Music has always thrived on collaboration. The beauty of an artist is often measured by how well they work with others, blending styles and ideas to push boundaries. Elton John, a master collaborator, has contributed to countless projects over his career. However, when it came to arranging music for John Lennon’s posthumous album Milk and Honey, the task felt far too personal.
The Weight of Working with a Legend
For any musician, being asked to contribute to an ex-Beatle’s album is the ultimate honor. It’s a dream gig, a golden opportunity to be a part of music history. Many artists would jump at the chance, but for Elton John, this particular call to action was fraught with emotional complexity.
A Bond Between Two Icons
In the 1970s, Elton John was one of the few artists who could stand beside Lennon as a songwriting equal. He had crafted hit after hit, with a melodic sensibility that echoed the same genius Lennon brought to The Beatles.
Lennon himself was a fan, famously praising Elton’s track ‘Your Song.’ Their relationship wasn’t just professional—Elton had shared the stage with Lennon during his final live performance at Madison Square Garden in 1975.
The Project: Milk and Honey
After Lennon’s tragic murder, Milk and Honey became a continuation of the dialogue that began on Double Fantasy, an album that had marked Lennon’s return to music.
Yoko Ono, his widow, was determined to complete the project, using unfinished Lennon tracks to give fans a final goodbye. But Elton John, who had once gladly played on Lennon’s track ‘Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,’ now found himself hesitant.
An Emotional Struggle
Elton admitted to feeling deeply uncomfortable with the idea of performing on an album featuring Lennon’s voice.
He explained, “I didn’t think the time would ever be right. Trying to work out how to finish songs John Lennon had started writing—I wouldn’t be so presumptuous. And the idea of putting my voice on the same record as his—I thought it was horrible. Yoko was insistent, but so was I.”
The Final Product: Lennon’s Intimacy Preserved
Though Elton ultimately didn’t perform on Milk and Honey, the album remains a touching tribute to Lennon’s final years. Lennon’s raw, acoustic vocals provide a personal, stripped-back farewell that resonated deeply with listeners.
It captured the intimate moments of a man who had stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on his family and leaving behind his larger-than-life rock persona.
Elton’s Own Tribute
Elton John did eventually find a way to honor his friend. He wrote ‘Empty Garden,’ a heartfelt song dedicated to Lennon’s memory. While a joint album between these two musical giants would have been extraordinary, Elton’s refusal to participate in Milk and Honey speaks to the respect and reverence he felt for Lennon’s legacy. Some things, after all, are better left untouched.
