“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” stands as one of Elton John’s most beloved and recognizable songs, a concert staple since its debut in 1974. While already a hit in its own right, the song experienced a phenomenal resurgence in 1991 when George Michael joined Elton for a live rendition, catapulting it to the #1 spot. This iconic track, featured on all editions of Elton’s retrospective album ‘Diamonds’, boasts a rich history and enduring appeal.
Originally released on Elton John’s eighth studio album, Caribou, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was the lead single that offered the first taste of the album’s sound. Hitting the UK market on May 20, 1974, and the US on June 10, the single climbed to respectable positions on the charts, reaching #16 in the UK and #2 in the US during the summer of that year. These initial chart successes hinted at the song’s potential, but its journey to true iconic status was still to unfold.
The Genesis of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” and the Caribou Sessions
Recorded in the scenic setting of Colorado in January 1974, the creation of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was not without its challenges. Elton John, along with his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin and producer Gus Dudgeon, envisioned a sound that blended the harmonies of The Beach Boys with Phil Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production. They aimed for an atmosphere reminiscent of tracks like The Beach Boys’ “Let’s Go Away For A While” and The Righteous Brothers’ classic, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”.
However, capturing the lead vocal performance proved to be a significant hurdle for Elton. Despite numerous attempts, he struggled to deliver a vocal take that met his satisfaction. This creative friction led to considerable frustration during the recording process.
Gus Dudgeon’s Production Vision and Star-Studded Backing Vocals
Despite Elton’s vocal frustrations, producer Gus Dudgeon recognized the inherent power of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” from the moment Elton first played it for him. In a 1993 interview, Dudgeon recalled experiencing chills upon hearing the song for the first time, emphasizing his immediate connection to its emotional depth. Drummer Nigel Olsson shared this sentiment, reportedly bursting into the studio from another room after hearing Elton composing the song, declaring it a future number one hit. Olsson’s initial intuition proved remarkably prescient, even though the song’s journey to the top spot would take nearly two decades.
Faced with Elton’s vocal setbacks and near abandonment of the track, Gus Dudgeon demonstrated his production expertise and belief in the song. Instead of discarding it, Dudgeon doubled down on his initial production vision, further enriching the Spector-esque and Beach Boys-inspired foundation. Crucially, he enlisted members of The Beach Boys themselves, Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston, to contribute backing vocals, with Johnston also co-arranging these vocal harmonies. Adding to the stellar vocal ensemble, Toni Tennille also lent her voice to the backing vocals, while her husband, Daryl Dragon, assisted with the vocal arrangements. This collaboration brought together an extraordinary array of vocal talent, adding layers of richness and depth to the track. Interestingly, just a year later, Captain & Tennille, the duo of Toni Tennille and Daryl Dragon, would achieve their own significant pop success.
Dudgeon further enhanced the song’s sonic landscape by incorporating a horn arrangement from Del Newman, performed by the acclaimed Tower of Power horn section, adding a dynamic and soulful dimension to “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” and other tracks on Caribou. In a testament to Dudgeon’s nuanced production approach, he resisted any impulse to correct or mask Elton’s distinctive pronunciation of “discard” in the second verse. Toni Tennille reportedly championed Elton’s slightly exaggerated Americanized pronunciation, “dis-cord”, finding it charming and unique, and Dudgeon wisely chose to retain this distinctive vocal quirk.
Image: Elton John captivating an audience during a live performance, showcasing his enduring stage presence.
Initial Acclaim and Grammy Nomination
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” garnered significant recognition upon its initial release, solidifying its place as a standout track in Elton John’s extensive catalog. The song’s critical and commercial success was further underscored by a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male” for Elton John. This prestigious nomination acknowledged the song’s vocal delivery, emotional resonance, and overall impact within the pop music landscape.
The 1991 George Michael Duet: Reigniting a Classic
While already a well-loved song, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” reached new heights of popularity in 1991. George Michael, a long-time admirer of Elton John and the song, invited Elton to perform it with him live at a concert. This collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment, breathing fresh life into the track. The live duet, capturing the combined vocal prowess of two generations of pop icons, resonated deeply with audiences.
The live version of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” featuring George Michael was officially released as a single and became a global phenomenon, finally reaching the coveted #1 position on charts worldwide, years after its original release. This chart-topping success not only reintroduced the song to a new generation but also reaffirmed its timeless quality and enduring emotional power. The George Michael duet became an instant classic in its own right, cementing “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”‘s place as an unforgettable anthem.
A Lasting Legacy
From its challenging beginnings in the Caribou studio sessions to its global chart-topping resurgence nearly two decades later, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” has proven to be more than just an album track. It is a testament to the enduring power of songwriting, production artistry, and the magic that can happen when musical generations collide. The song remains a cornerstone of Elton John’s live performances and a cherished piece of pop music history, continuing to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Image: The album cover of Elton John’s ‘Caribou’, featuring “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, representing a key era in his musical journey.
