Davey Johnstone

Davey Johnstone is a renowned Scottish musician, best known for his work as the guitarist for Elton John's band, having performed with him at numerous iconic venues, including Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium, and Carnegie Hall. Johnstone has also collaborated with other notable artists, such as Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Wonder. Throughout his career, he has been influenced by various musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck. His work has been recognized by organizations like the Recording Academy and the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.

● Early Life and Career

Davey Johnstone was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and began playing music at a young age, inspired by artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. He attended Broughton High School and later studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Johnstone's early career included performances with local bands, such as Magnus, and he also worked as a session musician, recording with artists like David Bowie, Rod Stewart, and Tom Jones. His experiences during this period were shaped by events like the Woodstock Music & Art Fair and the Isle of Wight Festival, which featured performances by legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, and Janis Joplin.

● Music Career

As a member of Elton John's band, Johnstone has contributed to many of his albums, including Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Caribou. He has also performed with Elton John at numerous high-profile events, such as the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium and the Princess Diana memorial concert at Althorp. Johnstone's guitar work has been influenced by a range of styles, from blues and rock to jazz and classical music, and he has cited musicians like B.B. King, Chuck Berry, and Andrés Segovia as inspirations. His collaborations have included work with producers like Gus Dudgeon and Chris Thomas, and he has recorded at studios like Trident Studios and Château d'Hérouville.

● Discography

Johnstone's discography includes a wide range of albums, both as a solo artist and as a member of Elton John's band. Some notable releases include Empty Sky, Elton John, Tumbleweed Connection, and Madman Across the Water. He has also appeared as a guest musician on albums by other artists, such as Leon Russell's Carney and Stevie Nicks' Bella Donna. Johnstone's work has been recognized with awards like the Grammy Award and the American Music Award, and he has been nominated for Brit Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. His music has been featured in films like Almost Famous and The Lion King, and he has performed at events like the Glastonbury Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

● Personal Life

Johnstone is married to Diane Johnstone, and the couple has two children, Tam Johnstone and Juliet Johnstone. He is known for his charitable work, particularly in support of organizations like the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Johnstone has also been involved in various environmental initiatives, including the Greenpeace organization and the World Wildlife Fund. His personal interests include photography and travel, and he has visited countries like Australia, Japan, and Brazil.

● Collaborations and Tours

Throughout his career, Johnstone has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Kiki Dee, Neil Sedaka, and Bernie Taupin. He has also toured with musicians like Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul McCartney, performing at venues like Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, and the Hollywood Bowl. Johnstone's work has been influenced by events like the Summer of Love and the punk rock movement, and he has been associated with organizations like the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His collaborations have included performances at festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, and he has worked with producers like Rick Rubin and Daniel Lanois.