ANNOUNCER: Tonight from DAR Structure Corridor in Washington, DC, a grateful nation salutes the legendary composing crew of Elton John and Bernie Taupin with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Standard Track.
With performances by Garth Brooks Brandi Carlile Annie Lennox Jacob Lusk of Gabriels Metallica Joni Mitchell Maren Morris Charlie Puth Particular appearances by Emilio and Gloria Estefan Carole King Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Surprise.
Particular performances by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
And hosted by Billy Porter!
ANNOUNCER: Please welcome the host of tonight’s present, actor, singer, Tony, GRAMMY, Emmy, and GLAAD Media Award winner… Billy Porter!
♪ ELTON: Until landing brings me spherical once more to seek out ♪ ♪ I am not the person they suppose I’m in any respect… ♪ ♪ PORTER: Effectively, Elton and Bernie, we’re positively not at landing but, and the guided missile the 2 of you’ve got been on since 1967 exhibits no signal of crashing and burning, however slightly persevering with to soar ever greater into the stratosphere and preserve our musical star subject vibrant and glowing with its singular luminescence and wonderful musical brilliance.
Tonight, we’re all lucky to share another rocket journey with you courtesy of the Library of Congress which has properly determined to carry solely its third writing crew and second and third Brits into the vaunted airspace of the Gershwin Prize for Standard Track.
(viewers applause) And you’ve got been gracious sufficient to ask us alongside to a night that not solely seems to be again at this outstanding partnership however permits a few of your musical mates to return alongside and salute you in the way in which they know greatest, by way of their most private variations of your phrases and music.
Let’s begin with an artist who has usually expressed her respect for each Elton and Bernie, and who final 12 months carried out on this stage in celebration of the 2023 Gershwin Prize honoree, Joni Mitchell.
A multi-GRAMMY, Academy Award, and Golden Globe-winning composer and performer, please welcome… Annie Lennox!
(viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
(“Border Track” performs).
♪ LENNOX: Holy Moses.
♪ ♪ I’ve been eliminated.
♪ ♪ I’ve seen the specter.
♪ ♪ He has been right here too.
♪ ♪ Distant cousin from down the road.
♪ ♪ Model of people that ain’t my sort.
♪ ♪ Holy Moses, I’ve been eliminated.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Holy Moses.
♪ ♪ I’ve been deceived.
♪ ♪ Now the wind has modified course ♪ ♪ And I’ve to depart.
♪ ♪ Will not you please excuse my frankness?
♪ ♪ However it ain’t my cup of tea.
♪ ♪ Holy Moses, I’ve been deceived.
♪ ♪ I am going again to the border the place my affairs.
♪ ♪ My affairs ain’t abused.
♪ ♪ I am unable to drink any extra dangerous water.
♪ ♪ Been poisoned from my head all the way down to my sneakers.
♪ ♪ Whoah-oh-ho.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh.
♪ ♪ (Ooh), ♪ ♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.
♪ ♪ (scatting rhythmically).
♪ ♪ Will not you please excuse my pal, yeah.
♪ ♪ Excuse my pal, let’s go!
♪ ♪ Holy Moses, I’ve been deceived.
♪ ♪ Holy Moses, allow us to dwell in peace.
♪ ♪ (Ahh).
♪ ♪ Allow us to attempt to discover a solution to make all hatred stop.
♪ ♪ (Ahh).
♪ ♪ There is a man over there ♪ ♪ What’s his colour?
♪ ♪ I do not care ♪ ♪ He is my brother, allow us to dwell in peace.
♪ ♪ He is my brother, allow us to dwell in peace.
♪ ♪ He is my brother.
♪ ♪ Allow us to dwell.
♪ ♪ Allow us to dwell.
♪ ♪ In peace.
♪ ♪ Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.
♪ ♪ Allow us to dwell in peace, peace, peace, peace, peace.
♪♪ Sure!
(viewers applause).
♪ ELTON: Stroll me all the way down to… ♪♪ TAUPIN: I believe the music, the muse of our relationship has all the time been the music.
However it had additionally had been about our friendship.
Um, two people, very a lot type of, adrift on this planet at a younger age.
Um, Elton coming from a slightly, um, troublesome household background.
Uh, being at odds together with his father, being dominated by his father, but being inspired by his mom.
However, as an entire, not having a tremendously, um, childlike childhood, a cheerful childhood.
The place I got here from a fairly idyllic childhood the place my mother and father by no means ever, uh, crushed my desires or instructed me I could not do what I wished to do.
They by no means ever stopped me from going ahead.
ELTON: He was, type of, the brother I by no means had and he was transferring all the way down to London.
He was from the sticks in Lincolnshire and we turned greatest mates.
We went to the cinema collectively, we went to concert events collectively, we wrote collectively, we learn collectively, we listened to music collectively.
It was the beginning of a tremendous collaboration and a permanent friendship, which is even stronger than it was then.
Once I get the written phrase, I am impressed to write down a melody to the written phrase and it is simply, it is fantastic as a result of I’ve by no means gotten bored with the method since you by no means know what sort of lyric you are going to get.
So you do not know what sort of melody you are going to get.
JOHNSTONE: Once I, once I, you realize, first began working with Elton and Bernie and felt how highly effective their songwriting was, not solely musically however lyrically, the entire thing.
It was a joint scenario.
It needed to occur that approach.
I believe that is why a number of different musicians, songwriters, bands began coming alongside to observe Elton, to observe the, to observe us as a result of it turned evident that we have been doing it in a approach that was, you realize, we would nailed how to do that.
It was nearly like, “Okay, that is the way in which this needs to be finished.”
ELTON: We write songs that we hope will final and our songs have lasted.
And so have the Gershwin’s, you realize?
Um, the Rogers and Hammerstein, all these fantastic folks.
Um, the Cole Porters of this world.
They wrote basic songs and when you had a basic that folks love, it by no means ever goes away.
ANNOUNCER: Please welcome earlier Library of Congress Gershwin Prize honoree, 7-time CMA Entertainer of the 12 months… Garth Brooks!
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Sorry Appears to be the Hardest Phrase”).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ BROOKS: What do I gotta do to make you’re keen on me?
♪ ♪ What do I gotta do to make you care?
♪ ♪ What’ll I do when lightning strikes me?
♪ ♪ And I wake to seek out that you just’re not there?
♪ ♪ What do I gotta do to make you need me?
♪ ♪ What do I gotta do to be heard?
♪ ♪ What do I say when it is throughout?
♪ ♪ Oh, sorry appears to be the toughest phrase.
♪ ♪ And it is unhappy.
♪ ♪ (So unhappy).
♪ ♪ It is so unhappy.
♪ ♪ It is a unhappy, unhappy scenario.
♪ ♪ And it is gettin’ an increasing number of absurd.
♪ ♪ And it is unhappy.
♪ ♪ (So unhappy).
♪ ♪ It is so unhappy.
♪ ♪ Why cannot we speak it over?
♪ ♪ Oh, it appears to me.
♪ ♪ That sorry appears to be the toughest phrase.
♪ ♪ (accordion solo) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ And it is unhappy.
♪ ♪ (So unhappy).
♪ ♪ It is so unhappy.
♪ ♪ It is a unhappy, unhappy scenario.
♪ ♪ And it is gettin’ an increasing number of absurd.
♪ ♪ It is so unhappy.
♪ ♪ (So unhappy).
♪ ♪ It is so unhappy.
♪ ♪ Why cannot we speak it over?
♪ ♪ Oh, it appears to me.
♪ ♪ That sorry appears to be the toughest phrase.
♪ ♪ What do I gotta do to make you’re keen on me?
♪ ♪ Oh, what have I gotta do to be heard?
♪ ♪ What’ll I do when lightning strikes me?
♪ ♪ What have I gotta do?
♪ ♪ What have I gotta do?
