Biographic - Sunday January 18, 2009 Comic Strip Licensing and Permissions

Transcript

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, London, on March 25, 1947, Elton John studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music, entering the music business in his teens, and forming the band Bluesology in 1964. Following failed auditions for the bands King Crimson and Gentle Giant, he answered an ad in the music press and was teamed up by a record company with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The pair were soon turning out songs for the likes of Lulu, while Reg, who by now had adopted the stage name Elton John, also found himself much in demand as a session musician, backing such acts as The Hollies. He enjoyed some minor U.K. hits, before making his major breakthrough in 1970 when "Your Song" hit the U.S. top ten. By the mid-'70s, thanks to a string of chart-topping albums and number one singles such as "Crocodile Rock" and "Bennie and the Jets" the flamboyant showman was packing arenas worldwide. He also branched out, appearing in the movie "Tommy" forming his own record label, and becoming chairman of U.K. soccer club Watford F. C. Following a 1976 chart-topping duet with Kiki Dee on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" he retreated from the limelight, and abandoned his songwriting partnership with Taupin, although the two would later reunite. The 1980s brought personal upheaval with a short-lived marriage, voice problems and a multitude of bad habits. But by the early 1990s, Elton was healthy, happier... and sporting a new head of hair! He was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 1994. His collaboration with Tim Rice on "The Lion King" soundtrack earned an oscar and a grammy. He was knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth in 1998, in part for his outstanding charity fundraising. His concerts, from Las Vegas residencies to joint tours with Billy Joel, continue to sell out. He has so far sold more than 200 million records... and shows no signs of slowing down!

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