Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England. He began to showcase his incredible musical ability when he was barely out of diapers. At only four, Elton John was already able to play the piano by ear, a skill which few people can master in a lifetime. This prodigy won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the age of eleven and stayed there for six years before leaving to pursue a professional music career. During the 1960s, Dwight legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John, played with the band The Corvettes (who later became known as Bluesology), wrote music to accompany Bernie Taupin’s lyrics, and released several singles as well as the album Empty Sky. The 1960s were not a highly successful decade for John, but his persistence would pay off. In 1970, Elton and his entourage released the album Elton John, and the single "Your Song" made the U.S. top ten. The album topped the charts, Elton gave a critically acclaimed American concert, and a star was born. The decade was an extremely prolific and successful time for Elton. He released, among other top ten singles, the hits "Crocodile Rock" and "Daniel," as well as the album many consider his best— Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. His flamboyant stage attire and over the top showmanship led to sell-out concerts. Six of his albums from this period appeared in the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

During the 1980s, Elton released several hit albums including Too Low for Zero. His singles "Candle in the Wind" and "Sad Songs Say So Much" skyrocketed into the top ten. He didn’t match the success of the 70s, however, and was also struggling with a cocaine and alcohol addiction. In the early 90s, Elton underwent treatment and counseling for his demons, and also became more involved with AIDS causes, establishing his own foundation and donating royalties to the cause. The decade also had its commercial highlights. He finally had a #1 hit in his native UK, appeared live with rock band Queen, wrote the music tracks for The Lion King, and earned a Grammy Award for the movie’s single "Can you Feel the Love Tonight?" The 90s saw Elton earning many honors. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

In August 1997, after the death of Princess Diana, Elton adapted his 1990's hit, "Candle in the Wind," which he then sang at the Princess's funeral.

Elton has also performed duets with Kiki Dee and George Michael during his long career. He has also had Stevie Wonder feature in his hit single, "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues," on which Stevie played the harmonica.

In the last number of years, Elton John has worked on writing songs for the Broadway production of The Lion King, receiving both a Tony and a Grammy for his work with Tim Rice. He has also released the albums Songs from the West Coast and Peachtree Road. Elton John can currently be seen at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where he signed a three year contract to perform seventy-five shows.

Elton married Renate Blauel in 1984 after admitting he was bisexual. The couple divorced four years later, and soon after he announced that he was actually gay. His current partner is filmmaker David Furnish. The couple met in 1993 and was joined together in a private civil ceremony in December of 2005. Elton John asked James Blunt to perform at his wedding and the popular singer gladly accepted the invitation. Although his first marriage did not result in any children, Elton is a godfather to ten kids, including the sons of Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Beckham, as well as John Lennon's son, Sean.

YUDDY