Elton John facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir Elton John CH CBE
John at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival
Born	Reginald Kenneth Dwight (1947-03-25) 25 March 1947 (age 78) Pinner, Middlesex, England
Alma mater	Royal Academy of Music
Occupation	Singer composer pianist
Years active	1962–present
Works	Albums singles songs videography concerts
Spouse(s)	Renate Blauel ​ ​ (m. 1984; div. 1988)​ David Furnish ​ (m. 2014)​
Children	2
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	Pop rock glam rock soft rock blues
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards
Labels	Philips Congress DJM Uni Paramount MCA Geffen Rocket Island Mercury Island Def Jam Interscope Virgin EMI EMI
Signature

Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is a famous British singer, songwriter, and pianist. His music and exciting stage shows have made a huge impact on the music world. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful ever. Elton John has sold over 300 million records worldwide. This makes him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Elton John learned to play piano when he was very young. He even won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. In the 1960s, he started a blues band called Bluesology. He also wrote songs for other artists with Bernie Taupin. He worked as a session musician before releasing his first album, Empty Sky, in 1969. Over the next six decades, Elton John became a cultural icon. He released 32 studio albums, including Honky Château (1972) and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973).

His many hit songs include "Your Song", "Rocket Man", "Crocodile Rock", and "I'm Still Standing". He also wrote music for popular films and musicals like The Lion King (1994) and Billy Elliot the Musical (2005). His final tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018–2023), became the highest-grossing tour at the time. His life story was even made into a movie called Rocketman in 2019.

Elton John is also known for his charity work. He has been involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. In 1992, he started the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This foundation has raised over £300 million to help people affected by AIDS. He also hosted an annual party for his AIDS Foundation during the Academy Awards. This party became one of the biggest events in Hollywood. Elton John was also the chairman and director of Watford Football Club for many years. He is now an honorary life president of the club. He has been sober since 1990 after facing personal challenges. In 2014, he married his long-term partner, Canadian filmmaker David Furnish.

Elton John has had more than fifty top-40 hits in the UK and US. He had nine number-one songs in both countries. He also had seven number-one albums in the US. He is the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. His song "Candle in the Wind 1997", a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide. It is the best-selling chart single of all time. In 2021, he became the first solo artist to have UK top 10 singles across six decades. He has won many awards, including an Primetime Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and a Tony Award. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He was knighted for his services to music and charity in 1998.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born on 25 March 1947 in Pinner, England. He was the oldest child of Stanley Dwight and Sheila Eileen. He grew up in a house where his grandparents also lived. When he was six, his family moved to a nearby house. He went to Pinner Wood Junior School and Pinner County Grammar School. He left school at 17 to start his music career.

His father, who was in the Royal Air Force, wanted him to have a more traditional job like banking. Elton John has said that his wild stage costumes were his way of expressing himself after a strict childhood. Both his parents loved music. His father played the trumpet in a big band. His parents also bought many records, which introduced Elton to popular singers.

Elton John started playing his grandmother's piano when he was very young. Within a year, his mother heard him playing "The Skater's Waltz" by ear. He performed at parties and family gatherings. At age seven, he began formal piano lessons. He was very good at music at school. He could compose melodies and played like Jerry Lee Lewis at school events. At age 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. One of his teachers said he could play a four-page piece by George Frideric Handel perfectly after hearing it once.

Elton John (known then as Reg Dwight) studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London for five years.

For five years, Elton John attended Saturday classes at the Academy in London. He enjoyed playing Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach. He also sang in the choir. However, he said he wasn't a very hardworking classical student. He sometimes skipped classes to ride the London Underground. Despite this, several teachers said he was a "model student." He left the Academy before taking his final exams.

Elton John's mother was stricter but more outgoing than his father. Since his father was often away, Elton was mainly raised by his mother and grandmother. When his father was home, his parents often argued, which upset Elton. When he was 14, his parents divorced. His mother then married Fred Farebrother, a kind stepfather whom Elton called "Derf." They moved into a flat where Elton wrote the songs that made him a rock star. He lived there until he had four albums in the American Top 40 at the same time.

Music Career Highlights

Early Years and First Songs

At 15, Elton John became a pianist at a pub called the Northwood Hills Hotel. He played popular songs and his own music. He was known as "Reggie." He also played with a group called the Corvettes. As a teenager, he started wearing horn-rimmed glasses to look like Buddy Holly.

