Crocodile Rock

Zoo Freaks, get ready to hop and bop with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John from the album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player. This nostalgic rocker, released in October 1972, became Elton’s first U.S. number-one single, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks starting February 3, 1973. Recorded in June 1972 at Château d’Hérouville in France, the song features a lively Farfisa organ riff played by Elton himself, alongside his band—Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. The track’s infectious energy comes from its deliberate homage to 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, with influences from songs like Pat Boone’s "Speedy Gonzales" and Danny and the Juniors’ "At the Hop." Elton has admitted its derivative nature, once calling it a “rip-off” meant to capture the music of his youth, but its catchy charm made it a fan favorite, despite some critics’ mixed reviews.

The song’s inspiration traces back to Elton’s 1972 Australian tour, where he discovered the band Daddy Cool and their hit "Eagle Rock." This influence is evident in the album’s lyric booklet, where a photo shows lyricist Bernie Taupin sporting a "Daddy Who?" promotional badge. In a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, Elton noted that "Crocodile Rock" changed critics’ perceptions of him, though he viewed it as a one-off compared to his deeper catalog. Despite its popularity, Elton revealed in 2021 that he wrote it as a “joke” and grew tired of performing it, yet continued for fans’ enjoyment during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. A memorable performance came in 1977 on The Muppet Show, where Elton sang it in a swamp surrounded by crocodile puppets, wearing an elaborate costume he later reused in the 2017 film Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The song’s legacy includes a quirky cover by Baha Men for The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, with lyrics tailored to Steve Irwin’s life.

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, showed musical promise early. A child prodigy, he taught himself piano and won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age 11. Though he found the academy’s formal training stifling, he honed his skills playing Jerry Lee Lewis tunes at school events. In the 1960s, he joined the blues band Bluesology, which backed touring artists. By 1967, he began collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin, a partnership that became one of music’s most successful. Working as staff songwriters for DJM Records, they crafted songs for others before Elton’s solo debut, Empty Sky, in 1969. His 1970 album, Elton John, featuring the hit "Your Song," launched him to international stardom, blending pop craftsmanship with American-influenced piano and vocal styles inspired by Little Richard.

Elton’s flamboyant stage presence, marked by colorful costumes and rhinestone glasses, made him a cultural icon. His 1970s albums, including Honky Château and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, solidified his superstar status, with hits like "Rocket Man" and "Bennie and the Jets." As one of the first male pop stars to come out as gay, he paved the way for queer artists, facing no significant career backlash. With over 300 million records sold, Elton remains a best-selling artist, celebrated for his work in music, film, and theater, including The Lion King and Billy Elliot the Musical. In 2024, he became an EGOT winner, earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Stay connected with Elton through his official website, where you can find tour dates, exclusive merch, and Rocket Club membership for presale tickets. Follow him on Facebook, with over 7 million likes, for updates and fan discussions. His Instagram showcases vibrant photos from his tours and personal life, while his X account shares news and throwback posts, like one from 2015 celebrating "Crocodile Rock"’s release. Fans can join communities like the Elton John Fan Club or engage in Facebook groups such as the Elton John Fan Club, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the Rocket Man’s timeless tunes.