|
Nikita (Elton John Song)
"Nikita" is a love song by English musician Elton John from his 19th studio album, ''Ice on Fire'' (1985). It was released as the album's lead single on 4 October 1985, charting at number three on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number seven in the United States, and reaching the top 10 worldwide, topping the charts of eight countries. The song features George Michael on backing vocals and Nik Kershaw on guitar. Song synopsis In the song, John describes his crush on a person called Nikita, a border guard whom he cannot meet because he is not allowed into the country. Though the name Nikita can refer to women in other languages, it is a male name in Russian. In interviews, John has said that he was aware that Nikita was a male name in Russian. Composition The song is composed in the key of G major in 4/4 time. The song employs a verse-chorus-verse format, with the second chorus being shorter than the first, plus a instrumental bridge mechanically-themed breakdown halfway throu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s, having released 31 albums since 1969. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967, John is acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, and his lasting impact on the music industry. John's music and showmanship have had a significant impact on popular music. His songwriting partnership with Taupin is one of the most successful in history. John was raised in the Pinner suburb of London and learned to play piano at an early age, forming the blues band Bluesology in 1962. After leaving Bluesology in 1967 to embark on a solo career, John met Taupin after they both answered an advert for songwriters. For two years, they wrote songs for other artists, and John worked a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
G Major
G major (or the key of G) is a major scale based on G, with the pitches G, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Its key signature has one sharp. Its relative minor is E minor and its parallel minor is G minor. The G major scale is: Notable compositions Baroque period In Baroque music, G major was regarded as the "key of benediction". Of Domenico Scarlatti's 555 keyboard sonatas, G major is the home key for 69, or about 12.4%, sonatas. In the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, "G major is often a key of chain rhythms", according to Alfred Einstein, although Bach also used the key for some -based works, including his third and fourth '' Brandenburg Concertos''. Pianist Jeremy Denk observes that the ''Goldberg Variations'' are 80 minutes in G major. Classical era Twelve of Joseph Haydn's 106 symphonies are in G major. Likewise, one of Haydn's most famous piano trios, No. 39 (with the ''Gypsy Rondo''), and one of his last two complete published string quartets (Op. 77, No. 1), a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yamaha Corporation
is a Japanese multinational corporation and conglomerate with a very wide range of products and services. It is one of the constituents of Nikkei 225 and is the world's largest musical instrument manufacturing company. The former motorcycle division was established in 1955 as Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., which started as an affiliated company but later became independent, although Yamaha Corporation is still a major shareholder. History Nippon Gakki Co. Ltd. (currently Yamaha Corporation) was established in 1887 as a reed organ manufacturer by Torakusu Yamaha (山葉寅楠) in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture and was incorporated on 12 October 1897. In 1900, the company started the production of pianos. The first piano to be made in Japan was an upright built in 1900 by Torakusu Yamaha, founder of Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. — later renamed Yamaha Corporation. The company's origins as a musical instrument manufacturer are still reflected today in the group's logo—a trio of interloc ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
I'm Still Standing
"I'm Still Standing" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin, from John's 1983 album ''Too Low for Zero''. It was the second single released from the album in the UK, and the first single released in the United States. Helped by a video promoting the song on MTV, "I'm Still Standing" became a big hit for John on both sides of the Atlantic, peaking at No. 1 in Canada and Switzerland, No. 4 in the UK and No. 12 on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Music video The music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, was shot in Cannes and Nice on the Côte d'Azur in France. It also features the colours of the Flag of France. Arlene Phillips, who choreographed the video, said her work on the video is one of the proudest moments in her entire career (via the Channel 5 pop-documentary, ''Britain's Favourite 80s Songs'', on 25 December 2021). Bruno Tonioli, later a judge on hit shows ''Strictly Come Dancing'' for BBC (UK) and ''Dancing with the Stars'' for ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
"Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was recorded by Elton John and released in 1976, both as a single and as part of the ''Blue Moves'' album. It was John's second single released by The Rocket Record Company. The song is a mournful ballad about a romantic relationship which is falling apart. The song also appeared the following year on '' Greatest Hits Volume II'', though for copyright reasons it no longer appears on the current version of that album. It now appears on '' Greatest Hits 1976–1986'', ''The Very Best of Elton John'' and in ''Greatest Hits 1970–2002'', as well as a number of other compilations. Background and composition "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" is a mournful ballad about a romantic relationship that is falling apart. Bernie Taupin said: "It's a pretty simple idea, but one that I think everyone can relate to at one point or another in their life. That whole idealisti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
The Big Picture (Elton John Album)
''The Big Picture'' is the twenty-fifth studio album by English musician Elton John, released in September 1997. It includes four worldwide singles: "Live Like Horses" (a duet with Luciano Pavarotti only for the single version), "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (released as a double A-side with "Candle in the Wind 1997"), " Recover Your Soul" and "If the River Can Bend". Background The album has a strong orchestral emphasis with string arrangements written by Anne Dudley and John's then backup keyboardist Guy Babylon. In 2006, John revealed in an interview that Bernie Taupin, his longtime friend and lyricist, considers this his least favourite album they have created, while John believes that to be '' Leather Jackets'' from 1986. Taupin dislikes this album because of the overall quality of his lyrical contribution and because "the production is abysmally cold and technical". The album was dedicated to John's friend, popular fashion designer Gianni Versace, who w ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Reg Strikes Back
