Elton John

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England, showed early musical talent as a piano prodigy, winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. In the late 1960s, he met lyricist Bernie Taupin through a songwriting competition, forming a prolific partnership that defined his career. His debut album Empty Sky (1969) gained little traction, but his 1970 self-titled album featured the breakthrough hit 'Your Song,' earning his first Grammy nominations and launching him internationally. The 1970s marked John's explosive rise, with seven consecutive U.S. No. 1 albums from 1972-1975—a record feat—including Honky Château (1972), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973, over 30 million copies sold), and Rock of the Westies (1975). Hits like 'Rocket Man,' 'Crocodile Rock,' 'Bennie and the Jets,' and 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' (duet with Kiki Dee) dominated charts, blending rock, pop, and flamboyant showmanship. After a 1976-1978 hiatus amid personal struggles and controversy over his sexuality, he returned triumphantly, coming out as bisexual in 1976 and later gay, influencing future queer artists. The 1980s-1990s solidified his legacy with albums like Sleeping with the Past (1989), The One (1992), and Made in England (1995), plus the record-breaking 'Candle in the Wind 1997' (over 33 million copies sold as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales). He expanded into musical theater, scoring Tony-winning Aida and Billy Elliot the Musical. John's philanthropy grew via the 1992-founded Elton John AIDS Foundation. The 2000s-2010s saw continued output like Songs from the West Coast (2001), The Diving Board (2013), and The Lockdown Sessions (2021), alongside massive tours (over 4,000 shows in 80+ countries) and his 2019 autobiography Me and biopic Rocketman. In 2022-2023, his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour became Billboard's top rock tour and Pollstar's Major Tour of the Year, with Diamonds (2017) marking his 40th UK Top 40 album. Knighted in 1998 and appointed Companion of Honour in 2020, John achieved EGOT status in 2024 (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), with five Grammys, two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992).