When Little Richard used to stand up and play it was just fabulous, and Liberace had the candlesticks and the rings and the gift of the gab. The piano's is the most ungainly rock' n' roll instrument of all time but those two people transcended it, as did Jerry Lee Lewis.
Interpretation
This quote celebrates the extraordinary talent of iconic musicians who transformed the rock 'n' roll experience.
Elton John reflects on the unique qualities of legendary performers like Little Richard and Liberace, who, despite the unconventional nature of the piano as a rock 'n' roll instrument, excelled and captivated audiences with their flamboyant style and charisma. The quote acknowledges their ability to transcend musical norms and create an unforgettable impact in the world of music.
In practice
This quote can be used during a music appreciation class to highlight the impact of individual artists.
I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership. The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off. You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships.
I just wish more of my fellow queers would come out sometimes. It's nice out here, you know?
At heart I've always been a music fan. That part of me has never changed since I was a little kid, sitting in a room watching a record go round, looking at the colour of the labels.
I hate to say this, but I always listen to the music and the instrumentation first, and then grab on to the lyrics later.
So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do_x000D_ _x000D_ You see I've forgotten, if they're green or they're blue_x000D_ _x000D_ Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean_x000D_ _x000D_ Yours are the sweetest eyes, I've ever seen.
Don't be afraid to let her into your heart and when your down, don't try to carry the whole world on your shoulders.
When you watch your favorite guitarists play, notice how little their hands and fingers move sometimes. The economy of motion can't be overemphasized.
The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know. I got it from them.
A band's only unique thing is its chemistry, especially if none of you are prodigious players or particularly handsome. The one thing you have is your uniqueness, so we hold on to that.
I am playing the violin, that's all I know, nothing else, no education, no nothing. You just practice every day.
The only reason I figured out I didn't like my old records to listen was I could hear how nervous I was and how uncomfortable I was. And who would want to sit around and listen to yourself being uncomfortable?
My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me.
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