His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John [Anglais] [Relié]

Rosenthal, a freelance writer, here attempts only the second serious biography of the bespectacled pianist (after Philip Norman's Elton John, LJ 2/1/92) and the first to include significant critical analysis of the star's music. As a biographer, Rosenthal relies exclusively on secondary sources to cobble together John's story, risking the perpetuation of inaccuracies. She also presents an assembly line of factoids but fails to give the reader a broader understanding of the man. As a critical analysis of John's music, the book is more successful, but here, too, are puzzling inconsistencies. Rosenthal takes pains to discuss every album track John has recorded in his 30-plus-year career, yet she ignores the plethora of nonalbum B-sides that he has released on singles a significant oversight. Oddly, the author devotes considerable space to lesser-known songs and only two sentences to "Your Song," arguably John's most beloved composition. Still, as a secondary selection, Rosenthal's well-meaning work is vastly superior to Susan Crimp and Patricia Burstein's The Many Lives of Elton John (Birch Lane Pr., 1992). Despite being dated, Norman's book remains the most definitive account. Lloyd Jansen, Stockton-San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Documentation rather than biography is the raison d'etre of new books on aging rock superstars.Rosenthal on Elton John details all one could ever want to know about the intricacies of, say, "The Bitch Is Back." Copiously annotated, the dense recording-by-recording study comprises a full discography with some lamentable limitations; all songs and composers are listed, but none of the sidemen who played with John on recordings. Entertaining yet meaningful, disposable yet probably significant, John's continued popularity seems to guarantee readers for this good source of information on the working aspects of a career so voluminous that people will be serious about it, even if most of the songs are little more than Paul McCartney's "silly love songs." Mike Tribby
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Few artists in the music world have achieved the awesome success of Elton John. From his self-titled debut album in 1970 to his Academy Award for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to his music for the hit Broadway musical Aida, he has been lauded both for his recordings and his extravagant live performances.

His Song is destined to become the definitive critical volume about this remarkable artist. More comprehensive and in-depth than other biographies, this authoritative reference reveals the full story behind all Elton’s recordings; offers a complete chronicle of the artist’s concert tours, including his 1979 tour of the Soviet Union and his 1994–1995 tour with fellow piano superstar Billy Joel; divulges how he grew from a meek, unassuming man into a personality powerhouse and major superstar; and uncovers the untold story behind his flamboyant costumes and why he wore them.

This enlightening biography also examines the ebb and flow of this outstanding artist's career. It discloses the real reason for Elton’s commercial downturn and his difficult business relationship with David Geffen; his “coming out,” first as a bisexual and finally as a gay man; his problems with drugs, alcohol, bulimia, and sexual addictions; his relationship with AIDS sufferer Ryan White; and much more. It also tells the true story regarding his performance at Princess Diana’s funeral and his rewriting of “Candle in the Wind,” which went on to become the biggest-selling single in music history. Plus, over 40 photographs and a complete discography chronicle the breadth of this legend’s celebrated career.

Elizabeth J. Rosenthal is a freelance writer who has written for two Elton John fanzines, East End Lights and Hercules. She lives in New Jersey.