When I first began to chart a course around a piano keyboard, there was a particular singer songwriter I listened to every spare minute I had. And it sort of started with a high school graduation gift…an album. And that lead to me buying more albums from the same singer songwriter. One of those albums was a collection of Americana music. But not your typical songs. And certainly not from someone you’d ever guess would play that kind of music.
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This collection of Americana music was called “Tumbleweed Connection.”
And I already see the hands shooting into the air.
“Ooh, ooh, Tony. I know who it is. It’s Elton John. Right?”
Yeah. It’s Elton John. Americana music maestro.
“No, Tony,”you say. “He’s a British pop star.”
I won’t deny that. Elton John became a huge worldwide success. And not because of his Tumbleweed Connection style. No, his success came as a result of his versatile, ear-catching songwriting abilities. Well, his and Bernie Taupin’s. Bernie wrote the lyrics. And those lyrics might have played an even bigger part in Elton John’s success than the music.
But I’m probably too biased when it comes to lyrics.
Anyway…
If you’ve never heard the songs on Tumbleweed Connection, I recommend checking them out on YouTube. You can listen to the whole album there, free. And you’ll hear “country”sounding songs that outshine Nashville. Truly.
Steel guitars. Harmonicas. Acoustic guitars. And mighty nice vocal harmonies. The songs on this album definitely have that down home, nostalgic feel. And remember, this is all coming from some guys who were raised in England.
I’m writing about this because I listened to those songs a couple of nights ago.
And it took me back to those days and put a smile on my face.
But it also made me sad.
Because, back then, Elton John was, by far, my favorite singer songwriter. And he inspired me to figure out my way around a piano. And that lead to me writing songs, covering songs, and getting paid to play and sing.
But then…Elton decided to embrace and exhibit his homosexuality.
I remember some friends telling me he was “a homo.”And I didn’t believe them. But I soon found out they were right.
And I care too much about Elton’s eternal soul to simply accept and “tolerate”his perversion. What Elton fails to acknowledge is how he wouldn’t have even a molecule of his fame if not for God. And all Elton’s fame and fortune will eventually fade into flames. But his soul will go on.
And his soul will be in only one of two places.
So far, it doesn’t look good for Elton. He’s even gone so far as to live a life that mocks the institution of marriage. And he and his “partner”are even raising a couple of kids in a household that will drastically fail those kids.
I hope and pray Elton (aka Reginald Dwight) makes a connection with his Creator before it’s too late.
But so far, it looks like he’ll be an eternally tormented tumbleweed.
Temporary choices can last forever.
Decisions and ideas have consequences.
So, be aware your future’s in your own hands.
And choose before your afterlife commences.
Stay tuned,
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