Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and conductor Paul Buckmaster died Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to his rep. He was 71. The London-born Buckmaster was a quintessential “you might not know his name but you’ve definitely heard his work” musician: His majestic arrangements and orchestrations are prominent on David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Elton John’s “Your Song” and “Tiny Dancer,” Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” the Rolling Stones’ “Moonlight Mile,” Nilsson’s “Without You” and many, many others. Over a career that spanned nearly 50...
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The singer concluded his blockbuster “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour over the summer, wrapping a trek that grossed nearly $940 million and sold 6 million tickets over more than five years. The final U.S. date was livestreamed in an exclusive Disney+ broadcast titled “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium,” and that was turned into the Disney original documentary “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend” which is set to feature previously unseen and behind-the-scenes footage of the rock legend over some 50 years. And while John is done touring, his career is far from over, as he performed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in November and announced a new studio album for 2024, which will, as ever, feature songs by him and longtime writing partner and lyricist Bernie Taupin.
