Levon

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Levon" by Elton John from the 1971 album Madman Across the Water, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, a piano-driven classic, tells the story of a man named Levon, who runs a family business selling cartoon balloons, and his son Jesus, who dreams of escaping to Venus. Despite rumors, the song’s title isn’t a nod to Levon Helm of The Band, though Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin were huge fans. Taupin clarified in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview, saying, “It wasn’t inspired by Levon Helm,” noting Helm himself was confused by the reference. Instead, Taupin crafted a fictional tale about a man bored with routine, as Elton John explained in Susan Black’s book Elton John in His Own Words: “It’s just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons, and he just wants to get away from it… but he can’t because it’s the family ritual.”

During the recording at Trident Studios in 1971, a happy accident occurred. Drummer Barry Morgan played a fill in the wrong place during "Levon," and it turned out to be a magical moment, as producer Gus Dudgeon recalled on Elton John’s official website. The session featured an all-star lineup, including Rick Wakeman on Hammond organ and Paul Buckmaster arranging the orchestra, with backing vocals by Tony Burrows and others. Elton John shared in his autobiography ME that Madman Across the Water was a personal favorite, despite its denser, less commercial sound. The song hit No. 24 on Billboard’s Hot 100, boosted by FM radio play in North America, unlike the UK’s BBC Radio 1, which shied away from longer tracks.

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, showed musical promise early. By age four, he was playing piano, and at 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. In the 1960s, he joined the blues band Bluesology, but his big break came when he answered a talent ad from Liberty Records. Though he failed the audition, he was paired with lyricist Bernie Taupin, who also responded to the ad. They began writing songs for others, including Lulu, before Elton John released his debut album, Empty Sky, in 1969. His 1970 self-titled album, with hits like “Your Song,” launched him to stardom. Teaming with producer Gus Dudgeon and a core band, including Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson, he dominated the 1970s with his flamboyant style and Taupin’s evocative lyrics.

Stay connected with Elton John through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the conversation at the Rocket Club on his official site or check out fan communities like the Elton John Fan Club on Facebook. For more fan-driven content, visit Elton John World, a dedicated fan site with news, interviews, and tour updates.