Elton John Flawlessly Sings "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" | Carson Tonight Show
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2022
- Elton John performs "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" and sits down with Johnny | Carson Tonight Show
Original Airdate: 11/05/1980
#johnnycarson #eltonjohn #thetonightshow - Розваги
I was in the audience for this show…🥰🤩♥️
How was it for you?
you're old
Wow😳👍🏻
Wished I was there with you :)
Me too
For about 3 years during the 70's there was nothing bigger than Elton. No internet, we had to listen to the radio or buy records to listen to artists. Anytime there was a new song by Elton on the radio it was a HUGE deal. Listen to him, no auto-tune. Just a guy on a piano. TALENT.
Once heard Philadelphia Freedom 9 consecutive times around 75 or 76 in Connecticut just turning to a new station when the song finished on another. Young people can't imagine how dominant Elton was.
I would say it was more years than just 3. He had really big hits from about 1970 until 1977, every single year. And most of those years, he had as many as 3, 4, or 5 really big hits. But yeah, I agree with you that at that time, he was the biggest thing happening in music.
Yep. John Lennon joked to him that ‘I hope you don’t die, cause they already play you waaaaaay to much on the radio!’ 😂
74, 75, 76 were his peak years. Then the Bee Gees took over.
Barry Manilow was in there somewhere. 😆
Elton John singing his hits on Johnny Carson! Those were the days…
Right?! There's a Johnny Carson Channel here on YT. That made my day. Most was before my time, but I remember staying awake to hear his monologue, even as a kid. Highly recommend Drew Barrymore's 1st appearance. 🤣
He’s just so amazing,but I do like him performing in his flamboyant attire so much better. He seemed happier that way!
@@t4t359 DH
@@t4t359 sad for you.
They certainly were!!!
Wow. He’s using a standard mic and no earpiece. He has no feedback on his own voice and the with no echo delay his voice has to be pitch perfect and it was. Hard to imagine any artist today ever doing this on TV.
Yes it's what you would get if he sang the song in your living room. What a treasure of a performance.
He still obviously has a monitor so he can hear himself.
No backup singers like Madonna and so many other artists.
Watch Billie Eilish on Howard Stern.
@@lancedeschenes4046 Meh. She's alright, but she not only doesn't write her own music. She's got someone else playing piano and singing backup vocals.
Not to mention, that she's basically playing in a recording booth with who knows what kind of equipment. Not on a stage.
One guy, a piano, a song - what an amazing artist.
....and the guy who wrote the lyrics....Bernie Taupin.
One of the most talented men to ever walk the planet.
@@Oldman808 😂
I saw Elton John in concert years ago. His band was held up at customs and never made it to the show. He improvised and played like this at the piano for 2.5 hours. He was really able to carry the show as a solo artist.
Wow! What a treat!
That's amazing!
Great story…I love that
That’s crazy! What a great experience that must have been
And no one went home disappointed!
Saddest, yet one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The emotion it evoked in me the first time I heard it as a youngster at 9 years old has always stayed with me. I’m 54 now. Music is amazing.
Same! I agree and the same emotions come to me with 'Tiny Dancer'. I love this album!
Music is amazing…
Oh, puleeeeze. A simpering piece of drivel.
What emotion were you having at 9 yo….you accidentally ran over your pet turtle with your tricycle….
Junk for the rubes.
His voice was and still is so stunning. But it's so rare to see him perform without his glasses so this was great. He has very pretty eyes behind those sparking glasses he normally wears. = )
He's very sexy during the 80s ..I'm Hopelessly I'm love ...ok ok in lust
No auto tune, real talent.
A lot about Elton has changed over the years. But if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s his ability to perform beautifully and phenomenally.
Such a beyond talented lad.
Nothing has changed! Still the biggest talent in the universe!!
He was and was is the point a great talent. The man hasn’t been able to write a hit in yrs and can’t sing anymore. His talent was fantastic. Now? He couldn’t write or sing his way out of a paper bag. I never had that talent on any level, but I do recognize he no longer is relevant.
