In performing "Tiny Dancer," Elton John and Miley Cyrus opted for a song that, while now a certified classic, never earned John or his co-writer Bernie Taupin Grammy recognition.
Released as part of John's 1971 album, "Madman Across the Water," the song was issued as a single in early 1972, but neither the album nor the song passed muster during their eligibility periods in the eyes of the Recording Academy.
Eligible for the 14th Grammys, "Madman ..." had some tough competition. Carole King's "Tapestry" won album of the year, her "You've Got a Friend" won song of the year and "It's Too Late" snagged record of the year. A year later when "Tiny Dancer" was eligible _ but snubbed _ Roberta Flack's soul ballad "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" won both song and record of the year.
John was 23 when he won best new artist in 1970. Over the decades he's earned a total of 35 nods and won five. As for Cyrus, her sole Grammy nomination so far came in 2015, when, at 21, she was recognized in the pop vocal album category for "Bangerz." She's got some catching up to do _ but nearly 50 more years to pull it off.
