Elton John in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Rosanne Cash Plays the Byham (Wed., 11/13/19)

1) “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is an outstanding song by the English piano rocker Elton John. It’s also the last song of his encore set on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which visits PPG Paints Arena for a sold-out concert. John is one of the world’s best-selling musical acts. He’s sold over 300 million records. (Would that many reach the Moon from Earth?) John has charted more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 U.S. albums, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10, four No. 2 and nine at No. 1. And from 1970 to 2000 he had at least one song in the Billboard Hot 100. One reason for that success is his long-running songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Taupin would write the lyrics and give them to John who would then compose the music.

In 1970, “Your Song,” from his second, eponymous album, was the first tune that really got John noticed. He was a sight to see in his early years with his stylish eyeglasses and flamboyant outfits. John, a very talented piano player and singer, created songs that ruled the rock radio airwaves, especially in the 1970s. They included “Daniel,” “Honky Cat,” “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.” John’s touch has woven its way through the cultural fabric in other ways, too. He rewrote the lyrics to his “Candle in the Wind,” originally about Marilyn Monroe, to reflect the life of Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997. John has also excelled on Broadway and received Tony Award nominations for Best Original Musical Score for The Lion King, Aida, and Billy Elliott, winning for Aida. Being a gay man, he fought for more funds to combat AIDS and raised large sums himself with his Elton John AIDS Foundation. He is retiring to spend more time with his husband David Furnish and their two children. John has been a part-time resident of Atlanta, Georgia, since 1991. 8 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

Elton John performing in Skien, Norway in 2009. (Photo: Ernst Vikne and Wikipedia)

2) Singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash is touring in support of her latest release album release, She Remembers Everything. And as the daughter of country legend Johnny Cash, she surely has many incredible memories. The new LP features songs based on the female experience. And like her famous father she is an accomplished recording artist too, with four Grammy Awards and 11 nominations. She’s also had 21 top 40 hits, including 11 No. 1 singles. Cash is also an author of four books. She was interviewed by documentary film maker Ken Burns in his most recent project  for PBS about country music. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater, 101 6th St., Cultural District.

Share on Social Media