In 1962, Elton John and his friends formed a band called Bluesology. During the day, he ran errands for a music company. At night, he played solo at a London hotel bar and worked with Bluesology. By the mid-1960s, Bluesology backed American soul and R&B musicians like the Isley Brothers. In 1966, the band became Long John Baldry's supporting band. They played many times at the Marquee Club.

The 1910 piano on which John composed his first five albums

In 1967, Elton John answered an advertisement for new talent. He met Bernie Taupin, who had also answered the ad. They started working together, with Bernie writing lyrics and Elton writing music. This began their long partnership. In 1967, they recorded their first song, "Scarecrow." Six months later, Reginald Dwight started using the name Elton John. This was a tribute to two members of Bluesology: saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry. He legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John on 7 January 1972. "Hercules" came from a horse in a British TV show he liked.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin became staff songwriters for DJM Records in 1968. For two years, they wrote songs for other artists. Bernie would write lyrics quickly, and Elton would compose music for them just as fast. They wrote easy-listening tunes for singers like Lulu. In 1969, Elton played piano for Roger Hodgson's first single, "Mr. Boyd."

Rising to Stardom: 1969–1973

Elton John and Bernie Taupin began writing more complex songs for Elton to record. His first single was "I've Been Loving You" (1968). In 1969, he recorded another single, "Lady Samantha", and his first album, Empty Sky. For his next album, Elton John (1970), he worked with producer Gus Dudgeon. This album set the style for his future music, with powerful rock songs and emotional ballads. The song "Your Song" became his first hit, reaching the top 10 in the UK and US. The album also became a hit, reaching number four in the US.

Elton John's first American concert was a big success in Los Angeles on 25 August 1970. He was backed by drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray. His album Tumbleweed Connection was released in October 1970 and reached number two in the UK. A live album, 17-11-70, was recorded from a radio show in New York City.

John at the Musikhalle Hamburg, in March 1972

In 1971, Elton John and Taupin wrote the soundtrack for the film Friends. They also released the album Madman Across the Water, which included "Levon" and "Tiny Dancer". In 1972, Davey Johnstone joined the Elton John Band on guitar. That year, Honky Château became Elton John's first US number-one album. It stayed at the top for five weeks. This started a streak of seven number-one albums in the US. The album included the hits "Rocket Man" and "Honky Cat".

In 1972, Elton John performed at the Royal Variety Performance. He later invited drummer Larry Smith to join his US tour. Smith suggested adding wild costumes and giant stage sets. Elton loved these ideas.

The album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player came out in early 1973. It reached number one in the UK, US, and Australia. It featured "Crocodile Rock", his first US number-one hit, and "Daniel". The double-album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, released in October 1973, was praised by critics. It topped the charts in both the US and UK for two months. This album helped establish Elton John as a glam rock star. It included the US number one "Bennie and the Jets", along with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Candle in the Wind".

Success and New Ventures: 1974–1980

John on the piano during a live performance in 1975

Elton John started his own record label, The Rocket Record Company. He signed artists like Neil Sedaka and Kiki Dee. Instead of releasing his own music through his label, he signed a big contract with MCA Records. In 1974, MCA released Elton John's Greatest Hits, which was a number one album in the UK and US. It sold 17 million copies in the US.

In 1974, Elton John worked with John Lennon on a cover of the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". This song was number one in the US. In return, Elton John played on Lennon's song "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night". Later that year, they performed these hits together at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The album Caribou was released in 1974. It became Elton John's third number one album in the UK and topped charts in the US, Canada, and Australia. It included "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". The Christmas song "Step into Christmas" was released in November 1973.

Influenced by the glam rock scene in the UK, John (pictured left on the Cher show) often wore elaborate stage costumes, including platform boots (right).

Pete Townshend of the Who asked Elton John to play a part in the 1975 film Tommy. He performed the song "Pinball Wizard" in the movie. Elton John often wore elaborate stage costumes, including platform boots. He said glam rock artist Marc Bolan had a "great effect" on him.

The 1975 album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was the first album to debut at number one in the US. It stayed there for seven weeks. This album was about Elton John and Bernie Taupin's early days as struggling songwriters in London. The hit song from this album, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight", described an important moment in Elton John's life. After this album, Elton John changed his band members.

John receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975

The album Rock of the Westies also debuted at number one in the US. Elton John's stage costumes became even more elaborate. He wore ostrich feathers, special glasses, and costumes like the Statue of Liberty. In 1975, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The album featured his fifth US number one single, "Island Girl". In 1975, he played two special shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He also played piano on Kevin Ayers's album Sweet Deceiver. He was one of the first white artists to appear on the TV show Soul Train. In May 1976, the live album Here and There was released. In October, the album Blue Moves came out, which included "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word". His biggest hit in 1976 was "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", a duet with Kiki Dee. It topped charts in many countries.

The years from 1970 to 1976 are seen as a very successful time for Elton John. He had seven number-one albums in the US during this period. Six of his albums from this time are on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

John performing live in Dublin with Ray Cooper in 1979

In November 1977, Elton John announced he was taking a break from performing. Bernie Taupin started working with other artists. Elton John released A Single Man in 1978 with a new lyricist, Gary Osborne. The singles from this album did well in the UK. In 1979, Elton John and Ray Cooper toured the Soviet Union and Israel. Elton John returned to the US top ten with "Mama Can't Buy You Love" (number 9).

A disco-influenced album, Victim of Love, was not very popular. In 1979, Elton John and Bernie Taupin started working together again. Their album 21 at 33, released in 1980, was a big success. It included the hit "Little Jeannie" (number 3 US). In May 1979, Elton John played eight concerts in the Soviet Union. He also worked with French artists France Gall and Michel Berger on songs released in 1980.

The 1980s: New Hits and Challenges

John performing in 1986

Elton John's 1981 album The Fox included collaborations with Tom Robinson. On 13 September 1980, Elton John performed a free concert for about 400,000 fans in Central Park in New York City. He even wore a Donald Duck costume for part of the show. The album Jump Up! was released in 1982, with the hit "Blue Eyes".

With original band members Johnstone, Murray, and Olsson back, Elton John had more hits with the 1983 album Too Low for Zero. This album included "I'm Still Standing" (No. 4 UK) and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues", which featured Stevie Wonder on harmonica. In October 1983, Elton John performed in South Africa, which caused some discussion because of the country's policies at the time. He married his friend and sound engineer, Renate Blauel, on Valentine's Day 1984. Their marriage lasted three years. In 1984, he released Breaking Hearts, which included "Sad Songs (Say So Much)".

John costume from the 1986 Tour de Force Australian concerts, on display in the Hard Rock Cafe, London

In 1985, Elton John was one of the many performers at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium. He played "Bennie and the Jets" and "Rocket Man." He also sang "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee and introduced George Michael to sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Later that year, he released "Nikita" from the album Ice on Fire. The song reached number three in the UK and number seven in the US.

Elton John's highest-charting single of the 1980s was "That's What Friends Are For". This was a collaboration with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. It reached number one in the US in 1986 and raised money for AIDS research. In 1988, he performed five sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. He also released "I Don't Wanna Go On with You Like That" from the album Reg Strikes Back, which reached number two in the US.

The 1990s: Awards and The Lion King

In 1990, Elton John had his first solo UK number-one hit with "Sacrifice". The next year, "Basque" won a Grammy Award. He also had a number-one hit with George Michael on their live cover of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me". At the 1991 Brit Awards, Elton John won Best British Male.

In 1992, Elton John released the album The One, which included the hit song "The One". This was his first album recorded while completely sober. He also released "Runaway Train", a duet with Eric Clapton. Elton John and Bernie Taupin signed a large music publishing deal.

In April 1992, Elton John performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert with the remaining members of Queen. In 1993, he released Duets, which featured collaborations with 15 artists. This included a new duet with Kiki Dee, "True Love".

Along with Tim Rice, Elton John wrote the songs for the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King. Three of the five songs nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song were from The Lion King soundtrack. Elton John won the award for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Both that song and "Circle of Life" became big hits. The soundtrack for The Lion King stayed at the top of the Billboard 200 for nine weeks.

In 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1995, he released the album Made in England. The title track was about parts of his life. The album also featured the single "Believe". He won the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at the 1995 Brit Awards.

John with Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, 1996

A duet with Luciano Pavarotti, "Live Like Horses", reached number nine in the UK in December 1996. A compilation album, Love Songs, was released in 1996. In early 1997, Elton John celebrated his 50th birthday with a big party. Later in 1997, two close friends died: designer Gianni Versace and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Interior of Westminster Abbey where John performed "Candle in the Wind 1997" live for the only time at Princess Diana's funeral

In September 1997, Elton John asked Bernie Taupin to change the lyrics of their 1973 song "Candle in the Wind" to honor Diana. On 6 September 1997, Elton John performed "Candle in the Wind 1997" live at Diana's funeral in Westminster Abbey. This song became the fastest and biggest-selling single of all time, selling over 33 million copies globally. All the money from the song, about £55 million, was given to Diana's charities.

