Elton John

Elton John, CH, CBE, has been producing classic music for over half a century!

I admit to being a bit dubious about Elyon Jiohn at first.

Empty Sky passed me by completely, Tumbleweed Connection did not make a connection.

But, in 1974, as I opened my record shop, the rep from Festival Records, the distributor for Eltons records here in Australia, showed me Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

Hesitantly, I considered how many to purchase for my brand-new store. How many copies to start with?

Mybe 6, or 7?

Not waiting for my decision the rep, who is still a friend today, said, “OK, I’ll put you down for 25, just to start with, OK?”

25! He’s kidding!

Anyway, not wanting to appear negative, I agreed. And, the whole 25 virtually walked out the door, and I was soon ordering another 25.

That’s when I figured maybe this guy wasn’t so bad, Maybe I better listen to the album!

Of course Elton soon became one of the most recognizable and successful names in the music industry. Born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, he would eventually be known globally by his stage name, Elton John.

Reg Dwight Becomes Elton John

A singer, songwriter, and pianist, John proved an outstanding talent from an early age, learning to play piano at the age of three and skilfully improvising melodies by his early teens.

His melodious voice and incredible ability to play piano earned him a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at just 11 years old. His love for artists like Elvis Presley and Bill Haley inspired him to form a band, Bluesology, in 962, along with (amongst others) Long John Baldry, Caleb Quay and Elton Dean.

How he got his name is an interesting aspect of the Elton John story. He figured when the band was introduced to the audience, it would be like..”Ladies and gentlemen, LONG JOHN BALDRY: (applause), CALEB QUAY!,(more applause) ELTON DEAN (still more applause) REG DWIGHT! (Silence. Who? What kind of name is that?). So he took his stage name from bandmates Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, and that change was pivotal marking the beginning of a new phase in his musical journey — the birth of the superstar Elton John.

Elton John meets Bernie Taupin

A major turning point in Elton John's career happened in 1967. Through an audition arranged by Liberty Records, he met Bernie Taupin. The duo, despite having different style and tastes, found a unique musical synergy. Taupin penned the lyrics and John breathed life into them with his sublime melodies, creating some of the most memorable Elton John songs in his career.

Over the last half-century, Elton John and Bernie Taupin have been crafting hits that have climbed the charts and won numerous awards. Their songwriting partnership has resulted in more than 30 albums, reinforcing their status as one of the most successful songwriting duos in music history.

The monumental success of the duo started with their first album, ‘Empty Sky’, released in 1969. However, it was the 1970 release ‘Elton John’ that catapulted them to international fame. The track “Your Song” became an instant hit worldwide, establishing Elton as a major star in the world of music.

In 1970 Elton John formed his first band, adding drummer Nigel Olssen and bass player Dee Murray. This line up did not feature a guitarist, and took may audiences by surprise, it being a time of loud heavy guitarists.

They first appeared together on disc with John on the album Tumbleweed Connection, which was released that same year. Over the next few years, guitarist Johnstone and percussionist Cooper also joined the band, forming the band's classic lineup. The critical success of the band was at its peak in the 1970s, when they released a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975).

Elton John Storms Los Angeles! The Turning Point!

The big breakthrough came with hist string on concerts at the Troubadour, Los Angeles August 22 1970

When Elton John took the stage at Los Angeles’ Troubadour for the first night of his six-date residency in August 1970, he was a little-known 23-year-old pop singer. When the show was over, Elton was a sensation.

The performance was attended by many famous faces, including Neil Diamond who introduced him, plus Quincy Jones, Brian Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Don Henley, Randy Newman, Leon Russell David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.

Elton’s set consisted of songs off his debut album, in addition to many unreleased tracks such as the timeless “Your Song,” from his then forthcoming eponymous album Elton John. The concert was highlighted by an extraordinary review from the Los Angeles Times’s music critic, Robert Hilburn, and has since been heralded as one of the greatest concerts of the rock era.

Over his illustrious career, John has gifted the music world many unforgettable albums. Standouts include ‘Tumbleweed Connection’, ‘Madman Across the Water’, 'Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player’, and the blockbuster 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. His most successful decade was undoubtedly the seventies when he released a string of multi-platinum albums and topped the single charts numerous times.

Diving into the sea of Elton John albums is like embarking on a musical journey of diverse tempos, emotional depths, and genre-blending experimentation. His style, blending rock, pop, and ballads, placed him in a unique niche in the music industry, giving him an edge that set him apart.

