He was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947. He had shown talent at the piano early on. After a rather restrictive childhood in England, young Reginald left school at 17, spurned his father’s prodding to become a banker, and threw himself into music. The singing, showmanship, and over-the-top costumes emerged in due time, along with a new name: Elton Hercules John.
After a multi-year stint with the band Bluesology in the 1960s, Elton John launched his solo career in 1969. Every decade since has been touched by his music. This cultural impact was largely the result of Elton’s longtime collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Together, the prolific songwriting duo would give the world some of the most beloved and enduring songs in pop history.