♪ ♪ Yeah, when sorry appears to be ♪ ♪ The toughest phrase?
♪♪ (viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
JOHNSTONE: I’ve obtained to say, and that is all looking back, as a result of I, once I first met Elton, um, within the studio, at Trident Studios once we have been doing, “Madman Throughout the Water”, uh, it was instantly obvious to me what an amazing musician this man was, what an excellent singer this man was, um, however this is the factor…
With out a nice track like, “Madman Throughout the Water” uh, like “Rotten Peaches” you realize, like “Tiny Dancer” or like, “Levon” which have been all on this album and I used to be lucky sufficient to be enjoying on this, this superb assortment of songs.
It simply struck me that that is what, that they had discovered, they discovered one thing very magical and really particular.
ANNOUNCER: Please welcome 11-time GRAMMY Award winner, Brandi Carlile!
(viewers applause).
CARLILE: Thanks.
There’s not one factor on this planet that would have saved me away from this night.
So saying sure was not laborious in any respect.
However selecting only one track that holds particular which means for me was almost not possible.
The honest-to-God fact is that I could have by no means written a track and even performed a musical instrument with out Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s music.
(viewers applause).
It is true.
Once I found them it was round 1993.
It was the very first thing I ever present in my life that was simply mine.
My mother and father did not like ’em.
Sorry guys.
They do now.
Uh, however I used to be 11 and Elton was wild and outrageously, dangerously fabulous.
And he sang probably the most stunning tales I had ever heard.
They set my palms to keys and strings they usually stuffed my complete life with phrases and-and world view.
I will by no means cease thanking them for the fantastic life their music allowed me to dream into existence.
It took me a while however I did select a track from an album of the identical identify, an absolute masterpiece as a result of the music is free however formidable and the lyric compels us to query what insanity even is?
Who can we chortle at and who can we worship?
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are deep complexity hidden inside attractive and free-spirited rock and roll.
What an absolute honor to be with you each tonight.
That is, “Madman Throughout The Water.”
♪ (“Madman Throughout the Water”) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I can see.
♪ ♪ Very nicely.
♪ ♪ There is a boat on the reef with a damaged again.
♪ ♪ And I can see it very nicely.
♪ ♪ There is a joke and I do know it very nicely.
♪ ♪ It is a type of that I instructed you way back.
♪ ♪ Take my phrase, I am a madman, do not you realize.
♪ ♪ As soon as a idiot had an excellent half within the play.
♪ ♪ If it is so would I nonetheless be right here at this time?
♪ ♪ It is fairly peculiar in a humorous type of approach.
♪ ♪ They suppose it’s totally humorous all the things I say.
♪ ♪ Get a load of him, he is so insane.
♪ ♪ You higher get your coat, pricey, it seems to be like rain.
♪ ♪ We’ll come once more subsequent Thursday afternoon.
♪ ♪ The in-laws hope they will see you very quickly.
♪ ♪ However is it in your conscience that you just’re after.
♪ ♪ One other glimpse of the madman throughout the water?
♪ ♪ Yeah!
♪ ♪ (Guitar solo) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I can see.
♪ ♪ Very nicely.
♪ ♪ There is a boat on the reef with a damaged again.
♪ ♪ And I can see it very nicely.
♪ ♪ There is a joke and I do know it very nicely.
♪ ♪ It is a type of that I instructed you way back.
♪ ♪ Take my phrase, I am a madman, do not you realize.
♪ ♪ The bottom’s a great distance down however I would like extra.
♪ ♪ Is the nightmare actually black or are the home windows painted?
♪ ♪ And can they arrive once more subsequent week, ♪ ♪ Can my thoughts actually take it?
♪ ♪ No, no!
♪ ♪ We’ll come once more subsequent Thursday afternoon.
♪ ♪ The in-laws hope they will see you very quickly.
♪ ♪ However is it in your conscience that you just’re after.
♪ ♪ One other glimpse of the madman throughout the water?
♪ ♪ Yeah!
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (music ends) (viewers applause).
McCARTNEY: Congratulations, Bernie, Elton.
Wow, what an amazing honor.
Um, because the ’60s once we first knew one another, um, I’ve all the time admired the collaboration of the 2 of you.
And I’ve all the time been barely jealous as a result of me and John labored collectively, each performed the devices, each did phrases and music.
However then, afterward, I believed, nicely, that is type of attention-grabbing the way in which Elton, type of, will get slightly piece of paper with phrases on it, after which he places it into a wonderful track.
I have been barely jealous of that.
Um, I’ve all the time labored at it.
Not saying you have not, Elton.
However anyway, um, I believe it is nice.
I believe that you are a unbelievable partnership and it truly is fabulous that you just’re getting this award.
You greater than deserve it.
You’ve got written among the best songs of the final 50 years or so.
So, nicely finished, congratulations each, I like ya.
PORTER: Some of the endearing features of Elton John’s musical character is his everlasting need to find, nurture, and expose younger artists who he might help by giving them the encouragement, in addition to the alternatives, to seek out new audiences.
Simply ask Ed Sheeran or Billie Eilish, or Brandi Carlile y’all, come on!
Wow.
So, for this present, he requested producers in the event that they’d contemplate reserving a younger artist who blew away 200,000 followers a few years in the past once they carried out collectively at Britain’s famed Glastonbury Pageant.
I am a fan, and I believe you’ll be too as we will actually say, “Elton John presents, from Gabriels, Jacob Lusk!”
♪ (piano performs) ♪ LUSK: Good night saints and mates, we’re gathered right here tonight within the good ole church of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
We collect tonight to have fun, to consecrate, and to elucidate their unimaginable contributions to our heritage.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin… two masters of the favored music style who’ve meant a lot to our musical world and to our lives.
All proper now, let’s get into certainly one of their best collaborations, from the e book of the Jets… Let’s get to know a hero of biblical proportions.
And his identify is Bennie!
♪ (Scatting).
♪ ♪ Hey youngsters, shake it unfastened collectively.
♪ ♪ The highlight’s hitting one thing.
♪ ♪ That is been recognized to alter the climate.
♪ ♪ (Scatting).
♪ ♪ We’ll kill the fatted calf tonight.
♪ ♪ So, so, so, stick round.
♪ ♪ Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ You are gonna hear electrical music, ♪ ♪ Stable partitions of sound.
♪ ♪ Say Sweet and Ronnie, have you ever seen them but?
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re so spaced out.
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re bizarre they usually’re fantastic.
♪ ♪ Oh, Bennie, she’s actually eager.
♪ ♪ She’s obtained electrical boots, a mohair swimsuit.
♪ ♪ You already know I learn it in {a magazine}, oh!
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Hey youngsters, plug into the faithless.
♪ ♪ Perhaps they’re blinded, ♪ ♪ However Bennie makes them ageless.
♪ ♪ We will survive, allow us to take ourselves alongside.
♪ ♪ The place we battle our mother and father out within the streets.
♪ ♪ To search out who’s proper and who’s fallacious.
♪ ♪ Say Sweet and Ronnie, have you ever seen them but?
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re so spaced out.
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re bizarre they usually’re fantastic.
♪ ♪ Oh, Bennie, she’s actually eager.
♪ ♪ She’s obtained electrical boots, a mohair swimsuit.
♪ ♪ You already know I learn it in {a magazine}, oh!
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Say Sweet and Ronnie, have you ever seen them but?
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re so spaced out.
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ Oh, however they’re bizarre they usually’re fantastic.
♪ ♪ Oh, Bennie, she’s actually eager.
♪ ♪ She’s obtained electrical boots, a mohair swimsuit.
♪ ♪ You already know I learn it in {a magazine}, oh!
♪ ♪ B-B-B-B-B- Bennie and the Jets.
♪ ♪ Bennie, Bennie and the Jets, sure!
♪ ♪ Come on, y’all.
♪ ♪ Assist me out!
