As a child in the 1950s, Elton John listened to the Big Band records and rock 'n roll his parents played. When he began attending the Royal Academy of Music on a scholarship at age 11, a professor played him a four-page piece by Handel. He promptly played it back for her "'like a gramophone record'" (Wikipedia). By then he was already "dashing off good melodies", but it was not until his "impassioned performances and over-the-top fashion sense" at his concerts in the 1970s that his musical career took off.
His long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin, born in Lincolnshire in 1950, knows how swiftly Elton John writes music. Others are staggered at the speed at which he turns out songs. Over the last four decades Elton John has sold over 250 million records and has had over 50 Top 40 hits, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time. He celebrated his 60th birthday on 25 March 1947.
His views on religion are quite negative, but his music embodies spiritual yearning, or so it seems to us. His anthem for Diana, Princess of Wales, captured the loss many felt about their own lost dreams.
According to Wikipedia's detailed article, Elton John struggled with drug abuse and alcoholism, and hit bottom more than once, but always managed to overcome despair and deterioration and rekindle his career. His musical style, based on the piano, sets him apart.
A complex man, Elton John collects porcelain, shares his life with David Furnish, and is the life-long President of the Watford Football Club. To say he spends lavishly would be a bit of an understatement. He also gives generously to charity. When his single "Candle in the Wind", his tribute to the Princess, climbed to the top of the charts, the proceeds of £55 million went to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. His "endearing support of young artists" and new music continues.
Anyone who has ever tried to sing or speak before others knows just how extraordinary his achievement is. He is a composer and performer who descends to the depths to sing on the heights.
Here he is with classical orchestra playing 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word'. The lyrics are by Bernie Taupin.
Elton John CBE
When you contribute to this website,
you support the Best of the Brits.
Bernie Taupin, the boy from Lincolnshire, writes Elton John's lyrics from his ranch in the California hills, where he raises cattle and competes in rodeos.
