In an excerpt from his new book Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000, Barry Walters examines how Elton John’s early-1970s music and image connected with LGBTQ listeners. The book, published by Viking, looks at the wider role LGBTQ songwriters, musicians, executives and fans played in reshaping pop culture as queer messages in music became less coded, according to CBS News.
Walters writes that Elton’s early albums were not openly autobiographical, but certain songs and performances still resonated with LGBTQ audiences. He points to tracks such as “Rocket Man,” “Honky Cat” and “Daniel” as songs that many listeners could interpret through their own experiences.
The excerpt also highlights Goodbye Yellow Brick Road as a major turning point in Elton John’s career and public image. Walters describes the album as a kind of musical coming out that preceded Elton’s later personal coming out, first as bisexual in a 1976 Rolling Stone interview and later as gay in 1988.
Walters’ book explores how artists like Elton John helped move pop music toward more visible queer expression in the late 20th century. CBS News says Barry Walters will appear on CBS Sunday Morning July 12.
