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Rocket Man: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Elton John

Bernard Powell

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Published in Rocket Man: Elton John From A Z

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Elton John is one of the most iconic and successful musicians of all time. With a career spanning more than five decades, he has sold over 300 million records worldwide, won countless awards, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His music is a blend of rock, pop, and classical influences, and his flamboyant stage persona has made him a global superstar.

Rocket Man: Elton John From A-Z

by Claude Bernardin

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4609 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages

John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex, England, on March 25, 1947. He began playing piano at an early age and was soon composing his own songs. In 1967, he met Bernie Taupin, who would become his lifelong songwriting partner. The duo signed with DJM Records in 1969 and released their debut album, "Empty Sky," the following year.

John's breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of the album "Tumbleweed Connection." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit singles "Your Song" and "Tiny Dancer." John followed up with a string of successful albums in the early 1970s, including "Madman Across the Water" (1971),"Honky Château" (1972),and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973).

In the mid-1970s, John's career began to decline somewhat. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and his relationship with Taupin became strained. However, he managed to maintain a successful career in the 1980s and 1990s, with hits such as "Rocket Man" (1972),"Candle in the Wind" (1973),and "Sacrifice" (1989).

In the 2000s, John continued to tour and record music. He also became involved in a number of charitable causes, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. In 2019, he announced that he would retire from touring after one final farewell tour.

John is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. He has been praised for his songwriting skills, his piano playing, and his flamboyant stage persona. He is a true icon of the music world, and his music has touched the lives of millions of people around the globe.

Early Life and Influences

John was born into a working-class family in Pinner, Middlesex, England. His father, Stanley Dwight, was a trumpeter and his mother, Sheila Eileen Harris, was a secretary. John began playing piano at an early age and was soon composing his own songs. He was influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including rock and roll, pop, and classical music.

In 1964, John left school and began working as a session musician. He played on a number of records, including Long John Baldry's "Let the Heartaches Begin" and The Hollies' "Bus Stop." In 1967, he met Bernie Taupin, who would become his lifelong songwriting partner. The duo signed with DJM Records in 1969 and released their debut album, "Empty Sky," the following year.

Career Breakthrough

John's music was a blend of rock, pop, and classical influences. He was known for his catchy melodies, his soaring vocals, and his elaborate stage shows. He was also a master of self-promotion, and he quickly became one of the most popular musicians in the world.

Superstardom

In the mid-1970s, John became a global superstar. He headlined sold-out concerts around the world and his albums sold millions of copies. He also appeared in a number of films and television shows, including "Tommy" (1975) and "The Muppet Show" (1976).

John's success was not without its代价. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and his relationship with Taupin became strained. However, he managed to maintain a successful career in the 1980s and 1990s, with hits such as "Rocket Man" (1972),"Candle in the Wind" (1973),and "Sacrifice" (1989).

Later Career and Legacy

Elton John Playing The Piano Rocket Man: Elton John From A Z

Elton John playing the piano in concert.

Personal Life

John has been married twice. He married Renate Blauel in 1984, but the marriage was annulled in 1988. In 1993, he married David Furnish, a Canadian filmmaker. The couple has two sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish

John is known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his outspoken personality. He is a supporter of LGBT rights and has been involved in a number of charitable causes.

Rocket Man: Elton John From A-Z

by Claude Bernardin

4.1 out of 5