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Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born March 25, 1947) is a British rock music singer, songwriter, and pianist, who is one of the most successful solo artists in music history. He has recorded a long string of records and participated in a number of musical projects over a career that is approaching its fifth decade. His flamboyant fashion sense, on-stage showmanship, and public struggles with his private life have combined with his talent to make him a legend to his many fans around the world.
John was the dominant commercial force in the rock world in the 1970s, as evidenced by seven consecutive #1 records on the U.S. album charts and 15 hit singles, including six #1's and three #2's. His piano-based sound has helped keep that instrument relevant in a guitar-oriented genre. He has maintained a strong public presence in the fight against AIDS, and has had renewed moments of commercial triumph, such as his defiant hit "I'm Still Standing" and his award-winning work on the immensely popular animated film The Lion King.
Elton writes Your Song in 20 minutesElton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, the son of Royal Air Force squadron leader, Stanley Dwight, and his wife, Sheila Dwight. Reginald was raised primarily by his mother, grandmother and aunt, and saw little of his father during his childhood. Stanley and Sheila divorced in 1962, when Reginald was 14.
Reginald began playing piano when he was four. Somewhat of a child prodigy, he was able to play on piano any melody he heard on radio or phonograph. At age 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He previously attended Pinner County Grammar School. He stayed at the Academy for six years, leaving before graduation to start a musical career.
In 1960, Reginald and some of his friends, while still in school, formed a band called the Corvettes, which evolved into Bluesology. By the mid-1960s, Bluesology was backing touring American soul and R&B musicians like the Isley Brothers, Major Lance, Doris Troy, and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In 1966, two years after Reginald left school, the band became musician Long John Baldry's supporting band and began touring cabarets with him throughout England. When Baldry's control over the band greatly increased, Reginald left and started looking for other bands to join. After failing lead vocalist auditions for both King Crimson and Gentle Giant, Reginald answered an advertisement by Liberty Records. There he was given a stack of lyrics by lyricist Bernie Taupin. Reginald then wrote music for the lyrics, and got in touch with Bernie through the mail. Thus began a partnership that continues to this day. When they met six months later, Reginald had changed his name to Elton John, by deed poll, in homage to Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. In 1967 the first Elton John/Bernie Taupin song was recorded. This song was 'Scarecrow'.
Elton and Bernie, now working together, joined Dick James's DJM Records as staff songwriters in 1968, and over the next two years, wrote songs for pop singers like Roger Cook and Lulu, while also recording their own songs. In June 1969, Elton released his first album Empty Sky for DJM, without any success.
Elton John Discography
Album
2005 Peachtree Road [UK Bonus Tracks]
2004 Dream Ticket
2004 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [DVD Audio 2 Discs]
2004 Peachtree Road Buy CD
2003 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [Bonus DVD]
2003 Tumbleweed Connection [Japan Bonus Tracks] Buy CD
2003 The Fox [2003 Reissue] Buy CD
2003 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [Deluxe Edition]
2002 Live at the Ritz
2001 Songs from the West Coast Buy CD
2001 A Single Man [Bonus Tracks] Buy CD
2000 One Night Only Buy CD
2000 One Night Only [Australia Bonus Tracks]
1999 The One [Germany Bonus Track] Buy CD
1999 Ice on Fire [Germany Bonus Track] Buy CD
1999 The Muse Buy CD
1999 Reg Strikes Back [Bonus Track] Buy CD
1999 Aida Buy CD
1997 Big Picture Buy CD
1995 Caribou [Bonus Tracks] Buy CD
1995 Made in England
1993 Duets
1992 The One
1989 Sleeping With the Past
1989 Sleeping With the Past [Polygram International Bonus Track]
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