His touring schedule, in its heyday, was relentless. Elton's compelling live performances – characterized by his flamboyant outfits and energetic piano playing - endeared him to audiences globally. His performances at Dodgers Stadium in 1975 are still etched in music history as one of the highest-attended concerts of its time.

Elton’s success, however, was not limited to his music. With a larger-than-life persona, he became a cultural icon. He is as well-known for his humanitarian work, especially his commitment to fighting AIDS, as he is for his music.

In addition to his fruitful musical career, Elton John's personal journey is equally impactful. Coming to terms with his sexuality in a largely homophobic era was no small feat. Today, he is happily married to David Furnish, with two sons and an indomitable spirit.

Elton John's music, so beautifully crafted, has touched millions of hearts worldwide. Whether timeless ballads like "Candle in the Wind" or upbeat tracks like "I'm Still Standing", his songs have an innate ability to generate a powerfully emotional response.

Fans, collectors, and vinyl enthusiasts can find Elton John vinyl records at record stores and online platforms. These records serve as a testament to music's past age, immersing listeners in nostalgia and offering a vibrant, warm sound that is unmistakably vinyl.

For those who wish to learn more about the musician, the 2019 biopic 'Rocketman' paints an in-depth and often unvarnished portrait of Elton John's life and career. It showcases the highs and lows, the triumphs and troubles of his life in rich, dramatic flair.

There are also numerous books that illustrate Elton John’s story – my favourite being his autobiography, 'Me'. It offers a interesting and revealing look at John's journey, depicted in his own inimitable style.

His music continues to play across various platforms, both online and offline. From YouTube to Spotify and Apple Music, it's easy for fans to access and enjoy Elton John songs wherever they may be.

Elton John has been celebrated and acclaimed on countless occasions, winning six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award. His innumerable chart-topping hits and record-breaking album sales testify to his artistic brilliance and relentless creative energy.

The resounding success of Elton music reflects his ability to transcend geographical, cultural, and generational boundaries. Hailed as one of the best-selling music artists in the world, his music continues to unite and inspire people across the globe.

The appeal of Elton John's music is timeless. As testament to his lasting impact, younger generations continue to discover and love his songs. His music, artfully woven with heartfelt lyrics and mesmerising melodies, stands unparalleled in its ability to resonate with people across age and time.

Elton John's legacy is not just about his music, but also about his extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity and his profound commitment to philanthropy. His music symbolizes a lifetime of emotions, struggles, successes, and joys — a true reflection of life's rich tapestry. A treasure trove of Elton John songs awaits the uninitiated — and it's an exploration well worth undertaking.

Elton has had a huge impact on popular music over the last half century, his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history.

He and Bernie Taupin have continued to produce quality music, written with lyricist Bernie Taupin. When Elton John took the stage at Los Angeles’ Troubadour for the first night of his six-date residency in August 1970, he was a little-known 23-year-old pop singer. When the show was over, Elton was a sensation.

Elton John, Bernie Taupin Win Gershwin Award!

Music lovers rejoice as the indomitable duo, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, receive the prestigious Gershwin Prize. The Gershwin Prize, named after the iconic American songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, is an accolade given by the Library of Congress in order to honor lifetime contributions to popular music. Typically, this prize is awarded to one recipient; however, the indelible work of John and Taupin has firmly established them as the exception. They are the first songwriting team in the history of Gershwin Award winners to receive this honorable distinction. Their award-winning collaboration, spanning over five decades, has given the world timeless classics like "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Candle in the Wind." These songs have transcended generations, embodying the influence Elton John and Bernie Taupin's music has had on the global stage.

As a British songwriting team, John and Taupin further stand out among Gershwin Prize recipients, adding to the exceptional cache of British artists who have previously received the award. Other British Gershwin Prize laureates include Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, both of whom have left indelible imprints on the annals of popular music. With Elton John and Bernie Taupin receiving the Gershwin Prize, they not only bask in an illustrious career of music but also join the ranks of these legends. The duo's influence resonates in countless artists they've inspired, shaping music just as those who influenced Elton and Bernie, ranging from The Beatles to Don Black. As we celebrate their contribution, let us remember that Elton John and Bernie Taupin's musical brilliance continues to illuminate the world, justifying the status they've earned within the pantheon of Gershwin Award Winners.

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