@@garywright9715 Wrong. He still tours and sings live. Go back to that rock you just crawled out from
@@garywright9715 He doesn’t want to. He is into his kids now. He doesn’t need to prove anything, either.
@@garywright9715 wait he literally released a no 1 album last year. and talking about phenomenal songs, check the diving board and the union. fairly recent and great listens. as for his voice hes hitting c5s in levon and constant ab4s in im still standing in his farewell shows these days. the 2 year break has benefitted him a lot.
When he first started singing, something sounded off to me. I realized that it was simply that my ears had become corrupted by the modern era, as I was simply listening to Elton John and his piano, sans any filters or other technology. Back when only pure talent survived. We were truly blessed to grow up in such a time.
He started off a bit shaky to be honest
Me too, I thought it was just the audio from TVs back in the 70s
Conan...
It needed more cowbell.
@@tntkop hahaha
Elton has been my IDOL since I first heard him when I was about 9 years old and have seen him in concert EVERY time since I was 12, I am now 60 and took my 25 year old daughter to see his Farewell Tour which we BOTH loved! He's been such a huge part of my life and don't know how I would have survived without him and Bernie's music!
Linda, I’m 61 and could not agree more. He was the music of the background of our generation. So happy for you to share such a memorable experience with your daughter.
It's weird but, Elton John looked like Rich Little wearing a cowboy hat.
I sure miss Johnny though. His appearance on late night TV was always a comforting reminder that all was right in the world, (even if it wasn't).
This guy had so many great songs that have stood the test of time. Absolutely brilliant combination of Bernie Taupins lyrics and Elton’s masterful music, singing , and piano playing.
When I lived in London a few years ago, my young son had a friend who lived in the Wentworth Estate, a couple of miles up the road from where we lived in Sunningdale, Berks. I was collecting my son after a play date one Saturday, and for chatting to his friend’s father, who was getting into property development. He wanted to demolish the house he lived in and rebuild in the same site, which was becoming fashionable at the time. His big hesitation, he said, was that the house he lived in had been Bernie Taupin’s when he was writing all the Elton John lyrics - and the room we were standing in was the study in which Taupin had written the words before sending over to Elton to add the music. True story. I think he went ahead and knocked it down anyway - more money to be made!!
As a struggling university student in the late 1970s, there weren't many opportunities to afford concert tickets. I was shocked and over the moon when Elton John and Maria Muldaur played the University of Guelph for next to nothing around 1976/1977. One of the best concerts ever!
I saw Michael Jackson and Stacy Lattisaw for 5.00. 😆 Stacy was incredible, like 14 years old! The same venue of Elvis' last concert.
Elvis's last concert was in Indianapolis, that Who concert was in Cinncinati.
@@farmerbill6855
You're right.
Elton in little old Guelph in that era! Wow. I went to UofGuelph. What venue? Definitely wasn’t the Bull Ring!
@@jimrockfish1875 No, not the Bullring, LOL! That's where we'd go to disco the night away. The concert was in the Athletics Centre.
Even though Johnny is old school he gives the new pop acts much respect.
Back then Johnny didn’t have a lot of rock acts on so when he did it was a big deal
Johnny Carson was a class act- for any generation. A rarity now.
This live with the piano is so beautiful.
One of the Greatest Showman of ANY Era. The man exudes talent and class. His music and voice are Timeless.
This version is especially fantastic as it showcases his extraordinary voice without any studio tricks. A true legend. 👍 💘 . "Sorry seems to be the Hardest Word". Indeed Sir Elton John, Indeed.
I am 65, from the 1st time I heard him, he was my favorite singer. Still is.
42 years later and he's STILL pumpin' them out.....legend!
I remember those days. I had the biggest crush on Elton John. I remember getting so heartbroken when I found out he is gay. He is still the greatest songwriter and singer ever. He's a legend.
Same.
I'm not the only one to comment this way,
but... it says it perfectly.
WOW!