♪ ♪ I mentioned, Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie.
♪ ♪ (Bennie and the Jets) ♪♪ ♪ Hey!
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie and the Jets!
♪ ♪ Oh, Bennie, (Bennie) ♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie, Bennie and the Jets!
♪ ♪ I mentioned Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie, (Bennie).
♪ ♪ Bennie and the Jets!
♪ ♪ Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ Oh!
♪♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
Love you, Elton.
Love you.
(viewers applause).
TAUPIN: I imply, “I Guess That is Why They Name It the Blues” is unquestionably, positively certainly one of our best songs, there’s little question about that.
And if it has any, type of, reference to the nice American songbook must be a track that you would be able to strip all the things off of it and simply depart piano and vocals on, and if it nonetheless sounds good and there is a nice melody there.
I imply, it is a easy track, however it’s uh, it is a wonderful track.
However it was positively written on the Island of Montserrat and I suppose it is type of a love letter residence.
ANNOUNCER: To carry out one other Elton and Bernie basic, “I Guess That’s Why They Name It the Blues,” please welcome, Maren Morris!
♪ (“I Guess That is Why They Name It the Blues”) ♪ ♪ MORRIS: Do not want it away.
♪ ♪ Do not have a look at it prefer it’s perpetually.
♪ ♪ Between you and me, I may actually say.
♪ ♪ That issues can solely get higher.
♪ ♪ And whereas I am away.
♪ ♪ Mud out the demons inside.
♪ ♪ And it will not be lengthy ♪ ♪ Earlier than you and me run ♪ ♪ To the place in our hearts the place we cover.
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ Time on my palms could possibly be time spent with you.
♪ ♪ Laughin’ like kids, livin’ like lovers.
♪ ♪ Rollin’ like thunder underneath the covers.
♪ ♪ (Ahh).
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ Simply stare into area.
♪ ♪ Image my face in your palms.
♪ ♪ (Doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo).
♪ ♪ Dwell for every second with out hesitation.
♪ ♪ And always remember I am your man.
♪ ♪ (Doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo).
♪ ♪ Wait on me lady.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ Cry within the evening if it helps.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ However greater than ever.
♪ ♪ I merely love you, ♪ ♪ Greater than I like life itself.
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ Time on my palms could possibly be time spent with you.
♪ ♪ Laughin’ like kids, livin’ like lovers.
♪ ♪ Rollin’ like thunder underneath the covers.
♪ ♪ (Ahh).
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ Hey, hey, yeah.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (Doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo).
♪ ♪ (Hey, hey).
♪ ♪ Hey, yeah.
♪ ♪ (Doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo).
♪ ♪ Wait on me lady.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ Cry within the evening if it helps.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ However greater than ever.
♪ ♪ I merely love you, ♪ ♪ Greater than I like life itself.
♪ ♪ Hey.
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ Time on my palms could possibly be time spent with you.
♪ ♪ Laughin’ like kids, livin’ like lovers.
♪ ♪ Rollin’ like thunder underneath the covers.
♪ ♪ (Ahh).
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ (Laughing like kids).
♪ ♪ Hey, hey.
♪ ♪ (Residing like lovers).
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ (Laughing like kids).
♪ ♪ (Residing like lovers).
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it the blues.
♪ ♪ And I assume that is why they name it.
♪ ♪ The blues… ♪♪ Elton, Bernie, I like you a lot!
Thanks for having me once more.
(viewers applause).
Woo!
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Entire Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”).
♪ ELTON: I used to be learning piano on the Royal Academy of Music, however I knew I wasn’t going to be a classical pianist as a result of all I wished to do was play like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.
It was thrilling, it was transferring, it was energetic, and it was probably the most unimaginable time to be alive.
Once I noticed Jerry Lee Lewis, you realize, leap on the piano, you weren’t supposed to do this, uh after which Little Richard was standing up enjoying the piano, Fat Domino used to push the piano, the grand piano, throughout the stage together with his abdomen.
This had by no means occurred earlier than, and it appealed to me.
JOHNSTONE: Once I was a child, 5 years previous, rising up in Scotland, Edinburgh in Scotland, um, my large sisters, who have been each 10 and 12 years older than me, that they had slightly report participant they usually have been enjoying “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley, “All Shook Up”, additionally they had “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard, um, so right here’s the factor, leaping on forward to assembly any individual like Elton who, I wasn’t conscious till I began working with him, how nice he was as a Rock and Roll piano participant.
Out of the blue it was like, “Jesus Christ, this man is Jerry Lee Lewis, he’s Little Richard, he’s all these guys that I’ve heard and you realize what?
He’s really higher,” it was terrifying.
TAUPIN: Elton and I’ve an amazing nostalgic bond about these early years as a result of it was him and me towards the world, you realize, one another was all we’ve, and I don’t suppose we’ve ever forgotten that.
And it was a bond solid on concord and the love for music.
PORTER: Put your palms collectively.
Rise up in your ft.
(vocalizing).
♪ Oh.
♪ ♪ I used to be justified once I was 5, elevating Cain, ♪ ♪ And spit in your eye.
♪ ♪ Instances have modified, now the fools get fats, ♪ ♪ However the fever’s gonna get you when the bitch will get again.
♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ Ah-ya.
♪ ♪ Eat meat on a Friday, that’s alright, ♪ ♪ Even lick the dinner on one other evening.
♪ ♪ If I could possibly be the most effective at your social do’s, ♪ ♪ I get excessive within the night sniffing pots of glue.
♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh.
♪ ♪ Yeah-yeah.
♪ ♪ Bitch, bitch, bitch is again.
♪ ♪ Stone-cold sober as a matter of reality.
♪ ♪ I can bitch, I can bitch ‘trigger I’m higher than you, ♪ ♪ It’s the way in which that I transfer, the factor that I do, oh yeah.
♪ ♪ Hey.
♪ ♪ Oh yeah.
♪ ♪ I entertain by selecting brains.
♪ ♪ Selected my soul by dropping names.
♪ ♪ I don’t like these, my God, what’s that?
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger the fever’s gonna get ya when the bitch will get again.
♪ ♪ Oh-yeah.
♪ ♪ I’m a bitch, I’m a bitch and the bitch is again.
♪ ♪ Stone-cold sober as a matter of reality.
♪ ♪ I can bitch, I can bitch ‘trigger I’m higher than you, ♪ ♪ It’s the way in which that I transfer, ♪ ♪ The issues that I do, oh yeah.
♪ ♪ (guitar solo) ♪ ♪ Hey-yeah!
♪ ♪ Come on, come on, come on!
♪♪ Hear, it’s 2024, I don’t need you to be offended by the phrase “bitch”.
The queer group makes use of it as a love letter.
♪ ‘Trigger I’m a bitch, bitch, bitch is again.
♪ ♪ Stone-cold sober as a matter of reality.
♪ ♪ I can bitch, bitch, ‘trigger I’m higher than you, ♪ ♪ It’s the way in which that I do, ♪ ♪ The issues that I do, oh-yeah.
♪ ♪ Hey, oh, the bitch is again.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger I’m a bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Hey, the bitch is again.
♪ ♪ (Oh yeah, the bitch is again).
♪ ♪ Oh, I’m a bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Hey, the bitch is again.
♪ ♪ (Oh yeah).
♪ ♪ Come on, assist me, any individual.
♪ I’m a bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch is again.
♪ ♪ (Oh yeah).
♪ ♪ (vocalizing).
♪ ♪ (Bitch, bitch, bitch is again).
♪ ♪ Woo.
♪ ♪ Hey.
♪ ♪ Alright.
♪ ♪ Come on play it, David.
♪ ♪ Oh, I’m a bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Hey, bitch is again.
♪ ♪ (Oh yeah, bitch is again).
♪ ♪ Oh, I’m a bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Bitch.
(Bitch).
♪ ♪ Hey, bitch is again.
