It is now official... Elton John Band to Honor Late Colleague Guy Babylon

An upcoming Elton John tribute show produced by Rock Nation School in Los Angeles will be as much a tribute to late band member Guy Babylon as to the Rocket Man, himself. Three members of John’s band—lead guitarist and music director Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and percussionist John Mahon—will perform “Goodbye Superman,” a song written in Babylon’s memory by his 12-year-old son, Ben Babylon. Johnstone and Mahon will also play Elton John songs with Ben and other student musicians. The concert will take place September 26 at the famed Canyon Club near Los Angeles.

Ben Babylon will play keyboard and sing lead vocals on “Goodbye Superman,” which he composed after his father passed away suddenly on September 2, 2009. Ben, who plays keyboards, piano, guitar, ukulele and drums, has taken private lessons at Rock Nation since 2008, and has written several original songs. Elton John and his musicians have remained close friends of the Babylon family, so when Ben’s mother, Kathy Babylon, learned that Rock Nation was planning an Elton John tribute show, she came up with the idea to invite members of his band to appear. "It's been a year now and it just seemed to be perfect timing to bring everyone together in honor of Guy's memory, through Ben's song," she said. "My husband was a big supporter of Rock Nation. All the guys in the band have helped with fundraisers over the years, and the last one was actually at The Canyon Club. So this is truly a full-circle moment for me."

“I’m really excited that Davey, Nigel and John will be playing my song,” Ben said. “I wrote it as a tribute to my dad. They were his friends and fellow band members, so for me to get to play it with them on stage means a lot.” That sentiment is shared by John Mahon, who has been a member of the Elton John Band since 1997. "I'm looking forward to playing some music with Ben Babylon again, and performing something by Elton John will be right up his alley,” Mahon said. “He is an amazing young talent with many exciting musical endeavors in his future. I better start practicing!"

Ben Babylon isn't the only child of an Elton John associate who will appear in the upcoming show. Fifteen-year-old drummer Juliet Johnstone, a student at Rock Nation, will perform, as will her older brother, Jesse, a professional recording engineer, who will lend his talents on bass. Their father, Davey Johnstone said: "I met Guy at a recording session in 1987 and immediately knew I was in the presence of someone really special. We had an almost psychic connection and we loved stretching our talent to create music that was always challenging and refreshing." In 1990, Johnstone and Babylon formed their own musical group, Warpipes, with Nigel Olsson, Bob Birch,and Billy Trudell, and released one album, “Holes in the Heavens.” Singles off the album are now being released on iTunes, in association with Babylon Music.

Unfortunately, Elton John will not participate in the upcoming Rock Nation concert, because he will be on tour in Europe with drummer Ray Cooper. However, he remains close to the Babylons, and has shown support for Ben's music in other ways. Recently, he invited Ben to hang out in the recording studio, while he worked on his forthcoming album "The Union" with rock legend Leon Russell. That album is scheduled to be released in October.

Rock Nation, a private rock-music school with four locations in the Los Angeles area, is owned by Tony Avalon, son of singer and actor Frankie Avalon. The school produces several tribute shows annually, each highlighting the music of a different rock star. "Rock Nation and the Rock Nation community are very excited and honored to have the members of the Elton John band performing at a Rock Nation show,” Avalon said. “What this means to me is that Rock Nation’s status has earned the respect from professional world-class musicians who embrace the quality of a real music education to all ages. The musicianship level of this show will be outstanding. These students will sound unbelievable and true to the songs of Elton John.”

The Rock Nation Tribute to Elton John will take place on Sunday, September 26, at 7:00 p.m. at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, California 91301. Tickets are $12 at Rock Nation or $15 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling Rock Nation at 818-706-2326, The Canyon Club at 818-879-5016 or by visiting www.RockNationSchool.com.

Information about the music of Guy Babylon is available at www.BabylonMusic.biz.

Podcast #044 Freeman Michaels Interviews Ben Babylon

Podcast #044 Freeman Michaels Interviews Ben Babylon

Freeman Michaels interviewed Ben Babylon

So emotional! Freeman Michaels interviewed today Ben and Kathy Babylon on his show at 1400 KKZZ AM radio. Also it was Chasen, his music teacher. "Amazing young man" told Freeman when he was requested about how the interview went. "A lot of people are talented, but not everyone has permission to be extraordinary, like this young man" continued. And he has reason. Ben's an extraordinary guy. We could felt that when the first open chords of "Goodbye Superman" were on the airplay. "That's your song?" requested Freeman when Ben laughed "Yeah!". "When my dad passed away I've got so much things to say, and I thought that music could help me in that through" argumented Ben. The tribute to the late Guy Babylon, was described by Freeman like a "very touching song, a beatiful song in his own right".