This is probably the most emotionally raw song I've ever heard, it's so authentic and even better than when he played this at a younger age. If they ever made a tribute to Elton when he passes I think this should be played for everybody to listen to. He has inspired generations for sure!
I think it's that voice. The guy just has this emotion in his voice that no-one else has.
Any time Sir Elton opens his mouth, is flawless. Chills.
Good job Elton. And a note to other 'performers'.... This is how it's done. No lipsyncing, backing tracks or useless dancing.
Exactly! 'Real' talent, unfortunately, is deliberately pushed away in favour of talentless excrement that can be moulded by the 'record industry'. Autotune/Melodyne and miming mean you rarely hear anything live, even at a concert. Additionally, there absolutely is a severe lack of musical inventiveness - bands that break the mould, and that is the real shocker today.
That is the first time I heard the phrase" useless dancing". That is a good way to put it. All these performers like Madonna and others dance around like clowns to try to distract you from the fact that their songs suck and they have no actual talent.
He could’ve spiced up a bit by dancing and gyrating while grabbing his crotch😉
@@kevinkline7242 BINGO!! You are 100% correct with that assessment. Once the greedy record company execs figured out their "formula for success" in the 80's, pop music has become style over substance. Pretty boys who look like a hangnail would kill them and babes who dress up like sluts have decimated the talent pool, so 50 backup dancers are here to stay. Sadly, it's mainly because of the short attention span of fans and the fact that they listen with their eyes.
I don't think it's the artists idea on a lot of shows as to weather they perform live or not. For example nobody ever performed live on American Bandstand.
Elton is my 1st musical memories as a kid. Brilliant!
I remember watching this on TV.
Man, what's it like to nail a great song on Carson, and then stroll over to sit down for a nice little talk between two legends?
This man’s voice is iconic, legendary, versatile and was in peak form during this era.
Elton's piano playing style is captivating.
That piano skill alone.❤️
A complete genius, Elton and George Michael were always so incredibly talented. They could sing and perform in any situation, and it would sound like a million dollars! Both were equally at home being interviewed, and their eloquent conversations were always entertaining and interesting.
By the way, Johnny Carson was a true icon and legend.
Not only is he one of most talented musicians ever , but he is intelligent and a class act. Love you Sir Elton❤
What Elton John has done with music since coming here in the late 60’s is a real phenomenon. After struggling for years getting small gigs here and there in the UK and never quite catching on he answers an ad from a music publisher and is directed to a young man who wrote lyrics just by chance. It turns out to be Bernie Taupin and their unusual partnership just flourished. Bernie writes verse and just sends it to Elton and he decides how to put the right music to it. It’s been that way for all these decades. That is a once in a lifetime thing. Just remarkable.
actually Bernie writes a whole complete song. There are Bernie versions of all of them. I don't think they are recorded. I doubt Elton listens to Bernie's demos
@@seanvance but all of elton's songs were his own melodies and bernie's words. ofc bernie released his own songs with his own voice. but his lyrics are better suited to elton's music or melodies.
Once in a lifetime? Um, Paul, John …
I grew up listening to Elton. My generation was so blessed to listen to and enjoy his music. It's so wonderful to know that his music lives on into future generations and that he continues to perform! Brilliance!
In 2008 I sat directly in front of Elton John’s piano. He talked and sang for hours with Elvis Costello about his musical influences like Laura Nyro and Leon Russell. Omg what bucket list material. Elton is so interesting with his stories and his talent. I love these old interviews and will die happy knowing I met him and listened as he looked in my eyes and played. I love his smile and intensity I even see here as a young man.
Anyone who doesn’t understand what a brilliant singer songwriter sounds like. We have this. So beautiful. Sparse. Heartfelt. It’s perfect.
This is the Elton I grew up idolizing.
Incredible.
Gods hands & voice on loan.
Tumbleweed Connection is my favorite album.
One of best, yes. Also don't shoot me.im only the piano player, is a real gem
Wish elton kept doing those kind of albums
I agree-TC is in my top 10 albums of all time!
