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Elton John
Elton John (real name Reginald Kenneth Dwight) was born on March 25, 1947 in Middlesex.
Dwight showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. At eleven he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for six years.
Dwight joined his first band, Bluesology, in 1961. In the mid-sixties the band began backing touring US artists, eventually becoming the supporting band of Long John Baldry.
After parting company with Baldry Dwight met lyricist Bernie Taupin and began writing the music for Taupin's words. He also changed his name to Elton John. The John-Taupin partnership continues to this day.
John and Taupin worked together writing songs before John released his first album Empty Sky in June 1969. Although given favorable reviews the album did not sell well.
John's second album Elton John found success in America, fuelled by the classic single Your Song. This album was quickly followed by Tumbleweed Connection, the live 11-17-70, and Madman Across the Water.
In the early seventies John enjoyed a string of success with hits such as Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Candle in the Wind, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Philadelphia Freedom...
John's popularity decreased somewhat following his 1976 admission that he was bisexual though his singles and albums continued to sell well through the eighties and nineties as did his concert performances.
In 1992 John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation to provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and improved care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
In September 1997 John released a re-written version of Candle In the Wind in tribute to his friend Pricess Diana who was killed in a car crash. It became the fastest selling single ever in both the UK and US. John was knighted (ie became officially titled Sir Elton John) in the 1998 New Year's honours list.
A keen football fan, John has been both a director and chairman of Watford football club. He resigned in 2002 but remains Life President.
Albums:
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Peachtree Road
Honky Chateau
Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
Love Songs
Rare Masters
Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002
Elton John - Greatest Hits
Elton John - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Books:
Sir Elton: The Definitive Biography Philip Norman. Epically conceived and masterfully told, Philip Norman's biography of the inimitable, legendary Elton John searches out the man behind the performer in glittering costumes and sky-high boots. Norman explores the draining addictions, the failed marriage, attempted suicides, a multimillionaire's supposed money troubles. He examines Elton's compulsions and coming out; he illuminates the creative drive that continues prodigiously and brilliantly to produce new music. What emerges is a frank, sympathetic portrait so truthful that Elton himself has said, "He's got me spot on."
His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John Elizabeth J. Rosenthal.
The Elton John Scrapbook Mary Anne Cassata.
More information:
eltonjohn.com The Official Elton John Website.
eltonography.com The Illustrated Elton John
Discography including complete listings of Elton John lyrics, US and
UK released singles, both stock and promotional issues, bootleg
CDs and more.
eltonfan.net Latest Elton John news, Elton John tour dates, Elton John charts, Hercules Message Board and a lot more in the Interactive area of the site.
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