Elton John emerged from the obscurity of a British song publisher's office in a meteoric rise to superstar status during the Seventies. Toting a wardrobe of outrageous costumes and glasses, he was the consummate live entertainer, providing a splashy, larger-than-life visual spectacle to complement his music. He helped usher rock into the arenas during the decade when that conquest became unequivocal. Elton and long time lyricist partner Bernie Taupin identified and shaped the mood of the Seventies from its inception. Given to roughly equal numbers of ballads and rockers, his output was as critical to this decade as the Beatles were to the Sixties and Presley to the Fifties. There was even a bit of overlap between the Beatles and Elton John, as John had the most successful Beatles cover ever with his 1974 version of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – which featured John Lennon as guest guitarist.
 During the 70’s, Eltons flamboyant stage wardrobe included ostrich feathers, $5,000 spectacles that spelled his name in lights, a Statue of Liberty costume and more. He'd take the stage attired as Donald Duck or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the game of sartorial one-upmanship during the over-the-top Seventies, Elton John was without peer.
All the while, he steadily amassed a formidable catalog of recordings, their classic status being all the more amazing for the prolific pace at which he worked.

In the three-year period from 1973 to 1976, John amassed 15 hit singles, including six that went to #1 and three that reached #2. Those 15 singles logged a combined 156 weeks from 1973-1976, which is to say that, on average, an Elton John single could be found in the Top Forty every week for three years. In other words, Elton John completely dominated the rock world in the mid-Seventies.

Moreover, John wasn’t just a highly successful singles artist. From 1972 to 1975, he released seven consecutive albums that topped the charts: These five albums topped the album chart for a combined total of 39 weeks, which is to say an Elton John album was ensconced at #1 every fourth week or so during the mid-Seventies. Sales figures and chart statistics such as these place Elton John in a rarefied class with the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks and Bob Dylan.

In January 1970, Elton released 'Lady Samantha' in the US. With the B-Side of 'It’s Me That You Need'. It did not chart. - MCA 60172.

January 1970 was a cover version release of the John\Taupin song Take Me To The Pilot by Orange Bicycle, (Nigel Olsen's first band).

Another cover version of an Elton song was also released by Toe Fat in 1970, Bad Side of the Moon, At the Trident Studios, Soho, London Elton records songs for his soon to be released second album Elton John. These songs include, 'Border Song , Bad Side Of The Moon, Rock And Roll Madonna, Grey Seal, Your Song  and Into The Old Man's Shoes'.

The first single from this album was released in the UK on March 20, 1970. The UK 45 - DJM DJS 8217 of Border Song and ' Bad Side Of The Moon' did not chart despite substantial airplay. Later that month, the song was released in the US on CONGRESS 6022 but also, did not chart.

March 20, 1970 -Border Song and Bad Side Of The Moon - DJM DJS 8217

During March, Elton’s recording schedule rolled on with the start of the Tumbleweed Connection recordings. Back in the Trident Studios, Soho, London he records, 'Amoreena, Burn Down The Mission, Madman Across The Water, Rolling Western Union , My Father's Gun, Where To Now St. Peter? And Country Comfort'.

Following these recordings, the previous was released on April 10th, in the UK.
The UK LP - Elton John on DJM DJLPS 406 made number 11 in the charts and was reviewed in Melody Maker magazine (April 25 1970) as a "...a truly great record."

April 10, 1970 -Elton John - DJM DJLPS 406

April 1970 -Cassette- Elton John - DJM ZCDJL406

Also in April, Elton appeared on UK radio. BBC Radio 1 and Dave Lee Travis,
'Ballad Of A Well Known Gun' and 'Border Song' were recorded April 6, 1970 at Aeolian Hall, Studio 2. Hookfoot and The Chanter Sisters provided background vocals. Hookfoot were Caleb Quaye (guitar); Roger Pope (drums); Dave Glover (bass) and Ian Duck (vocals).
'Border Song' and ' Bad Side of the Moon' were re-released in the US during April 1970 on the UNI label. UNI 55246 only reached number 92 for 5 weeks.

