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Elton John Headshot

Elton John

Also Credited As: Sir Elton John

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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BIO

Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s, his music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting impact on the music industry. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history.



John was raised in Pinner and learned to play piano at an early age, winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for five years. He formed the blues band Bluesology in 1962, but left in 1967 to embark on a solo career and met Taupin that same year. For two years, they wrote songs for other artists, and John worked as a session musician. In 1969, John released his debut album Empty Sky, and a year later formed the Elton John Band, also releasing his first hit single, "Your Song". John's critical and commercial success was at its peak in the 1970s, when he released a string of chart-topping albums both in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Rock of the Westies (1975). His success continued in the 1980s and 1990s, having several hit singles and albums in both decades, and he has continued to record new music since. John has also had success in musical films and theatre, composing music for The Lion King (1994), Aida (2000), and Billy Elliot the Musical (2005). John's final tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road (2018–2023), became the highest-grossing tour ever at the time. His life and career were dramatised in the 2019 biopic Rocketman.

John is an HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser and has been involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised over £300 million since its inception, and a year later he began hosting his annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party, which has since become one of the biggest high-profile Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. John was the chairman and director of Watford Football Club from 1976 to 1987, and again from 1997 to 2002, and is an honorary life president of the club. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s, John developed a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol, but has been clean and sober since 1990. In 2005, he entered a civil partnership with his long-term partner, the Canadian filmmaker David Furnish. They married in 2014, when same-sex marriage was legalized in England and Wales.

John has had more than fifty top-40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number ones in both countries, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. He has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He is the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. His tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales, "Candle in the Wind 1997", a rewritten version of his 1974 single, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling chart single of all time. In 2021, he became the first solo artist with UK top 10 singles across six decades. Among John's numerous awards, he is one of 21 entertainers to win the EGOT, which includes an Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and a Tony Award. He also won two Golden Globes, a Laurence Olivier Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and is a fellow of The Ivors Academy. He was appointed Knight Bachelor for services to music and charity in 1998 and was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Composer
 
[West End, 2024]
Score
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Composer
 
[New York, 1996]
Piano

Writing

Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2010 - The Audience Award for Most Popular Show

Elton John, Billy Elliot

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Play

Elton John, Next Fall


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Best Musical

Elton John, Billy Elliot

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, Billy Elliot, The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Music

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
Olivier Awards - 2006 - Best New Musical

Elton John, Billy Elliot


winner
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, Aida


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Musical

Elton John, The Lion King

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Elton John, The Lion King

Videos

News


May Pang to Showcase Photos of John Lennon At Joseph Gierek Fine Art In Tulsa
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025

'The Lost Weekend - The Photography of May Pang' exhibition will provide fans a rare opportunity to see John Lennon in a new light at Joseph Gierek Fine Art. Learn more!
Matthew Morrison's RHYTHMS & REVELATIONS Will Play Charleston Gaillard Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

Today, the Charleston Gaillard Center announced that it will present Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations in 2026. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Allison Ponthier Sets Debut Headline Tour Following 'Karaoke Queen' Single
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 31, 2025

Texas native singer/songwriter Allison Ponthier has announced her first-ever headline tour, kicking off in June. The news comes on the heels of “Karaoke Queen,” the first single from her forthcoming debut album, which arrived Friday.
Almost Queen Comes to SERVPRO After Hours Concerts
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2025

Almost Queen: A tribute to QUEEN has been added as part of the ‘Tribute Thursdays’ lineup on September 11, 2025 at SERVPRO After Hours Concerts at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen, Virginia.
See Lorna Luft & Andrea McArdle and More at 54 Below in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2025

Next month, 54 BELOW will presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Lorna Luft and Andrea McArdle, Marilyn Maye, and many more. See the full lineup here!
Michael Genet Joins The Off-Broadway Cast of PERFECT CRIME
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2025

Michael Genet is now starring as Inspector James Ascher in NYC's Longest Running Play, Perfect Crime, now playing Off-Broadway at the Anne L. Bernstein Theater. 
Review: SISTER ACT at Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
by Barry Lenny - Mar 27, 2025

This bright and bubbly musical is sure to attract large audiences.
Two New Shows Added To The 2025 Lineup At Indian Ranch In Webster, MA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

Two new shows have been added to the 2025 lineup at Indian Ranch in Webster, MA, including Dirty Deeds - The AC/DC Experience. Learn more about the shows here.
Elton John, Brandi Carlile & More to Take Part in World Premiere Event at 92NY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

Elton John and Brandi Carlile will present the world premiere of “Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation' short film. Learn more and see how to tune in.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile Set World Premiere for Short Film About New Album
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025

Elton John and Brandi Carlile have set the world premiere of “Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation.” The short film gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the ‘making of’ each song off their forthcoming collaborative album.
Review: MAN IN THE MIRROR, Golders Green Hippodrome
by Franco Milazzo - Mar 25, 2025

With fifteen years experience as a Michael Jackson impersonator and spending two hours in the make-up chair every night getting ready, you can’t fault CJ (Craig Harrison) for commitment.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 25, 2025
by - Mar 25, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 25, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
New Subscriptions Available for 2025-26 Broadway at The Paramount Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

New subscriptions packages are availalbe for Broadway at The Paramount's 2025-26 season. Packages include seven season shows. See the shows here and learn how to purchase tickets.
THE LION KING Comes to Boise in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025

The Lion King will come to Boise in 2026. Performances will run at the Morrison Center For the Performing Arts. Disney will present a musical that brings the much-loved 1994 animated film to life to breath-taking effects, spirit and power.
Cian Ducrot Details Second Album 'Little Dreaming' with New Video Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 21, 2025

Pop powerhouse Cian Ducrot has announced the release of his highly anticipated second album Little Dreaming to be released July 11. Accompanying the announcement, he has premiered the star-studded music video for the exuberant titular single. Watch it now!
Previews: THE LION KING at Straz Center
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Mar 20, 2025

Returning to Straz Center from April 2-20 is the Broadway sensation The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Directed by the Tony Award-winning Julie Taymor, the production is a visual feast filled with hope and adventure. The musical also boasts some of Broadway's most iconic songs, composed by the legendary Elton John and Tim Rice.
Vanessa Williams Extends Run as Miranda Priestly in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Vanessa Williams will continue to guard the gates of the fashion empire at the Dominion Theatre, playing Miranda Priestly, until 18 October 2025. Learn more here!
Stephenson Ardern-Sodje Joins THE LION KING in London as Simba
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje will return as the King of Pride Rock in Disney's THE LION KING as he takes over the role of Simba in the London production of The Lion King. Learn more here!
Mikey Madison Sets SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Hosting Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 19, 2025

Mikey Madison will make her “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut on March 29. Madison won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in “Anora,” now playing in theaters and on demand. 
Low Cut Connie To Perform in D.C. Following Kennedy Center Cancellation
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 19, 2025

Tonight, the Philadelphia-based rock & roll artist Low Cut Connie will perform at The Miracle Theatre in Washington, D.C. in lieu of his previously scheduled performance at the Kennedy Center which he canceled last month.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Elton John written?

Elton John has written 6 shows including The Lion King (Composer), Aida (Composer), Vampire Lestat (Composer), Billy Elliot (Composer), Tammy Faye (Music), The Devil Wears Prada (Composer).

What awards has Elton John been nominated for?

The Audience Award for Most Popular Show (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Next Fall, Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Billy Elliot, The Musical, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot, Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aida, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King.

What awards has Elton John won?

Elton John has won several prestigious awards, including: - Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Billy Elliot - Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Billy Elliot - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Aida - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King.

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