Photographer Allan Tannenbaum had a front-row seat to one of the most vibrant periods in music history, documenting Elton John during his peak years in New York City's glittering nightlife scene of the 1970s. As chief photographer for the SoHo Weekly News from late 1973 to early 1982, Tannenbaum captured the British pop icon dancing with Hollywood stars, celebrating album releases, and mingling with cultural legends at legendary venues like Studio 54 and CBGB.
Tannenbaum's unique perspective on Elton John's disco-era adventures is now featured in a new book by ACC Art Books titled "Elton John: Icon," which chronicles the superstar's legacy through photographs. Each chapter is narrated by a different photographer who encountered John throughout his career. Tannenbaum's exclusive excerpt reveals intimate moments of the musician during his most flamboyant period, showcasing striped suits, platform sneakers, and unforgettable encounters with other icons of the decade.
The photographer's first memorable encounter with Elton John occurred in March 1975 at a party held in a New York City subway station celebrating The Who's rock opera "Tommy." John, who performed "Pinball Wizard" in the film, was captured dancing with actress Ann-Margret, who looked delightfully surprised as the musician spun her around with a sly expression. Tannenbaum describes this as one of his favorite party shots of the era, perfectly encapsulating the spontaneous energy of the time.
A few months later, Tannenbaum documented the release party for John's ninth studio album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" at Media Sound Studios on West 57th Street. The pop star appeared ebullient in his striped suit and white platform sneakers, enthusiastically autographing album sleeves, showing off artwork, and posing for photographs. Despite the hectic nature of the event, Tannenbaum managed to capture John relaxing by the studio's mixing board, feet up and grinning broadly into the camera lens.
Studio 54 provided the backdrop for several memorable encounters between the photographer and the musician. In 1977, Tannenbaum captured John at what his files simply list as an "Elton John Party," where the star appeared in a three-piece business suit and beret alongside record company executives. The same frame includes John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, dressed in an equally dapper suit and engaged in animated conversation with his musical partner.
Another Studio 54 party in 1978 showcased a more casual side of the pop icon. John arrived in sweatpants, a Yankees cap, and a long-sleeved T-shirt with an identification badge from The Rocket Group and Companies that simply read "Elton John - Piano Player." Tannenbaum witnessed John greeting singer Rod Stewart and his future wife Alana, escorting them to his exclusive VIP banquette at the edge of the dance floor. The photographer captured John dancing uninhibitedly with Alana Stewart, living up to his reputation as a fun-loving entertainer despite the challenges of photographing moving subjects in crowded conditions.
The competing disco Xenon in Times Square also hosted memorable moments with John. On June 12, 1978, at a party for singer Roberta Flack, John was unmistakable in a red and white suit with a short red tie and an oversized newsboy cap. Tannenbaum documented the musician dancing briefly with a young man before spending most of the evening conversing with rockstar Peter Frampton. Later, John joined a table where Flack held court with Atlantic Records president Ahmet Ertegun.
One of the most star-studded moments occurred when Andy Warhol replaced Flack at the table. Tannenbaum's black and white photographs capture Warhol smiling broadly alongside supermodel Jerry Hall, both appearing delighted by John's colorful suit and vibrant personality. These images represent a perfect snapshot of the cultural convergence that defined New York's nightlife scene during this golden era.
Reflecting on his experiences decades later, Tannenbaum gained renewed appreciation for John's talents while watching "Rocketman" on a flight from Lisbon to New York. Though musicals weren't typically his preferred genre, the performances of John's songs deeply moved him, providing fresh insight into the musician's abilities as a pianist, singer, and entertainer. The photographer admits he was previously unaware of John's struggles with drugs and alcohol, and how overcoming them contributed to his evolution into the musical legend he is today.
Tannenbaum's work during this period exemplified the unique access that downtown culture provided during its most combustible era. His camera served as a passport between the raw energy of CBGB and the glamorous excess of Studio 54, capturing authentic moments with musical legends including Mick Jagger, Dolly Parton, Bob Marley, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. His documentation of Elton John represents just one facet of his comprehensive chronicle of New York's transformative cultural landscape during the 1970s and early 1980s.
