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters," from John's 1972 Honky Château album, to perform on the April 10 TV concert special "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Tribute."

This particular song perfectly illustrates how the legend impacted her own songwriting and career in music. "I thank the Lord for the people I have found" was Bernie Taupin's lyric at the center of the song's embrace of solitude and reflection, while surrounded by the urban hustle of New York. Morris' enthusiasm reflects a similar gratitude.

"Elton was one of the really early supporters of my career and my music," Morris said. "I was honored to be asked and just celebrate him because he's so influential on so many different genres of artists."

The first lines of "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" are a tip of the hat to soul singer Ben E. King's hit "Spanish Harlem," comparing a young lady to a beautiful rose. But Taupin's lyric takes a darker view of struggling to grow in the urban setting, asserting that "rose trees never grow in New York City." Although the song isn't one of John's many chart hits, it emerged through the years as a favorite, illustrating John and Taupin's ability to touch on deeper themes while penning a rousing ballad.

"He's a chameleon," said Morris. "He can really dip into any genre, easily, because he has that soul there. I think he's taught me if I keep that intact, you can do whatever you want over the decades with your music."

"Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" will feature performances by some of music's biggest names, including Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and SZA.

Tune in April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT for this two-hour concert special, only on CBS.

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Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

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"Candle In The Wind": Ed Sheeran Keeps Elton John's Flame Burning

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Listen to a preview of Sheeran's immaculate performance of a true classic and learn how Elton John's music inspired him as a child, teen and now as an adult
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Mar 23, 2018 - 2:59 pm

Ed Sheeran looked especially forward to honoring his friend Elton John on the April 10 TV concert special "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Tribute." Why? It was the legend's songbook that first got the "Shape Of You" singer/songwriter interested in music and would later inspire him to write his own songs.

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Sheeran's performance selection was "Candle In The Wind," one of the more storied songs of remembrance in music history. Originally released in 1974 in honor of Marilyn Monroe, a 1986 live recording was nominated at the 30th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, and the 1997 smash modified in memory of Princess Diana won at the 40th GRAMMY Awards for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

You'd think performing one of the biggest songs in the Elton John/Bernie Taupin catalog would rattle even the most seasoned performer, but that was not the case.

"I feel fortunate enough to be able to call him a friend," Sheeran said about Elton John. "I didn't feel that nervous. It just felt like playing a song to a mate. I know that sounds weird but it was a cool thing."

With John now planning to retire from touring and spend more time at home being a father, Sheeran felt gratified for the special opportunity to pay tribute to his mentor.

"In adult life, [Elton has helped] me sort of charter this weird little music industry game," he said. "It's been quite a journey so I wanted to be here honoring him."

"Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" will feature performances by some of music's biggest names, including Sheeran, Alessia Cara, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Shawn Mendes, Maren Morris, Sam Smith, and SZA.

Tune in April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT for this two-hour concert special, only on CBS.

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Elton John

Elton John

Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

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Elton John: Farewell Tour's March 2019 Show To Be His Last, Ever

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The GRAMMY-winner is planning his future as a dad who mostly works from home when his 300 tour dates conclude on March 15, 2019
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Jan 24, 2018 - 1:03 pm

At a special announcement with Anderson Cooper in New York on Jan. 24, Elton John revealed the 300 dates of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and shared his plans to make it his last, forever. "I've had an incredible life, but life is all about change," he said.

"I want to see friends. I want to spend time at my house," said Sir Elton. "I'm really looking forward to this tour and I'm really looking forward to the 300th date." He warned that we should expect it to be spectacular because he plans "to go out with a bang."

Fortunately one of these precious days away from the kids will be the concert "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Salute" on Jan. 30 in New York. Performers Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Maren Morris, Sam Smith, and Keith Urban will take the opportunity to echo back and reinterpret some of Elton John's heartfelt messages that are now deeply embedded in our culture.

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Although friends speculate that performing is unlikely to be something Elton John can do without, slowing down in one's 70s can also provide a springboard for a new chapter of life.

This "doesn't mean I won't still be creative," he observed, pointing out that performing can happen so long as it keeps him close to home. While the last dates of John's final tour will take place in 2021, we can expect this man of music to continue touching our lives and reaching our hearts forever.

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Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

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ASCAP Makes Disaster Relief Donation To MusiCares

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Donation will help music community members most affected by the fires
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 27, 2018 - 11:59 am

Performing rights organization ASCAP announced on Dec. 18 that it is donating to MusiCares to support music's creators including those "affected by the recent wildfires in northern and southern California" needing help with food, shelter and replacement of instruments or equipment.

"We are truly grateful for the support and ongoing partnership of ASCAP," said Recording Academy and MusiCares President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Their work on behalf of music people is vital, and their generosity to the music community is equally strong. This donation demonstrates how the music industry works together to take care of their own."

"We have all been stunned by the devastation caused by the California fires and the heartache and loss suffered by our members who reside there," said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, winner of three GRAMMY awards as a songwriter. "ASCAP has always been an advocate for music creators, and faced with these terrible circumstances, we have their backs. We are pleased to work with MusiCares to get help to those who need it most."

Members may make disaster relief requests by contacting MusiCares toll-free at 1.800.687.4227.

For those wishing to donate, the "Gift Designation" choice at MusiCares' donation page offers "Disaster Relief" as a selection.

"The music community knows that it can turn to MusiCares in times of distress," said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. "They have the organization and the infrastructure necessary to respond to these horrible events and help members of the music community in times of need. We're glad to work with MusiCares once again to ensure that our funds reach the people most affected by the fires."

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