Friends

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a groovy vibe as The Zoo Crew spins Elton John’s “Friends” from the 1971 Friends album, the soundtrack to the film of the same name. This track, written with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, was a milestone for Elton, becoming his third U.S. hit and climbing to number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Cash Box Top 100. Interestingly, the album was recorded twice, as shared in a 2016 post on Elton’s official X account, showcasing the dedication to perfecting its sound. Unlike the massive success of “Your Song,” “Friends” had a more modest reception, with Cash Box noting it lacked the same “effortless commercial magnetism,” yet it still resonated with fans for its heartfelt melody and Taupin’s evocative lyrics. The song’s connection to the film, starring Sean Bury, added a cinematic layer, though Elton himself later distanced himself from the project, according to Rolling Stone.

Another tidbit about “Friends” is its place in Elton’s early career experimentation. The song was performed live only sparingly, with its most recent performance noted in 1999, per Wikipedia. This rarity makes it a special gem for longtime fans. The Friends album also marked a period of rapid output for Elton, who released four albums between 1970 and 1971, including Tumbleweed Connection and Madman Across the Water, as highlighted by Mental Floss. Fans on the Elton John World fan site often discuss how this era captured Elton and Taupin’s raw, burgeoning creativity, blending pop with cinematic storytelling.

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, was a musical prodigy from the start. He began playing piano at age four and, by 11, won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, as detailed on Biography.com. His early love for rock and roll, inspired by artists like Jerry Lee Lewis, led him to form the soul group Bluesology in the early 1960s. It was through Bluesology, where he backed artists like Long John Baldry, that he adopted his stage name, combining the names of bandmates Elton Dean and Baldry, with “Hercules” added from a British sitcom horse, per Mental Floss. A pivotal moment came in 1967 when he answered an ad in New Musical Express, connecting him with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Their first song, “Scarecrow,” sparked a partnership that would define pop music history, as noted on Gold Radio.

Elton’s breakthrough came with his 1970 self-titled album, featuring “Your Song,” which hit number 7 in the UK and went gold in the U.S. His electrifying American debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, backed by drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray, cemented his stardom, with critics raving about his flamboyant performances, according to Rolling Stone. From there, Elton’s career soared with hits like “Rocket Man” and “Crocodile Rock,” and his over-the-top costumes became legendary, as he explained in a W interview shared on The Westport Library. Today, you can stay connected with Elton through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out fan communities like Elton John World, a hub run by fans for fans, offering news, concert feedback, and discussions about albums like Friends. Another great resource is Eltonography.com, an illustrated discography by David Bodoh, chronicling Elton’s tours and releases. On Facebook, groups like the Elton John Fans community provide a space for fans to share stories, memorabilia, and love for the Rocket Man. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let “Friends” take you back to Elton’s early magic!