Grammys Salute Sir Elton John’s Legendary Career With An All-Star Cast
The Recording Academy is celebrating Sir Elton John. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, music's finest will be at Madison Square Garden saluting the "Your Song" singer.
The Grammy Salute
Elton John: I'm Still Standing is the title of the Recording Academy's salute to the legendary piano rocker. The tribute is expected to take place at the iconic New York City concert venue Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, January 30, which also serves as the venue for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
"Elton John is an undeniable force within the music industry, and I can't think of a better musician to honor at this special GRAMMY Salute," said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. "We're proud to pay tribute to his artistry, and can't wait to see what the participating musicians have in store for this momentous celebration of Elton's work."
An All-Star Line-Up
The Recording Academy has recruited an all-star group of artists to pay homage to the legendary piano man. The Voice coach Miley Cyrus, comeback queen Kesha and fellow Oscar-winning singer Sam Smith are expecting to represent not just the Millennials, but also the pop music world. Country music will have a strong presence at the tribute as Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, and Miranda Lambert are expecting to take the Madison Square Garden stage. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and "All of Me" singer-songwriter John Legend will round out the first set of announced performers.
The Recording Academy is expected to reveal more names of participating artists as the tribute concert gets closer. The music organization has not announced what songs from Elton John's storied songbook have been assigned to the participating artists. However, Ehrlich has emphasized that the concert is expected to highlight Elton's legendary songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.
"In most cases, the songs being done have been chosen by the artist," said Ehrlich. "I'm planning to sit down with them and pick up some interviews on the process---Bernie writing lyrics and sending them to Elton---on how unusual and wonderful it is."
An Emotional Roller Coaster Year
The Recording Academy's announcement will undoubtedly brighten the mood of many of Elton John's fans. 2017 was not a kind year to the electric performer as he mourned the passing of his mother, Shelia Farebrother. He also revisited the death and friendship with Princess Diana in an ITV documentary that featured Prince William and Prince Henry. Elton also took to social media by posting a sweet message dedicated to England's Rose on the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. On a brighter note, the British piano man was also featured alongside Diddy, Beyonce, Drake, and Sir Paul McCartney in Forbes' Highest Paid Musicians of 2017.
