Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947 is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums. John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. "Empty Sky" was his debut studio album, released on 6 June 1969. It was not released in the United States until January 1975 (on MCA).

Recorded during the winter of 1968 and spring of 1969 in a DJM Records 8-track studio, "Empty Sky" is the only album in the early part of Elton John's career not produced by Gus Dudgeon, instead helmed by friend and DJM staffer Steve Brown. The album was released in the UK in both stereo and mono with the latter now being a rare collector's item.

"Skyline Pigeon" is the most popular and best known song on the album, and is the only one which John, albeit infrequently, performs as part of his live shows. The more definitive version of "Skyline Pigeon" featuring an orchestra and piano backing in place of harpsichord was recorded for 1973's "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player", and initially appeared as the B-side of "Daniel" in 1973.

Although John has since called the album naive, he has fond memories of making the record. "I remember when we finished work on the title track - it just floored me. I thought it was the best thing I'd ever heard in my life," John recalled.

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