During May, Elton was in the Abbey Road Studios, St John's Wood London. This time he was performing with The Hollies I Can't Tell the Bottom from the Top and Perfect Lady were recorded. Elton played piano and the songs appeared on The Hollies album Confessions of the Mind

Eltons debut performance with his new band in the UK was on BBC, TV on May 22 1970 (some say April 20th) The "BBC In Concert series" showcased Elton and his band consisting of Dee Murray and Nigel Olsen.

June 19, 1970 was the release in the UK of ' Rock And Roll Madonna' (B-Side 'Grey Seal' ). Released on DJM DJS222 it did not chart. Recorded at Trident Studios, London. Rock and Roll Madonna was the second single from the album "Elton John". With its opening appause (taken from a Jimmy Hendrix recording) it sounded like Dick James was trying to promote Elton as a dynamic live performer. The piano demo of this song shows it's roots in Rock and Roll, Jerry Lee Lewis style

June 19, 1970  -Rock and Roll Madonna- DJM DJS222

While still trying to launch his solo career, June saw Elton back in the studio to record what was to become a ‘holy grail’ of the Elton record collecting world. At Sound Techniques, Chelsea, London, he recorded the Warlock music sampler………………….
Also known as the “Saturday Sun” demo’s, Elton records songs from Witch Season Music Publishers, written by some of England's top folk songwriters including Nick Drake. These recordings would be circulated amongst other artists and record label A&R men in hopes that they would be recorded. Vocals were by Elton and Linda Peters (later to become Linda Thompson). Less than 10 vinyl copies of the records exist and most of those are held by the musicians. This has subsequently sufaced on CD in a variety of forms.

The Lost Demo Sessions of ’69 – Hard-el records – HD-001
And
Reg Dwight – AKA Elton John – Rarest Series – SCET1100014

 
Later in June ( 22nd) the US LP – Elton John was released on UNI 93090. It contained the same songs as UK LP.
June 22nd, US LP – Elton John - UNI 93090

Along with this, the same month saw the release of the US LP - 'The Games' (Original Soundtrack Recording). Viking LPS 105. From this the single 'From Denver To L.A.' was released. Elton’s name appears as Elton Johns on the record. This was against Elton’ s wishes and it was withdrawn.

US 45, Viking VIK1010 (withdrawn, did not chart) From Denver To L.A.

Elton recalls:
"Actually 'From Denver to LA' was withdrawn, so if you've got a copy it's worth a small fortune. It was a 25 quid session I did at Olympic Studios and I just sang the song, and it was for the Michael Winner movie'The Games'. and that's it. When the film was released Elton John was just becoming successful in the States and so they thought "Ahh ha!" and rushed it out, but we quickly put an injunction on it and stopped it."

August of 1970 was the US re-release of 'Border Song' and ' Bad Side of the Moon' on UNI 55246. This only reached number 95.

In October, Elton recorded 'Friend's and ' Honey Rol'l at the Trident Studios, London

July 22nd 1970, was the US release of the "Elton John" album (UNI 73090). With this, he began to make inroads in America, where it was promoted on MCA's Uni subsidiary. The record label hyped the release and promotion included much FM radio play which increased the public interest and it was not uncommon to hear several Elton songs on the same station on the same day. On August 25th 1970, he gave his first American concert at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, which received enthusiastic reviews as well as praise from the likes of Quincy Jones and Leon Russell. Throughout the autumn (October), Elton John continued to climb the charts on the strength of the Top 10 single (released later in the year), "Your Song." This was actually supposed to be the B-Side to "Take Me To The Pilot" (UNI 55265). It reached number 8 and was in the US charts for 14 weeks. Your Song was not released in the UK until 1971.