In September 1997, Elton John performed at the Music for Montserrat charity concert. He also performed on the BBC's Children in Need charity single "Perfect Day". Elton John appeared as himself in the Spice Girls film Spice World in December 1997.

John (second from left) alongside British Prime Minister Tony Blair (left), singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder and U.S. President Bill Clinton at the White House, Washington, D.C., February 1998

The Lion King musical opened on Broadway in 1997. By 2014, it had earned over $6 billion, becoming the top-earning stage and film production. Elton John also wrote music for Disney's musical Aida in 1999 with lyricist Tim Rice. They won a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Aida. Elton John released a live album, Elton John One Night Only – The Greatest Hits, in 1999.

2000s: Musicals and Collaborations

Elton John started to dislike appearing in his own music videos. For "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore", Justin Timberlake played a young Elton John. For "I Want Love", Robert Downey, Jr. lip-synced the song. At the 2001 Grammy Awards, Elton John performed "Stan" with Eminem. After the 11 September attacks, he performed at the Concert for New York City. In August 2003, his song "Are You Ready for Love" became his fifth UK number one single.

Advertisement for John's West End musical Billy Elliot on a Routemaster bus in London, 2007

Elton John returned to musical theatre, composing music for Billy Elliot the Musical in 2005 with playwright Lee Hall. He was inspired to write the musical after seeing the 2000 film Billy Elliot. The show received great reviews and won four Laurence Olivier Awards. It became the 12th-longest-running musical in West End history. By December 2015, Billy Elliot had been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million worldwide. It won over 80 theatre awards. Elton John's musical Lestat, based on vampire stories, closed after 39 performances. Elton John was featured on rapper Tupac Shakur's song "Ghetto Gospel", which topped the UK charts in July 2005.

John has had two residencies at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The first, The Red Piano, ran from 2004 to 2009, and the second, The Million Dollar Piano (sign pictured) ran from 2011 to 2018.

In October 2003, Elton John announced he would perform 75 shows over three years at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The show, The Red Piano, featured large props and video montages. He shared performances with Celine Dion throughout the year. In February 2006, Elton John and Celine Dion sang together to raise money for hurricane victims.

The Walt Disney Company named Elton John a Disney Legend in 2006 for his contributions to Disney films and musicals. In 2006, he said he wanted to make an R&B and hip hop record. He wanted to work with artists like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West. Kanye West later sampled Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" and invited him to play piano on "All of the Lights".

John on piano at the Concert for Diana, commemorating the 10-year passing of Princess Diana, at Wembley Stadium on 1 July 2007

In March 2007, Elton John performed his 60th show at Madison Square Garden for his 60th birthday. The concert was broadcast live. A greatest-hits CD, Rocket Man—Number Ones, was released. His entire music catalog became available for download.

On 1 July 2007, Elton John performed at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium. This concert honored Diana, Princess of Wales, and raised money for her charities. Elton John opened the concert with "Your Song" and closed it with "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting."

In September 2008, Elton John announced he would tour with Billy Joel again. The "Face to Face" tour began in March 2009. In 2009, Elton John played piano on the song "Black Gives Way to Blue" for the band Alice in Chains. This song was a tribute to their late lead singer, Layne Staley.

2010s: New Albums and Farewell Tour

John on World AIDS Day in Sydney, Australia, on 1 December 2011

Elton John performed a piano duet with Lady Gaga at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. He released The Union on 19 October 2010, a collaboration with Leon Russell. He said this album marked a new chapter in his recording career. He started his new show, The Million Dollar Piano, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, on 28 September 2011. He performed his 3000th concert there on 8 October 2011. In 2011, Elton John sang on "Snowed in at Wheeler Street" with Kate Bush. On 3 February 2012, he performed in Costa Rica for the first time.

On 4 June 2012, Elton John performed at Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. On 30 June, he played in Kyiv, Ukraine, with Queen + Adam Lambert for a charity concert. An album of remixes of his 1970s songs, Good Morning to the Night, was released in July 2012. It reached number one in the UK. At the 2012 Pride of Britain Awards, Elton John recited a poem in tribute to British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.

