PlanetOut Salutes Elton John
He was born Reginald Dwight to a middle class family in Pinner, England.
He grew up listening to Liberace and Little Richard. Thanks to his mother's encouraging
his efforts at the piano, he was accepted into Britain's Royal Academy of Music. Thus began
the path to stardom for rocker extraordinaire Elton John.
In co-operation with lyricist Bernie Taupin, Elton John debuted with a self-titled album
that met with great critical success both in Great Britain and here in America. He subsequently
scored 16 consecutive Top 20 hits between 1972 and 1976. John's live performances were never
complete without his garish costumes, flamboyant sunglasses, outrageous theatrics, and his amazing
technicolor dream hair. And his personal life was full of sex, drugs, rock and roll, and of course,
shopping.
The year 1997 saw the death of two of his great friends -- Diana, Princess of Wales, and Gianni
Versace. And this summer, the 52-year-old rocker had to cancel a few dates on world tour while
he was recuperating from heart surgery. John had a pacemaker installed but resumed his
busy schedule shortly thereafter. The renowned artist and gay icon is still standing; he is clean and sober,
maintains his humanitarian efforts unabated, and continues
to work full speed ahead. The MusiCares Foundation recently dubbed Sir Elton "Person of the Year" for
his benefit work, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He will receive the award at gala in L.A. in February 2000.
His latest musical accompishment: A pop
makeover of
Verdi's Aida, destined for a stage near you. Also this Fall,
look for The Muse,
his first movie score in 26 years.
Find books by and about Elton through PlanetOut's Book Shop and all his cds
through PlanetOut's Music Shop.
Listen to other queer musicians on Homophonic. Find out
about other performers in Entertainment and
other gay menon PlanetOut Search.....
PlanetOut News has said about Elton from
"Singing for Diana" to
"Winning a CARE Award" to
"Being Knighted".
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Hercules Int. Elton John Fan Club
Elton John: The Bigger Picture
September VH1 Artist of the Month
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Entertainment
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