Elton Sings At Diana's Funeral

Hard to imagine that it was THIRTEEN YEARS AGO that a huge chunk of the world’s population tuned into witness the funeral services for Princess Diana, tragically killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.

2.5 BILLION people—from around the globe.

From obscurity to worldwide fame, Princess Diana became one of the most photographed people on the planet. Her every move was talked about in the tabloids. The once shy and retiring Diana Spencer (“Shy Di” to the press) married Prince Charles before a TV audience that counted in the hundreds of millions.

From that storybook start, marital troubles followed the royal couple—all of which were the stuff of public discourse. Through the ordeal, the public rarely if ever strayed from Diana’s side, choosing instead to vilify Charles for his extra-marital relationships and boorish behavior.

Transformed into a humanitarian who placed the needs of others above the frivolous trappings of royalty, Diana endeared herself to millions beyond the shores of the United Kingdom. Raising awareness of the deadly AIDS epidemic as well as advocating the ban against the use of landmines were hallmarks of her public impact.

Following the fatal car crash in Paris, the public grief was amazing to behold. Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets as the former princess’ casket was taken to Westminster Abbey for the funeral.

No less a luminary than Elton John performed a re-worked version of “Candle In The Wind” during the services. Here is that performance—which still gives me goosebumps:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdVLClrfrOk



It was remarkable to witness this version of the song, in which the original lyrics were replaced with ones crafted by Elton’s longtime companion and lyricist Bernie Taupin. “Goodbye, Norma Jean…” was replaced with “Goodbye, England’s Rose..”

Following the funeral, Elton recorded a studio version that very afternoon under the watchful eye of Beatles producer George Martin. The song was entitled “ Candle In The Wind 1997” and was released as a single. It became a #1 hit in both Britain and the United States. Despite landing as #4 on the list of the “100 Worst Pop Records” by Britain’s Channel 4 in 2004, it remains one of the biggest selling singles of all time—only Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” has outsold it.

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