♪ ♪ (viewers applause).
JOHNSTONE: You know how that, that Elton writes is, is, you realize 90% of the time is within the studio, that is what he does he walks in there with a lyric, which he is most likely by no means seen earlier than, perhaps he glanced at it, however he’ll sit down on the piano and instantly begin doing it.
And inside half-hour, and that is on the lengthy aspect, inside a half-hour, you’ve got obtained a track.
That occurred additionally within the case of “Do not Let The Solar Go Down On Me” uh, when Elton was writing that, you realize, in Caribou Ranch, once we have been recording “Do not Let The Solar…” all of us had um, uh, log cabins and Elton did write the track, within the log cabin after which went over throughout the, into the studio to report it, and when Nigel heard that, coming down the steps, he instantly went, “That is a primary.”
ANNOUNCER: Please welcome the superb, Charlie Puth.
(viewers applause).
PUTH: Can I simply say one thing earlier than we start, um, I dreamed about this second for all of my life, that is the uh, one of many first Elton John songs I’ve ever heard, I do know that’s laborious to imagine however um, I by no means thought um, this dream would ever come true and to only be right here with all of you tonight, particularly in entrance of you and Bernie, simply to be enjoying this, this track, uh, it’s uh, to be enjoying this track for the 2 who’ve meant such, a lot to my musical life and, actually, my private life uh, I assume generally desires do come true all people.
(viewers applause).
Um, I like this track, I like these fellows and in the event you’ll let me, I simply have to take this in for a second earlier than I play the C chord.
Wow.
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Don’t Let The Solar Go Down On Me”).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I can’t mild, ♪ ♪ No extra of your darkness.
♪ ♪ All my photos appear to fade to black and white.
♪ ♪ I’m rising drained ♪ ♪ And time stands nonetheless earlier than me.
♪ ♪ Frozen right here, on the ladder of my life.
♪ ♪ It’s too late, ♪ ♪ To avoid wasting myself from falling.
♪ ♪ I took an opportunity, ♪ ♪ And adjusted your lifestyle.
♪ ♪ However you misinterpret, ♪ ♪ My which means once I met you.
♪ ♪ Closed the door ♪ ♪ And left me blinded by the sunshine.
♪ ♪ Don’t let the solar go down on me.
♪ ♪ (Don’t let the solar).
♪ ♪ Though I search myself, ♪ ♪ There’s all the time another person I see.
♪ ♪ I’d simply enable a fraction of your life, ♪ ♪ To wander free.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger dropping all the things, ♪ ♪ Is just like the solar happening on me.
♪ ♪ (piano solo).
♪ ♪ I can’t discover, ♪ ♪ Oh, the correct romantic line.
♪ ♪ However see me as soon as, ♪ ♪ And see the way in which I really feel, yeah.
♪ ♪ Don’t discard me, ♪ ♪ Simply since you suppose I imply you hurt.
♪ ♪ However these cuts I’ve, ♪ ♪ They want love to assist them heal.
♪ ♪ Oh.
♪ ♪ Don’t let the solar go down on me.
♪ ♪ (Don’t let the solar).
♪ ♪ Though I search myself, ♪ ♪ There’s all the time another person I see.
♪ ♪ I’d simply enable a fraction of your life, ♪ ♪ To wander free.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger dropping all the things, ♪ ♪ Is just like the solar happening on me.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Don’t let the solar go down on me.
♪ ♪ Though I search myself, ♪ ♪ There’s all the time another person I see.
♪ ♪ I’d simply enable a fraction of your life, ♪ ♪ To wander free.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger dropping all the things, ♪ ♪ Is just like the solar happening on me.
♪♪ We love you, Elton and Bernie.
Thanks.
♪ ♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
WONDER: Elton, Bernie, I’m so very honored that I used to be requested to be part of celebrating the 2 of you.
Effectively the truth that I’ve beloved and cherished the songs that you just’ve written collectively, Elton your melodies and the way in which you sang the songs, and Bernie your lyrics, it’s as in the event you’re twins writing songs that can final past our lifetime.
Effectively, that’s what I anticipate for greatness, to have the ability to final perpetually and I simply wished to play slightly somethin’ that made me take into consideration all this and me being part of that celebration, very merely this.
♪ Congratulations Elton and Bernie in your receiving ♪ ♪ The Gershwin Prize.
♪♪ God bless you.
PORTER: This subsequent band has opened its present many instances with an anthemic track referred to as “Creeping Demise”, so perhaps it’s becoming that tonight they’re right here to have fun certainly one of Elton’s most carried out opening numbers, a track that hundreds of thousands have come to know and love as a result of it combines Elton’s love of classical themes and certainly one of Bernie’s richest lyrics.
To carry out “Funeral for a Buddy” and “Love Lies Bleeding”, right here’s true rock royalty, and large Elton and Bernie followers, Metallica!
(“Funeral for a Buddy”) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (“Love Lies Bleeding”) ♪ HETFIELD: Alright.
♪♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ The roses within the window field tilted to at least one aspect.
♪ ♪ The whole lot about this home obtained to develop and die.
♪ ♪ Oh, it doesn’t appear a 12 months in the past to this very day, ♪ ♪ You mentioned, “I’m sorry, honey if I don’t change the tempo, ♪ ♪ Can’t stand one other day.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger love lives bleeding in my palms.
♪ ♪ It kills me to consider you with one other man.
♪ ♪ I used to be playin’ rock and roll, you have been only a fan.
♪ ♪ Guitar couldn’t maintain you so I break up the band.
♪ ♪ Yeah, love lies bleedin’ in my hand.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I ponder if these modifications, they left a scar on you.
♪ ♪ All of the burnin’ hoops of fireplace you and I handed by way of.
♪ ♪ You’re a bluebird on a line, hope you’re completely satisfied now.
♪ ♪ And if the winds of change comes down your approach, ♪ ♪ You’ll make it again in some way.
♪ ♪ Your love lies bleedin’ in my palms.
♪ ♪ It kills me to consider you with one other man.
♪ ♪ I used to be playin’ rock and roll you have been only a fan, ♪ ♪ My guitar couldn’t maintain you so I break up the band.
♪ ♪ Yeah, love lies bleedin’ in my palms.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Yeah.
♪ ♪ (guitar solo).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ And love lies bleedin’ in my palms.
♪ ♪ It kills me to consider you with one other man.
♪ ♪ I used to be playin’ rock and roll you have been only a fan.
♪ ♪ My guitar couldn’t maintain you so I break up the band.
♪ ♪ Yeah, love lies bleeding in my palms.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Hey.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oooh-oooh-ooh-ooh.
♪ ♪ Yeah, love lies bleeding in my palms.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Love lies bleeding in my palms.
♪ ♪ Love lies bleeding in my palms.
♪ ♪ Ooh yeah.
♪♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (guitar solo).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
KING: Hey Bernie and Elton, the primary time I heard your songs was when Elton performed the Troubadour in, I needed to look this up, 1970.
It was an amazing set and the track, “Your Track” was perfection.
Elton, your present of channeling music as a songwriter and performer has impressed so many people.
And Bernie, I do know when a lyric on a web page requires simply the correct music, and Elton has all the time delivered that.
You’re each so deserving of the Gershwin Prize.
Welcome and congratulations.
PORTER: From the start of their partnership, each Elton and Bernie knew that giving again was essential, and their report of charitable giving over time has set a excessive bar for artists who adopted.
However there was one group, the Elton John AIDS Basis, that was began in 1992, which turned a lifelong ardour for each artists.
And with the current Academy Awards occasion in Los Angeles, the Basis has now raised over $600 million to additional its work within the battle towards HIV/AIDS in America and all all over the world.
(viewers applause).
And although the story of Elton’s dedication to the trigger is well-known, there’s one other aspect of Elton that exemplifies his ardour for this battle, and it’s not a track.