Aug and Sep 1970 - Elton commenced a 17 date US tour.
On August 25th, 1970 Elton performed at the Troubadour, West Hollywood CA, USA. His 3 piece band of Elton: piano, Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums rocked the celebrity audience and turned him into an industry celebrity overnight. In 1990 Rolling Stone magazine rated this performance as one of the top 20 concerts that changed rock and roll. The American debut performance was introduced by Neil Diamond and Elton was co-headliner with David Ackles. The set lasted about an hour with Leon Russell in the audience. Elton played nightly through August 30 but it was the debut that people talked about constantly afterwards. Bill Graham instantly offered Elton $5,000 to play the Filmore East and Filmore West. This was the highest amount ever payed to a new act.
Robert Hilburn wrote in the August 27th Los Angeles Times:
"Rejoice. Rock music which has been going through a rather uneventful period recently, has a new star. He's Elton John, a 23-year-old Englishman,whose debut Tuesday night at the Troubadour was, in almost every way, magnificent".
Kathy Orloff, Chicago Sun Times
"He was a major star before the end of his first set."
John L. Wasserman, San Fransisco Chronicle
"He had hardly opened his mouth when it was apparent that he is going to be a very, very big star."
John Gibson, Holywood Reporter
"It's not often that someone gets a standing ovation at the Troubadour, but Elton John did - twice."

Back in the UK Oct 30th 1970 was the release of Tumbleweed Connection. Recorded at Trident Studios, London, it reached number 6 in the UK chart.

With so many Civil War and Old West references it's almost a concept album, even though the instrumentation is fully up-to-date. It only veers towards country-western on "Country Comfort," which was done tastefully by Rod Stewart on the previously released Gasoline Ally album, under the title "Country Comforts."
It focuses on Bernie Taupins fascination with America's Old West. It marked a change for Elton as the songs had more room to breathe as it's sound was sparse, rustic and dominated by piano. Heavily influenced by The Band, it produced several gems but no singles. This album introduced Elton too America. Many predicted, following its release that he would be a big star. It cost 15,000 pound to produce, quite a sum in those days. It was recorded in 18 days. For this second album, John and Taupin hired producer Gus Dudgeon and arranger Paul Buckmaster, who contributed the grandiose string arrangements to the album.

UK LP –Tumbleweed Connection- DJM DJLPS 410

Elton: "I like Empty Sky because of its naivety. Elton John because it was panic stations, Tumbleweed Connection because aside from the bits I don't like, there are bits I do like. It was funky and in retrospect, it was quite a bold step to take after the Elton John album." Recorded for the album, but not included: Madman Across The Water, Rolling Western Union, Rock Me When He's Gone.

In Canada, "Love Song" was released as a single. This was a Lesley Duncan song - see 1971.

As was the case previously, many of Elton’s songs were recorded by other artists. During 1970 one such example was the UK LP -This Man Alone by Edward Woodward
Released on DJM DJLPS 405 it featured the song 'The Tide Will Turn For Rebecca' (John and Taupin).

Three others in 1970 were in Canada, Nite People on Page One (London Records) POF 174, 'Season Of The Rain' (John / Taupin) and the US LP - 'Birds Of A Feather' - The Chanter Sisters (Page One 027). Elton played piano on this album. back in the UK, Mr Bloe released "Grooving with Mr Bloe". It is unclear if Elton played on this or not.

Following the amazing success at the Trubadore, Elton continued the tour and included the Bill Graham concerts at the Filmore. Sep 1970 US CONCERT - Filmore East.

Nov 12 1970
US CONCERT - Fillmore West, San Francisco CA4 night stand. The Kinks and Elton John top the bill that includes Ballin' Jack and Juicy Lucy.

Nov 17 1970
USA - WABC-FM - Concert Broadcast from New York
This radio broadcast was circulated extensively as a vinyl recording "Knockin em Dead Alive'. This "forced" the release of the 17-11-70 UK and US albums in 1971

Knockin em Dead, Alive vinyl, recorded November 1970

Dec 4 1970 - Live at Aneheim Convention Centre (Disneyland, California).

Vinyl, recorded 4th December 1970 (stereo). Features Elton, Nigel and Dee where Elton wore his famous Mickey Mouse ears. This album was coupled with a Leon Russell album making it a double. Rubba-Dubba Records 70-000-01A

"More Rock from Elton" recorded November 1970 TQM 73 039.

Recorded at the "Swing Auditorium" San Bernadino, California. The cover states it was recorded in December 1971.

"Very Alive" - Vinyl album US Pressing by Kaylo records (stereo).

From the FM broadcast of 17-11-70 in New York.

"Country Comfort" vinyl recording - recorded November 1970

Pick of the Pops 1970 was a compliation (Deacon)

HITS 70 - Hits 1970 was a compilation