Time Machine Tuesday - Elton John

Elton John

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight is a national treasure. He is one of the most popular singers, pianists and composers of the 20thcentury and he’s sold a total of 250 million records. His song “Candle in the Wind” still holds the record of the second best-single of all time which was performed as a tribute to Princess Diana.

1997 was a difficult year for John, as he mourned the loss of his 2 good friends Princess Diana and Gianni Versace. Reworking his song “Candle in the Wind”, he sold more than 30 million copies that year.

At an early age, Elton John had an interest in music, learning to play his grandmother’s piano. The 1960s began and ended with John being a pub pianist, this is where he started wearing his signature trademark of horn-rimmed glasses as a slight nod to the late Buddy Holly.

In the late 60s, he answered an advertisement in New Musical Express magazine which led to his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, writing song lyrics. The successful duo has been writing songs together since 1967, collaborating on over 30 albums together.

Inevitably, leading up to his debut album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. His second single “Your Song” which was featured on the album, hit number 7 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 8 in the US. Making it his first hit single. From the success of the album, he formed his own label “The Rocket Record Company.” However, he released his records with MCA rather than his own record label. MCA released his greatest hits album (a US and UK number 1 album) in which they sold 16 million copies.

Elton John married his first spouse Renate Blauel from 1984 to 1988, after 4 years of marriage, they divorced and John came out as gay. He later married his partner David Furnish in a civil ceremony in 2005, and married in 2014 after the law allowed gay marriage in Britain.

In 2018, Billboard ranked his most famous songs, with the top 5 including; “Bennie and The Jets”, “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding”, “Levon”, “Tiny Dancer” and “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)."

During his career, he has been rewarded with numerous awards and honours. Sir Elton John’s Coat of Arms was given to him in 1987with the crest consisting of piano keys and records. As well as an Academy Award for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”- The Lion King, 5 Brit Awards for outstanding contribution for music, best British male, Freddie Mercury Award and Brits Icon and 6 Grammy Awards.

His outstanding work for the AIDS Foundation has been highly recognised, hosting a White Tie and Tiara Ball and in 1993, he started hosting his annual Academy Award party which has quickly become one of the highest profile Oscar parties, raising over $200 million.

In 1998, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his charity work, awarding him the title of Sir Elton John.

Click here to listen to Elton John on Spotify.