Biographic - Sunday April 30, 2017 Comic Strip Licensing and Permissions

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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 hsi teens and forming the band Bluesology in 1962. 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. before making his major breakthrough in 1970 when "Your Song" hit the U.S. top 10. By the mid-'70s. Thanks to a string of chart-topping albums and No. 1 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 recording label and becoming Chairman of the U.K soccer club Watford F.C. Following a 1976 chart-topping duet with Kiki Dee on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," he rereated 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 healthier, 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 Golden Globe. He was knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, in part for his outstanding charity fundraising- The Elton John Foundation has so far raised more than $200 million! In addition to his Oscar and Golden Globe, he has received five Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, a Disney legends award and the Kennedy Center honors in 2004. He has sold more than 300 million records to date! His current world tour, which includes a Las Vegas residency, will keep the 70-year old on the road until December!

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