Amoreena
the union is in my top 10 as well
The television of the early 80’s. Elton singing with no echo. An artist would never agree to that anymore.
Funny, I noticed the no echo right away, and it really set me to thinking... yup. Brave, simple, clear.
Noticed that right off. He hit it out of the park. Perfect transitions in and out of the falsetto parts. The crowd went crazy without any prompting because it was awesome. Talent.
Point of note, modern late night hosts, ask interesting, relevant, non-idiotic questiona. Carson, still the king of late night.
Also didn't need to feel the need to interject their political beliefs at every opportunity.
No blue cars.
He isn't on anymore!! Current hosts are great!
@@stinkywizzleteats420 Carson was very political!! Pay attention to his monologs!!
@@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet But he went after politicians from both parties, unlike Colbert and Fallon and Kimmel.
Fantastic performance by Sir Elton and then a wonderful interview conducted by the master, Mr. Carson. This is about as good as it gets for first class entertainment.
After Carson the rest are crap
SIR ELTON THAT WAS GREAT 👍 SO GLAD I CAUGHT YOU AND THE WONDERFUL JOHNNY CARSON
One thing I love about Johnny Carson, have always enjoyed, is that he was an EXCELLENT "talk show host". He had a naturalness about him, about the way he interacted, so seemlessly, easily, and humorously, with WHOEVER appeared on his show, "very different" from him, or not. Yet, he never changed "who he was", his core personality. I truly like, enjoy, and miss that type of personality, in the world. Yes, sensitivity IS nice, especially if you don't truly know who you're talking to, but the "easy connection" with other people disappears when that fact is thought of more than what is the "same" about yourself and the people you converse or interact with.
Well said. And I couldn't agree more 💖💯💯💯💖
*GENIUS songwriter and pianist* Unfortunately, no one born after 1965 knows what REAL MUSIC is.
To say "no one" is to exclude millions upon millions of people you don't know. Try to backtrack a little.
It’s somehow even more emotional with just the piano. Beautiful song beautifully done.
There is something to be said for an artist singing their heart out at the piano.
Might be the best live performance I've ever heard. I miss this Elton John.
✨💫Two magnificent legends 💫✨
I’m forever fascinated that he never hits a wrong note on the piano. I saw him perform live once in Sydney Australia and I was fortunate to be quite close … my heart was in my mouth because in an hour SURELY he HAD to hit a bum note. But nope, it was all Perfection
Johnny truly looks interested and has total respect of Elton.
Remarkable! One of my all-time favourite songs ever performed to perfection.
This was so worth staying up to see, not like the garbage spewed by late shows now!
Letterman had probably the best rock music setup even in late night, with Paul Schaffer and the show's resident band. I remember them backing Del Shannon as he performed "Runaway." It was note perfectl
Not only is Elton John perfect here it's impressive to me Always, just how well versed Johnny Carson was on just about every subject.
I miss these times so much.
Elton was very handsome here...one of the few interviews I've seen him without glasses.... Johnny was phenomenal.... wonderful host. Bless them both!!!
He's sexy as heck
Very sexy ..
Who cares he's gay ...
✨That voice.........MAGIC!💕💕
I don't think he ever knocked it out of the park harder. No where to hide on that one.
Wonderful not only to hear such q performances but a wonderful interview. Elton is so witty and a great conversationalist. Glad to see this
Yeah. I never knew how funny he was
Such an amazing talent. I was lucky enough to see him live about 10 years ago. I'll never forget the show. The audience was singing so loud with him that he stopped and watched. Non-stop performance with just a sip or two of water. Legend!
Yes Reginald... that 70's and early 80's music of Reggie's was unmatched I was a big fan and still listen to those songs till this day!
I had been watching Johnny Carson since I was a kid and this is the very first time I've ever seen this show with Elton! Great interview!
I was fortunate to see him during the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road tour in the 70s. This April I got to see him in his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. I feel so lucky to have seen him perform twice. A class act indeed.
