Blog
Feb 04

Candle in the Wind

“Candle in the Wind”, written by Elton John, was released on this day (February 4) in 1974. It was written about the late Marilyn Monroe, famed Hollywood actress and pin-up model of the 1950s. The opening line “Goodbye, Norma Jean” refers to Monroe’s real name, Norma Jean Baker.

“Candle in the Wind 1997” or “Goodbye England’s Rose” is a re-recording of “Candle in the Wind” as a tribute to Princess Diana. This version, released in 1997, was one of the best selling singles of all time and was produced by George Martin, of Beatles fame.

This song was requested by and dedicated to my friend Heather B, as well as my partner in surgery, Jackie Smith, who recently saw Elton John in concert during his farewell tour! Enjoy!

Bosendorfer piano sound – For this recording I’m playing a Yamaha Clavinova – which has the same keyboard action as a traditional acoustic piano, but there are no strings. Pressing a key activates (in this case) a sound which was sampled from a Bösendorfer Imperial Concert Grand piano. Try listening to it with a good set of headphones! It sounds better than any piano I’ve ever owned!!