Elton John

Elton John
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Name	Elton John
Caption	Elton John performing at the Royal Opera House in 2011
Birth name	Reginald Kenneth Dwight
Birth date	March 25, 1947
Birth place	Pinner, Middlesex, England
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, musician, record producer
Instrument	Piano, vocals
Years active	1969-present
Label	DJM Records, Rocket Records, MCA Records, Universal Music Group
Associated acts	Bernie Taupin, Kiki Dee, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Yoko Ono

Elton John is a renowned British singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer known for his distinctive voice, impressive piano skills, and captivating live performances, which have been compared to those of Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. With a career spanning over five decades, he has collaborated with numerous notable artists, including Bernie Taupin, Kiki Dee, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono. Elton John's music has been influenced by various genres, such as rock music, pop music, and classical music, and he has performed at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has also been associated with The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Queen (band).

Early Life

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, to Sheila Eileen Dwight and Stanley Dwight. He began playing the piano at a young age and was largely influenced by the music of Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Elton John attended Pinner Wood Junior School and later enrolled in Reddiford School, where he met his future songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. He also attended the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied piano and composition under the guidance of Hilda Hall, a renowned piano teacher. Elton John's early life was also influenced by the music of The Who, The Kinks, and The Animals.

Music Career

Elton John's music career began in the late 1960s, when he started performing in local pubs and clubs in London, often with his band, Bluesology. He was discovered by Liberty Records and released his debut album, Empty Sky, in 1969. However, it was his second album, Elton John (album), that brought him his first major success, with the hit single Your Song (Elton John song). Elton John's subsequent albums, such as Honky Château, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, solidified his position as a leading figure in the music industry, with collaborations with Gus Dudgeon, Paul Buckmaster, and Davey Johnstone. He has also worked with other notable artists, including Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, and Eric Clapton.

Personal Life

Elton John has been open about his personal life, including his struggles with addiction and his experiences with coming out as gay. He met his future husband, David Furnish, in 1993, and the couple entered into a civil partnership in 2005. They later married in 2014 at their estate in Windsor, England. Elton John has also been a long-time friend and collaborator of Princess Diana, and he performed at her funeral in 1997. He has also been associated with other notable figures, including Gianni Versace, Naomi Campbell, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Philanthropy

Elton John is a dedicated philanthropist, particularly in the area of AIDS research and LGBTQ+ rights. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and HIV prevention programs. He has also been involved with various other charitable organizations, including the Royal Academy of Music, The Prince's Trust, and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Elton John has performed at numerous benefit concerts, including Live Aid and Live 8, and has worked with other notable philanthropists, such as Bono, Bob Geldof, and Nelson Mandela.

Discography

Elton John's discography includes over 30 studio albums, as well as numerous live albums, compilations, and soundtracks. Some of his most notable albums include Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou (album), and Sleeping with the Past. He has also released several successful singles, such as Crocodile Rock, Rocket Man (song), and Candle in the Wind 1997. Elton John has collaborated with various artists on his albums, including Tim Rice, Leon Russell, and Kiki Dee. He has also worked with other notable producers, including Gus Dudgeon and Chris Thomas (record producer).

Awards and Accolades

Throughout his career, Elton John has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and American Music Awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and has been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Elton John has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2016. He has also received awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, the Ivor Novello Awards, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Elton John has also been associated with other notable award winners, including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. Category:British musicians