Elton John is considered to be one of the most successful musicians in Great Britain. During a long and fruitful career, he sold over two hundred million records with his compositions. Many of the songs performed by Elton John held the first places in the music ratings for a long time.
From the biography of Elton John
The future popular performer was born in the Pinner area of London on March 25, 1947. His real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight. Elton's father was a military pilot. Mom was in charge of the household. The family lived in Middlesex County, which later became one of the districts of London. The boy's grandparents lived in the house next door and took a much greater part in raising their grandson than his father, who was constantly at the service.
Elton was the only child in the family. As a child, he had problems with being overweight. He wore glasses and was a little afraid of his strict and demanding father. Later, the singer admitted that he considered him a snob.
The boy's mother was a person of completely liberal views. She often brought home records - through them Elton got acquainted with the enchanting world of music. Even before school, the boy learned to master the piano and performed very complex melodies on this, although his feet barely reached the pedals. At the age of 11, Elton entered the conservatory.
And three years later, Elton's parents divorced. Subsequently, the mother married Fred Fairbrother, an artist. The young man developed friendly relations with him.
Elton John's career
Less than a month remained before graduation from the Royal Conservatory. And then Elton decides to quit school and devote himself entirely to music. The young man joined the company of performers and began to play the piano in bars. After a while, Elton joined the Bluesology music group. He thought for a long time about his stage name. And made it from parts of the name of singer John Baldry and saxophonist Elton Dean.
In 1968, Elton met Bernie Taupin, who began to regularly write lyrics for the singer. This cooperation continues to this day.
The singer connected a lot of hopes with the release of his first album. But this project ended in commercial failure. A completely different fate awaited the second album: the compositions performed by Elton fell in love with the American public. This disc was nominated for a Grammy and was considered the best album of the year.
In 1974, several compositions performed by Elton were heard by John Lennon. He immediately invited the singer to perform in a joint program. Together they performed a number of songs at Madison Square Garden. This performance was remembered by Lennon's fans, since in fact it was the last appearance of the musician before the general public.
The most outstanding compositions of Elton John in the 70s:
- Back Home;
- Burn Down the Mission;
- Get Back;
- Honhy Tonk Women;
- Levon;
- Friends.
In 1976, Elton prepared for his listeners one of his most "sad" discs, which became a landmark event in the singer's career. In the 70s, the singer's popularity reached its peak. And then there was a decline in his career. But he still continued to travel around the world with his music programs and record albums.
In the late 70s, Elton received an invitation to perform in Israel and the Soviet Union. At this time, he was already considered a world star. His talent was recognized not only at home, but throughout the world.
In the 80s, the singer had to undergo surgery on his vocal cords. After that, his voice changed. However, the performer continued to work hard. Among the songs of this decade:
- That's what friends are for;
- I'm still standing;
- Little Jeanny;
- I guess that's why they call It the blues.
Elton John in the 90s and the new millennium
In the mid-90s, Elton recorded a great soundtrack for the animated film The Lion King. Three compositions from the cartoon were nominated for an Oscar. This animated film is considered one of the most successful in the history of animation in terms of commercial potential.
In 1995, Elton John's contribution to the development of culture was recognized by the British government. He was awarded the title of knight. Elton became the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
In 1997, Elton was deeply shaken by the death of Princess Diana, with whom he maintained friendly relations. He sang one of his songs at her funeral. Three tens of millions of copies of this single were sold all over the world - and the song was not performed at any other concert. Elton donated all the proceeds to the Princess Diana Foundation. This noble deed was appreciated by the queen: in 1998, the performer was awarded the title of sir.
A new century was beginning. For Elton John, the time has come for close cooperation with many colleagues in the music workshop. He starred in many films, worked on musicals.
From 2007 to 2010, Elton gave outstanding concerts in Baku, Kiev, Rostov-on-Don. Several years later, he once again visited the capital of Ukraine. In 2016, the singer presented his 32nd album to the public.
Shocking star
The audience remembered Elton John not only for his bright musical compositions. The singer has always stood out from the general structure with a penchant for shocking and extravagant image. He often appeared in public wearing large glasses and provocative costumes.
Elton is known in his circle for his love for prestigious and expensive cars, for luxurious apartments. He gladly indulges in unrestrained shopping. Already at the start of his career, Elton had his own plane on which he made touring flights.
In 1976, the singer openly admitted that he is bisexual. And later he declared himself a homosexual. The singer's army of fans froze in shock. And the singer himself was attacked in the press, which caused a prolonged depression. While trying to cope with this condition, Elton became addicted to drugs and alcohol. However, this unsuccessful period in his life soon ended.
In the winter of 1984, Elton got married. Sound engineer Rinata Blauel became his wife. They lived together for four years, after which they parted. Nine years later, David Furnish became the singer's life partner. In 2005, after the entry into force of the UK law on same-sex marriage, they legalized their relationship.
In 2018, the singer publicly announced the end of his creative career. It is officially believed that now Elton is not engaged in concert activities. He completely switched to his personal life.