I saw him in Dallas on that tour...took my 7 and 9 year old tho...they passed out from the contact high...so talented...love Reginald Dwight
I was also fortunate to see him on the Yellow Brick Road farewell tour about 4 years ago. . Fantastic!! It was my 2nd time seeing him I love love love Elton! Beautiful voice. Wonderful music.
I wish... I could have been there with you for both concerts! Congratulations, on such a lovely experience! Also, his jacket is SO giving me LIFE!
I am dying to find out if he designed it or whom else did!? Love, love, LOVE IT!
(It seems to have been considered, blase, by the audience. Only Elton could just walk in and own this look!) He wore the clothes, the clothes didn't wear him! Sooo Daring and Darling!
Not too many artists could do what he is doing here and do it this well. He is awesome.
A great interview. He seems to be very down to earth and quite funny too. Absolutely a great talent.
He's changed as a person since then. I liked him better in the old days. Over the decades, Elton turned into a 'celebrity'.
Also - an efficient talker!
The MOZART of our times - simply the best artist in Pop - fantastic raw and brilliantly emotional version of this tune. BRAVO!
Mind blowing talent
Any of you who enjoy hearing such unfiltered singing should consider coming out to hear a live opera in your city. Still just the pure voices, no filters, no autotune, not even a microphone! It's surprisingly enjoyable as it's now so rare in this day of over processed sound!
Sir Elton was one of the greats.
This was played so simply, and so beautifully. I would have to re-listen to the original track, (I have the album and the single on vinyl), but I don't think that I've ever heard this song sound so heart-breaking. Thank you for posting it.
The album version had a beautiful string arrangement with it, but this version was excellent too. You almost feel that you’re listening to him play the song immediately after he finished writing the music to it and is playing it all the way through for the first time.
A guy, a piano, and his voice. Superb. And a fine English gentleman.
Fantastic live performance and Carson the master at making his guests comfortable and bringing out a great conversational show. None like him since.
Johnny was pervy…but agree, a great conversationalist. Miss the show….
Elton is amazing and so is Johnny, nobody can touch him as a talk show host.
I’m so glad I grew up when true talent was a requirement to be famous.
Beautiful, this song in it's purest form.
Elton sounding incredible without any of the modern electronic crutches. Simply pure artwork. I do have to say…”Man, do I miss Johnny Carson”. Not ONE late night host today is worth a dam. Apolitical hosting is a lost art.
Emotion, truly. I had chills and goose bumps on my arms. ❤️
I’m 26 and my mother and I were just was blessed to see him perform in phoenix this weekend. I cried when he played this. I found my dad after he shot himself and I know this song is more based toward romantic relationships but when lightening struck me an I woke to found my dad not there the next morning, all I wanted to do was say sorry to him for not noticing he was in such deep pain. And since that day I have felt an overwhelming feeling that my dad has wanted to say sorry to me too. Sorry really is the hardest word when there’s no one there to hear it anymore. Thank you Sir Elton for giving my mother and I a night away from the hell of grief if even just for a night.
By far, the best Elton performance I’ve seen anywhere! Such soul!
I saw him in the early nineties at Madison Square Garden in NYC on John Lennon's birthday. MSG is not only where John Lennon performed for the last time, but it was at an Elton John concert in 1974. He came on stage and performed with Elton that night. He and Lennon were good friends.
The night I saw Elton he said it was John's birthday and everyone cheered. He then said he was going to perform a song he and Bernie wrote for John after his death that he seldom performed called 'Empty Garden'. He warned us he might get emotional and he may break down during the song, but he'd give it a shot anyway.
Elton got through the song. It was sensational.
He managed to get through it without tearing up, but there weren't a whole lot of people in the audience during that song who managed to do the same. It was pretty heavy.
Love the Elton stories…thank you for sharing it
Godfather to John's son, Sean.
I was 17 when that was taped, loved Elton John then and still do, hell of a singer
Iconic! Wish I could go back to those day's. Love Elton! 💘
Truth!
