As the much anticipated Elton John biopic “Rocketman” starring Taron Egerton is makings its way into theatres May 31, here’s a profile on the Rocketman himself.
Source: E News
How do you describe one of the best selling music artists in the world with more than 250 million records sold? An artist who has more than 30 albums in his career with more than fifty Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive #1 albums in the United States, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10 singles – four of which reached #2 and nine which reached #1? An artist with five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, a Disney Legends award and a 2004 Kennedy Center Honor Award? An artist whose unique blend of pop and rock styles turned him into one of the biggest music icons of the 20th century earning him an induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and a knighthood in 1998 by Queen Elizabeth II?
Yes, that is Sir Elton John! Getting his first break as a singer with his 1969 album “Empty Sky” that failed to catch on, his 1970 self-titled effort peaked at #4 on the US Billboard 200 and #5 on the UK Albums Chart and featured John’s first hit, “Your Song” that reached #7 in the UK Singles Chart and #8 in the US, making him a huge international star. Released in 1972, “Honky Château” became John’s first US #1 album and #2 in the UK and spawned the hit singles “Rocket Man” and “Honky Cat.” More hits soon followed, including #1 smashes such as “Crocodile Rock” and “Island Girl.”
John enjoyed a series of top-selling albums during this time, including “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (1973) which temporarily established Elton John as a glam rock star with hits like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Candle in the Wind” among others and the rock-oriented “Rock of the Westies” (1975). As one of the top acts of the 1970s, John became equally famous for his live shows. He dressed more on the humorous side in fabulous, over-the-top costumes and glasses for his elaborate concerts. In 1976 John hit the top of the charts again with “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” his duet with Kiki Dee.
After a 3-year hiatus, he made a triumphant return to music in 1979 with the album “A Single Man.” While not producing smash hits in the 1980s, John still did well on the charts. Some of the most memorable songs from this period include the ballads “Little Jeannie” and “Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny),” the latter written as a tribute to his friend John Lennon of the Beatles, who had been killed in 1980. His tribute single “Candle in the Wind 1997,” rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts.
Source: 1310 News