M u s i c R e v i e w Elton John celebrity tribute year-end review

Every January, The Produce Section sifts through the dozens of Elton John "Candles in the Wind" dead-celebrity tributes of the previous year, and presents excerpts from the cream of the crop. This year, we said goodbye to beloved friends from Princess Margaret to Ray Conniff, but the sentiments expressed below are the most poignant. Elton John sings a tribute to John Gotti at a benefit concert for The Italian-American Anti-Defamation League. JOHN GOTTI Goodbye, Dapper Don We remember how you held New York in thrall Leaving a trail of bodies, And keeping the Feds in check. It seemed no one could touch you. But eventually you'd fall. Your Teflon couldn't protect you From cancer of the neck ANN LANDERS And it seems to me you lived your life Telling people how to live theirs Never letting up with the advice Even when syndication set in And your suggestions will always help here Among America's desparate readers Your column burned out long before Your sister Dear Abby's ever will DUDLEY MOORE Arthur's amusing drunkenness we've lost And the best that we can do... is not to cry This drink we'll always carry And we'll have the most fun money can buy And even though we try to watch "Best Defense" brings us to tears All our words cannot express How lucky you were to score a "10" once in your years DAVE THOMAS Goodbye Wendy's rose There'll be square burgers as far as eyes can see We Ate Great... Yes Even Late Because "Quality Was Your Recipe" Goodbye Frosty king From a country lost without your fries Now you belong to heaven Where angels will enjoy Value Meals Biggie-Sized CHUCK JONES It seems to me you fell from life like a coyote off a cliff. Ordering from ACME well after your body went stiff. I've dreamed your coffin opened wide, and up you rose, No sign of any injury, but a bandage on your nose.