logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2019
46m 42s

"Tiny Dancer" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick ...

KIRK HAMILTON
About this episode
Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin wrote so many great songs over the years that it was impossible to pick a single one for Strong Songs. So, why not do two? 
Up next
Aug 21
"Song for the Dead" by Queens of the Stone Age
Kirk returns to the Mojave, and to QOTSA's groundbreaking 2002 album Songs For The Deaf. Written by: Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan Produced by: Josh Homme and Eric Valentine Album: Songs For The Deaf, 2002 Listen/Buy via Album.Link Episode photo by Kirk Hamilton @ Joshua Tree, 2026 ... Show More
59m 45s
Jul 17
"Little Bird" by Annie Lennox
Strong Songs returns to the mighty Annie Lennox, for a closer look at her initially patient, eventually soaring 1992 single "Little Bird." This song allllmost beat out "Walking On Broken Glass" to get an episode last time around, and it's easy to see why. Written by: Annie Lennox ... Show More
59m 2s
Jun 19
"Mamma Mia" by ABBA
It's time for a second helping of ABBA, and how could we resist "Mamma Mia"? Kirk peels back the layers of one of the band's most beloved songs, revealing a carefully crafted concoction of melodies, countermelodies, stealthy synthesizers, and marimbas. Written by: Benny Andersson ... Show More
57m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2018
Bernie Taupin: Lyrical Inspiration
<p>When Elton John and Bernie Taupin met as teenagers, they were each talented and full of potential, but together, they were unstoppable. For over 50 years, with Taupin as lyricist and John as composer, they have created many of the most enduring songs in pop and rock n' roll. T ... Show More
45m 26s
May 2024
Tiny Dancer
Elton John's slow burner is now one of his most beloved tracks. Released in 1971 during a prolific period for Elton and Bernie Taupin, many people see themselves in the lyrics.Eliza Hewitt grew up in a strict household in Pennsylvania. During the tumultuous early 70s, her brother ... Show More
27m 42s
Nov 2024
A Thanksgiving mix: Songs of joy and gratitude
Hosts Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson share stories and songs of gratitude from NPR listeners.Featured songs and artists:1. Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss: "Simple Gifts," from Classic Yo-Yo2. Bill Withers: "Lean On Me," from Still Bill3. The Mountain Goats: "This Year," from The S ... Show More
38m 35s
Jun 2022
86: "Tiny Dancer" vs. "Piano Man" (w/Angie Meehan)
<p>The pianos, they are a-duelin'! And the piano man, he takes a stand in the auditorium, but is it THE Piano Man, Billy Joel, or is it Sir Elton? We debate Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" and Billy Joel's "Piano Man," which piano star will end up on top?</p><p>See Privacy Policy at < ... Show More
1h 6m
Jul 2019
Sting And Shaggy
The two musical legends brought plenty of joy to the Tiny Desk, with an unexpected collaboration that works surprisingly well.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR P ... Show More
14m 43s
Mar 2024
Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream"
Today on One Song the ultimate pop music dichotomy: It’s a record that is simultaneously huge. But also very niche. The chances are you know the breezy synth pop masterpiece, Walking on a Dream. But how much do you know about Empire of the Sun, the duo who made that song? Probabl ... Show More
55m 55s
Sep 2019
Episode 7: Songs 10 to 1
Bobby and Brian Hiatt, author of “Bruce Springsteen: The Stories Behind the Songs” and senior writer for Rolling Stone magazine, finish off the journey with songs No. 10 to 1, including “Dancing in the Dark,” “Backstreets” and “Thunder Road.” See acast.com/privacy for privacy and ... Show More
54m 55s