It’s a letter he wrote 20 years after the dying of younger Ryan White, a dying attributed to a transfusion.
Ryan turned a detailed pal of Elton’s early on in his battle with HIV and AIDS.
Tonight, to learn a portion of this letter, we’re honored by the presence of a pricey pal of Elton John’s AIDS Basis and Elton and Bernie personally, Ryan’s sister, Andrea White.
WHITE: In 2020, the Library of Congress turned residence to the Nationwide AIDS Memorial Quilt Archive, comprising of over 200,000 AIDS-related gadgets submitted by those that created the panels for the Nationwide AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Tonight, we’ve an precise part of the Quilt right here to honor all AIDS victims right here in America and all over the world.
(viewers applause).
Elton and Bernie, thanks for inviting me to share this superb night with you.
I do know Ryan would have beloved to have been right here, however the subsequent smartest thing I can do is to share an excerpt out of your letter to Ryan.
“Expensive Ryan, 20 years in the past this month, you died of AIDS.
I’d gladly give my fame and fortune if solely I may have another dialog with you, the pal who modified my life, in addition to the lives of hundreds of thousands dwelling with HIV.
As a substitute, I’ve written you this letter.
I keep in mind so nicely once we first met.
A younger boy with a terminal illness, you have been the epitome of grace.
You by no means blamed anybody for the sickness that ravaged your physique or the torment and stigma that you just endured.
When college students, mother and father, and academics in your group shunned you, threatened you, and expelled you from faculty, you responded not with phrases of hate however with understanding past your years.
You mentioned they have been merely afraid of what they didn’t know.
When the media heralded you as an “harmless sufferer” since you had contracted AIDS by way of a blood transfusion, you rejected that label and stood in solidarity with hundreds of different HIV-positive women and men.
You reminded America that every one victims of AIDS are harmless.
Ryan, I want you can understand how a lot the world has modified, and the way a lot you modified it.
Younger girls and boys with HIV attend faculty, take medication that enables them to guide regular lives.
Kids in America are seldom born with the virus, they usually not contract it by way of transfusions.
The insults and injustices you suffered usually are not tolerated by society.
Most essential, Ryan, you impressed consciousness which helped result in life-saving therapies.
In 1990, 4 months after you died, Congress handed the Ryan White CARE Act, which now offers greater than $2 billion annually for AIDS medication and remedy for half 1,000,000 Individuals.
At this time… (viewers applause).
At this time, numerous folks with HIV dwell lengthy, productive lives.
It breaks my coronary heart that you’re not certainly one of them.
You have been 18 while you died and you’d be 38 this 12 months, if solely the present therapies existed while you have been sick.
I take into consideration this daily as a result of America wants your message of compassion as by no means earlier than.
I miss you so very a lot, Ryan, I used to be by your aspect while you died at Riley Hospital.
You’ve been with me daily since.
You impressed me to alter my life and carry in your work.
Due to you, I’m nonetheless within the battle towards AIDS, 20 years later.
(viewers applause).
I pledge to not relaxation till we obtain the compassion for which you so bravely and superbly fought.
Your pal, Elton.” (viewers applause).
(“Skyline Pigeon”).
♪ CARLILE: Flip me unfastened, out of your palms.
♪ ♪ Let me fly, to distant lands.
♪ ♪ Over inexperienced fields, timber, and mountains, ♪ ♪ Flowers and forest fountains.
♪ ♪ Residence alongside the lanes of the skyway, ♪ ♪ For a darkish and lonely room, ♪ ♪ Initiatives a shadow forged in gloom.
♪ ♪ And my eyes are mirrors of the world outdoors ♪ ♪ Considering of the way in which that the wind can flip the tide.
♪ ♪ And these shadows flip from purple into gray, ♪ ♪ For only a skyline pigeon, dreaming of the open ready ♪ ♪ For the day, ♪ ♪ He can unfold his wings and fly away once more.
♪ ♪ Fly, skyline pigeon, fly ♪ ♪ In the direction of the desires, you’ve left so very far behind.
♪ ♪ Fly away, skyline pigeon fly, ♪ ♪ In the direction of the desires, you left so very far behind.
♪ ♪ Let me get up within the morning to the scent of new-mown hay.
♪ ♪ To chortle and cry, ♪ ♪ To dwell and die within the brightness of my day.
♪ ♪ I wanna hear the pealing bells of distant church buildings sing.
♪ ♪ However most of all, ♪ ♪ Please free me from this aching steel ring.
♪ ♪ And open out the cage in the direction of the solar, ♪ ♪ For simply this skyline pigeon, ♪ ♪ Dreaming of the open, ♪ ♪ Ready for the day, ♪ ♪ He can unfold his wings and fly away once more.
♪ ♪ Fly excessive, skyline pigeon, fly.
♪ ♪ In the direction of the desires, you left so very far behind.
♪ ♪ Fly away, skyline pigeon fly, ♪ ♪ Towards the desires you left so very, ♪ ♪ So very far, ♪ ♪ Behind.
♪♪ ♪ ♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
♪ ELTON: Daniel is touring tonight on a airplane.
♪♪ TAUPIN: “Daniel” is, once more, a type of songs that has a little bit of, type of, city mythology about it.
And positively one of many songs that folks continually ask about.
Sure, it’s about departure, however the kernel of the track got here from an article in…
I believe it was Time Journal that I used to be studying on a flight within the ’70s, and it was concerning the Tet Offensive within the Vietnam Warfare.
It was on the time when vets have been getting back from Vietnam and, it, relying on the locale that they have been going to, they might both be considered pariahs, as child killers, as torchers of villages, or they might be considered heroes, and uh, feted and celebrated.
So I, I simply imagined this character who mentioned, “I am unable to take this anymore, I gotta go someplace the place I have been earlier than and that I like, and I simply wanna get away from it, I simply wanna get away from all this adulation.”
And it is that taking place by way of the eyes of his youthful brother.
♪ (“Daniel”).
♪ BROOKS: Yeah!
♪ Daniel is touring tonight on a airplane.
♪ ♪ I can see the purple tail lights ♪ ♪ Heading for Spain.
♪ ♪ Oh, and I can see Daniel waving goodbye.
♪ ♪ God, it seems to be like Daniel, ♪ ♪ Have to be the clouds in my eyes.
♪ ♪ They are saying Spain is fairly although I’ve by no means been.
♪ ♪ And Daniel says it is the most effective place that ♪ ♪ He is ever seen, oh and.
♪ ♪ He oughta know, he is been there sufficient.
♪ ♪ God, I miss Daniel, ♪ ♪ Yeah, I miss him a lot.
♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh.
♪ ♪ Daniel my brother you might be older than me.
♪ ♪ Do you continue to really feel the ache ♪ ♪ Of the scars that will not heal?
♪ ♪ Your eyes have died.
♪ ♪ However you see greater than I.
♪ ♪ Daniel, you are a star ♪ ♪ Within the face of the sky.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪ ♪ Daniel my brother you might be older than me.
♪ ♪ Do you continue to really feel the ache ♪ ♪ Of the scars that will not heal?
♪ ♪ Your eyes have died.
♪ ♪ However you see greater than I.
♪ ♪ Daniel, you are a star ♪ ♪ Within the face of the sky.
♪ ♪ Daniel is touring tonight on a airplane.
♪ ♪ And I can see the purple tail lights heading for Spain.
♪ ♪ Oh, and I can see Daniel waving goodbye.
♪ ♪ God, it seems to be like Daniel.
♪ ♪ Have to be the clouds in my eyes.
♪ ♪ Oh God, it seems to be like Daniel.
♪ ♪ Have to be the clouds in my eyes.
♪♪ ♪ ♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
GLORIA: Sir Elton John, and Bernie Taupin.
Some of the unimaginable partnerships on this planet, in addition to ours.
