Tin Pan Alley: The Rise Of Elton John, by Keith Hayward

This unique book focuses on two stars. One is Sir Elton John and his rise from jobbing songwriter to the breakthrough gigs at the LA Troubadour in 1970.

The other is Tin Pan Alley itself. Denmark Street, in London's west end, was home to Britain's music publishing industry. A world filled with sharp, but often surprisingly generous, publishers and the songwriters who needed to sell them their songs to survive. Elton John and Bernie Taupin found themselves in exactly this position before success came knocking.

Hayward, seamlessly weaves these two worlds together by interviewing those that were there. Band mates in Bluesology and the Elton John Band, Tony Taupin (brother of Bernie), manager Ray Williams, lyricists Gary Osborne and Bill Martin, songwriter Tony Hatch, music publicist Tony King and many more share their thoughts and memories.

With never-before-seen photos, Tin Pan Alley: The Rise of Elton John is the first book to focus solely on the artist's formative years. It is a must not only for Sir Elton's army of fans but for anyone with an interest in music history. 

“Hayward opens the reader's eyes to the early rock'n'roll business models and work ethics. And, truly, it couldn't be more fascinating.” - Louder than War