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Elton John Playing “Tiny Dancer” For The First Time

Elton John playing “Tiny Dancer” for the first time. What was it like? When you think about rock and roll, we’ve been fortunate to watch moments recently unearthed on tape…

American Express Presents BST Hyde Park:  Elton John

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: Elton John performs on stage as American Express present BST Hyde Park at Hyde Park on June 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Elton John playing "Tiny Dancer" for the first time. What was it like?

When you think about rock and roll, we've been fortunate to watch moments recently unearthed on tape - The Beatles work out "I've Got A Feeling" in the "Get Back" Documentary, Springsteen and Seger on stage together in Detroit - and this moment which is pure joy for any Elton John fan. Watch as a 23 year old Elton John plays Tiny Dancer for the first time....just days after writing (note the crumpled up paper with the lyrics). This a moment I'll never forget.

Besides "Tiny Dancer" - what are the first five Elton John songs that come to mind?

1. "Rocket Man"
"Rocket Man" is a song from Elton John's 1972 album Honky Château. The song was written by Bernie Taupin and was inspired by the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong. The song became one of John's signature hits, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2. "Bennie and the Jets"
"Bennie and the Jets" is a song from Elton John's 1974 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The song was written by Bernie Taupin and was inspired by the glam rock bands of the 1970s. The song became one of John's signature hits, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart.

3. "Candle in the Wind"
"Candle in the Wind" is a song from Elton John's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The song was written by Bernie Taupin and was inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. The song became one of John's signature hits, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

4. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is a song from Elton John's 1974 album Caribou. The song was written by Bernie Taupin and was inspired by the sunset over Lake Geneva. The song became one of John's signature hits, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.

5. "Your Song"
"Your Song" is a song from Elton John's 1970 self-titled debut album. The song was written by Bernie Taupin and was inspired by his then-girlfriend, Linda Woodrow. The song became one of John's signature hits, reaching number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.