Elton John is getting into the festive spirit with a new digital EP and a line of Christmas merchandise to mark the 50th anniversary of his classic song "Step Into Christmas.” The song, which was released on November 23rd, 1973, was written by Elton and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, and has become a staple of holiday playlists ever since.
The new EP, titled Step Into Christmas: 50th Anniversary Edition, features seven tracks, including the original single version of the song, a 1973 live performance from The Gilbert O'Sullivan Show, a 2009 remastered version, and a 2017 duet with Ed Sheeran. The EP also includes two rare B-sides: "Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who'd Be A Turkey At Christmas)" and "Snow Queen", both co-written by Elton and Taupin.
Fans can also shop for a variety of Christmas-themed items at Elton's online store, such as ornaments, stockings, sweaters, mugs, and masks, all featuring the iconic artwork of the "Step Into Christmas" single.
Elton John recently revealed that he has recorded a new album with Taupin, his first full-length collaboration with him since 2016's Wonderful Crazy Night. He made the announcement while inducting Taupin into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 3rd, saying: "We've just finished an album in Los Angeles and it's absolutely wonderful and it's full of youth and it's full of vitality and it's a wonderful place to be after we've been together for 56 years." He added that the album, which follows his 2021 release The Lockdown Sessions, will "surprise you."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]