The interview developed since Ben was very interested in music as an early age: "at 6 years old" what caused surprise to Freeman: "(It's) remarkable being able to write songs, lyrics, find the way to express your feelings to your dad in a language that you’re comfortable with. (To) write that song at 12 that’s impresive!" Ben talked about playing live with Kathryn Keats and being at school, in a rock school indeed: "(the school) help me so much with learning new things, and helping me writing my songs, it’s really great" he said.

Kathy Babylon jumped on the micro to remind the single produced by Guy Babylon for Nigel Olsson, explaining how Ben "always writes stories" and how he started playing piano at Elementary School. With emotion, she explained how she met Guy "when he played his keyboard, it was amazing". "You're an extension of your dad" asked Freeman to Ben: "yeah, he inspired me so much, seeing him on stage, on the studio, writing his songs, somehow (I've) got his gift. "He spent so many hours teaching, this is the way to play, and he teaches (Ben) exactly" continued Kathy.

"Ben is a gifted singer" added Chasen, his school teacher. Ben said that it was "pretty cool" to work with producer Greg Penny, that he is penning a new album, he has new songs created, specially he remarked "World Away", a song that "speaks about when a son loses his dad", a song which Kathy collaborates. Finally, Guy Babylon was honoured for Kathy as "such a fantastic man, he left so much love".

Freeman Michaels is the founder of the Service to Self™ Process, a life coaching program he designed and developed. Besides being a radio talk show host, he is a speaker, workshop trainer and author. He holds a Masters Degree in Spiritual Psychology from The University of Santa Monica. Most importantly, Freeman holds a degree in life. His life degree has been earned by great success and fantastic failure. Everything, according to Freeman, has been a learning opportunity.

The Premiere Of New Songs at Ventura County Fair in California

Ben will introduce several new songs when he performs at the Ventura County Fair near Los Angeles, California, on August 6.

Ben composed his first song, Goodbye Superman, as a tribute to his father, who died unexpectedly last September. The song has received much attention on the Internet, including on Elton John fan sites. Ben has performed Goodbye Superman at several clubs in the Los Angeles area. Last month, he received a standing ovation in Oakland, California, where he appeared as a special guest of The Kathryn Keats Show at the famed Yoshi's jazz club.

“I am looking forward to playing at the fair, because I think a lot of my friends will be there,” Ben said. “I like getting feedback from them, especially the musicians.”

At the Ventura County Fair, Ben plans to perform Goodbye Superman and three new songs, two of which were inspired by memories of his father. Goodbyes on the Road was taken from something Guy used to tell Ben about how when bands are touring, there never seems to be enough time for everyone to say goodbye, before they go their separate ways. World Away is a song that Ben co-wrote with his mother, Kathy Babylon, imagining how Guy may be another world away, but love goes on. The third new song, Write Your Own Song, is more upbeat.

“It’s about how everybody has their own life story, and they can write it however they want,” Ben said. “It is more of a honky-tonk, pop song. It has a happy feel to it.”

Ben will perform at the Ventura County Fair as part of a concert by Rock Nation School, where he studies music. Also appearing in the Rock Nation show will be student Aubrey Linder, the musical group Shadows of Aries, and Chasen Hampton, music director at Rock Nation. Ben will perform one song with Chasen, who has recorded five CDs and appeared with such stars as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell and Britney Spears, when she was on the Mickey Mouse Club.

For Kathy Babylon, Ben’s performance at the Ventura County Fair will be especially meaningful, and is already bringing back memories.

“The last time I was at the fair was when Guy played there with a local band, before he started working with Elton,” she said. “For Ben to perform there, it’s like he is stepping into his dad’s shoes. I see Guy’s and Elton’s influence on Ben, with every song he writes and the way he plays keyboards. He amazes me all the time.”

Kathy and Ben will be interviewed on The Freeman Michaels Show on radio station 1400 KKZZ in Ventura, California on August 5 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific time. You can listen online at www.1400kkzz.com by clicking "Listen Live."