Your music modified my life, I went over each lyric, each musical nuance of each certainly one of your albums, and also you have been an actual inspiration to me.
Congratulations on this unimaginable award.
EMILIO: Congratulations, you might be an inspiration for thus many writers, and congratulations, you deserve, and need you the most effective.
TAUPIN: It was a unbelievable evening.
Um, he, I don’t suppose folks knew what to anticipate.
I believe half of the folks most likely in right here, hadn’t even heard the, the report, the Black Album.
You already know, they noticed that album cowl and thought he was gonna be most likely a really introspective, type of Randy Newman kind of artist.
And the truth that he ended up type of kicking over his piano stool and just about standing on the piano and blowing the roof off the place, uh, with a, actually with a, nicely three-piece band together with him.
No, you realize, I believe folks have been flummoxed by the truth that we didn’t have a guitarist on the time when guitarists have been the dominant think about bands.
Um, all the things about us was totally different, and I believe that’s what drew the group to their ft.
However it didn’t translate and, and plus we obtained that unimaginable overview from Robert Hilburn.
Which, you realize, clearly uh, stuffed the seats for the remainder of the week.
HILBURN: The factor concerning the music as you listened to it that evening on the Troubadour was, this was one thing totally different.
He walks onstage, he’s not a singer-songwriter with a guitar.
That’s extraordinary, okay.
So, what’s occurring right here?
The primary track is “Your Track”, then he does “Sixty Years On”.
Then he does “Nation Consolation”.
What a variety.
This was a break from the ‘60s, there wasn’t the screaming guitar, there wasn’t the timeless youth orientation of the music.
This was one thing totally different, it was identical to, this was a change.
After the turmoil of the ‘60s, we have been going into a brand new model.
They didn’t simply sound good the primary time you heard them, 50 years later, they sound contemporary.
That’s what it had, it had some, it had a long-lasting high quality, and that’s the dear factor of songwriting.
While you get a track that’s interesting and timeless, then you definately’ve obtained greatness.
JOHNSTONE: When that every one went down on the Troubadour I used to be a younger, I used to be a 19-year-old bohemian, dwelling in London, and um, the Bible on the time, the musical Bible, was the Melody Maker.
However I keep in mind seeing the middle web page, factor, double fold-out, with the photographs of Elton, you realize, kicking out, placing his palms down on the piano.
And this superb overview, they mainly re-printed the entire overview that, that Robert Hilburn did.
Each musician, if regardless in the event you have been a folks musician, jazz, rock, you’d see this.
So it made a huge effect to folks in London, particularly me as a result of I didn’t actually know who he was.
CARLILE: I actually do not perceive how I obtained so fortunate.
However final 12 months about this time I obtained to face on this stage with my idol and pricey pal, Joni Mitchell, as she obtained her Gershwin Prize.
Yeah, Joni!
(viewers applause).
And this 12 months, I am again on this stage honoring one other pair of my musical idols and icons who’ve had as a lot of an influence on my life as Joni has, Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
(viewers applause).
Right here is final 12 months’s Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize Honoree, performing a track that holds a particular which means for her… a lot in order that she was given the inexperienced mild by Elton and Bernie to alter among the lyrics to suit her, which is, actually, probably the most Joni Mitchell factor I believe I’ve ever heard of.
Let’s give it up for the one and solely, Joni Mitchell!
(viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
♪ (“I’m Nonetheless Standing”).
♪ ♪ (music, snapping).
♪ ♪ You’ll by no means know what.
♪ ♪ Love is like.
♪ ♪ You’re too self-centered and also you’re too uptight.
♪ ♪ You’re chilly and distant, and also you don’t care.
♪ ♪ I’ve seen the ugly aspect you cover behind that.
♪ ♪ Masks you put on.
♪ ♪ You’re not completely satisfied until you make me cry.
♪ ♪ That’s not gonna occur, look my eyes are dry.
♪ ♪ And my coronary heart’s not damaged and my path is evident.
♪ ♪ And also you have been only a bumpy little.
♪ ♪ Detour, pricey.
♪ ♪ And I’m nonetheless standin’ higher than I ever did.
♪ ♪ Lookin’ like a real survivor.
♪ ♪ Feelin’ like slightly child.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ I am nonetheless standin’ in any case this time.
♪ ♪ Pickin’ up the items of my life with out you on my thoughts.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ You suppose you received.
♪ ♪ You suppose I misplaced ♪ ♪ You get the sunshine ♪ ♪ I get the frost.
♪ ♪ My life will get higher for me daily.
♪ ♪ And I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ When you simply.
♪ ♪ Fade away.
♪ ♪ I am nonetheless standin’ higher than I ever did.
♪ ♪ Lookin’ like a real survivor.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ Feelin’ like slightly child.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ I am nonetheless standin’ in any case this time.
♪ ♪ Pickin’ up the items of my life with out you on my thoughts.
♪ ♪ (Ooh).
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah.
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪ ♪ (Yeah, yeah, yeah).
♪ ♪ I’m nonetheless standing.
♪♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
(laughing).
(viewers applause).
ELTON: There’ve been so many nice songwriting groups in historical past, they usually’ve all been barely totally different.
And Bernie and I’ve been a crew, and… the dynamic, I’ve by no means questioned why it really works, it’s very unusual.
Um, however I can solely appear to write down to the written phrase.
And we’ve by no means actually been in the identical room once we’ve written a track collectively, ever.
There have been a few instances once I’ve advised a lyric, like “Don’t Go Breaking My Coronary heart,” or “Sorry Appears to be the Hardest Phrase”, however that’s about it.
It’s all the time come from the written phrase.
We’ve all the time lived, type of, separate lives once we’re songwriting, however it’s deemed to magically have labored.
And we’ve by no means questioned it.
TAUPIN: We’re, type of, two peas in a pod.
However on the similar time, two very totally different peas, which made us have the ability to exist for so long as we’ve.
I’ve all the time been very solitary in my writing, most likely extra so than Elton.
As a result of Elton can appear to write down in just about any location with any quantity of individuals current.
I believe he type of, has this magical approach of tuning all people out when he places fingers to piano, and adapts my lyrics to his melodies.
However I, on the similar time, as I say, I’m very solitary in what I do.
And it’s all the time been a novel relationship in that approach, I’m left to, uh, create in my very own atmosphere, and he is identical approach in his personal atmosphere.
ELTON: We’ve gotten by way of issues inside our profession that, I knew that he must write with another person, as a result of I, I, you may’t maintain somebody and say, “You need to solely write with me”.
So, he went off and wrote very efficiently with different folks, I did too, and that little hole was very vital for us coming again stronger collectively.
If you happen to love any individual set them free, and that’s what we did.
And as I say, our relationship is stronger than it’s ever been, which is extraordinary as a result of the pressures you face, on this enterprise, as songwriting groups, not many groups lasted.
ANNOUNCER: Please welcome, Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden!
(viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
HAYDEN: Thank, thanks.
And thanks, Joni.
You positively, you positively obtained us standing.
Wow!
This has been such a memorable night.
And as you’ve heard tonight, Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written among the most memorable songs of our lives.
The Library of Congress Prize is known as for the legendary songwriting crew, George and Ira Gershwin, whose papers are held by the Library.
And each Bernie and Elton really epitomize their legacy.
(viewers applause).
Greater than 50 years in the past, they got here throughout the pond to win over Individuals and audiences worldwide with their stunning songs and rock anthems.
Elton’s music and Bernie’s phrases are so embedded in our collective songbook, it immediately takes you over.
First, you hear Elton within the opening crescendo of the piano.
Then you definitely hear Bernie’s writing within the opening lyrics.
“I keep in mind when rock was younger…” And earlier than you realize it, you might be in your ft singing the well-known “La” refrain for “Crocodile Rock.”
And you realize that feeling, I am getting it now.
So, I believe it is time that we soar like a “Rocketman”.
