Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947), is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and has occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford Football Club from 1976 to 1987, and 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary Life President of the club, and in 2014 had a stand named after him at the club's home stadium.
Elton has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriting partner since 1967 when he answered an advertisement for talent placed in the popular UK music publication, New Musical Express, by Liberty records A&R man Ray Williams. The pair have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. The writing style that Elton John and Bernie Taupin use involves Taupin writing the lyrics on his own, and John then putting them to music, with the two never in the same room during the process. Taupin would write a set of lyrics, then mail them to John, wherever he was in the world, who would then lay down the music, arrange it, and record.
In 1992, John was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. He is a fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).His voice was once classed as tenor; it is now baritone. His piano playing is influenced by classical and gospel music. He used Paul Buckmaster to arrange the music on his studio albums during the 1970s.
In his five-decade career Elton John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10, four No. 2 and nine No. 1. For 31 consecutive years (1970–2000) he had at least one song in the Billboard Hot 100. His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts.
Elton John performing 'Crocodile Rock' onstage at the Edmonton Sundown in London in March 1973
The Rocketman himself, Elton John, brings it onstage at London's Crystal Palace in July 1971.
Elton John performing onstage at the Crystal Palace Garden Party at Crystal Palace Bowl, London in July 1971
Elton John at his rented house in Los Angeles prior to his career-defining sellout concerts at Dodger Stadium.
Elton John photographed by Gered Mankowitz for the cover of his 1977 album 'Greatest Hits Volume II'
Early image of Elton John pictured with long term collaborator Bernie Taupin on Hampstead Heath, London in the summer of 1970.
Promotional photograph of Elton John by a Moog synthesiser taken at Rocket Records, West Hollywood in 1978
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Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
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