Elton John

Artist Image: Elton John
Attribution
Image Credit: David Shankbone (Own work), CC BY 3.0

Biography

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, four Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Having been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1996, John received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" in 1998. John has performed at a number of royal events, such as the funeral of Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in 1997, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert outside Buckingham Palace in 2012. He has been heavily involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation and a year later began hosting the annual Academy Award Party, which has since become one of the most high-profile Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $200 million. John entered into a civil partnership with David Furnish on 21 December 2005 and continues to be a champion for LGBT social movements. In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked him as the most successful male solo artist on "The Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists" (third overall, behind only The Beatles and Madonna).

Details

Item Name Item Details
Year Formed 1969
Number of Albums 84
Record Label
Website eltonjohn.com
Wikipedia Elton John on Wikipedia
Social Networks

Trivia

In what decade did Elton John explode like a supernova?

1970s

...Elton John exploded like a supernova in the early 1970s , generating headlines and hits with ease. He had a Billboard Top 40 hit single every year betw...
How many Billboard Top 40 hits did John have between 1970 and 1996?

every year

...ng headlines and hits with ease. He had a Billboard Top 40 hit single every year between 1970 and 1996, a sign that he knew how to both change with th...
John's earliest records were part of what post'60s singersongwriter movement?

moody, introspective

...d the times to fit him. John's earliest records were part of the moody, introspective post'60s singersongwriter movement, but once he had a hit with Y...
Along with country, soul, and progressive rock, what genre of rock was he a part of?

classic pop balladry

...ing decades, he delved into soul, disco, and country, as well as classic pop balladry , progressive rock, and even musical theater, writing songs for D...
What film did Tim Rice collaborate with on?

Aida

...ting songs for Disney's The Lion King and collaborating with Tim Rice on Aida . His versatility, combined with his effortless melodic skills, dynamic c...
When was Reginald Kenneth Dwight born?

1947

...rmer Royal Air Force trumpeter, John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947 . He began playing piano at the age of four, and when he was 11, he won a...
When did he begin playing piano?

four

...rn Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947. He began playing piano at the age of four , and when he was 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music....
What was his intention after leaving school?

breaking into the music business

...udying for six years, he left school with the intention of breaking into the music business . In 1961, he joined his first band, Bluesology, and divide...
In what year did he join his first band?

1961

...e left school with the intention of breaking into the music business. In 1961 , he joined his first band, Bluesology, and divided his time between play...
What was the name of the band he formed in 1961?

Bluesology

... breaking into the music business. In 1961, he joined his first band, Bluesology , and divided his time between playing with the group, giving solo con...
What was the name of the boy who was born on March 25, 1947?

Reginald Kenneth Dwight

...Early life Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in the town of Pinner in Middlesex, England. An only child who was overweigh...
In what town in England was the birthplace of Elton john born?

Pinner

...John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in the town of Pinner in Middlesex, England. An only child who was overweight and wore glasse...
How did Elton describe his father as?

very snobbish and sort of stiff

...ing officer) with the Royal Air Force, whom he described as very snobbish and sort of stiff . His mother Sheila, on the other hand, brought home record...
Where did John study?

London Academy of Music

...himself to play the piano at the age of four. He studied at the London Academy of Music but quit two weeks before graduation to pursue a musical caree...
What was the middle name of Bluesology's singer?

Long John Baldry

...e name as a combination of the middle name of Bluesology's singer, Long John Baldry , and the first name of the saxophone player, Elton Dean. Later in ...
Who was the first name of the saxophone player?

Elton Dean

...singer, Long John Baldry, and the first name of the saxophone player, Elton Dean . Later in his life, John added the middle name Hercules. Recording ca...
When did John meet Bernie Taupin?

1968

...is life, John added the middle name Hercules. Recording career begins In 1968 John met Bernie Taupin (1950), who became his longterm songwriting partn...
What was the name of John's second album?

Your Song

... Bernie Taupin (1950), who became his longterm songwriting partner. His second album contained Your Song , a hit in both the United States and England....
Where was Your Song a hit?

United States and England

... Bernie Taupin (1950), who became his longterm songwriting partner. His second album contained Your Song, a hit in both the United States and England ....
Where was he educated?

