Everybody knows Elton John, but different people know different versions of him. There’s the newer, easier version that wrote music for “The Lion King” and sang “Candle in the Wind” at Lady Di’s funeral, then there’s the big glasses and wild costumed version that was so popular in the 70s.

What a fantastic concert it made, Elton with his over-sized, American flag top hat and star-shaped glasses banging away at a baby grand and shouting “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting!” The ’70s had more than its share of wild concerts — think Pink Floyd or Aerosmith — but an Elton John concert held its own with the best.

Now, the Concordia Library is going to bring the Elton John Concert back to life at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday with Greg Ransom as Elton John.

Greg has been performing as Elton John since the mid-1990s at nightclubs, casinos, festivals and fairs across the country to rave reviews. He got his start while playing in a hotel bar. Someone requested an Elton John tune, and Greg played and sang, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” The hotel owner approached him later and commented on how much he sounded like the real Elton. The rest is history.

Greg has since entertained audiences as a solo act and with his Elton John tribute band (and guess what they’re called), Bennie and the Jets! For this concert you’ll have “Elton” up close and personal as Greg performs his solo act.

Greg has a full repertoire of songs — and costumes — that will make you believe he’s the real deal, and I guarantee there’s something for every Elton John fan. While there’s no telling which of the hundreds of John songs he’ll be singing, his list includes ballads like “Your Song,” “Blue Eyes,” and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” It’s also got the timeless hits everyone remembers Elton John for; “Candle in the Wind,” “Daniel,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Rocket Man” and lots of others.

But if Greg Ransom is going to don the costume and glasses, I think he’d better crank up some “Crocodile Rock,” “Philadelphia Freedom” and “B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets!”

You know, if you saw Elton John in concert today it would cost you an arm, a leg, and your first-born male child … OK, maybe not quite that much. This concert is absolutely free, thanks to the Concordia Parish Library, Concordia Bank & Trust Company and Comfort Suites Riverfront.

The concert starts at 7 p.m., but I think you’d better get to the Arcade Theater early if you want a good seat. Like most great concerts, this one is going to sell out early! So put it on your calendar — Arcade Theater, 7 p.m. Thursday. And don’t forget, it’s free and open to the public!

Sam Jones is a Vidalia resident.