Elton John Calls Brandi Carlile His “Soulmate” In Music And Life
Some musical pairings just feel meant to be, and for Elton John and Brandi Carlile, it’s more than just collaboration — it’s a deep, lasting friendship. The legendary Rocket Man singer, 77, and the Grammy-winning folk-rock artist, 43, have teamed up for a new album, Who Believes in Angels?, and in a recent interview with Them, they opened up about their incredible connection.
Elton doesn’t just see Brandi as a collaborator — he sees her as family. “Well, I’ve been a fan of Brandi’s for a long time, but she had been a fan of mine for even longer,” he shared. Their first musical crossover happened when Elton played piano and sang backing vocals on Brandi’s song Caroline from her Give Up the Ghost album. But when they finally met, something clicked instantly.
“When she came to the studio, I actually fell in love with her, and we’ve been soulmates ever since,” Elton said warmly. Though both are happily married — Elton to David Furnish, with whom he shares two sons, and Brandi to Catherine Shepherd, with whom she shares two daughters — their families have also formed a close bond. “We’ve done holidays together with our kids,” Elton added, “and she’s just one of my favorite people in the whole world.”
Brandi’s connection to Elton’s music goes way back — long before they ever met. “I discovered Elton’s music when I was 11 years old through a book report at school,” she recalled.
The report was about Ryan White, a young boy who had died of AIDS. Learning about his story, as well as Elton’s music and activism, shaped her worldview. “Through the book, I learned a lot about not just Elton John and Bernie Taupin and their music, but my world view [also] changed,” she said.
Their album, Who Believes in Angels?, drops on April 4 via Interscope Records. Fans have already gotten a taste of it with the title track and the newly released Swing for the Fences. The project also includes their song Never Too Late, which was nominated for Best Original Song at the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month.
