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Elton John & Michael Parkinson - Desert Island Discs 1985 Part 3/5

2,560 views · Published 9 February 2011 · 11:01 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: Ronnie Friend · 2011 · Entertainment

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Third part of of a 5 part radio broadcast from 1985: Michael Parkinson's program "Desert Island Discs" featuring Elton John. 

On this program guests were invited to imagine themselves cast away on a desert island, and to choose eight pieces of music to take with them. As they discussed their choices they could describe the significant events of their life. They are also asked which book they would take with them, and to choose one luxury item that would help their survival.

It's very interesting to hear Elton John describe the events of his life up to 1985 and to also hear him talk about hopes for the future.

Elton's 8 records were Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", Nina Simone's "I Put a Spell on You", Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations (Nimrod)", The Rolling Stones' "Let It Rock", the hymn "Abide with Me", Thelonius Monk's "Mysterioso" played by Carla Bley & Kenny Kirklin, John Lennon's "Stand by Me", and Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go". His book was Anne Rice's "Interview with a Vampire" and his luxury item was a solar-powered telephone!

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