Elton John

A 1980s demo by Elton John. The song was written by Elton with Gary Osborne. Obviously written for a woman to sing, Elton never released a version of this. It may have been intended for Kiki Dee, but she never recorded it. Albert Hammond released a male version of the song in 1982 called "Hero on Parade" on his "Somewhere in America" album. It was recorded and released in its original feminine version by Donatella Rettore in 1983 and Judy Collins in 1984. Frank Noël also released a French adaptation of the song in 1984 called "Quelques mots essentiels."

You can hear the Judy Collins version here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t4zADdMv8E

And the Donatella Rettore version here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uz2hVpWdx8

And the Frank Noël version here:

http://youtu.be/wK4_hTJUv9I

Comments

9 years ago

Bill Durling

I believe this was written for and recorded by Judy Collins. It was included on her album "Home Again". A very good song indeed!

9 years ago

llschnitz

Maybe I am just out of my mind. About twenty years ago, I was searching through bins of albums at the record store. There was one by Albert Hammond. There was a song credited to Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It was called "Hero on Parade". Sure wish I had bought that record. I have never seen or heard it since, or seen it listed, either on Elton's website or on Albert Hammond's website. I was starting to doubt my own sanity, and thought that it was merely a figment of my imagination,until I saw this on Youtube and now I think that this must have been it!!!

10 years ago

bigexpress

one of eltons best compositions,gorgeous x

11 years ago

AJ Gonzalez

COME AND HUG ME YOU ADORABLE ANGEL!!!

11 years ago

avsailor7

RETTORE RECORDED THIS IN 1983 IN HER FAR WEST ALBUM

13 years ago

fullimmerzion

@kanadanoarekkusu I'm a fan of Elton and Rettore, plus I heard Judy Collins' very beautiful version... I have to say that I absolutely disagree with your opinion. Elton's still great, but Judy Collins gave a romantic, sweet & very "female" version. Rettore, on the contrary, gave a powerful, intense version of the song. On my estimation all the three interpretations are great, but if I had to choice one, my choice's for Rettore's version, followed by Judy's and finally by Elton's version.

13 years ago

C6H12B26

Great song well sung. My favo(u)rite interpretation is the one by Judy Collins. Great thanks !

Elton John - Sweetheart on Parade (1980) With Lyrics! video free download