The Ventura County Fair will take place August 4-15 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, California 93001. “Rock Nation School Presents All Original Artists” is scheduled for August 6 at 4:30 p.m. For information about the fair, visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 805-648-3376.

Thank you Fred Anderson
Photo by J.E. Smith/Lost Road Entertainment

Ben At The Yoshi's: The Kathryn Keats Show

Ben Babylon performed, credited as a special guest star, as part of The Kathryn Keats Show at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland, California on July 8. The show included some of the Bay Area’s most renowned musicians: master percussionist Joe Venegoni, Grammy-nominated bassist Michael Manring, guitar virtuoso Tom Lattanand, pianist Kelly Park, award-winning trumpeter Jeff Oster, and Brazilian-born drummer Celso Alberti.

Kathryn Keats was so pleased to introduce keyboardist, songwriter and singer Ben Babylon to her fans in the Bay Area. The young musician has been working under the tutelage of Elton John, who remains a close family friend.

During the show, Ben performed "Goodbye Superman," the stirring tribute to his late father, the legendary Guy Babylon, along with some of Kathryn's musicians. He did also play keyboards during at least one of Kathryn's songs in the show: “Ben Babylon is an amazing talent and we are thrilled that he will be performing with The Kathryn Keats Show” she says with satisfaction. “Ben is multi-talented. He is a fantastic songwriter and musician. Elton John's influence on him is clear."

She learned about Ben Babylon after seeing his song "Goodbye Superman" on the Internet, and decided to invite him: "My sons and I were watching Ben Babylon's video of 'Goodbye Superman' and it directly affected me. I lost my father, so I understood the power and the meaning of the song. It blew me away, to see how a 12-year-old could write such a song to honor his father in that way. It was impressive” she added.

Kathryn Keats is a soulful singer and prolific songwriter who specializes in pop, jazz and blues. She began working behind the scenes, packaging feature films, creating and producing shows for television and film and directing several bands and artists. Her work included projects for Herb Ritts, Wayne Masur, and Mary Ellen Mark. She quit singing in the early 1980's, and went into hiding, after her partner held her captive and tortured her for 54 days. She began performing again in 2005, after learning that her former abuser had died, and could no longer harm her. In addition to singing, she also speaks to nonprofit organizations and audiences about domestic violence.

Yoshi's is one of the most famous jazz clubs in the United States where many famous artists have performed including Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr. and Oscar Peterson. There are two locations: one in San Francisco, California, and one in Oakland, California. Ben will perform at Yoshi's Oakland.

Here is more information about the history of Yoshi's: http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/about

Sources from:
maine.broadwayworld.com

Babylonists... Please get up, stand up and welcome the greatest: Ben Brown-Babylon!!!!!!!!!

Hello Babylonists: Today is a very special date for me. He's a fantastic person, an incredible guy. I realized how much eltonites we love him. I am sure he has a brilliant future in front of him, because he's so talented. I remember first time I asked him for this interview. He kindly agree and soon he began to send me info about him, pictures. I was (still I am) absolutely impressed about his skills on music. I know I said that, he is the new keyboard wizard. I would like to thank you, sincerely, Kathy Babylon, for giving me the opportunity to be in contact with them. She's a fantastic singer, and she deserves a Week Of... for sure. I will ask her, if she permits me. Kathy, I guess you know, but you have an incredible child, you have been so kind with me, and I only have words of gratitude to you. I would love everybody knew that.

Well, Ladies & Gentlemen, the doors of AllSongsList are all wide-open to receive the one and only, the magical, the inspirational, the keyboard of the century... Mr. Ben Brown-Babylon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Ben, thanks for your acceptation, I am so pleased to have you here and I am plenty happy. Hope you like like the week is going, don't forget that Saturday and Sunday will be more surprises for you. Let's start, now.

When and why you first start playing music? And what made you fall into music?

I started about five years ago when I was seven years old. I've been raised around music my whole life, so it just seemed natural.

Sure! What about your school and it's classes? What’s the main sacrifice you have to make just to grow as a singer?

I have to put in a lot of time to practice music, along with trying to do well in school. At school I play with the Jazz "A" Band there, so I do get practice at school.

And which are your musical influences? Is there any musician in particular that you’d like to collaborate with?

Well, I have many musical influences. One musician that has influenced me a lot is Sir Elton John, of course. My dad worked with me a lot to become a good keyboardist. I also have many musician friends that have influenced me a lot. Some musicians I would like to collaborate with would probably be Sir Elton John, The Who, and Porcupine Tree.

