10 Greatest Keyboardists Of All Time
2. Elton John
The beginning of the 70's was mainly about singer-songwriter rock. With the Beatles playing folksy material along with David Bowie's more ethereal tunes, the draw was always an unassuming writer on an acoustic guitar. The piano was always pushed to the side until a young Reggie Dwight brought it to the forefront like a rocket.
Elton John's work throughout his career has always been incredibly inventive, venturing from pop songs to soundtrack material. Starting out, John's interpretation of the words of Bernie Taupin resulted in songs that were like beams of light breaking through your speakers. Elton's work at the piano was incredibly rhythmic as he pounded out the glam-stomp of "Bennie and the Jets" or the late-night brawls behind "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."
Even if John was straightforward rock for much of his career, his ballad songs showcased what a true tunesmith he was in his prime. His performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on "Candle in the Wind" is such a tremendous artistic feat, making the audience feel like they're floating in the air as John graces them with his piano flourishes. While it may feel grating to hear Elton's work everywhere you go, overplay doesn't diminish the impeccable talent he posesses.