It’s my excessive honor to current, and uh… maintain on, I am unable to do that… there’s solely approach I can do that… (viewers applause).
It’s my excessive honor to current one, one, of the 2024 Gershwin Prize honorees, to carry out a choice of their legendary songbook.
Elton John!
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”).
♪ ♪ ELTON: And now I do know.
♪ ♪ Spanish Harlem usually are not simply fairly phrases to say.
♪ ♪ I believed I knew.
♪ ♪ However now I do know that rose timber by no means develop.
♪ ♪ In New York Metropolis.
♪ ♪ Till you’ve got seen this trash can dream come true.
♪ ♪ You stand on the edge whereas folks run you thru.
♪ ♪ And I thank the Lord.
♪ ♪ There’s folks on the market such as you.
♪ ♪ I thank the Lord there’s folks on the market such as you.
♪ ♪ Whereas Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.
♪ ♪ Sons of bankers, sons of legal professionals.
♪ ♪ Flip round and say “good morning” to the evening.
♪ ♪ For except they see the sky.
♪ ♪ However they cannot and that’s the reason.
♪ ♪ They know not if it is darkish outdoors or mild.
♪ ♪ This Broadway’s obtained.
♪ ♪ It is obtained loads of songs to sing.
♪ ♪ If I knew the tunes I’d take part.
♪ ♪ I will go my approach alone.
♪ ♪ I will develop my very own, my very own seeds shall be sown, ♪ ♪ In New York Metropolis.
♪ ♪ Subway’s no approach for an excellent man to go down.
♪ ♪ Wealthy man can journey and the hobo he can drown.
♪ ♪ And I thank the Lord for the folks I’ve discovered.
♪ ♪ I thank the Lord for the folks I’ve discovered.
♪ ♪ Oh, yeah ♪ ♪ Whereas Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.
♪ ♪ Sons of bankers, sons of legal professionals.
♪ ♪ Flip round and say ♪ ♪ “Good morning” to the evening.
♪ ♪ For except they see the sky.
♪ ♪ However they cannot and that’s the reason.
♪ ♪ They know not if it is darkish outdoors or mild.
♪ ♪ And now I do know.
♪ ♪ Spanish Harlem usually are not simply fairly phrases to say.
♪ ♪ I believed I knew.
♪ ♪ However now I do know that rose timber by no means develop.
♪ ♪ In New York Metropolis.
♪ ♪ Till you’ve got seen this trash can dream come true.
♪ ♪ You stand on the edge whereas folks run you thru.
♪ ♪ And I thank the Lord.
♪ ♪ There’s folks on the market such as you.
♪ ♪ I thank the Lord there’s folks on the market such as you.
♪ ♪ Whereas Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.
♪ ♪ Sons of bankers, sons of legal professionals.
♪ ♪ Flip round and say, ♪ ♪ “Good morning” to the evening.
♪ ♪ For except they see the sky.
♪ ♪ However they cannot and that’s the reason.
♪ ♪ They know not if it is darkish outdoors or mild.
♪ ♪ For except they see the sky.
♪ ♪ However they cannot and that’s the reason.
♪ ♪ They know not if it is darkish outdoors or mild.
♪♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
Thanks, can I’ve a bit extra of this, please?
This has been, like an acid journey for me tonight, um, to see all these folks on stage singing our songs so superbly, extremely.
Um, I need to thank all of the artists which have sung tonight, it is…
I am an enormous fan of each single artist that got here right here tonight, and gave their all, and it is one thing I’ll always remember.
It is, it is such a praise for these superb folks to return right here and interpret our songs.
Um, you realize I, it is, it is nice seeing, you realize, folks play your songs, since you’re so used to singing them your self, and also you then, like, you take heed to Metallica and also you suppose, “Christ, that is not simple, they usually’re enjoying it so nicely”.
(viewers laughter and applause).
Unbelievable, unimaginable feeling to be right here.
Thanks, initially, um, to Ken Ehrlich and his crew, they’ve been good, they usually’ve helped us, they usually’ve organized this so nicely.
It is so good of them.
(viewers applause).
Our backing singers… SistaStrings.
(viewers applause).
And that is the primary time in my life the place I’ve ever sat, I’ve sat within the viewers and listened to my band.
(laughter).
I do know they’re good, however they’re superb.
They’re superb.
(viewers applause).
It’s an entire privilege to take heed to them play, and uh, I’ve by no means seen Kim Bullard play the accordion earlier than, um, however thanks.
It’s, uh, it’s an unimaginable night.
Thanks all for coming, we’re gonna liven issues up slightly bit right here, okay?
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Saturday Night time’s Alright For Preventing”).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ It is getting late have you ever seen my mates?
♪ ♪ Ma inform me when the boys get right here.
♪ ♪ It is seven o’clock and I need to rock.
♪ ♪ Need to get a stomach stuffed with beer.
♪ ♪ My previous man’s drunker than a barrel stuffed with monkeys.
♪ ♪ And my previous girl she do not care.
♪ ♪ My sister seems to be cute in her braces and boots.
♪ ♪ Handful of grease in her hair.
♪ ♪ Oh ♪ ♪ Oh, do not give us none of your aggravation.
♪ ♪ We had it along with your self-discipline.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright for preventing.
♪ ♪ Get slightly motion in.
♪ ♪ Get about as oiled as a diesel practice.
♪ ♪ Gonna set this dance alight.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s the evening I like.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright.
Alright, alright.
♪ ♪ Ooh.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Effectively, they’re packed fairly tight in right here tonight.
♪ ♪ I am on the lookout for any individual to see me proper.
♪ ♪ I could use slightly muscle to get what I would like.
♪ ♪ I could sink slightly drink and shout out “She’s with me”.
♪ ♪ A few the sounds that I actually like.
♪ ♪ Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorcycle.
♪ ♪ I am a juvenile product of the working class.
♪ ♪ Whose greatest pal floats within the backside of a glass, yeah.
♪ ♪ Oh, do not give us none of your aggravation.
♪ ♪ We had it along with your self-discipline.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright for preventing.
♪ ♪ Get slightly motion in.
♪ ♪ Get about as oiled as a diesel practice.
♪ ♪ Gonna set this dance alight.
♪ ♪ ‘Trigger Saturday evening’s the evening I like.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright.
Alright, alright.
♪ ♪ Ooh.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh, do not give us no aggravation.
♪ ♪ We had it along with your self-discipline.
♪ ♪ Trigger Saturday evening’s alright for preventing.
♪ ♪ Get slightly motion in.
♪ ♪ Get about as oiled as a diesel practice.
♪ ♪ Gonna set this dance alight.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s the evening I like.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright.
Alright, alright.
♪ ♪ Oh-oh-oh ♪ Sing it!
♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, ♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday evening’s alright.
♪ ♪ Alright.
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Davey ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, ♪ ♪ Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, ♪ ♪ Saturday.
♪ ♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday!
♪♪ (track ends) (viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
ANNOUNCER: To assist current the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Standard Track, please welcome Senator Patty Murray, President Professional Tempore.
Please welcome, Consultant Steve Scalise, Majority Chief.
Please welcome, Senator Chuck Schumer, Majority Chief.
Please welcome, Consultant Mark Amodei, Chairman, Committee on Home Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Department.
Please welcome, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senate Committee on Guidelines and Administration.
Please welcome, Consultant Bryan Steil, Chairman, Committee on Home Administration.
(viewers applause).
Please welcome the chairman of the Library of Congress James Madison Council, Mr. David M. Rubenstein.
(viewers applause).
And as soon as once more, the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden.
(viewers applause).
HAYDEN: Effectively, I believe you’ll agree that nobody is ‘preventing’ tonight.
As a result of the Gershwin Prize has been referred to as “bi-partisan karaoke.” (viewers laughter).
And tonight, you’ve heard the unimaginable influence of the musical powerhouse combo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
(viewers applause).
