“Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny),”is a tribute to John Lennon by one of his best friends: Elton John.

You may not know this, but Elton performed on several of John’s solo hits…most notably “Whatever Get You Through The Night.” A

s payback, John joined Elton on stage for a few songs during a 1974 concert at Madison Square Garden. It was John’s last public performance.

The lyrics to “Empty Garden” were written by Bernie Taupin, of course, and Elton did his part to turn the song into what Record World Magazine called “a “simple, touching tribute.”

Bernie is on record as saying that the song is by far the best cut on Elton’s “Jump Up” album.

The song reached #13 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and #18 on The Adult Contemporary Chart.

One Final Note: According to those in the know: After 1982, Elton rarely performed the song in concert due to the emotional toll it took on him.
(Interesting tidbit;  Elton is also Sean Lennon’s Godfather).

1982’s “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” by Elton John: a Great–and Poignant –tribute to John Lennon.