Which keyboard do you most enjoy playing? What drew you to the synth, as opposed to the guitar or drums?

I love playing Yamaha Motifs a lot. I have many at home that I love to play with. Once I saw my dad playing the synth, I thought it was awesome. So many sounds in that one keyboard. The keyboard is different from the piano because there are many sounds that you have to know how to use. You can't just use it like a piano. However, when I play a song with piano in it, I like playing the piano instead of the keyboard because it sounds more natural. I just love learning new instruments. I know how to play the guitar and drums, although piano is my main instrument, and they all give me more ways to get inspiration, and ideas.

Also, as a songwriter, how do you go about writing your songs?

Well, I try to get a lot of inspiration. Usually I start with the music first and then come up with lyrics. However, sometimes I overhear somebody talking, and I line will stick out, and I will write it down to remember later. Also, I get my song titles from other song titles and making it my own. Such as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" gave me the idea of "Goodbye Superman".

Ben, I was deeply surprised with your heartfelt song “Goodbye Superman”, an emotional tribute to your dad. It touches me profoundly when you begin to sing, with all the harmonies, the orchestral version, everything. How did that session come about?

I was inspired from "Funeral For A Friend" that my dad used to play the introduction to, and I wanted this song to be as powerful as that moment in the song.

It was wonderfully mixed by Greg Penny. How was the experience to work with one of the best producers of the world? And are you planning to have an album created?

It was awesome. Greg is such a nice and kind person who supported me while in the process of the making of this song. He made it so easy and comfortable to be creative. It was fun for me because I got to watch the process of mixing a song by a great producer. On the orchestrated version of my song, Jesse Johnstone (Davey Johnstones son) recorded most of the instruments on there that I played. I took the recording to Greg Penny to mix and record the vocals. Yes I am planning to have an album created. I have lots of music that I am working on. Hopefully my listeners will be happy with the outcome!

You performed at the ShredFest at the House of Blues, a benefit for the cure of kids cancer. How was that experience?

First of all, it was such a fantastic experience to play at the House of Blues. There were many celebrity judges there such as Steven Adler (Guns 'N Roses), Dhani Harrison (George Harrison's son/thenewno2) and Shavo (System of a Down), and many more. It was so exciting to go up on that huge stage and play for these musicians. And these are some of my idols too. One part especially that really made me happy was when Dhani Harrison said, "Ben Babylon, my father also passed away, and that song you played was amazing and so inspiring. Thank you." One of my idols told me that. It inspired me to write more songs. It was just a great experience overall.

When did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

My mom took me to concerts when I was little baby, so I have been an Eltonite since I was a young. The first time I heard his music was when I was small, and since I wasn't old enough to understand, the music never stuck out to me. But when I turned about three years old, the music stuck out to me, and some of the songs that stuck out the most were Bennie and the Jets, I'm Still Standing, and Saturday Night (Alright for Fighting). It is an amazing experience to watch Elton, my dad, and the band play from the side of the stage. My mom and I would always dance to I'm Still Standing and Saturday Night.

What is Elton like on a personal level?

He is extremely supportive, and has been very loyal to my dad and my family. He is one of the most talented people I have ever met. He is also so kind. It is amazing how nice he is. Everytime I see him, he brings me joy.

Precisely, could you tell me your ten favourite Elton songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, where I try to find the best of his songs?

Tiny Dancer, Border Song, Bitch is Back, Yellow Brick Road, Song for Guy, Take Me To The Pilot, Blue Avenue, Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, All The Young Girls Love Alice, I'm Still Standing

Hahahaha. Apart from music, which are your interests? What do you like to do with your off time?

I love sports (basketball and soccer), bicycle riding in the mountains (which gives me inspiration for songs), writing (like stories), and reading books. I play with my friends in my off time, or just play sports). I like being outside.

Also, could you tell us what we could find on your new web page, www.babylonmusic.biz.?

At our website www.babylonmusic.biz, you will find all the latest music realeases, events, photos, and live video performances.

What's your dream for the future? What would you like the future to have in store for you?

Right now I am just living in the moment. I don't think much of my future, I just hope it will be good.

Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to the Eltonites?

I think you will hear the influence from my dad and Elton John in my song, "Goodbye Superman". I hope you all will support me in my music career by going to iTunes to buy my song. Also I hope you all will give me feedback, and contact me at benbabylonmusic@rocketmail.com. Also check out my facebook page, "Ben Babylon Music" for all the new updates.