John performing at the Allstate Arena, Chicago, in November 2013

In February 2013, Elton John performed a duet with Ed Sheeran at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. Later in 2013, he worked with Queens of the Stone Age on their album ...Like Clockwork. He played piano and sang on "Fairweather Friends." In September 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon Award for his "lasting impact" on UK culture. Rod Stewart presented him with the award.

Elton John's 31st album, The Diving Board, was released in September 2013. It reached number three in the UK and number four in the US. In October 2015, he announced his 32nd studio album, Wonderful Crazy Night, released on 5 February 2016. This was his first full album recorded with his touring band since 2006. He also appeared as himself in the action movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017).

John performing a tribute to George Michael at Twickenham, London, in June 2017

In January 2017, it was announced that Elton John would compose the music for a Broadway musical version of The Devil Wears Prada. In June 2017, Elton John appeared in the documentary The American Epic Sessions. He recorded a new song, "Two Fingers of Whiskey," live on camera for the film.

Farewell Tour and Recent Projects

On 24 January 2018, Elton John announced he was retiring from touring and would begin a three-year farewell tour. The first concert was in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on 8 September 2018. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. The tour included over 300 concerts worldwide and ended in Stockholm, Sweden, on 8 July 2023. In September 2018, Elton John signed a deal with Universal Music Group for his new music.

John performing in Tampa, Florida in November 2019 during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour

A movie about Elton John's life, Rocketman, was released in May 2019. It starred Taron Egerton as Elton John. Elton John and Egerton performed a new song for the movie, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again". This song won Elton John his second Academy Award for Best Original Song. In October 2019, Elton John released his autobiography, Me.

In early 2020, Elton John played piano on Ozzy Osbourne's song "Ordinary Man". On 29 May, his duet with Lady Gaga, "Sine from Above", was released.

Elton John released Regimental Sgt. Zippo on 12 June 2021. This album was recorded in 1968 but was not released until 2021.

On 1 September 2021, Elton John announced his new collaboration album The Lockdown Sessions. He made this album during the first COVID-19 lockdown. It was released on 22 October 2021. He worked with many artists on the album, including Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Stevie Wonder. He said working with different artists reminded him of his early days as a session musician.

"Cold Heart (Pnau remix)", a collaboration with Dua Lipa, was released on 13 August 2021. It became number one in the UK in October 2021. This made Elton John the first solo artist to have top 10 singles in the UK in six different decades. "Cold Heart" also reached number one in Australia. At 74 years old, Elton John became the oldest artist to hit the top of the ARIA Singles Chart.

Elton John contributed to the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist in September 2021. He backed Miley Cyrus on a cover of the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters".

On 29 November 2021, Elton John and Ed Sheeran released "Merry Christmas", a duet for charity. The music video paid tribute to past British Christmas hits. All UK profits from the song went to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation. The song topped the UK Singles Chart. Later that month, a comedy version of the song, "Sausage Rolls for Everyone", also became a number one hit.

In January 2022, Elton John continued his farewell tour after the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate his 75th birthday in March 2022, he released a digitally remastered version of his Diamonds compilation album.

John performing "Rocket Man" during his Glastonbury Festival 2023 show

In August 2022, Elton John worked with Britney Spears on the song "Hold Me Closer". This was Spears' first new music in six years. The song was a commercial success. It topped the charts in five countries and reached the top ten in 19 countries. That same month, it was announced that Elton John had written music for a new musical about the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Messner. The musical, titled Tammy Faye, opened in London in October 2022.

On 25 June 2023, Elton John headlined the Glastonbury Festival. He closed the festival with a two-hour performance. The event had the festival's largest ever TV viewing figures in the UK.

On 8 July 2023, Elton John performed the final concert of his farewell tour in Stockholm, Sweden. At the time, it was the highest-grossing tour ever. Although he retired from touring, Elton John has said he will continue to "do the odd show" and is planning a new album.

On 1 October 2024, Elton John made a surprise appearance at a screening of his documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, in New York City. He performed "Tiny Dancer" and gave an update on his health. This was his first public performance since his retirement tour ended.

Personal Life and Family

In the late 1960s, Elton John was engaged to Linda Woodrow. She is mentioned in his song "Someone Saved My Life Tonight". Elton John ended the engagement before the wedding. In 2020, he helped pay for Linda Woodrow's medical fees.

