Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born March 25, 1947) is a rock music singer, songwriter, and pianist, is one of the most successful solo artists in music history. He has recorded a long string of records and participated in a number of musical projects over a career that is approaching its fifth decade. His flamboyant fashion sense, on-stage showmanship, and public struggles with his private life have combined with his talent to make him a legend to his many fans around the world.

Early life and career

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, the son of Royal Air Force squadron leader, Stanley Dwight, and his wife, Sheila Dwight. Reginald was raised primarily by his mother, grandmother and aunt, and saw little of his father during his childhood. Stanley and Sheila divorced in 1962, when Reginald was 14.

Related Topics:
Pinner - England - Royal Air Force - 1962

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Reginald began playing piano when he was four. Somewhat of a child prodigy, he was able to play on piano any melody he heard on radio or phonograph. At age 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He previously attended Pinner County Grammar School. He stayed at the Academy for six years, leaving before graduation to start a musical career.

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In 1960, Reginald and some of his friends, while still in school, formed a band called the Corvettes, which evolved into Bluesology. By the mid-1960s, Bluesology was backing touring American soul and R&B musicians like the Isley Brothers, Major Lance, Doris Troy, and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. In 1966, two years after Reginald left school, the band became musician Long John Baldry's supporting band and began touring cabarets with him throughout England. When Baldry's control over the band greatly increased, Reginald left and started looking for other bands to join. After failing lead vocalist auditions for both King Crimson and Gentle Giant, Reginald answered an advertisement by Liberty Records. There he was given a stack of lyrics by lyricist Bernie Taupin. Reginald then wrote music for the lyrics, and got in touch with Bernie through the mail. Thus began a partnership that continues to this day. When they met six months later, Reginald had changed his name to Elton John, by deed poll, in homage to Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. In 1967 the first Elton John/Bernie Taupin song, Scarecrow, was recorded.

Related Topics:
1960 - The Isley Brothers - Major Lance - Doris Troy - Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles - 1966 - Long John Baldry - England - King Crimson - Gentle Giant - Liberty Records - Bernie Taupin - Deed poll - '''Elton''' Dean - 1967

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Elton and Bernie, now working together, joined Dick James's DJM Records as staff songwriters in 1968, and over the next two years, wrote songs for pop singers like Roger Cook and Lulu, while also recording their own songs. In June 1969, Elton released his first album Empty Sky for DJM, without any success.

Related Topics:
DJM Records - 1968 - Roger Cook - Lulu - 1969

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