Sir Elton John has revealed his top Christmas songs list – which includes one of his tracks.
The ‘Rocket Man’ singer, 76, unveiled the list as part of a festive edition of his ‘Rocket Hour’ show on Apple Music.
Elton – whose hits include his 1973 ‘Step into Christmas’ smash – announced on his Instagram ahead of the programme: “It’s the Rocket Hour Christmas Special!
“This year I have selected an eclectic mix of old and new, ranging festive classics from The Ronettes, Elvis Presley and Greg Lake, to some of my favourite new Christmas songs and covers from contemporary artists including RAYE, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, as well as some lesser-known deep cuts. Hope some of these make it onto your Christmas playlist these holidays.
“Wishing all my ‘Rocket Hour’ listeners Happy Holidays and I look forward to bringing you more shows and the latest new music in the New Year! (Christmas tree, star and rocket emojis.)”
Elton added in a message to fans: “This week is a very special festive edition of my Rocket Hour.
“I’m playing some of my favourite Christmas classics, I’m playing some Christmas cover versions from some of my favourite artists and a few festive songs that you’ve probably never, ever heard before.
“Join me for a festive Rocket Hour on Apple Music.
Merry Christmas!”
In 2009, Elton and his lyricist Bernie Taupin’s ‘Step into Christmas’ was listed as the ninth-most-played Christmas song of the 2000s in the UK.
He included the song in his list of recommended festive hits – possibly in a nod to the fact that in December this year it was certified triple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry for sales and streams of 1.8 million units.
Elton’s Full ‘Rocket Hour’ Christmas Songs Playlist
Greg Lake – ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’
Elvis Presley – ‘Santa Bring my Baby Back to Me’
Girl In Red – ‘Two Queens in a King Size Bed’
Phoebe Bridgers – ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas’
Sufjan Stevens – ‘That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!’.
Raye – ‘O Holy Night’
James Brown – ‘Santa Claus go Straight to the Ghetto’
Nat King Cole – ‘The Christmas Song’
Khruangbin – ‘Christmas Time is Here’
Eels – ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Xmas’
The Waitresses – ‘Christmas Wrapping’
Lead Belly – ‘On a Christmas Day’
Sleigh Ride – ‘Spike Jones’
Burl Ives – ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’
Pretenders – ‘2000 Miles’
The Ronettes – ‘I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus’
Elton John – ‘Step into Christmas’