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Elton John Headshot

Elton John

Also Credited As: Sir Elton John

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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BIO

Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, his music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting impact on the music industry. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history.



John was raised in Pinner and learned to play piano at an early age, winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for five years. He formed the blues band Bluesology in 1962, but left in 1967 to embark on a solo career and met Taupin that same year. For two years, they wrote songs for other artists, and John worked as a session musician. In 1969, John released his debut album Empty Sky, and a year later formed the Elton John Band, also releasing his first hit single, "Your Song". John's critical and commercial success was at its peak in the 1970s, when he released a string of chart-topping albums both in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Rock of the Westies (1975). His success continued in the 1980s and 1990s, having several hit singles and albums in both decades, and he has continued to record new music since. John has also had success in musical films and theatre, composing music for The Lion King (1994), Aida (2000), and Billy Elliot the Musical (2005). John's final tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018–2023), became the highest-grossing tour ever at the time. His life and career were dramatised in the 2019 biopic Rocketman.

John is an HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser and has been involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised over £300 million since its inception, and a year later he began hosting his annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party, which has since become one of the biggest high-profile Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. John was the chairman and director of Watford Football Club from 1976 to 1987, and again from 1997 to 2002, and is an honorary life president of the club. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s, John developed a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol, but has been clean and sober since 1990. In 2005, he entered a civil partnership with his long-term partner, the Canadian filmmaker David Furnish. They married in 2014, when same-sex marriage was legalized in England and Wales.

John has had more than fifty top-40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number ones in both countries, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. He has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He is the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. His tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales, "Candle in the Wind 1997", a rewritten version of his 1974 single, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling chart single of all time. In 2021, he became the first solo artist with UK top 10 singles across six decades. Among John's numerous awards, he is one of 21 entertainers to win the EGOT, which includes an Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and a Tony Award. He also won two Golden Globes, a Laurence Olivier Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and is a fellow of The Ivors Academy. He was appointed Knight Bachelor for services to music and charity in 1998 and was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Composer
 
[West End, 2024]
Score
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Composer
 
[New York, 1996]
Piano

Writing

Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2010 - The Audience Award for Most Popular Show

Elton John, Billy Elliot

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Play

Elton John, Next Fall


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Best Musical

Elton John, Billy Elliot

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, Billy Elliot, The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Music

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
Olivier Awards - 2006 - Best New Musical

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, Aida


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Elton John, The Lion King

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, The Lion King

Videos

News


Opening May 16: THE FUNDAMENTALIST by Juha Jokela Stars Claudia Godi and John Hickok
by Bruce Apar - May 12, 2025

The Fundamentalist follows the story of Markus, a reformed minister, who is confronted by Heidi, a former student turned religious extremist. As Heidi attempts to 'save' Markus from his loss of faith, the play explores profound questions about belief, identity, and moral responsibility in a divided world.
The Hermitage Invites Audiences Back To The Beach In June With Acclaimed Alumni Artists
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced its return to Hermitage Beach on Manasota Key on Thursday, June 26. This will be the first public program presented on the Hermitage Beach since the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Tim Rice Will Write Songs For Upcoming Animated Film THE LAND OF SOMETIMES
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025

Tim Rice is working on three new songs for an upcoming animated film, titled The Land of Sometimes. The film is set to be released in late 2025. Learn more here!
Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry Release 'Off Broadway' Album
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025

Vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw and acclaimed pianist/composer/arranger Ray Angry (The Roots) have teamed up for Off Broadway, a new studio album featuring R&B, soul, jazz, rock, reggae, house, and classical-inspired takes on classic Broadway hits. Listen to it now!
JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL Hosts Launch Event At Wembley Stadium As Album Is Announced
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2025

At an exclusive event at Wembley Stadium, it was announced that Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a very special performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London, on Sunday 13 July, followed by an exclusive after party with surprise special guest performances at Koko, Camden.
Previews: MOULIN ROUGE! IL MUSICAL al CHAPITEAU SISTINA - ROMA
by Ettore Farrattini - May 1, 2025

Il musical tratto dal rivoluzionario film di Baz Luhrmann sarà il punto di forza della stagione 25/26 del Teatro italiano e sarà presentato in esclusiva a Roma presso lo Chapiteau Sistina dalla PeepArrow Entertainment in coproduzione con Il Sistina, su licenza dell’australiana Global Creatures, produttrice del musical a Broadway.
Kevin Cronin Band To Play North Charleston Performing Arts Center In September
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

Kevin Cronin, formerly of REO Speedwagon, will be appearing with The Kevin Cronin Band at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 12.
Kokandy Productions Reveals Cast of AMELIE Chicago Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025

Kokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with the Chicago premiere of Amélie, the charming tale of young woman and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her.
Disney's THE LION KING Comes To The Music Hall In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025

Disney's The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall stage from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers.
PURPLE RAIN World Premiere Tickets On Sale At Hennepin Arts In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025

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by Albert Gutierrez - Apr 25, 2025

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THE LION KING North American Tour Will Celebrate 23rd Anniversary This Weekend
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025

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by A.A. Cristi - Apr 22, 2025

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The Webby Awards Reveal 2025 Winners Including Breakdown of Viral WICKED Interview- See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 22, 2025

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Sombr Confirms Highly-Anticipated Headline Tour
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 22, 2025

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by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2025

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Elton John written?

Elton John has written 6 shows including The Lion King (Composer), Aida (Composer), Vampire Lestat (Composer), Billy Elliot (Composer), Tammy Faye (Music), The Devil Wears Prada (Composer).

What awards has Elton John been nominated for?

The Audience Award for Most Popular Show (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Next Fall, Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aida, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King.

What awards has Elton John won?

Elton John has won several prestigious awards, including: - Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot - Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aida - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King.

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