Reginald Dwight—better known by his stage name Elton John—has become one of the most recognized and successful musicians in the world, currently holding the number 5 spot for the most records sold of any artist of all time. In his 5-decade career, the singer, songwriter, and pianist has produced 30 studio albums, including 7 consecutive number 1 US albums, as well as collaborative records with legends like Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt, George Michael, and Leonard Cohen. Between 1970 and 2000, Sir Elton John, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, impressively had at least 1 song in the Billboard Hot 100 each and every year. Of these, the most successful was undoubtedly “Candle in the Wind,” a tribute to the late Princess Diana that went on to become the second best-selling single in the history of music. On top of these achievements, Elton John has also left an incredible impression on film and theater, penning the unforgettable music to animated movies like The Lion King and The Road to El Dorado, as well as stage shows like Aida, Billy Elliot, and Lestat. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been honored with countless awards, including numerous Grammys, a Tony, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor. Elton John continues to win the hearts of fans old and new alike who rush to get tickets to see the iconic star in concert.
Born in Greater London in 1947 as Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton John began playing piano at the tender age of 3, and by age 11, he had won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. At the age of 15, he became a weekend pianist at a nearby pub, playing a range of popular standards under the name “Reggie.” In 1962, he and his friends formed a band called Bluesology, and within a few years they were backing artists like The Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles on tour. In 1967, John answered an ad placed by a producer looking for artists, which ultimately led him to meet and work with lyricist Bernie Taupin—a collaboration that still exists today. Together, the 2 spent a few years writing songs for other artists before releasing the debut album Empty Sky. By this time, “Reggie” was going by the name Elton John in honor of Elton Dean and John Baldry of Bluesology, and he legally changed his name in 1972.
Though Elton John’s debut album was not much of a success, things changed the following year with the release of his self-titled second album. The single “Your Song” quickly flew up the charts in both the US and the UK, and is still considered one of his best songs to date. Over the next 47 years, John would release 28 more studio albums, with hit after hit, including “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Funeral for a Friend,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Known for his elaborate onstage costumes, John has toured all across the globe and was even the first Western artist to tour in Israel and the Soviet Union. He continues to tour today as well as headline a Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. After more than half a century on the road, John announced he will soon retire from touring, but will embark on a 3-year farewell tour kicking off in September. Grab tickets to see this legendary artist perform one last time in US cities like Philadelphia, New York, Nashville, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as well as destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and the Middle East.
Elton John will return to North America with his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2022. The artist had been scheduled to tour the U.S. throughout 2020, but had to put those plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2022, you can watch the living legend in Toronto, Charleston, Pittsburgh and many other cities! Get your tickets at your Expedia before they are all gone!
