Elton John

Born: Reginald Kenneth Dwight March 25, 1947 Pinner, Middlesex, England

In his four-decade career, Elton John has sold more than 200 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His single, "Candle In the Wind 1997", has sold over 37 million copies, becoming the best selling single of all time. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 U.S. albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four #2 hits, and nine #1 hits. He has won five Grammy awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Tony Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. Some of the characteristics of John's musical talent and work include an ability to quickly craft melodies for the lyrics of songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, his former rich tenorvoice, his classical and gospel-influenced piano, the sensitive orchestral arrangements of Paul Buckmaster among others, and the on-stage showmanship, especially evident during the 1970s. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famein 1994. In 2008, Billboardmagazine released a list of the top 100 most-frequently-charting artists in the history of the Billboard Hot 100.  Elton John was listed at #3, behind only Madonna and the Beatles.

Elton John Talks About Bernie Taupin (01:22)