''Reg Strikes Back'' is the 21st studio album by English musician Elton John. Released in 1988, it was his self-proclaimed comeback album, and his own way of fighting back against bad press. The "Reg" in ''Reg Strikes Back'' refers to John's birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight. In the US, the album was certified gold in August 1988 by the RIAA. It was also John's third studio album in the 1980's to be placed inside the top 20 of US ''Billboard'' 200 (number 16, 1988). Background This was the last album that bassist Dee Murray (albeit without bass) appeared on prior to his death in 1992. Additionally, Nigel Olsson, the longtime drummer for John's band, appears (without drums) on backing vocals. John brought back record producer Chris Thomas for the album. This was the first studio album to be recorded and released after John's throat surgery the previous year. The album cover featured costumes from John's collection that he decided to put up for auction. The tracks " I ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ice On Fire Tour
The Ice on Fire Tour was a worldwide concert tour held by English musician and composer Elton John, in support of his 19th studio album ''Ice on Fire''. The tour included three legs (in the UK, Europe and North America) and a total of 122 shows. Background John had decided he wanted to hit the road with his new band, made up of some of the musicians who had worked with him on the ''Ice on Fire'' album in January, as well as a new set of backing singers: Alan Carvell, Helena Springs and Shirley Lewis – making it the largest band John had ever taken on tour. On 14 November 1985, the tour began in Dublin and continued across the British Isles, including nine nights in a row at Wembley Arena, before concluding on 11 January 1986, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As usual, John would select a handful of songs from his most recent album for inclusion in the set; in this instance, "Shoot Down the Moon", "This Town" and the singles "Nikita" and "Wrap Her Up" — all from ''Ice on Fire'' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Andreas Wisniewski
Andreas Wisniewski (born 3 July 1959) is a German actor and former dancer. He is best known for his portrayals of Necros in the 1987 Bond film ''The Living Daylights'', Max's companion in the 1996 film '' Mission: Impossible'', and as one of Hans Gruber's henchmen, Tony, in 1988's ''Die Hard''. Life and career Wisniewski was born in Berlin, Germany, to a Polish father and a German mother, and spent the early part of his life dancing before turning to acting. Wisniewski made his big-screen debut in ''Gothic'' (1986), a film about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, in which Wisniewski plays the role of Fletcher. Probably his biggest film came the following year in 1987 Bond film ''The Living Daylights''. The Wisniewski portrays lethal hitman Necros, who over the course of the film impersonates a Cockney milkman, an American jogger, an Austrian balloon salesman, and a doctor in Morocco. His next mainstream role was as one of Hans Gruber's (Alan Rickman) henchmen, Tony, in the 1988 film ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Anya Major
Anya Major (born 1966) is an English athlete, actress, model and singer who starred in Apple Computer's "1984" commercial, and in 1985 appeared as "Nikita" in the video to Elton John's song of the same name. In 1983, the Chiat/Day advertising agency held a casting call in London, on behalf of their client, Apple Computer, for what would prove to be a landmark television commercial. The vision of the agency and director Ridley Scott stipulated an actress capable of running up to a large video screen, spinning with a sledgehammer, and releasing it at the video screen. Most of the models and actresses tested struggled to do this; one errant throw nearly struck a passerby at the Hyde Park casting call. She won the role with her ability to handle the hammer convincingly. Career The commercial officially aired only twice on American television. It was first screened in December 1983, right before the 1:00 am sign-off on KMVT in Twin Falls, Idaho, so that it would be elig ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Watford F
Watford () is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, 15 miles northwest of Central London, on the River Colne. Initially a small market town, the Grand Junction Canal encouraged the construction of paper-making mills, print works, and breweries. While industry has declined in Watford, its location near London and transport links has attracted several companies to site their headquarters in the town. Cassiobury Park is a public park that was once the manor estate of the Earls of Essex. The town developed next to the River Colne on land belonging to St Albans Abbey. In the 12th century, a charter was granted allowing a market, and the building of St Mary's Church began. The town grew partly due to travellers going to Berkhamsted Castle and the royal palace at Kings Langley. A mansion was built at Cassiobury in the 16th century. This was partly rebuilt in the 17th century and another country house was built at The Grove. The Grand Junction Canal in 1798 and th ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ken Russell
Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell (3 July 1927 – 27 November 2011) was a British film director, known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his flamboyant and controversial style. His films in the main were liberal adaptations of existing texts, or biographies, notably of composers of the Romantic music, Romantic era. Russell began directing for the BBC, where he made creative adaptations of composers' lives which were unusual for the time. He also directed many feature films independently and for Film studio, studios. Russell is best known for his Academy Awards, Oscar-winning film ''Women in Love (film), Women in Love'' (1969), ''The Devils (film), The Devils'' (1971), The Who's ''Tommy (1975 film), Tommy'' (1975), and the science fiction film ''Altered States'' (1980). Russell also directed several films based on the lives of classical music composers, such as Elgar (film), Elgar, Song of Summer, Delius, The Music Lovers, Tchaikovsky, Mahler (film), Mahler, ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