In 1970, Elton John began a relationship with John Reid, who later became his manager. Their relationship ended five years later, but Reid remained his manager until 1998.

Elton John married German recording engineer, Renate Blauel, on 14 February 1984, in Sydney, Australia. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1988. Elton John said, "She was the classiest woman I've ever met, but it wasn't meant to be. I was living a lie."

John with his husband David Furnish at Leicester Square in May 2019 for the London premiere of John's biopic film Rocketman

In 1993, Elton John began a relationship with David Furnish, a filmmaker from Canada. On 21 December 2005, they formed a civil partnership in the United Kingdom. After same-sex marriage became legal in the UK in March 2014, Elton John and David Furnish married on 21 December 2014. This was their ninth anniversary of their civil partnership.

In 2009, Elton John wanted to adopt a boy from a Ukrainian orphanage. However, officials refused because of his age and the adoption laws.

Elton John and David Furnish have two sons. Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was born on 25 December 2010. Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John was born on 11 January 2013. Both were born via surrogacy. Elton John also has ten godchildren, including Sean Lennon and David Beckham's sons Brooklyn and Romeo.

Elton John has spoken about his beliefs and has been critical of some religious views. He has said he admires the teachings of Jesus Christ. In 2010, some groups criticized him for his comments about Jesus. He stated in his 2019 autobiography that he received many threats because of his statements.

In 2008, Elton John preferred civil partnerships for couples, but by 2012, he supported same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom. He said, "There is a world of difference between calling someone your 'partner' and calling them your 'husband'."

Wealth and Homes

The tree-lined drive to John's home in Woodside in Old Windsor, Berkshire

In April 2009, Elton John's wealth was estimated at £175 million. A decade later, in 2019, his fortune was estimated at £320 million. This made him one of the wealthiest people in the British music industry. Besides his main home in Old Windsor, Berkshire, Elton John owns homes in Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, Nice, and Venice. He is also a big art collector and has one of the largest private photography collections in the world.

In 2000, Elton John admitted to spending £30 million in less than two years. This was about £1.5 million a month. In June 2001, he sold twenty of his cars at an auction. The sale raised nearly £2 million. In 2003, he sold items from his London home to redecorate and display his art collection. Since 2004, Elton John has opened a shop called "Elton's Closet" where he sells his secondhand clothes.

In October 2021, Elton John was mentioned in the Pandora Papers. These papers suggested secret financial deals by politicians and celebrities using tax havens.

Other Interests

John wearing a remembrance poppy in 2015

Elton John is a big tennis fan. In 1975, he released the song "Philadelphia Freedom" as a tribute to his friend Billie Jean King's tennis team. Elton John and Billie Jean King are still friends. They co-host an annual event to raise money for AIDS charities. Elton John is also a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team.

Elton John has appeared in commercials for Diet Coke, the Royal Mail, and Snickers. His 2018 John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert showed him remembering his life and career in reverse. It ended with him receiving a piano for Christmas as a child.

He is an admirer of Monty Python and helped finance their film Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). In 1997, Elton John presented the comedy group with an award.

Elton John performed "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at the memorial service for Australian cricketer Shane Warne on 30 March 2022.

Elton John was interviewed for the documentary film If These Walls Could Sing (2022). This film is about the recording studios at Abbey Road.

On 1 December 2024, Elton John shared that he had lost his eyesight. He said a severe eye infection in July left him blind in his right eye and with limited vision in his left.

Football Involvement

John became the chairman and director of Watford in 1976. He had supported the team since he was young. Elton John appointed Graham Taylor as manager and invested a lot of money. The club rose three divisions into the top English league. At their best, the club finished second in the league in 1983 and reached the FA Cup Final in 1984. Elton John sold the club in 1987 but remained president.

Ten years later, Elton John bought the club back and became chairman again. He stepped down in 2002 but continued as president. He still has a significant financial interest in the club. In 2005 and 2010, Elton John held concerts at Watford's stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated the money to the club.

Elton John is friends with many famous football players, including Pelé and David Beckham. From 1975 to 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs soccer team. On 13 December 2014, he appeared at Vicarage Road for the opening of the "Sir Elton John stand." He called it "one of the greatest days of my life."

Elton John's cousin Roy Dwight was a professional footballer. He scored for Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final.