As a lifelong EJ fan and a picky connoisseur of his music, this is one of his finest live performances ever captured. He never ceases to amaze me. This was shortly after I saw the tour he mentions, touring solo in 1979 just after his return from Russia with no band, a full concert Steinway grand piano on one side of the stage and a Yamaha CP 80 electric piano on the other side, backed by Ray Cooper on drums and percussion. He wore a gold lame Nudie suit and no glasses and sang old country and western songs mixed in with all of his hits. Probably the best show I ever saw him do. This was during a period where he scaled back on the theatrics and concentrated more on the basics of performance. I have tickets to see him on the FGYBR tour in September of 2022. Forty years later. Wow
I was there at this tour. He'll be here in October!
just saw Sir Elton last month in Swansea, Wales. He was so on, absolutely brilliant. he just came out (right on time) and just started jammin. It was an absolute privelage to be there. truly gifted musician. This particular song just went straight to my heart.
This video is as vintage as it is priceless!. What a gift Elton is to all of us.
Elton looking healthy here before getting too far into the chemicals. Glad he got it sorted later. I remember my brother bringing home the album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. I was fascinated by that record. Especially the last 2 songs We All Fall in Love Sometimes and Curtains. Little known songs to most people, but amazing album tracks.
Great album and those were definitely two unique and wonderful songs. Love them still.
@quicktastic agreed. I think they are the highlight of the record and definitely was the best way to close the album.
CURTAINS!!!!
I have always had eclectic taste in music and Elton was "always " a part of that. I have most of his albums now, but my first was Honky Château on 8 track. I listened over and over. :-) He is most certainly one of the best of all time.. I would only rank him below my all time favorite; RUSH !!!!! RIP Neal...
Thank you for mentioning those songs - they have always been my favorites and almost no one knows them, save for dedicated EJ fans
Very clean w/o effects..Theres only one Elton and Bernie.He's very talkative.Classical music gives you " an everlasting love of melody"..well said
What a gem of an interview, but also having Elton and Johnny together. There was never an interviewer the equal of Johnny Carson.
And since I started playing the piano a couple of months ago, He be my Piano Man.
One of the most talented musicians to ever walk the face of the earth.
Treasure.
Beautiful song, very enchanting. Mr. John is very handsome here, I enjoyed his performance very much! I'm sure I saw this when it aired, I never missed My Johnny!!! 🌼
The perfect combo...co.writer singer performer and sat to music
Number one musician there has ever been ,love this man ,perfect voice 😍 Elton John you are the best 👌 ❤ couldn't do a bad song ❤
No but he is a great performer
In the 70s Elto and Cat Stevens had the coolest albums! Lots of stuff to read and mostly gatefold covers! I miss those days!
Loved both Elton and Cat!!
Yet you gloss over Van Morrison.
AWESOME talent!!
A fascinating conversation between Elton and Johnny! Was definitely fun to watch them verbally joust back and forth. 🎭
Absolutely flawless
My favorite song by Elton is Funeral for a friend
Hard to believe that was 1980… 42 years ago…. I remember the first time I heard him on the car radio, playing Crocodile Rock, in 1973. God, there were so many great artists at that time. Loved to listen to the King Biscuit Flour Hour on Sundays with my friends. Had a Kenwood Quadrophonic Stereo system I saved up for working at Jack in the Box in Long Beach. Drove an Opel GT… those were heady daze…
The way it was done back when I was growing up- no tricks, sheer talent. What a Legend!!!
Mad respect for you Elton brother!
Best live performer, amazing voice.
*A remastered person, Sir Elton John has been the soundtrack of my entire life since long, long time ago. Blessings to Sir Elton John, he's still standing after all this time🤗💓🇧🇷🙏.*
Elton is no doubt, one of the great pop music geniuses of our age. This clip from the Carson show was several decades ago and he was still working a lot and on the road, even though he had already achieved great fame and accolades by that time. Now in 2023, he's simply a living legend.
.....and almost no one can tell you the name of the guy who wrote all those wonderful lyrics 🙃🙂🙃
What an amazing performance!!