Elton John Lyrics - Discography

222 British Singer & Composer

Reginald Kenneth Dwight (born March 25, 1947) was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He is a British singer, pianist and composer. He is professionally known as Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE or Simply Elton John. He is widely recognized for his exceptional work during the 1970s, which has left a lasting impact on the music industry. With his extraordinary musical abilities and captivating showmanship, Elton John has significantly influenced popular music. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is hailed as one of the most successful collaborations in the history of music.

Elton John was raised in the Pinner suburb of London and displayed his talent for the piano at an early age. His skills earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, where he honed his musical abilities over a five-year period. In 1962, he formed the blues band Bluesology, but later embarked on a solo career in 1967. It was during this time that Elton John crossed paths with Bernie Taupin, as both responded to an advertisement seeking songwriters. Over the next two years, they collaborated on songwriting for other artists, while Elton John also worked as a session musician. In 1969, Elton John released his debut album, "Empty Sky," which marked the beginning of his solo career. The following year, he formed the Elton John Band and achieved his first major hit single, "Your Song."

Throughout the 1970s, Elton John experienced immense critical success, releasing a string of chart-topping albums in both the United States and the United Kingdom. This remarkable run of success began with the album "Honky Château" in 1972 and culminated with "Rock of the Westies" in 1975. Elton John continued to achieve remarkable success in the 1980s and 1990s, producing numerous hit singles and albums in both decades. His musical talents also extended to the world of film and theater, where he composed music for notable productions such as "The Lion King," "Aida," and "Billy Elliot the Musical." In recent years, Elton John has continued to release new music and has remained an influential figure in the industry.

Elton John's farewell tour, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" (2018–2023), became the highest-grossing tour of all time, further cementing his impact on the music scene. Outside of his musical endeavors, Elton John has been an active advocate and fundraiser for HIV/AIDS charities since the late 1980s. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over £300 million to date. Additionally, he hosts an annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party, which has become one of the most prominent Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. Elton John's philanthropic efforts and contributions have made a significant impact in the fight against AIDS.

Elton John's involvement extends beyond music and charity work. He served as the chairman and director of Watford F.C., a football club, from 1976 to 1987 and again from 1997 to 2002. He holds the honorary life president title at the club. In his personal life, Elton John faced a severe addiction problem to drugs and alcohol from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. However, he achieved sobriety in 1990 and has maintained it since then. In 2005, Elton John entered a civil partnership with his longtime partner, Canadian filmmaker David Furnish. They officially married in 2014 after same-ѕєx marriage became legal in England and Wales.

Elton John's musical achievements are truly exceptional. He has amassed over fifty top-40 hits on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number-one singles in both countries. His success extends to album sales, with seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States. In total, he has sold over 300 million records worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the best-selling music artists in history. Elton John holds the distinction of being the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. His tribute single to Princess Diana, "Candle in the Wind 1997," which was a reworked version of his 1974 single, has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling chart single of all time.

In 2021, Elton John became the first solo artist to achieve UK Top 10 singles across six decades, further showcasing his enduring popularity and impact. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards (including Outstanding Contribution to Music), two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, a Tony Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, a Disney Legend Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Elton John is also a fellow of The Ivors Academy. In recognition of his contributions to music and charitable services, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 2020.