These singers would like to see Elton John cover one of his songs

Over the years, some big names have taken on the task of honoring John through his own work. Kate Bush covered “Rocket Man” in the early 1990s, giving it unexpected reggae influences. Sting and Sinéad O’Connor lent their voices to the same tribute record, singing “Come Down In Time” and “Sacrifice” respectively. Even Lady Gaga has tried out “Your Song.”

During a chat with Billboard In the early 2000s, John shared his love of covers of his own catalog and revealed two big names he’d like to add to the list: Bonnie Ratt and Willie Nelson. “It’s just exciting when someone records your song,” he added, “whether it does well or badly.”

Raitt is certainly a good choice. Her smooth, bluesy-tinged vocals would bring a different kind of emotion to Taupin’s lyrics while maintaining her penchant for pop. The singer also worked with John in the early 1990s, appearing as a guest vocalist on his duets album alongside the likes of Leonard Cohen and George Michael.

“Love Letters,” the song they sang together on the record, showed how seamlessly their voices blended together and suggested she could pull off a cover of one of his slower pieces. Unfortunately, Raitt has yet to bless us with a rendition of “Rocket Man” or “Tiny Dancer,” but John’s other selections have already fulfilled his wishes.

In 2018, Nelson delivered a cover of the 1970 song “Border Song” for Restoration: Reinterpretation of the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupina tribute to the two impressive pop songwriters. The original track showcased John’s masterful skills on the piano, but Nelson brought the track into his own distinctive country style for the cover.

Rather than launching into keyboards like the original track, Nelson opted to stick with his trusty guitar. Feedback twangs are balanced by warm harmonicas and occasional piano flair, while Nelson’s voice also changes the tone of the song. John’s powerful vocal delivery is long gone, replaced by a new rawness brought about by Nelson’s country leanings.

Nelson’s cover shows that he stays true to the tone of the original track while putting it in his own context, showing exactly why John was hoping for a cover from the country singer. While we still await Raitt’s contribution to the cover versions, there’s no doubt that she would be able to pull off a track from John’s discography, given her previous collaboration with the pop star.

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