Thank you very much, Ben. It was amazing doing the interview with you and I had a fantastic time. I am so thankful, and very happy to known you. Be sure, I will follow you in the future and I will be as loyalty to you as I am to Elton. But, please, before you go, I would love to announce you I have some people here that will love to tell you something:

Jesse Johnstone, musician: "Ben is a special kind of musician. He doesn't just look at a piece of sheet music and play the correct notes... he takes the correct notes into consideration, and then he goes a step further and makes it his own. He's very much a 'feel' player, which is pretty remarkable at his age. He's a quick learner, and is always looking to learn new things.

In addition to his many great musical talents, Ben is a wonderful guy. He has a great smile and good sense of humor. His ambition and talent will take him very far in life. His father would be very proud of him, no question. :)"

Electra Barakos, singer/musician: "Ben is a true inspiration to many musicians. He is one of the most talented children I know and his maturity and talent overweighs his years of life. At such a young age, Ben has written music that has touched so many people and his musicianship impresses the greatest musicians around. He is a mirror of course of his loving father Guy, and am sure his career will reach the steps that Guy did, if not higher. He is dedicated, and focused and his passion for music is so evident that the thought of how amazing he will become in the future is scary! Music is his life, and his father Guy was his idol, and Ben's purpose in life is to keep his father's legacy forever alive. I know that Ben will take his music and talent to a level that will make his name remain in history!"

Jonathan Birch, friend: "I am so proud of Ben and his accomplishments so far. The dedication and passion he has at his age is so impressive, and I know he will be ultra successful in whatever he does throughout life. We all love Ben's music very much and look forward to his future projects. You kick butt brother!!!"

Thank you Jesse, Thank you Electra, thank you Jonathan. You have been so kind with me, and I am sure Ben loved it so much, because he adores you all. Thanks.

Ben: Guy Babylon Is So Proud Of You

Dear Ben: On the week, we had an article every day. With "Unforgettable People", I tried to pay my particular homage to Guy Babylon, someone very important in Elton's career, who played everything on the keyboards, a symphony man as I said. With Ben's article, "The New Keyboard Wizard", I tried to learn more from you. The Story Behind "Goodbye Superman" is just a rendition of one of the most touching renditions I've ever heard, well arranged and it's really a masterpiece. The poll about you, where people could vote, is clear that we are all sure Guy Babylon's is so proud of you. Most of the people think that you've got "a brilliant future" in front of you, that you should "collaborate with Elton" (wow!!!) and encourage you "to go ahead with your music career". Almost most of the people who voted, are agreed that they love your "Goodbye Superman" track, that they want "an album by you", that you're "the most talented kid (they've) ever seen", they want to "see you playing live" and they "check out your (fantastic) website". Also, they wish you all the best, think that you're "a fantastic guy" and without question, "love you so much".

On the week, you kindly accepted to make an interview with Jack Rabbit, and he was so proud to see that fantastic people like Jesse Johnstone (who recorded every instrument on your single), Electra Barakos (a great and powerful musician, and teacher) and Jonathan Birch (friend, son of Bob Birch) wanted to be with him, sending his words for you. That's a great honour for Jack Rabbit. And the comittee of experts of the website, from 12 countries of the world, "reunited" for, this time, speaking about you and your music. Ben Tisik, a great friend of both, was the guest on "The Eltonite's Day", with a question related to you.

Just one thing remains to close the week, wishing you had a great time, you enjoyed and found amazing the whole thing. Obviously I knew you didn't need any promo from me, because everybody knows how great musician you are, but I did it with the only pretention to make you smile. Before closing, then, just I invited some people, related to Elton, to encourage you in your brilliant future. They are a fantastic people, great and succesful musicians, and wanted to be here just for you. So, the surprise of the surprises is send it to you by heart:

Paul Buckmaster, Elton's arranger:



"I first met and got to work with Guy on Elton’s Made in England album, for a period of about two-three months, February-April 1994. Although it was a brief association, and being in intense work-mode (which did not allow for much hangin’ out), nevertheless it was a pleasure and fun to work with him, and get to know him a little.

It is a great pleasure to see his young son Ben already displaying such talent and creativity; I wish him well and hope he will continue to develop himself as a musician and song-writer".

