Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John in 1972.
Elton began playing the piano at the age of three, and by the age of 11, he had won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London.
His stage name 'Elton John' was inspired by two members of his early band, Bluesology: saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry.
Elton John's songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in music history. They have written over 30 albums together since 1967.
Elton's 1973 album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time and includes hits like 'Candle in the Wind,' 'Bennie and the Jets,' and 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.'
In 1976, he became one of the first major pop stars to openly discuss his sexuality, which was a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry.
He has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
His 1997 tribute single 'Candle in the Wind 1997,' rewritten in honor of Princess Diana, became the best-selling single in history, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide.
Elton John has won five Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, and received a Kennedy Center Honor, showcasing his diverse talents across multiple entertainment mediums.
In addition to his music career, Elton is known for his flamboyant fashion sense, often wearing extravagant costumes and oversized glasses during performances.
Elton John is a dedicated philanthropist and founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised over $450 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his services to music and charitable work, becoming Sir Elton John.
Elton has been sober since 1990 after overcoming a long battle with drug and alcohol addiction, and he has spoken openly about his journey to recovery.
In 2019, the biographical musical film 'Rocketman' was released, depicting Elton John's rise to fame, and was praised for its candid portrayal of his life and career.
Despite announcing his retirement from touring, his Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour, which began in 2018, has been one of the highest-grossing tours of all time, proving his enduring appeal and influence in the music industry.
