Nice dig into Butler (about whom I knew little, just the main hit) and particularly Gamble & Huff, whose work I loved on Philly Internat'l/CBS. My main man, though, is Thom Bell. If I saw his name on a label, either as arranger, string arranger, or producer, I knew there'd be sweeping strings, and a full orchestra working overtime!
May I request a deep dive into the "Thom Bell Sessions" (recorded '77, released '79) really the only Elton John songs I really like. Why? Because they're the only ones he didn't write! And, they're all amazing BECAUSE Elton didn't write 'em (IMHO)! In fact, I even sang "Mama Can't Buy You Love," and "Are You Ready For Love" at karaoke many times! I would've sung "Three Way Love Affair" if they'd-a had it! Bell produced, and co-wrote "Are You Ready" with LeRoy Bell and Casey James. The latter two wrote the other two.
Tensions developed early (between La Elton and Bell) on the recording, hence no full album. Delving into THAT might prove enlightening! Again, very enjoyable read, Robert!
My "saddest CW poets" guesses are Whispering Bill Anderson and Johnny "Cry" Ray.
Thanks for reading! Elton's work with Thom Bell will be out on LP for this year's Record Store Day! I must confess I am completely unfamiliar with them but will check them out. Neither of the sad poets are among your guesses.
I didn't know about the LP for RSD! Thanks! If there's a "black hole" for many/most Elton fans, it's "The Thom Bell Sessions." Play one of those songs for a die-hard Elton fan/completist, they'll go, "Hmmmph! Sounds like Elton...who is it?" Lemme try a couple of ladies for "sad poets": Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline?
Nice dig into Butler (about whom I knew little, just the main hit) and particularly Gamble & Huff, whose work I loved on Philly Internat'l/CBS. My main man, though, is Thom Bell. If I saw his name on a label, either as arranger, string arranger, or producer, I knew there'd be sweeping strings, and a full orchestra working overtime!
May I request a deep dive into the "Thom Bell Sessions" (recorded '77, released '79) really the only Elton John songs I really like. Why? Because they're the only ones he didn't write! And, they're all amazing BECAUSE Elton didn't write 'em (IMHO)! In fact, I even sang "Mama Can't Buy You Love," and "Are You Ready For Love" at karaoke many times! I would've sung "Three Way Love Affair" if they'd-a had it! Bell produced, and co-wrote "Are You Ready" with LeRoy Bell and Casey James. The latter two wrote the other two.
Tensions developed early (between La Elton and Bell) on the recording, hence no full album. Delving into THAT might prove enlightening! Again, very enjoyable read, Robert!
My "saddest CW poets" guesses are Whispering Bill Anderson and Johnny "Cry" Ray.
Thanks for reading! Elton's work with Thom Bell will be out on LP for this year's Record Store Day! I must confess I am completely unfamiliar with them but will check them out. Neither of the sad poets are among your guesses.
I didn't know about the LP for RSD! Thanks! If there's a "black hole" for many/most Elton fans, it's "The Thom Bell Sessions." Play one of those songs for a die-hard Elton fan/completist, they'll go, "Hmmmph! Sounds like Elton...who is it?" Lemme try a couple of ladies for "sad poets": Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline?
No - but Patsy Cline has a connection to one of them.
Ooh, color me intrigued!
Stay tuned - that essay should be out in the middle of March.
I'll watch for it; in the meantime, I may do a little research! My guesses, so far, have just been off the top o' me noggin!
Country music isn't my strongest suit, but I'm gonna take a wild guess and go with:
-George Jones
-Merle Haggard
-Patsy Cline
The sad poets aren't found among your choices, though one does have a connection with Patsy Cline.
Hmmm. You've got my curiosity piqued! I'll have to give it some thought and try again.
Gotta love big orchestrations! My knowledge of country music is limited, but I'm excited to find out who the saddest musicians are.
Me too! The post on country will be coming mid-March or so...stay tuned!