“One of the greatest ever”: Elton John on the singer who still amazes him

For Elton John, Stevie Wonder remains the musician who can still leave him amazed. The British musician has worked and socialized with many greats, but he gives Wonder a special place among them.

John said Wonder’s voice, talent and way of creating music continue to impress him. He also viewed Wonder as an artist who surpassed what even John himself could do, particularly because of the range and musical theory embedded in Wonder’s compositions from an early age.

John’s own musical world was shaped by a wide range of influences. His work with Bernie Taupin often combined elements that seemed unrelated on paper but worked perfectly in the finished songs. His admiration for Leon Russell appeared throughout “Tumbleweed Connection,” while his early music also reflected his love of Americana and the great rock and roll performers who came before him.

He listened to artists such as Little Richard and Ray Charles to understand what a pianist could bring to rock music. But Wonder represented something beyond those lessons. John said: “He is so versatile that it is difficult to define exactly what makes him one of the greatest of all time. But above all, there is his voice. As a keyboard player, I have played with him for years and I never cease to be amazed by what he comes up with. I think his message is love and, in the world we live in today, that message really reaches people.”

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He is so versatile that it is difficult to define exactly what makes him one of the greatest of all time. But above all, there is his voice. As a keyboard player, I have played with him for years and I never cease to be amazed by what he comes up with. I think his message is love and, in the world we live in today, that message really reaches people.