Their megawatt sound uplifts us like a ‘Skyline Pigeon,’ singing together with ‘Bennie,’ and even ‘rock to a pal’s funeral.’ Their music has touched the nation and has turn into a part of the American songbook.
They gave us “Your Track”, and now, we give them the nation’s highest award for affect, influence, and achievement in well-liked music, the Gershwin Prize.
(viewers applause).
On behalf of the Library of Congress, Members of Congress, and most significantly, a grateful nation, it’s my honor to award the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Standard Track to the legendary songwriting crew of Elton John and Bernie Taupin!
(viewers applause).
(viewers applause).
ELTON: Once I grew up as slightly boy in suburban London, I grew up listening to Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Could and his Orchestra, all these fantastic folks within the ’50s.
After which immediately I heard “Heartbreak Lodge” by Elvis Presley and my complete world modified.
Um, and thank God it did as a result of, I keep in mind my mom bringing the 78 residence, and that is all I wished to do was to play rock and roll, after listening to that.
After which after all, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Fat Domino, Ray Charles, all nice piano gamers, got here alongside after which they modified my life too.
Um, thanks, America for the music you’ve got given us, all around the world.
It is an unimaginable legacy that you’ve, uh, all of the fantastic blues, the jazz, the classical music, all of the songs that the Gershwin Brothers wrote, it is simply unimaginable.
We went by way of the Library of Congress final evening, I simply noticed so many fantastic issues.
Um, I am so proud to be British, and to be right here, in America to obtain this award as a result of all my heroes have been American.
(viewers applause).
And I obtained to satisfy most of them, too.
Um, what can I say?
Um, I am very humbled by tonight, particularly everybody who sang, carried out.
Um, our life is fairly superb, Bernie and I’ve been collectively for over 50-something years, and we’re nearer than we have ever been.
And I believe that is fairly outstanding these days, for 2 folks within the enterprise to be nearer than they have been once they began.
Um, I am thrilled to be right here with him as a result of if it wasn’t for him, I would not be right here.
He provides me the lyrics, after which I write the track.
With out the lyrics, I might be working in any report retailer on this planet, and provide you with one thing that I have never obtained, and that is the magic of music.
Each type of music that I heard tonight is, fills my soul with unbelievable feeling, and emotion.
There’s one thing about rock and roll, blues, R&B, gospel, nation, um, jazz, that fills your soul with emotion.
It kilos your soul.
Um, and we have been lucky sufficient in the previous few years, or the final 50-something years, to be part of that.
And it seems surreal, however it’s a, it is fantastic having the ability to share it with any individual.
Having the ability to share success with any individual is the best factor you may ever have.
And he’s some particular particular person.
I like him a lot.
I like what he is turn into, how completely satisfied he’s, I like what I’ve turn into, and the way completely satisfied I’m.
We have each been by way of hell, and we have come by way of the opposite aspect, and it feels good.
(viewers applause).
As I have a look at Davey, Heather, Georgie, um, they’re our households.
And that is what is so essential now.
Sure, our profession is essential, however nothing is extra essential than our youngsters, our different halves, um, that is what life is all about on the finish of the day.
Um, and it is an honor to be right here on this unimaginable…
I noticed Keith Jarrett right here within the ’70s, within the ’80s slightly, um, and it was one of the memorable issues that I’ve ever seen.
It is a fantastic constructing, it is a fantastic metropolis, it is a fantastic nation.
It has been liable for all the things that I like in my musical life.
Thanks a lot for giving us a lot music to like and adore, and it is extra to return.
Thanks for this unimaginable honor!
(viewers applause).
TAUPIN: Thanks a lot.
I, I, mainly he mentioned most of all the things that must be mentioned.
However, um, I might be remiss if I did not thank all these fantastic, fantastic artists who’ve carried out right here tonight.
Together with, would possibly I add the best band on the planet, subsequent to Metallica, after all.
(viewers applause).
Now, Elton mentioned all of it, I am simply, it is… past perception to be right here tonight amongst so lots of our, these extraordinary artists.
Uh, I might identical to to say that, fairly actually from, beside from among the songs within the earliest, earliest of days of our writing, just about all the things that I’ve written emanates from this nation.
Uh, whether or not it is the heartland, whether or not it is the city jungle, it is all been a palette for all the things I’ve written, um…
I’ve lived right here, I do not know what number of of you realize this, I’ve lived right here most of my life.
Uh, just about from 1970 on.
And I’ve an American coronary heart, an American soul, I’m America, I’ve an American household, I’ve an American spouse, I’ve American kids… (viewers laughter).
I’m America, imagine me.
(viewers applause).
And all the things, all the things I’ve written emanates from the American songbook, which is The Fountainhead, thanks.
(viewers applause).
ELTON: However he drives a Volvo, um… (viewers laughter).
I wanna thank the unimaginable librarian Carla Hayden, what an unimaginable girl.
(viewers applause).
And her stunning mom down there!
One of many best items this week has given me, is assembly for the second or third time, Carla.
She’s extraordinary.
Thanks for, President Obama, for making her the librarian, of the Library of Congress.
(viewers applause).
Bless you.
HAYDEN: Thanks.
Effectively, thanks a lot.
It has been a really fantastic night.
And, because you mentioned all these good issues, I’ve one private request.
Everyone knows that, “That is your track, and this one’s for you,” however would honor us by singing it for all of us?
(viewers applause).
♪ (“Your Track”).
♪ ♪ (piano solo) ♪ ♪ It is slightly bit humorous.
♪ ♪ This sense inside.
♪ ♪ I am not a type of who can.
♪ ♪ Simply cover.
♪ ♪ I haven’t got a lot cash.
♪ ♪ But when I did.
♪ ♪ I might purchase an enormous home the place.
♪ ♪ We each may dwell.
♪ ♪ If I used to be a sculptor.
♪ ♪ However then once more, no.
♪ ♪ Or a person who makes potions in a.
♪ ♪ Touring present.
♪ ♪ I do know it is not a lot however it’s the most effective I can do.
♪ ♪ My present is my track and.
♪ ♪ This one’s for you.
♪ ♪ And you may inform all people.
♪ ♪ That is your track.
♪ ♪ It could be fairly easy however.
♪ ♪ Now that it is finished.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ That I put down in phrases.
♪ ♪ How fantastic life is.
♪ ♪ When you’re on this planet.
♪ ♪ (piano solo) ♪ ♪ I sat on the roof.
♪ ♪ And kicked off the moss.
♪ ♪ Effectively, just a few of the verses nicely they have me fairly cross.
♪ ♪ However the solar’s been fairly sort.
♪ ♪ Whereas I wrote this track.
♪ ♪ It is for folks such as you that.
♪ ♪ Maintain it turned on.
♪ ♪ So excuse me forgetting.
♪ ♪ However these items I do.
♪ ♪ You see I’ve forgotten.
♪ ♪ In the event that they’re inexperienced or they’re blue.
♪ ♪ Anyway, the factor is what I actually imply.
♪ ♪ Yours are the sweetest eyes.
♪ ♪ I’ve ever seen.
♪ ♪ And you may inform all people.
♪ ♪ That is your track.
♪ ♪ It could be fairly easy however.
♪ ♪ Now that it is finished.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ That I put down in phrases.
♪ ♪ How fantastic life is.
♪ ♪ When you’re on this planet.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ I hope you do not thoughts.
♪ ♪ That I put down in phrases.
♪ ♪ How fantastic life is.
♪ ♪ When you’re on this planet.
♪♪ (track ends) “Your Track”!
Thanks, Mr. T!
(viewers applause).
(music performs by way of credit).
♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ NARRATOR: Be taught extra concerning the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize and previous recipients by visiting pbs.org/gershwinprize.
Be a part of the dialog with #GershwinPrizePBS and stream the Gershwin Prize with the PBS App.
♪ ♪
