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Elton John’s eagerly awaited album ‘Revamp’ out now
London, April 6 (IANS) Elton Johns album “Revamp”, which sees the legendary singer and co-writer Bernie Taupin’s loved songs reinterpreted by artistes like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Pink and Mary J. Blige, released on Friday.
The album, released on Virgin EMI, spans an array of styles, shining a light on John’s unparalleled influence across popular music of all genres, ranging from hip-hop/soul (Q-Tip, Mary J. Blige) to rock (The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age) to pop (Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Pink).
Two songs from “Revamp” were earlier unveiled. “Don’t go breaking my heart” by Q-Tip and Demi Lovato was the first taster of the album. This was followed by Lady Gaga’s powerful take on “Your song”.
“It’s always a huge compliment when an artiste loves your song enough to take the time and effort to rework it. As songwriters, Bernie and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as much as those on ‘Revamp’ choose to add their own unique twist in the process.
“It means that our music is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new audiences. We are humbled and thank them all for their generosity,” John said in a statement to IANS.
Singer Ed Sheeran thinks John has “influenced” most artistes nowadays musically.
“He is just a great songwriter. The first time I heard ‘Candle in the wind’ would have been (Princess) Diana’s funeral, I was 6 at the time. I remember my dad bringing me in and sitting me in front of the TV and being like ‘This is really important – you have to watch this and you have to remember this’,” Sheeran recalled.
Singer Sam Smith said not only he was completely in love with John’s music, he had also become an important figure in Smith’s life, and a beautiful friend.
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin said: “It’s an honour to do it. For as much as one progresses through life, if you are lucky, you get to meet all these people and spend time with them and work with them.
“Sometimes it’s important to remember that the music that’s come through them has really changed my life. Elton is in that group for me, with Chopin and Bob Marley and Beyonce Knowles, and a bunch of people who their work has really shaped the way I enjoy life. It means a lot.”
The release of “Revamp” is also be accompanied by a Nashville-influenced album “Restoration”, also released on Friday on Universal Music Group Nashville, featuring John’s songs reinterpreted by artistes including Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Miley Cyrus and Willie Nelson.
–IANS
nn/mr
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.