Elton John Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
6 minute read
Updated 1:07 PM EDT, Tue July 11, 2023
Singer Elton John performs in 1973.
Singer Elton John performs in 1973.
David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images
John appears in one of his first publicity photos in 1968. The singer had officially changed his name to Elton John a year earlier after being born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, in 1947. The name was inspired by members of his early band, Bluesology, whose saxophone player was Elton Dean and lead singer was Long John Baldry.
John appears in one of his first publicity photos in 1968. The singer had officially changed his name to Elton John a year earlier after being born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, in 1947. The name was inspired by members of his early band, Bluesology, whose saxophone player was Elton Dean and lead singer was Long John Baldry.
Val Wilmer/Redferns
Elton John plays the piano in 1970, the year he launched his first world tour.
Elton John plays the piano in 1970, the year he launched his first world tour.
Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
John appears in a 1973 documentary that detailed the production of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Hit songs from that album included "Candle in the Wind," "Bennie and the Jets," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and the title track.
John appears in a 1973 documentary that detailed the production of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Hit songs from that album included "Candle in the Wind," "Bennie and the Jets," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and the title track.
REX Shutterstock/AP
John and his songwriting collaborator, Bernie Taupin, hold gold records in 1973. Taupin has written the lyrics for many of John's songs over his career, and the two have worked together for decades.
John and his songwriting collaborator, Bernie Taupin, hold gold records in 1973. Taupin has written the lyrics for many of John's songs over his career, and the two have worked together for decades.
Michael Putland/Getty Images
John and singer Rod Stewart have a bath at the stadium of Watford Football Club in 1973. John, a lifelong Watford fan, later owned the English soccer club. Today, one of the stadium's stands is named after him.
John and singer Rod Stewart have a bath at the stadium of Watford Football Club in 1973. John, a lifelong Watford fan, later owned the English soccer club. Today, one of the stadium's stands is named after him.
Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images
John is overwhelmed by multiple shots on goal while playing around at Watford's stadium in 1974.
John is overwhelmed by multiple shots on goal while playing around at Watford's stadium in 1974.
Michael Putland/Getty Images
John gives a typical energetic performance in 1974. Some of the other hit songs he had by this time: "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Crocodile Rock" and "Rocket Man."
John gives a typical energetic performance in 1974. Some of the other hit songs he had by this time: "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Crocodile Rock" and "Rocket Man."
Associated Press
John appears on stage with John Lennon at New York's Madison Square Garden in 1974.
John appears on stage with John Lennon at New York's Madison Square Garden in 1974.
Steve Morley/Redferns
John plays the Pinball Wizard in the 1975 film "Tommy," which is based on The Who's album of the same name.
John plays the Pinball Wizard in the 1975 film "Tommy," which is based on The Who's album of the same name.
Granamour Weems Collection/Alamy
John reads some fan mail circa 1975.
John reads some fan mail circa 1975.
Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy