John, Sir Elton Hercules, originally Reginald Kenneth Dwight 1947-
English pop singer, songwriter and pianist

He was born in Pinner, Middlesex. One of the most successful pop-rock stars of the 1970s, he began his career as pianist with the group Bluesology, which he left after their 1967 hit 'Let The Heartaches Begin'. Teaming up with lyricist Bernie Taupin, he launched his solo career with the undistinguished album Empty Sky in 1969. Elton John (1970), which included the single 'Your Song', brought his first solo success. A self-styled 'ultimate rock fan', he synthesized current popular styles which he forged into a durable hybrid of pop and rock. In a prolific career his albums have included Tumbleweed Connection (1970), Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player (1973), the autobiographical Captain Fantastic And The Browndirt Cowboy (1975), A Single Man (1978), Too Low for Zero (1983), Breaking Hearts (1984) and Sleeping with the Past (1989). In the mid-1970s he developed a highly flamboyant stage image and an extravagant piano style. He formed his own record label, Rocket Records, and in 1979 became the first Western rock star to play in Moscow, an event documented in the film To Russia With Elton (1979). In 1976 he became owner and chairman of Watford Football Club, but sold most of his shares in 1990. He returned as director until 1993, when he became life president. He contributed five new songs to The Lion King soundtrack in 1993, followed by a strong album, Made In England (1995).

Bibliography: P Norman Elton John (1993)