Pinner Wood Junior School, Reddiford School and Pinner County Grammar School

...He gained his education from Pinner Wood Junior School, Reddiford School and Pinner County Grammar School . However, he left studies before ALevel exam...
At what age did Elton win a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music?

11

...eer in music. He started playing piano at an early age, and at the age of 11 , he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. Such were his...
How long was Elton's time at the royal academy of music in London?

five years

... early age. Elton studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London for five years . You May Like Top Actors Of The 1940s Top Actresses Of The 1940s The ...
What was the name of the academy where Elton studied for five years?

Royal Academy of Music

...e started composing music at an early age. Elton studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London for five years. You May Like Top Actors Of The 1940s ...
Whose first job was as a weekend pianist at a pub?

Elton Johns

...Of 2020, Ranked The Hottest Male Celebrities With The Best Abs Career Elton Johns first job was as a weekend pianist at a pub. Thereafter, he took up ...
What did Elton John form a band with?

friends

...ist at a pub. Thereafter, he took up several roles, forming a band with friends , working in a music publishing house, performing solo at hotels. In 19...
What year did he collaborate with lyricist Bernie Taupin?

1967

...e, performing solo at hotels. In 1962, he formed the band Bluesology. In 1967 , he collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin. He wrote musical compositi...
John has sold more than how many albums?

250 million

...Man, Bennie and the Jets, and Crocodile Rock. John has sold more than 250 million albums and over 100 million singles, making him one of the most succ...
How many singles has John sold?

over 100 million

...and Crocodile Rock. John has sold more than 250 million albums and over 100 million singles, making him one of the most successful artists of all time...
How many number one hits has he had?

nine

...ngles, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has nine numberone hits, and seven consecutive numberone U.S. albums, as well as ...
How many consecutive number one U.S. albums did he have?

seven

...the most successful artists of all time. He has nine numberone hits, and seven consecutive numberone U.S. albums, as well as more than 50 singles that...
Who ranked Elton John number 49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time in 2004?

Rolling Stone

...l fame for his flamboyant fashions and onstage showmanship. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him number 49 on their list of the 100 greatest artists of a...
Who were Elton's parents?

Sheila Eileen Harris and Stanley Dwight

... maternal grandparents, with whom his newlywed parents, Sheila Eileen Harris and Stanley Dwight , were then living. Both of his parents were musically ...
In what year did Rolling Stone rank him number 49?

2004

... additional fame for his flamboyant fashions and onstage showmanship. In 2004 , Rolling Stone ranked him number 49 on their list of the 100 greatest ar...
What instrument did his father play?

trumpet

.... Both of his parents were musically inclined, his father having been a trumpet player with a semiprofessional big band that played military dances. T...
John remembers being immediately hooked on what genre of music when his mother brought home records by Elvis Presley and Bill Haley & His Comets in 1956?

rock and roll

...and musicians of the day. John remembers being immediately hooked on rock and roll when his mother brought home records by Elvis Presley and Bill Hale...
How many albums has John released since 1969?

31

...ially successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s, having released 31 albums since 1969. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967, ...
What was John nicknamed after his 1972 hit single?

Rocket Man

...r other uses, see Elton John (disambiguation). Commonly nicknamed the Rocket Man after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercial...
What instrument did John learn at an early age?

piano

...nificant impact on popular music. Raised in Pinner, John learned to play piano at an early age, and by 1962 had formed Bluesology, a blues band he was...
What album did John release in 1969?

Empty Sky

...a session musician for artists. In 1969, John released his debut album Empty Sky . In 1970, he formed the Elton John Band and released his first hit si...
In what year did he release his first hit single, Your Song?

1970

...sician for artists. In 1969, John released his debut album Empty Sky. In 1970 , he formed the Elton John Band and released his first hit single, Your S...
What song did Elton John perform at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997?

A Candle in the Wind

.... At the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997, Elton John performed A Candle in the Wind at Westminster Abbey. Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born in Pinner...
Where was Reginald Kenneth Dwight born?

