This day in history

I know i know, it's a lame topic, but I have to get the creative process (using the word juices just seems wrong) flowing.

Today marks the birth date of one of the most influential artists of all-time. Sir Elton John. Now I know, also celebrating today are iconic figures such as: Sarah Jessica Parker, Danica Patrick, Cammi Granato, Tom Glavine, Juvenille, Lisa Turtle and Katherine McPhee. Ok, so scratch the last few as not really being iconic or influential. My editors warned me about another lengthy column, so I'm just choosing to focus on the one.

Elton holds the honor of not only having the best selling single of all-time (Candle in the Wind), but one of the very few artists to survive both drug addiction and an eating disorder, and THEN get signed by Disney. He's peerless in how he has managed to turn his career around from this addiction to becoming a huge proponent in the fight against AIDS, as well as being knighted in 1998.

The man is so widely admired in the music industry that when he announced he wanted to record a hip-hop/R&B album; Pharrell, Eminem, and Snoop among others immediate expressed interest. His performance with Eminem at the Grammys after accusations swirled of Eminem being homophobic, has to rank in the top 5 Grammy moments of all-time. Plus it's the best version of "Stan" you'll ever find. In addition, I'd highly recommend checking out his performance with Axl Rose on the Tribute to Queen!

Anytime you hear his songs at a bar, you just can't help but belt out the lyrics. How many times have you heard Bennie & the Jets, Your Song, Rocket Man and Saturday Night's alright for fighting.

I was able to interview via conference call both Axl Rose & Ozzy Osbourne, both who have cited Elton as a huge influence on their careers. I wish I could tell you what they said but between the shouting and groaning about Sharon, Chinese Democracy, and what sounded like Snuffalufugus, I quickly thanked them for their time and banged my head against the wall.

What will always stand out about Elton are the two iconic songs: Candle in the Wind and Tiny Dancer. Tiny Dancer practically made the movie "Almost Famous" and "Candle in the Wind" being a stunning tribute to Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana.

Many kids today will simply remember him as the guy who's written countless songs for Disney, which is a shame. I would urge all to see him in concert, especially on tour with Billy Joel. It's artistry at it's best and shows how a man has bounced back from the lowest of lows to becoming one of the top 5 most influential artists of all-time (according to Rolling Stone magazine).

"And you can tell everybody this is your song"