A ‘Fool’s’ Tune: How an Elton John Introduction Sparked Michael Stipe and Andrew Watt’s ‘Rooster’ Theme Song

Singer-songwriter Michael Stipe has known Elton John for more than 35 years.

In all that time, he had never once given Stipe’s personal phone number to anyone, especially a musician.

Then he decided to break the rules.

“He gave my number to Andrew Watt, who texted me and said, ‘I have an idea,’” Stipe recalls. […] ...