It Was 50 Years Ago …

Jackson Browne – Redneck Friend

In this song, Jackson Browne sings about letting loose his fun-loving, country side in an effort to improve relations with his lady. This alter ego was based on his real “Redneck Friend” – Gregg Allman. Browne was a huge fan of The Allman Brothers Band.
Elton John played piano on this track. He didn’t have a US work permit at the time so he was credited as “Rockaday Johnny.” Other musicians on the song were Doug Haywood on bass, Jim Keltner on drums, David Lindley on slide guitar, and Glenn Frey on harmony vocals. The previous year, Browne gave Frey the song that became the first single for the Eagles: “Take It Easy.”

It Was 50 Years Ago …

Elton John (& The Muppets) – Crocodile Rock

Another Muppets classic – apparently they weren’t on the original.

The falsetto hook from Pat Boone’s 1962 hit, “Speedy Gonzales” has some similar “La La”s, and that song’s writers spoke out, accusing Elton of plagiarism. There was no legal action taken, and Elton has copped to the influence, saying “Crocodile Rock” was “a really blatant homage to ‘Speedy Gonzales’ and all the great ’50s and ’60s records that we used to love.”