Pinner, Middlesex

...the Wind at Westminster Abbey. Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born in Pinner, Middlesex , a London suburb. He began playing the piano at the age of three ...
How many Top 40 hits does Elton have?

over 50

...s own solo career. Elton John has sold over 250 million records and has over 50 Top 40 hits, making him one of the most successful musicians of all ti...
What number of number one hits has he had?

six

...ll time. His achievements included 23 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10 ones, and six number one hits. He has been critical of the impact of the internet on a...
Whose backing band was Bluesology?

John Baldrys

... pop after discovering rhythm and blues, he joined Bluesology, later John Baldrys backing band, in the mid1960s. His first American album, Elton John,...
John was one of the worlds bestselling pop performers by what year?

1973

...mage to country rock and folk rock models such as the Band and Crosby, Stills and Nash. By 1973 John was one of the worlds bestselling pop performers....
What song won 10 Tony Awards?

Billy Elliot

...the Wind. He also found success on Broadway, composing the score for Billy Elliot (2008), which went on to win 10 Tony Awards. Elton John's Craziest L...
Who was Elton John's father?

Stanley Dwight

...Music in London. John had a difficult relationship with his father, Stanley Dwight , a member of the Royal Air Force. His parents divorced when he was ...
Where was John born?

Pinner, Middlesex, England

...n John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England . He discovered his passion for music at an early age and taug...
What did John learn to do at a young age?

play the piano

...red his passion for music at an early age and taught himself how to play the piano when he was only four years old. Proving to be a great talent, he w...
Where did John win a scholarship?

Royal Academy of Music in London

...eat talent, he won a scholarship to a youth program at the Royal Academy of Music in London . John had a difficult relationship with his father, Stanle...
What military branch did John's father belong to?

Royal Air Force

...icult relationship with his father, Stanley Dwight, a member of the Royal Air Force . His parents divorced when he was a teenager, and he and his fathe...
John wanted to pursue a career in what field?

pop music

...eenager, and he and his father clashed over his future. John, captivated by the sounds of early rock and roll, wanted to pursue a career in pop music ....
What genre of music was he interested in?

pop and rock

...Elton John's unique blend of pop and rock styles turned him into one of the 20th century's biggest music icons. He was musically gifted from a young a...
How many albums has the flamboyant singer placed on the charts?

dozens

...ene with his album Elton John in 1970, the flamboyant singer has placed dozens of albums on the charts while also generating a succession of top 40 hi...
What nickname did Elvis presley earn him?

Liberace

... from the outrageous stage persona that earned him the nickname rock's Liberace to a more restrained performer in the early 2000s. Born Reginald Kenne...
What was John's nickname in the early 2000s?

rock's Liberace

...lved from the outrageous stage persona that earned him the nickname rock's Liberace to a more restrained performer in the early 2000s. Born Reginald K...
What was John's father's job?

Royal Air Force squadron leader

...riority complex and had a poor relationship with his father, who was a Royal Air Force squadron leader . His parents divorced when John was a teenager....
When did John's parents divorce?

when John was a teenager

...riority complex and had a poor relationship with his father, who was a Royal Air Force squadron leader. His parents divorced when John was a teenager ....
For what progressive rock bands did he audition as lead singer?

King Crimson and Gentle Giant

...nsuccessfully) as lead singer for the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Gentle Giant . Dwight teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin and changed h...
When did Elton John announce he was a bisexual?

1976

...t album Tumbleweed Connection. Elton John announced he was a bisexual in 1976 , and in 1984, he married Renate Blauel. The marriage lasted four years b...
When did he marry Renate Blauel?

1984

...eweed Connection. Elton John announced he was a bisexual in 1976, and in 1984 , he married Renate Blauel. The marriage lasted four years before he fina...
How long did the marriage last?

four years

...l in 1976, and in 1984, he married Renate Blauel. The marriage lasted four years before he finally came to terms with the fact that he was actually ho...
In what years did he suffer from drug and alcohol addiction?

1970s and 1980s

...came to terms with the fact that he was actually homosexual. In the 1970s and 1980s , he suffered from drug and alcohol addiction and bulimia but came ...
What was he the first Western rock star to perform in Israel and the USSR?

1979

...rug and alcohol addiction and bulimia but came through it. Trivia (105) In 1979 , he was the first Western rock star to perform in Israel and the USSR....