Elton John: I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues

Elton John famously described his singing career as a stop gap until he found his calling. Funny for a guy who has more hits than Anthony Mundine.

The John/Taupin partnership began in ’67 when A&R man Ray Williams advertised for a lyricist in the New Musical Express. Taupin, the successful candidate became Elton’s full time songwriter, a position he holds to this day.

"I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" appeared on the 1983 album 'Too Low For Zero,' reaching #5 at home in the UK and #4 across the Atlantic. The video was filmed in London’s Rivoli Ballroom and features Elton sans-glasses for the first time in years. In pop culture Family Guy ads this track to an already lengthy list of Elton references, and Mary J. Blige often performs this song, with or without Elton.

"I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" deserves to become a classic hits mainstay. It’s success is a result of Elton’s enormous talent and Bernie Taupin’s ability to churn out solid gold lyrics time after time. I can’t stress this part enough… Bernie could eat spinach and poop diamonds, he’s just that good.