The song that saw Elton John collaborate with Jackson Browne under a pseudonym
The 1970s were indeed a peculiar time. The romantic vision of the countercultural movement in the 1960s had faltered, giving way to an era marked by unchecked extravagance among musicians. Their artistic and personal lives collided, often descending into utter chaos. It was also a period when many notable musicians were entangled with the law, resulting in extraordinary tales that seemed unbelievable to law-abiding citizens. One of the most famous instances occurred when The Rolling Stones became tax exiles in France. Similarly, others, including Elton John, felt compelled to evade the reach of the judiciary.
In the early 1970s, John was at his artistic peak. He released a six-record run of chart-topping and now-iconic albums during this period, starting with 1972’s Honky Château and culminating with 1975’s Rock of the Westies. These titles would be highlighted by definitive moments such as ‘Rocket Man’, ‘Candle in the Wind’ and ‘Island Girl’.
It was a remarkable period for the British musician, who was utterly prolific during it despite the trappings of fame starting to take complete hold of him. They remain some of the most important and influential of the era, with him continuing to refine his songwriting and piano playing throughout its arc. Naturally, such success made him a hot property, and many notable figures wanted to work with him.
One man John collaborated with during the early 1970s that fans often forget about due to it being lost under the pile of his other success and the fact he used a pseudonym was Jackson Browne. It might seem a little strange at first that the sometime Eagles collaborator should work with the Middlesex-born musician. Still, as they are both cultivators of rock ‘n’ roll in its purest essence, with a concentration on the pioneers of the 1950s and ’60s who inspired them, stylistically, it made sense.
The track the pair converged on is ‘Redneck Friend’, the first single from his 1973 album For Everyman. It’s a swaggering cut of rock that fused the sounds innovated by the likes of Chuck Berry and Little Richard with the heady essence of Browne’s hometown, Los Angeles. The song and album were a resounding statement of intent from Browne, comprised of incisive lyrics, masterful music that put his own twist on the rock blueprint, and guest appearances from Eagles leader Glenn Frey and John. ‘Redneck Friend’ is also significant for being the first time David Lindley, a frequent collaborator of Browne’s, appeared on one of his singles.
It’s always been clear that constructing genuinely great music takes a group effort from the best of the best, and this was certainly true in For Everyman. Fittingly, the lead single, ‘Redneck Friend’, encapsulated this point, with it featuring Lindley on slide guitar, Frey on vocal harmony, Doug Haywood on bass, and celebrated session drummer Jim Keltner. Yet, this all-star lineup was only truly complete with Elton John’s presence on the piano, adding an extra dose of star power.
Strangely, though, John was not credited as his legal name. Like so many of his prominent peers, it is thought that this is because he was doing something a touch mischievous at the time. As he has since saved himself from the celebrity hijinx and mountains of cocaine he inhaled during this era, the keys maestro has long been deemed an exemplary figure. However, during this era, he was pushing it in many aspects of life, showing just how far he has come.
He is credited on the track with the nostalgic moniker of ‘Rockaday Johnnie’, a name that seems fitting for the man who wrote the rose-tinted cultural reflection of ‘Crocodile Rock’. Yet, this was not because of his affinity for the past. Supposedly, it was because he was in the United States without a work permit at the time. Cheeky.
Listen to ‘Redneck Friend’ below.
