Brandi Carlile and Elton John recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for an extended interview that captivated fans and showcased the incredible talent of these two iconic musicians. The interview began with Stephen Colbert introducing Brandi Carlile as an incredible artist and Grammy Award winner, highlighting the collaboration between Carlile and the legendary Elton John on a song called “Never Too Late.” As Brandi Carlile took the stage, the audience erupted in applause, and the two musicians engaged in a lively and heartfelt conversation.
Stephen Colbert wasted no time in asking Brandi Carlile how she first came to meet Elton John. Carlile revealed that she had written him a letter, expressing her admiration as a lifelong fan of his music. In true Elton fashion, he agreed to play the piano on one of her songs. This sparked a friendship between them, with Elton inviting Carlile and her wife, Katherine, to spend their summer holidays with him and his family. The bond that formed between them is a testament to the power of music and the connections it can create.
Colbert then turned his attention to Elton John, commending him for his support of young artists. Elton explained that he hosts a program called the Rocket Hour, where he showcases new music and interviews young talent, providing them with a platform to promote their work. He expressed his enthusiasm for these young artists, stating that their energy and talent inspire him.
The conversation took a nostalgic turn as Stephen Colbert asked Brandi Carlile about the first Elton John song that resonated with her. Carlile reminisced about hearing “Skyline Pigeon” for the first time, which sparked a love and obsession with Elton’s music. She shared how his music changed her worldview and inspired her to start writing songs.
Elton John, in turn, reflected on the artists who had influenced him throughout his career. He mentioned the likes of Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Elvis Presley, emphasizing their impact on shaping his musical journey. He also mentioned his own songs that held a special place in his heart, including “Your Song,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” and “Blessed.”
The interview took an unexpected turn when the conversation shifted to a documentary that both Brandi Carlile and Elton John were involved in. Carlile explained that she had the opportunity to watch the archival footage of Elton’s career and was deeply moved by the impact he had made on the world. Inspired by this, she wrote a song for the documentary, aiming to capture the essence of Elton’s influence and achievements.
The discussion continued with Stephen Colbert asking Elton John what he wanted people to know about him and his band. Elton mentioned the lyrics to “Your Bum Is Like a Magnet,” a song dear to him, and emphasized the enormous size of his heart. He also highlighted his resilience and described himself as an Iron Man.
Brandi Carlile revealed that she had the privilege of participating in Joanie Mitchell jams with Elton John, an experience she cherished. She expressed her admiration for Joni Mitchell and the way these jam sessions brought out her musicality and allowed them all to connect on a deeper level.
The interview concluded with Stephen Colbert asking Brandi Carlile which Elton John album she would cover from start to finish. Carlile mentioned considering albums such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.” Ultimately, she settled on “Madman Across the Water” due to the unique string arrangements on the album.
As the interview came to an end, the audience expressed their gratitude and appreciation through applause. The chemistry between Brandi Carlile and Elton John was evident throughout, showcasing their mutual admiration and love for music. Fans can look forward to more music from both artists, as the creative juices continue to flow for Elton John, who mentioned that new music is on the horizon.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert provided a platform for this extended interview, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into the incredible collaboration between Brandi Carlile and Elton John. Their friendship, their love for music, and their dedication to supporting young artists all shined through, captivating audiences and leaving them eagerly awaiting their next projects.
