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 Still singing after all these yearsElton John finds meaning, but little rest, at age 58
(CNN) -- Even after spending parts of five decades touring and singing around the world, Elton John shows no sign of slowing down. To many, the musician, showman, activist and philanthropist needs no introduction. Renowned for his chart-topping tunes, colorful personality and lavish lifestyle, John has played in China, New York's Central Park and hundreds of other venues, big and small, since first hitting the road in the 1960s. "Record sales can fluctuate, ... but I think the secret of any artist's longevity is to be able to play before an audience," the singer told CNN late last year, explaining the key to his long-term success. "We've learned our craft, and we still love to play." This wild ride might have seemed unthinkable when Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born March 25, 1947. Growing up northwest of London, the bespectacled boy developed a love of -- and knack for -- music. "I knew from an early age what I wanted to do," he said of his passion for music, crediting his mother with encouraging his dream. "But there was no great master plan that I'm going to conquer the world and be a big star. That just happened accidentally." In 1961, Dwight joined his first band, Bluesology. By the end of the 1960s, he'd changed his name to Elton John -- taking his first name from former band mate Elton Dean and his last from British blues/rock singer Long John Baldry -- and joined forces with Bernie Taupin. Their partnership, in which Taupin wrote lyrics and John the music, became one of the most prolific and productive ever. "We are like brothers, but we live very far apart ... It just seems to be something that works," John said. "I like to look at a printed page and visualize what it would be like with music. It's fun for me ... The lyric comes to life when I put the melody to it." In 1970, a year after the release of his debut album, John's career took off. Beginning with "Your Song," he had a Top 40 hit every year between 1970 and 1996. Tunes like "Rocket Man," "Daniel" and "Crocodile Rock" established him as one of the most bankable and popular musicians in the United States, United Kingdom and elsewhere. In 1997, John re-worked and re-recorded his classic "Candle in the Wind," playing it in honor of Princess Diana at her funeral. The song sold more than 35 million copies -- with all proceeds going to a memorial fund for charities favored by the late princess -- making it the top-selling single ever. Struggles and successesYet in between his professional success, John also battled personal demons, including an off-and-on 16-year struggle with drug, alcohol and food addiction. "Addiction is all about running away and not being able to deal with what is happening in your life," he said. In 1990, John called the funeral of Ryan White, a young AIDS sufferer whom he had befriended, a low point in his personal struggle, saying he then looked "like a 70-year-old man." Soon after, John sought help for his addictions. "I've been sober now for 14 years, and clean, and my life has changed considerably," he said in fall 2004. "My tastes have changed, the things I like to look at visually have changed, my priorities have changed." But some things have not, including John's musical prowess and elaborate, free-spending ways. Having admitted to spending $57 million over just 20 months and purchasing 20,000 pairs of sunglasses, John said he has no regrets living life to its fullest. "I do have a lavish lifestyle. I love to buy art, I'm very generous, I collect things passionately," he said. "I'm a very wealthy man, but I like to live life -- and [late fashion designer] Gianni Versace taught me that -- to the full, to see everything, to be a sponge, to soak up everything." Celebrated for music, charityJohn also has been extravagant in his charitable work. His eponymous AIDS foundation, he said, has doled out more than $50 million (and gotten more than $350 million in matching funds) since it was founded in 1992 to curb the spread and treat those with the disease. He has assumed leadership roles in Amnesty International, Britain's National Youth Theatre, London's Old Vic Theatre, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, among other organizations. Recently, he has performed publicly and on recordings to raise money for tsunami victims. Sir Elton John -- a title bestowed on him after Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1997 -- has earned many honors over his long career. He took home a Legends Award at the 2000 Grammys, was named MusiCares Person of the Year, was honored by the CARE relief agency, and received numerous other awards for his efforts on AIDS, fighting homosexual stereotypes and other causes. Lately, John has also spoken out against the Iraq war and in support of same-sex marriage. He and his partner, David Furnish, have been together more than 11 years. "I think it's outrageous that people can't express themselves, whether they are singers or everyday people, without fear of censorship," John said of the current political climate. Having released a new album, "Peachtree Road," last year, John recently agreed to perform five weeks annually at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada -- a three-year pact that will run through the singer's 60th birthday, according to The Associated Press. While John continues to work at a feverish clip, he has given some thought to his legacy. "I hope my music is a great gift and it will last. Songs have a great ability to last and last and last," he said. "And I hope I can do some good things philanthropically for people." 
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