Elton John

Elton John is one of the most successful and iconic musicians ever. A prodigious talent, John began playing the piano at a very young age and was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London when he was just 11 years old. His early exposure to classical music and his love for rock and roll laid the foundation for his unique sound, which blends pop, rock, and glam with theatrical flair. By the late 1960s, he began his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, a collaboration that would become one of the most celebrated in music history.

John's breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of his eponymous album, featuring the hit single "Your Song," which catapulted him to international stardom. Over the next decade, he released a string of successful albums, including "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy," and "Rock of the Westies." Known for his flamboyant stage presence, distinctive voice, and dazzling piano performances, John became one of the defining figures of 1970s rock music. His elaborate costumes and energetic shows made him a beloved live performer, and his records consistently topped charts worldwide.

In addition to his success in the 1970s, John has had a remarkable ability to reinvent himself, remaining relevant through the decades. He achieved significant success in the 1980s with hits like "I’m Still Standing" and "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and continued to produce chart-topping music in the 1990s, including the iconic "Candle in the Wind 1997," which became the best-selling single of all time following the death of Princess Diana. His work on the soundtrack for Disney's "The Lion King," which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, further solidified his status as a pop culture icon.

Beyond his music, John is also renowned for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $450 million to support HIV prevention, education, and care programs globally. John, who announced he was bisexual in 1976 and has been openly gay since 1988, entered into a civil partnership with David Furnish in 2005 and married after same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales in 2014. His advocacy and charitable work have earned him numerous accolades, including knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his services to music and charity.

With over 300 million records sold, he is one of the best-selling music artists ever. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, launched in 2018, was a triumphant celebration of his career, underscoring his lasting influence on generations of musicians and fans alike. In 2019, the biographical jukebox musical drama "Rocketman" was released, detailing John's life through his discography. That same year, he also released his first autobiography, "Me."

In January 2024, Elton joined Hollywood’s elite group of “EGOT” (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winners after securing his first Emmy Award, for his Disney+ live concert special “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.” John joined the 18 other winners in the EGOT group, having won five Grammys, two Academy Awards, and a Tony for "Aida."