Michele Crowe/CBS ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights ReservedSince Little Big Town covers Elton John‘s “Rocket Man” on both the Restoration album and tonight’s Grammy Salute on CBS, it’s appropriate the foursome was over the moon about the opportunity.
“We were coming out of our skin singing with him at soundcheck,” Kimberly Schlapman said at the taping shortly after this year’s Grammys. “We [were] starstruck for two days.”
“That’s music history, just the soundtrack of everyone’s life,” Jimi Westbrook agrees.
Phillip Sweet even tried to imitate Elton in his early years.
“Growing up with that music… that is the ultimate piano rock,” he explains. “And as a piano player, too, I would try to emulate and try to play like Elton. And you know, no one plays like Elton but Elton.”
Once the CMA and ACM Vocal Group of the Year got to meet Elton and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, they quickly felt at ease.
“They’ve been so lovely,” Karen Fairchild says. “Elton had tea… for us, and he sat down at the table and we chatted like we were old best friends.”
“We’re so fortunate and lucky that we got asked to sing a song on the record,” she continues, “And we went in and made this version of ‘Rocket Man’ that we really just wanted Bernie and Elton to be proud of. And… they both love it. And that meant everything to us.”
LBT also did their best to make sure their look synced up with their sound.
“We needed to live up to the Elton fashion,” Karen says.
“Plenty of bling!” Jimi laughs.
“Here we have feathers and bling and stripes and velvet…” Karen adds.
“Sashes!” Kimberly interjects.
“Everything that would honor him, we’ve tried to do tonight,” Karen finishes.
I’m Still Standing — A Grammy Salute airs tonight at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
