Marc Martel - Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John cover)

George Michael is probably my OG singing influence, unless I count Michael Jackson (which, maybe I do, maybe I don’t). My first memories of George Michael were when he was taking over radio as a solo artist, so definitively, that it was even causing a bit of a stir down at Royal Charles Elementary School. I was a tall, excruciatingly shy 5th grader with a gargantuan crush on Lindsay Armstrong, in a split classroom, where all the grade-sixers - who were cool enough - were listening to this new rebellious, leather jacketed, aviator glasses-wearing artist with a spectacular hairdo, singing about super edgy stuff that I was pretty sure my parents didn’t want me hearing. But he had THE warmest, softest voice I’d ever heard, which somehow also dripped heavy with attitude. Of course, I had zero awareness that he was already a huge pop star from his time in Wham!, and I was a bit too young to really dive into his debut album, Faith, when it released, but by the time Listen Without Prejudice, Vol.1 came out, I was all in. Michael is particularly impressive to me, since he was one of the rare pop icons who was also what I’d consider a true artist, having written most of the material he recorded. 

Some of you may not be terribly surprised to know that the George Michael/Elton John duet version of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” was the first I ever heard of the song. I somehow missed John’s original version, much like how I missed “Bohemian Rhapsody” the first time around. And don’t get me started on hearing “Ice Ice Baby” loooong before “Under Pressure.” I might have to bust out a little alright-stop-collaborate-and-listen on yo’…

Oh, HANG ON… was I sheltered as a child?! MOM?! DAD?! 

Anyways. 

All that, to say I loved this song from the first time it entered my cerebellum. My brother and I would sing it around the house, taking turns being George and Elton. Yeah, we did. Just a huge, huge vocal song. And George put it on the map for me.

[christheiss]

When God was handing out talent, Marc clearly visited the line multiple times...

[bradhartsell]

Good grief, this guy has the voice of the angel Gabriel himself

[thefilmschlock]

This is awesome. A guy who sounds like Freddie Mercury, doing an Elton John song, sung by George Michael.

[jorgeluisalejandrelorenzo]

And "I'm Still Standing" please Marc

[LalaChristmas]

George would feel proud about this rendition

[theproject]

I can hear Freddie, Elton, and George in your voice, crazy

[morriswilburn]

I am 68 years old, and have listened to music all my life. Pop, do-wop, rock, gospel, folk and country. I have never heard a male voice better than this, and only two or three as good.

[TroySchulz]

Dude's a freak of nature! I also still miss his work with DownHere. 😞

[fernandooazevedoo]

Martel singing Mercury, singing George, singing Elton lol

Best thing I've ever heard in last 5 years.

[hotrodford]

Why Marc is not the biggest superstar on the planet is a tragedy

[evanauditoredafrienze]

I can’t explain why I was expecting him to say “ladies and gentlemen Mr Elton John” after the first chorus 😂

[mauromonesi]

Uno dei talenti piu grandi che ci sono oggi al mondo....
Vorrei che avesse cio che

[aaronkoeppe]

This is just beautiful you don't hear no days. majority of "singers" in today's time actually playing instruments and using vocals. Now does its just auto tune and playing music in the computer

[earlmontealegre]

I wonder if Elton has seen this knowing how close he and freddie were. Someone needs to show this to Elton. How is it possible to sound like Elton, George, and Freddie combined? Whoa

[jillp]

First he sounds like Freddie Mercury. Now he sounds like George Michael. There is no end to this man's talents as a singer and musician. I am in awe.😊❤😊

[RG-]

Marc is seriously one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever seen or heard. It’s insane that he is not superstar status, it’s like listening to George Michael, Freddie Mercury and Elton John all in one!!

[malemanjulpax]

His piano skills is so underappreciated. That's how great he is.

[dashriprock]

I find that, ...sure, he's sounds like Freddy, etc!, But I hear Marc in there as well. And it's Superstar Canadian quality to boot!.

[farrahwalters]

😳😳😳 what the hell did i just watch. dude is FLAWLESS.