Signature Series Concert Celebrates Elton John’s Rich Musical Legacy

Berklee’s Signature Series continues with Singers Showcase: I’m Still Standing—A Tribute to Elton John on Thursday, April 7, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center.

The concert will feature 75 students from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee performing lead and background vocals backed by a full orchestra, with arrangers, track producers, choreographers, and dancers, honoring the musical legacy of the five-time Grammy Award winner. The multicultural cast represents 25 countries including the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, Canada, England, France, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Israel, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

Twenty-nine songs have been selected from John’s deep and rich catalog for the concert, which will include custom multi-song medleys such as “Philadelphia Freedom”/“Bennie and the Jets” and “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”/“Pinball Wizard.”

“As a prolific artist, cultural icon, and activist, Elton John is simply peerless. With immense stylistic breadth and depth, he sings and plays piano from the heart, with a sincerity, vulnerability, and conviction that stops you in your tracks,” said Maureen McMullan ’09, Berklee’s concert and event producer. “To hear our brilliant students from all over the world infuse their unique artistry into this iconic repertoire is a beautiful thing. Finalizing the set list for this concert was a challenge—what could we possibly leave out? Even when stripped down to their most skeletal form, Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s songs are truly timeless and impactful, and to perform or study them is like a master class in songwriting craft.”

Ranked by Billboard as one of the top five greatest artists of all time, John has shaped the popular musical landscape. Born in 1947, John's first hit, "Your Song," would catapult him to a career spanning six decades, with more than 300 million records sold worldwide, a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, and a film, 2019's Rocketman, which told the story how he became a global superstar. Beyond his radio hits, John went on to compose for The Lion King soundtrack, winning an Academy Award and Golden Globe for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Later, Broadway beckoned, leading to critical and commercial success for the productions Billy Elliot: The Musical and Aida (which netted John his first Tony Award, for Best Original Score).

“From his songwriting and performing brilliance to his unabashed uniqueness, everyone loves Sir Elton John!” said Blake Teegardin, a student at Berklee College of Music majoring in songwriting and performance. As a gay singer-songwriter myself, it's so thrilling to be a part of this show. Sir Elton John has really done so much as a queer icon and in his philanthropy in fighting HIV/AIDS. He has taught me and so many other artists and everyday people about the importance of embracing one's true and complete identity, and of using one's work to celebrate and support those around them. And it's my first big show at Berklee, so that makes it even sweeter!”

The Berklee Performance Center is located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. Admission is $15/$20 in advance, $20/$25 on the day of show, and $5/$10 day-of with a Berklee ID. This is a seated event. Tickets are available online and at the Berklee Performance Center box office.