Public Service and Advocacy

John and United States President Barack Obama at the White House, 6 May 2015

Elton John has met with political leaders. He met British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998. He also met President Barack Obama at the White House in 2015. During the 2016 United States presidential election, Elton John supported Hillary Clinton. He performed at her fundraiser concert.

Elton John has spoken out on important issues. He has encouraged leaders to continue the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023, he spoke to politicians in Westminster. He said the winner of the next election could help end AIDS worldwide. He has also expressed concerns about touring visas for musicians.

John and United States President Joe Biden at the White House, 23 September 2022

In 2022, after Elton John performed at the White House, President Joe Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal. Biden said Elton John's music had changed many lives. Biden also shared that he used to sing "Crocodile Rock" to his son. In 2024, Elton John assisted President Biden at the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York. This is the first center for the LGBTQ community in the National Park Service.

In 2013, Elton John spoke out against laws in Russia that he called "inhumane." He told fans at a Moscow concert that he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the laws. In 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke positively about Elton John. Elton John responded by offering to introduce Putin to Russians affected by the laws.

In October 2020, Elton John drew attention to the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He spoke about the kindness of the Armenian people and the attacks they faced.

On 9 December 2022, Elton John left Twitter. He said he was sad to see how misinformation was being used to divide the world. He decided to leave because of changes in Twitter's policy.

Health and Well-being

By 1975, the pressures of being a star began to affect Elton John. He faced personal challenges, including an eating disorder. In a 2002 interview, he shared that he and Diana, Princess of Wales both had bulimia. In a July 2019 Instagram post, Elton John stated he had been sober for 29 years.

At a 2022 concert, Elton John said he improved his health after spending time with the family of Ryan White. He said, "I knew that my lifestyle was crazy and out of order. ... I cannot thank them enough, because without them, I'd probably be dead." He also said the song "Don't Give Up" by Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel helped him in his recovery.

On 22 April 2017, Elton John was in intensive care for a bacterial infection he caught on a flight. He had to cancel shows in April and May 2017. In October 2021, he needed hip surgery after falling.

On 16 February 2020, his show in New Zealand was cut short. He had walking pneumonia and lost his voice. He was able to perform his next show.

In January 2022, Elton John had to postpone two shows after testing positive for COVID-19. He had mild symptoms and recovered fully.

Giving Back: Philanthropy

Elton John is well known for his charity work. He has been involved in fundraising events since 1986. In 1992, after losing two friends, Ryan White and Freddie Mercury, to AIDS, Elton John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This organization has raised over $600 million to support HIV-related programs in 55 countries.

Elton John was recognized for his charity work twice. He received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. He was also appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020.

AIDS Foundation Efforts

Elton John has said he was lucky to avoid contracting HIV. In 1985, he joined Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder to record "That's What Friends Are For". The profits from this song went to the American Foundation for AIDS Research. The song became number one in the US. In April 1990, Elton John visited Ryan White, a teenager with hemophilia whom he had befriended. He performed "Candle in the Wind" for Ryan White at a concert. He also sang "Skyline Pigeon" at White's funeral.

John and United States Secretary of State John Kerry discuss AIDS relief and the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation at the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C., 24 October 2014.

Elton John became more involved with AIDS charities after the deaths of Ryan White and Freddie Mercury. He raised a lot of money and used his fame to raise awareness. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. This charity funds programs for HIV/AIDS prevention and helps people affected by the disease. This work is still very important to him. In 1993, he started hosting his annual Academy Award Party. This party has become one of the most famous Oscar parties in Hollywood. It has raised over $200 million.

To raise money for his AIDS charity, Elton John hosts a White Tie & Tiara Ball every year at his home. Many celebrities are invited. The ninth ball took place on 28 June 2007. An auction at the event raised £3.5 million. Elton John sang with Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. The 2011 ball raised £5 million, adding to the £45 million the balls have raised for his foundation.

On 23 February 2023, the Elton John AIDS Foundation donated $125,000 to help Ukrainians living with HIV.

Other Charitable Work

Elton John and his husband David Furnish founded the Elton John Charitable Trust in 2007. This trust has supported over 100 charities. In 2014, Elton John launched the Elton John Sports Fund. This fund helps athletes with training and competition costs.

Elton John performed "I'm Still Standing" during the One World: Together at Home TV special. This concert raised funds for the World Health Organization's COVID-19 response.

