Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. Both of his parents played music, and his father worked as a semi-professional musician. Reginal began playing piano at age 3, learning the standard classical repertoire, including Bach and Chopin. By age 11 he had discovered Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley and the Comets and Elvis.

In the mid 1960's Reginald moved to London and began working with a local blues band named "Bluesology." Soon Bluesology was getting gigs backing up American R&B singing stars coming to the U.K., and needing a backup band for their tours. Some of the stars they backed up include the Isley Brothers, Billy Stewart, and Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells. In 1967 he became a staff writer with Dick James Music Publishing, and was paired with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two would collaborate through the mail for months before they ever met. They were trying to write pop hits for other singers, but produced no hits.

During this period Reginald changed his name to "Elton John," in an effort to sound more American. Also around this period he did recording session work, including playing piano on the Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother."

In 1968, Elton John heard The Band's debut album, Music From Big Pink, which he claims was a life-changing event. The mixture of blues and gospel piano grooves was the sound he was looking for. He also heard Laura Nyro, whose gospel piano sound he would emulate.

In 1969, Elton John released his first solo album, Empty Sky but it did not sell well. In the following year he tried again, writing songs with partner Bernie Taupin. The album Elton John produced two top 10 hits: "Border Song" and "Your Song."

Following the success of "Your Song," Elton made his American Debut with a club date at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, which managed to get the music industry excited about Elton John. At this time, Elton was still living with his mother and stepfather while becoming an international star.

His 1972 album Honky Chateau produced more top 10 hits, including "Rocket Man." The album charted at #1 on the Biilboard Album Chart. In 1973, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Playerproduced the hits "Crocodile Rock" and "Daniel."

Elton kept making hits. The albums Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Caribou solidified Elton John's standing as a leading rock and pop star of the 1970's.

Some of the other hits from this era: "Levon," "Honky Cat," "Bennie and the Jets," "Candle In The Wind," "Saturday Night's All Right For Fighting," and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."

He had a duet hit with Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," and played on John Lennon's 1974 hit "Whatever Gets You Through The Night." In the late 70's he made a disco album that was not well received.

In the 1980's he was back at making hits including "I'm Still Standing" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues."

The 1990's found Elton going into the movie business, writing songs for Disney's The Lion King, the highest grossing traditionally animated feature film. In 1997, he performed "Candle In The Wind" with re-written lyrics for Princess Diana's funeral. The performance was released as a single and became the fastest and best selling single of all time, selling 33 million copies worldwide.

Elton is one of the most successful musical artists of all time. He has sold over 200 million records, and has had more than 50 top 40 hits. Sixteen of those have been in the top 10, 4 made it to #2, and 9 were #1's. Plus he had 7 consecutive top 10 albums. John has won 5 Grammies, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Tony Award. He inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and Rolling Stone Magazine has placed 6 of his albums among the 500 best albums of all time.

Elton John's impact on rock and pop music,and rock piano is immeasurable.

Photo: Richard Mushet, Creative Commons Lic.