On January 30, actress Nicole Kidman appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and shared a unique story about her encounter with rock legend Elton John, highlighting both the personal and cultural significance of the artist's legacy. Kidman recounted obtaining John’s autograph, which she called 'very special' and hinted at the likely value of the item today. 'That was because we bought lyrics,' said Kidman, referring to the original handwritten lyrics she purchased from John's collaborator, Bernie Taupin. Kidman cleverly avoided disclosing the location of her treasured keepsake when Colbert pressed her on where she kept it, leaving the audience intrigued about the priceless memento.
Fans reacted with excitement on social media, expressing their surprise and admiration for Kidman’s possession. One fan remarked, 'Wow now that's something to get autographed!' While another jokingly suggested, 'Yeah she shouldn't tell anyone where she keeps them; they’re worth a fortune, I bet!' This playful exchange highlights the connection between celebrity culture and the emotional depth of personal memories associated with great artists.
Also relevant to the topic of Elton John is the story of Craig A. Miller, who has transitioned from Broadway performer to prominent Elton John tribute artist. Miller recalled his reluctance to perform as a tribute act initially, stating, 'I don’t want to go to the elephant graveyard of entertainment to become an impersonator.' Despite his reservations, he found his path as he crafted 'Remember When Rock Was Young: The Elton John Experience' which debuted to much acclaim.
His performances showcase the music of Elton John, and Miller has made the bold choice to commission his own arrangements for these tracks. 'Unlike a lot of performers who work with orchestras, I own all of my arrangements,' Miller explained. By retaining full creative control, he has been able to breathe new life and uniqueness to John's classic hits. This decision stems from his desire for authenticity, wanting to replicate the feel of John's live performances rather than simply mimicking studio cuts.
For Miller, his performances are not just reenactments but rather invitations to experience the music anew. 'It’s just really fun,' he said about incorporating medleys of John’s Broadway hits – 'The Lion King,' 'Aida,' and 'Billy Elliott.' His vision includes ensuring the symphony players have ample opportunity to showcase their talents, something he feels is often overlooked in pop concerts.
'A lot of times on pops concerts, the orchestras are parsley on the plate,' Miller lamented, emphasizing his commitment to involving the orchestra throughout his performance. He noted the lack of opportunities for orchestral musicians at many events, which motivated him to design his show differently.
Bringing his own touring band and backup singers, Miller aims to craft more than just musical nostalgia; he aims to create theatrical experiences infused with energy and emotion. Opening with 'The Bitch is Back,' one of John's signature hits, Miller transports the audience through not only John’s musical legacy but also his own narrative and connection to John’s artistry.
Scheduled to perform with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra on February 8, Miller is excited to continue sharing the magic of Elton John's music with fans. His performances are infused with stories, drawing from his own experiences as one who grew up listening to John's iconic music. 'That was the first Elton album, the ‘Caribou’ album, which came to our house,' Miller reminisced. 'I get to play as if I’m 11 years old.'
These two stories—of Nicole Kidman’s fond memory of Elton John’s lyrics and Craig A. Miller’s tribute concert—emphasize the lasting impact of John’s music. Through personal connections and performances, his legacy continues to thrive, inspiring new generations of fans and musicians. Kidman treasures her signed lyrics as part of her personal history, and Miller seeks to embody the spirit of John’s performances, proving how music can create timeless moments and memories for everyone involved.