Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England, is a British singer, composer, and pianist with a career spanning over six decades. He rose to global fame blending pop, rock, and glam influences, from early hits like “Your Song” to iconic tracks such as “Rocket Man,” and soundtrack contributions like The Lion King. His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful and enduring songwriting relationships in pop music.
His greatest hits compilation Diamonds, marking fifty years of music, topped the UK Albums Chart in January 2025—his ninth number-one in the UK. In 2024, Elton won a major Emmy for his Disney+ special Farewell from Dodger Stadium, earning EGOT status by adding the Emmy to his collection of awards: six Grammys, two Oscars (Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again"), and a Tony for the musical score of Aida.
In April 2025, he released Who Believes in Angels?, a collaborative album with Brandi Carlile produced by Andrew Watt featuring songs written with Bernie Taupin. The album debuted at number one in the UK and Switzerland and charted highly elsewhere. The Farewell from Dodger Stadium special reflected his final North American concert from the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which ran from 2018 to 2023.
Beyond music, Elton is recognized for his philanthropic efforts through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and advocacy in LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues. His humility and personal influence have also made him a respected peacemaker among peers in the entertainment world.