Pb

Marlena Jeter, former background vocalist:



"Ben performed "Goodbye Superman" at Guy's memorial service and I remember thinking what an incredible song it was. I also had thoughts of contacting Davey Johnstone to inquire as to whether or not Elton had any plans to record it and perhaps do it as a tribute to Guy in his show. However, it looks as though it's all happening just as it should!

It makes me feel good to know that others will have the pleasure of hearing the song. I also hope that it ends up on the airways so that many, many more ears can hear and get a taste of the magic created by Ben Babylon.

He certainly seems to be his Father's son... musically speaking, that is.

Marlena"

Tam Johnstone, former studio session vocalist:



"The first time I heard Ben play keyboards was at rehearsals for the Canyon Club gig last year. He was playing The Who's "Baba O' Reily", a song famous for having - possibly - one of the first sequencer parts...except Ben played it without using a sequencer! Cue Tam's mind being blown. Ben, you are an amazing talent. Keep up the great work!

Tam"

John Jorgenson, former guitar, sax and vocals:



"I know that your father is so proud of you, and you honor his legacy with your talent. He was as kind as he was gifted, and I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with him. I'm sure you miss him terribly, and obviously his spirit lives on within you. I can't wait to see how your music and artistry develops over the next few years.

With love and empathy,

John Jorgenson"

John Mahon, current band's percussionist and vocals:



"Ben,

Good luck with your music. I think you might have a promising music career someday - or maybe even decide to become a marine biologist - which you would be great at too! Whatever you do - have fun!

John Mahon
Health & Happiness to you..."

Ken Stacey, former background vocals and guitar:



"Ben, your father is so proud of you! Keep following your dreams...that is what a truly fulfilling life comes from. I look forward to seeing where it all takes you...much love...

Ken"

The Story Behind "Goodbye Superman"

Ben Brown-Babylon was just 11 years old when he wrote this song as a tribute to his father. Now released as a single, Ben was assisted in the recording process by Jesse Johnstone, son of Davey Johnstone, who recorded most of the instruments there played, and for the Grammy-award-winning engineer and producer Greg Penny, who also worked with Guy when he recorded and produced Elton John's album, "Made in England." There are two versions of the song: an orchestrated version, and a piano version, both performed by Ben.

Every note played is packed with emotion, depth and skill way beyond Ben's young age. The intro seems influenced by Elton's "Funeral For A Friend", that intro Guy Babylon used to play live in concerts. Then, the music develops to an intensive and brilliant piano playing, mixed with a powerful lyric, written by Ben himself.

Like Elton is his best rendition performances, "Candle In The Wind" for Lady Diana, in 1997, or "Skyline Pigeon" for Ryan White, in 1990, Ben Babylon performed it at his father's memorial service, and he drew his strenghts like a great artist he is, and delivered a very emotional playing that left everyone in the audience with tears in their eyes. Only Guy, from Heaven, might smile, proud to see his kid taking control of the keyboards.

Available on iTunes and most other mp3 stores.

"Goodbye Superman"
Music and Lyrics Written by Ben Babylon (In Tribute to Guy Babylon)

"You Were our Fire
Keeping us Warm and loved
You were our pilot
directing us where to go
You gave us a shoulder
A shoulder to lean on
You Were Our Answer
To every question we asked

So Goodbye Superman and
Goodbye Our King
Goodbye Our Hero That Put Us Under His Wing
Goodbye Our Answer
Goodbye Our Sum
Goodbye our World
and Goodbye The Kingdom

You were our lion
protecting us from hate
and givin' us love
You Were our Idol
Something to look forward to
You gave us your world
and you didn't even think twice about it
You were our sun
givin' us light to see through the rest of our lives


So Goodbye Superman and
Goodbye Our King
Goodbye Our Hero That Put Us Under His Wing
Goodbye Our Answer
Goodbye Our Sum
Goodbye Our World
and Goodbye The Kingdom

Goodbye, Goodbye
Goodbye, Goodbye"

©2010 by Ben Babylon

Unforgettable Guy Babylon

Guy was born on December 20, 1956 in New Windsor, Maryland. He attended Francis Scott Key High School and continued his education with an athletic scholarship at the University of South Florida. “I took piano lessons for a couple of years, my sister and I. (...) I didn’t really get serious about music until I was maybe a senior in high school” explained Babylon in EEL (1993). Six months after graduating with a BA in music composition and theory, he moved to California and joined up with the band “Iron Butterfly”.

