DESCRIPTION:
The opening track from Elton John's 1975 album "Rock of the Westies." Patti LaBelle features prominently in the backing vocals. LaBelle had worked with Reg Dwight in the sixties. Although not credited, Gus Dudgeon also contributed to the backing vocals at the end of the song, when at the final mix it seemed to be lacking the full sound he was after. He remembered, "I made myself an enormous joint, walked into the studio and imitated LaBelle!"

"Rock of the Westies" debuted a new Elton John Band. Drummer Nigel Olsson and bass player Dee Murray were dismissed. Elton was in need of a new sound, a new feel. Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper from the old band, however, were part of the new lineup. On drums in the new band was Roger Pope, and additional guitars by Caleb Quaye, both of whom had played on several of Elton's earliest albums, but had not been part of a touring band before. On bass, Kenny Passarelli, who had been playing with Joe Walsh, and on keyboards session musician James Newton Howard.

Elton John, piano & vocals
Roger Pope, drums
Kenny Passarelli, bass
Caleb Quaye, guitars
Davey Johnstone, guitars
Ray Cooper, percussion
James Newton Howard, keyboards
Labelle, Ann Orson (Elton John) & Gus Dudgeon (uncredited), backing vocals
Words & Music by Elton John, Bernie Taupin & Davey Johnstone
©1975 Big Pig Music Ltd & Rocket Music Ltd