During the Gershwin Prize Tribute concert, Joni Mitchell covered Elton John’s hit song ‘I’m Still Standing’. The Library of Congress awarded Sir Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song last month. The celebration concert was held at DAR Revolution Hall in Washington D.C. and was aired on PBS last Monday. Mitchell, who was previously honoured with the award, joined a backing band consisting of Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Blake Mills, and Davey Johnstone on stage to perform the 1983 song.
Carlile introduced Mitchell and informed the crowd that ‘I’m Still Standing’ had special significance to the ‘River’ singer, who survived a brain aneurysm ten years ago. Mitchell also acquired Sir Elton and Taupin’s blessing to modify some of the lyrics in her cover. The rendition was slowed down and had a more bluesy feel than the original upbeat pop sound. Metallica opened the concert with a performance of ‘Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding’ from John’s 1973 double album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
Other artists that performed during the concert included Gabriels’ Jacob Lusk, who performed ‘Bennie And The Jets’ (1973), Charlies Puth, who covered ‘Something About The Way You Look Tonight’ from John’s 25th record ‘The Big Picture’ (1997), and Annie Lennox, who covered ‘Border Song’ from John’s 1970 self-titled album. John concluded the night with a live performance of his classic track ‘Your Song’ (1970).
Besides performing during the tribute concert, it was recently reported that John had completed a new album with Brandi Carlile last November after finishing a record with Taupin. Sir Elton is currently working on two musicals and stated that he was “open to any great ideas” regarding a third. Mitchell, who made a rare appearance at the Grammys 2024 and has a headline gig in Los Angeles this year, recently returned to Spotify
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