Lesbian folk-rock princess Brandi Carlile and pop god Sir Elton John have delivered us an early Christmas present in the form of a joint single.
“Never Too Late” was released Friday and is set to be the title song in Elton John’s upcoming documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, out December 13 on Disney+.
Carlile, a close friend and collaborator of John’s, drafted the single after watching an early cut of the documentary, John revealed on Instagram. The two artists then co-wrote the final track.
“We loved the collaboration so much that it became the title for the film,” John wrote. “I’ve known for a long time how great she was but still, reading her lyrics and co-writing with her on the music was deeply moving.”
“The standard of her musicianship, her songwriting, her passion for what she does are sensational,” he continued. “She truly is one of the greatest there is.”
On Instagram, “The Story” singer shared high praise for the upcoming documentary and described the songwriting opportunity as a “distinct honor.”
“I think everyone knows how I feel about this man,” Carlile wrote. “I would never have played a piano chord or written a word without my heroes Elton John and @bernietaupinofficial. This film documents Elton’s unparalleled brilliance, bravery and resilience. It not only cements Elton’s role as one of the most important and influential figures in rock and roll history, but it offers an insight into what an incredible husband and father he is, and the peace and serenity he found later in life.”
Carlile and John have performed together multiple times, notably during his final North American concert in 2022 when the two sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” together at Dodger Stadium. Carlile also appeared on his 2021 collaborative album The Lockdown Sessions.
The BFFs were even rumored to have collaborated on a full album late last year, according to an interview with John’s longtime friend Who’s Pete Townshend. In an interview with Clash, Townshend claimed John and Carlile put a new album together in just two weeks. Neither artist has confirmed or denied the possibility.
John did tease a new project last November while inducting his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While details remain unknown, he did share that the upcoming album will “surprise the shit out of you.”
Fingers crossed we get more collaboration between these two iconic musicians in the future!
