Reginald Kenneth Dwight better known by Elton John was born on March 25, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He loved music at a very young age and surprised his mother when he could play “The Skater’s Waltz†by ear. By the time Elton was seven he was enjoying piano lessons. At the time he turned 11 he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. When Elton was 15, his parents divorced and before long, he had a stepfather, Fred Farebrother.
At age 15 with the help of his stepfather and mother he began playing the piano at the Northwood Hills pub performing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. In 1964, Elton along with his friends formed a band, Bluesology. By 1966, the band was the supporting band for Long John Baldry and began touring England.
In 1967, Elton legally changed his name from Reginald Dwight to Elton John by deed poll in respect for the saxophone player of Bluesology, Elton Dean the Long John Baldry the band in which band toured.
Elton John has been behind the scenes on many albums for a wide range of artists however, he has a very long list of accomplishments on his own.
His discography includes:
Empty Sky released on June 3, 1969 in the UK and January 13, 1975 in the US. It reached #6 on US charts.
Elton John released on April 10, 1970 in the UK and July 22, 1970 in the US. It topped the charts at #11 in the UK and #4 in the US. Certified Gold in the US
Tumbleweed Connection released on October 30, 1970 in the UK and January 4, 1971 in the US. It peaked at #6 in the UK and #5 in the US. Certified Platinum in the US.
Madman Across the Water released on November 5, 1971 in the UK and November 15, 1971 in the US. #41 UK - #8 US - Certified 2x Platinum US
Honky Chateau released on May 19, 1972 in the UK and May 26, 1972 in the US.
#2 UK - #1 US. Certified Platinum US and UK
Don't Shoot Me I'm the Piano Player released on January 22, 1973 in the UK and January 26, 1973 in the US. #1 UK and US Certified 3XPlatinum US Platinum UK
This is just a few of the accomplishments when it comes to albums. Elton John has also won several awards and other accomplishments including Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition in 1991, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1995, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on February 24, 1998, and was the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor in 2004.
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