Elton John

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Elton John performing at the funeral of Princess Diana

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Elton John

British musician

Also known as: Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Sir Elton Hercules John

Written by Stephen Holden

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 17, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: Sir Elton Hercules John

Original name:: Reginald Kenneth Dwight

Born:: March 25, 1947, Pinner, Middlesex, England (age 77)

Awards And Honors:: EGOT; Emmy Award (2024); Kennedy Center Honors (2004); Grammy Award (2000); Grammy Award (1997); Academy Award (1995); Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1994); Grammy Award (1994); Grammy Award (1991); Grammy Award (1986)

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Elton John (born March 25, 1947, Pinner, Middlesex, England) is a British singer, composer, and pianist who was one of the most popular entertainers of the late 20th century. He fused as many strands of popular music and stylistic showmanship as Elvis Presley in a concert and recording career that included the sale of hundreds of millions of records. A child prodigy on the piano, John was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at 11. Gravitating toward pop after discovering rhythm and blues, he joined Bluesology, later John Baldry’s backing band, in the mid-1960s. He met his ...(100 of 910 words)

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