Elton John - Tiny Dancer

Not being too familiar with Elton John, like many people my first exposure to "Tiny Dancer" was in the 2000 film "Almost Famous". The writer / director Cameron Crowe, was previously a music journalist, so knew it would be perfect for a pivotal feelgood singalong group scene.

Elton John  in 1970-71 was a whirlwind phenomena, as he released five albums and built a impressive live reputation in America. The six-minute heroic "Tiny Dancer" was the opener to final album of this prolific period - "Madman Across the Water".

Lyricist Bernie Taupin wanted to capture the joy of their first California tour, where the women seemed so beautiful, fearless and free. He amalgamates them into a single character ("Blue jean baby, L.A. lady") in evocative portrait of this time ("Jesus freaks out in the street "). He  also merges in a tribute to his new wife, Maxine Feibelman, who had actually been the "seamstress for the band" from the song. 

It is not easy marrying a travelling musician,  as she watches the concerts ("the words she knows, the tune she hums") and endures endless bus journeys ("count the headlights on the highway"). Despite this, there is a genuine love and companionship when they are together ("Lying here with no one near"), holding each other tight.

As normal, Elton John added the music to the completed lyrics (see Bacharach / David & Difford / Tilbrook), and crafted a gentle ballad rising to a spiritual chorus. Initially it is just John on the piano with the beautiful pedal steel guitar of BJ Cole. There is a slow burn of John's expressive vocals, taking over two minutes to reach the chorus, where it is supplemented by ten backing vocals and strings.

"Tiny Dancer" was not a hit single, partly due to radio disliking its length, but its popularity grew steadily until the tsunami of "Almost Famous". Today it remains one of John's most  famous songs, so people could instantly understand Phoebe from Friends mistaking it as a  tribute to "Young Tony Danza".

A memorable moment from an outstanding career.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYcyacLRPNs   (a video made subsequently from a Youtube competition)

Hear Next -  John's early 1970s albums are essential, but a newcomer may prefer a singles compilation