Musical Style and Collaborations

Influences and Inspiration

Elton John remembers being hooked on rock and roll when his mother brought home records by Elvis Presley and Bill Haley & His Comets in 1956. He said, "I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it. I didn't ever want to be anything else." He was also inspired by keyboard players from the 1960s. He described Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys as "the biggest influence on my songwriting ever." He also mentioned Ray Charles, the Beatles, and Freddie Mercury as influences.

Elton John often praises young artists from the 21st century. He has collaborated with many of them on his album The Lockdown Sessions. He also interviews them on his Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour. He said, "It keeps me animated and it keeps me so happy." He added that "These are the kind of artists that keep me young."

Songwriting Partnership

John with Bernie Taupin (left) in 1971. They have collaborated on more than thirty albums to date.

Elton John has written songs with Bernie Taupin since 1967. They have worked on more than 30 albums together. Their method is unique: Bernie writes the lyrics on his own and sends them to Elton. Then, Elton writes music for them. They are never in the same room during this process. In November 2017, Elton John said about their 50-year partnership: "We've never ever had an argument professionally or personally, which is extraordinary."

In 1992, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. Elton John's voice was once a tenor before throat surgery; it is now a baritone. His piano playing is influenced by classical music and gospel music. Paul Buckmaster arranged the orchestral parts for his albums in the 1970s.

Achievements and Recognition

Sir Elton John's coat of arms. Granted to him in 1987, the shield includes piano keys and records. The Spanish motto, el tono es bueno, combines a pun on Elton John's name with the translation "the tone is good". The black, red and gold colours are also those of Watford F.C. The steel helmet above the shield faced forward and with its visor open indicates that John is a knight.

Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. He and Bernie Taupin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992. Elton John was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1995. In October 1975, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him on 24 February 1998, for his services to music and charity. In 2020, he was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II.

John after being awarded the National Humanities Medal in September 2022, pictured with Furnish, President Biden and Jill Biden

Elton John received the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2004 and a Disney Legends Award in 2006. In 2000, he was named the MusiCares Person of the Year for his music and charity work. In 2010, he received the PRS for Music Heritage Award.

In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Elton John a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. In 2019, Elton John was featured on a series of UK postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail. In 2022, President Joe Biden presented him with the National Humanities Medal.

His music awards include the 1994 Academy Award for Best Original Song and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King. He shared these with Tim Rice. He also won the 2000 Tony Award for Best Original Score for Aida. In 2019, he won the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again", shared with Bernie Taupin. He has also received five Brit Awards, including Best British Male in 1991. In 2013, he received the first Brits Icon award. In 2024, Elton John became the 19th person to achieve EGOT status. This means he has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

He was also named Time's 2024 Icon of the Year.

Song and Album Rankings

• "Your Song" and "Bennie and the Jets" are listed in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
• In 2000, VH1's "100 Greatest Rock Songs" included "Your Song" at number 70.
• In 2003, Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" included Goodbye Yellow Brick Road at number 91.
• In 2004, Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" included "Your Song" at number 136 and "Rocket Man" at number 242.
• In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Elton John number 49 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
• In 2010, Elton John was ranked number 28 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
• In 2019, Billboard ranked Elton John the top solo artist in US chart history.
• In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Elton John at number 100 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Discography

Studio Albums

Collaborative Studio Albums

• Duets (1993)
• The Union (with Leon Russell) (2010)
• Good Morning to the Night (with Pnau) (2012)
• The Lockdown Sessions (2021)
• Who Believes in Angels? (with Brandi Carlile) (2025)

Soundtrack Albums

• Friends (1971)
• The Lion King (1994)
• Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida (1999)
• The Muse (1999)
• The Road to El Dorado (2000)
• Aida (2000)
• Billy Elliot (2005)
• Lestat (2005)
• Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
• Rocketman (2019)

Live Albums

• 17-11-70 (1971)
• Here and There (1976)
• Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (1986)
• One Night Only (2000)
• Live from Moscow 1979 (2019)
• Live from the Rainbow Theatre (2025)

Selected Filmography

• Born to Boogie, US (1972) as himself with Marc Bolan and Ringo Starr
• Tommy, UK (1975) as Pinball Wizard
• Elton John: Tantrums & Tiaras (1997) autobiography as himself
• Elton John: Me, Myself & I (2007) autobiography as himself
• Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) as himself
• Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road (2021) as himself
• If These Walls Could Sing (2022) as himself
• Elton John: Never Too Late (2024) autobiography as himself

Tours

See also

In Spanish: Elton John para niños