Elton John To Play On Upcoming Alice In Chains Album, Tribute To Late Lead Singer

Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award winner Elton John will on play on Alice in Chains' upcoming album, the Associated Press reports. The Album is a tribute record to their late lead singer, Layne Staley.

Singer Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002. John will appear on the title track of their upcoming CD, "Black Gives Ways To Blue," the grunge band's first studio album in 14 years.

Elton John will play piano on the song, whcih was written by band member Jerry Cantrell. The album is set for release on September 29. Alice in Chains now features Cantrell, new singer-guitarist William Duvall, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez.

The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than three decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums and more than 250 million records sold worldwide. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has awarded Elton multiple Grammys, including the Grammy Legend Award.

In the early 1990s, Elton collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King, winning him an Academy Award. The album produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." The Tony Award-winning Broadway productions of The Lion King and Aida both awarded Elton with Grammys for Best Musical Show Album. Elton composed the music for Billy Elliot, which was nominated for a record nine Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical, among others. He garnered a top-five UK hit with the song "Electricity."

Elton continues to tour the world with his critically acclaimed Red Piano show. In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is one of the leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. In 1998, the Queen of England knighted him Sir Elton John, CBE. In 2004, Elton received the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts.