Elton John Illustration

Black and white illustration of Elton John on a spotted background

Elton John has been called the biggest pop star of the 1970s and his career has gone on to span decades. He was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in England in 1947 and demonstrated musical talent at a young age; he began playing the piano at age four and by eleven, had won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He joined his first band in 1961, but after leaving that group, he teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin, writing music to Taupin's lyrics, forming a songwriting partnership that has lasted decades. Elton John’s fame skyrocketed in the 1970s; he began to record the songs created with Taupin. From 1972-1976, they were unstoppable with sixteen top 20 hits in a row. John has gone on to record successful albums ever since. 

Elton John is famous for his flamboyant performances as well as elaborate costumes, both on and off the stage. He experienced a decline in popularity after publicly identifying as bisexual due to oppressive views about homosexuality. Rising above conservative attitudes, he went on to record top hits and has become a prolific and iconic musician. In 1992, he came out as gay and married his husband, David Furnish, the following year.