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Join Sir Elton John as he talks to Tom Odell about his key influences and the role of the piano in his incredible career.

Elton John has sold more than 300 million records and is ranked as one of the most popular recording artists and entertainers in the world. He has had more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles and Billboard Charts, including seven UK number ones. Throughout his career, the piano has played a pivotal part. Elton immediately learnt to play the piano by ear and quickly developed his own unique melodic style, influenced by a wide range of styles.

Tom Odell joins him at his home in France to discuss his passion for the piano and the great artists associated with it.

In this magical conversation they delve into a plethora of amazing influences, discussing Elton's early classical lessons, his passion for rock ‘n’ roll, blues, gospel, country and artists such as Aretha Franklin, Leon Russell, Nina Simone, Jerry Lee Lewis, Winifred Atwell and Bruce Hornsby. Elton also discusses why the piano is the reason for some of the best ever written songs and his memories of the best and worst pianos that he has ever played, including his distaste for white mini grand pianos. Elton also talks about why he wished he could have been a guitarist and why he never practices the piano.

This is a rich, personal and genuine conversation between two friends and musicians whose passion for this instrument is paramount.