In 1986, he joined Bob Birch in a band called “Ashton”. After a year or so he went his own way, backing many artists, from Tavares to Luis Cardenas, composing music for radio and tv spots, tv and cable shows, doing demo work and putting together a home studio. In 1987, he co-wrote and performed Siedah Garrett's "K.I.S.S.I.N.G" which became a No. 1 dance hit in the U.S., and performed with Davey Johnstone.

He joined Elton’s band in 1988, when he got a call from Davey Johnstone, Elton’s musical director, asking if he would be in Elton’s band because they were searching a new keyboard player. “There was no audition. I guess he just had a feeling that I could do the gig, and I’m still here” said Babylon in Keyboard magazine in March 1987. Johnstone met Babylon in a self-produced session one year before. In 1990, he appeared with the group Warpipes, a side project of fellow Elton John member Davey Johnstone. Guy and wife Kathy, who does session work and teaches voice and piano, married in February 1991 and became parents on Nov. 10 of the same year, when Max was born. His other son, Ben, was born six years later, and also, he had a stepdaughter, Jessica Hoggarth.

In addition to recording 12 albums with Elton John, Guy recorded with such artists as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Billy Elliot, Eric Clapton, Fats Domino and Dwight Tilley. Guy also won an Grammy Award for his contributions on the Elton John / Tim Rice musical Aida. Babylon started work on Lestat in 2003, when Elton John began composing the score. "He'd come into the studio early and write a song, and then I would spend the rest of the day creating an arrangement," he recalled. "So it was basically Elton, Davey, and me in the studio with an engineer. We made pretty elaborate demos of all these songs. In fact, if you listen to the demos from beginning to end, it sounds like an album." Guy also had a hand in crafting arrangements for the final production "overall, I'm just a small part of a team of people" he explained.

At his free time, Guy was a sports fan as well as a participant. In addition to swimming and track, Guy also played football and basketball. But one sad day in September, 2009, the eltonite's community felt devasted and heartbroken when reality said that we had to go on with him not here, on our side, but in Heaven, playing music for angels. But all we are agree that a genuine and very high quality person as him, will not be never ever forgotten, no, also we have his music. Guy Babylon was an entire symphony. Always friendly, Guy always took the time to talk to the eltonites. As Elton said: "Guy was one of the most brilliant musicians I have ever knew, a true genius, a gentle angel - and I loved him so much", he wrote. No one but Elton could define better his keyboard wizard.

A collection of Guy's music is released, "The Best of Guy Babylon", and it's available for download on iTunes. The album features 10 tracks, including a remix of Babylon Bleu, the composition that won Guy the Keyboard Magazine Reader Tape Contest in 1987. Eight additional instrumental pieces are included, plus a lovely ballad co-written with Ken Stacey, "She Is", and a rocker co-written with Davey Johnstone, "Friction".

A fund in Guy's name has been established. Those wishing to contribute can make a donation directly to:

The Babylon Family Fund
c/o First California Bank
32111 Agoura Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(818) 879-2600

Ben Brown-Babylon: The New Keyboard Wizard

Ben is a talented musician who plays piano, guitar, and drums, and sings: a versatile artist indeed. More than this, he not only could sing, he also writes the lyrics and compose the music. Everything.

Born on October 20, 1997, he's someone who says that: "Music is what Life Sounds Like". Music has been around him since the beginning. "I am a musician. I love music. Music is my life" he kindly declares.

His father, Guy Babylon, joined Elton John's band as second keyboardist in 1988, and four years later, became lead keyboardist. His mother, Kathy, she is a studio singer as well, and has a great ear for strong and powerful melodies, which has influenced her songwriting greatly. Big ballads, meaningful country songs, R&B, Pop and Country dance tunes are some of the music in her large catalog of songs.

"It was amazing how Guy's dream of a career in music became my Dad's dream, and my parents did everything they could to support him," said Guy's sister, Donna Babylon, a Westminster author and home decorating expert when he passed away. Ben's parents always have been so supportive.

The Babylon's family, is complete with a brother, Max, 18, and sister, Jessica.

"Ben loves to write stories. He is in the middle of writing a fiction chapter book right now. And he loves to play music" says Kathy so satisfied about the kid. "He is in the A Jazz Band at school and he is in the music program at Rock Nation. He plays basketball and soccer and he likes to go mountian biking. He loves his dog, and hanging out with friends".

Now he has a new single, "Goodbye Superman" and he's picking up lyrics for composing more music, great music.

More info:
www.babylonmusic.biz