Return of EJ the DJ
By the Editor@EltonJohn.com
Elton is to host a two-hour show on BBC Radio 2 towards the end August as part of a special season of programmes in his honour.
The Elton John Show, which will be broadcast on Monday, August 27, (the British Bank holiday), will feature Elton's hand-picked playlist featuring his favourite artists, including The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse.
During the week preceding the Bank Holiday weekend many of BBC Radio 2's DJs will pay tribute to Elton during their shows. Trevor Nelson will kick things off with an Elton special on August 22 that will aim to explore the 65-year-old's more soulful side.
Jo Whiley will present an In Concert special featuring Elton's The Red Piano Show, recorded at London's 02 Arena, while Elton@thebeeb will feature a compilation of his performances for the BBC.
Elton's musical contributions to such West End shows as Billy Elliot and The Lion King will be celebrated by Elaine Paige, while Johnnie Walker's Long Players will look back at the recording of his 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Elton’s own show will feature the music that he grew up with, has admired and been influenced by, as well as the work of artists he has helped bring to a bigger audience across the world. "Working with Sir Elton John has been a real joy and we are delighted to be hosting such a special season of programmes’, said Radio 2's Mark Hagen. ‘Elton is a real core artist for Radio 2 and an absolute favourite with the listeners, so to have him host a show is a match made in heaven."
Photograph: Carl Studna