John, Elton

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born 25 March 1947) is a British pop/rock singer, composer, and pianist, and is one of the most successful solo artists in popular music history. more...

Though best-known in contemporary times for his successful 1997 re-release of "Candle In The Wind", his recording and performing career has spanned over four decades. His flamboyant fashion sense, on-stage showmanship, $70,000 annual florists bills 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 one of the dominant commercial forces in the rock world during the 1970s, racking up a string of seven consecutive #1 records on the U.S. album charts. His piano-based sound has helped keep that instrument relevant in a guitar-oriented genre. He has maintained a 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 popular animated film The Lion King.

Early life

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, the son of Squadron Leader Stanley Dwight, RAF, and his wife, Sheila Dwight. Reginald was raised primarily by his mother and other female relatives, and saw little of his father as a boy. Stanley and Sheila divorced in 1962, when Reginald was 15.

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