Ap110114052183

Elton John

By mowensnburke

  • Elton was born

    Elton was born
    Elton John was born in Pinner, United Kingdom, a suburb of London. HIs name at birth was Reginald Kenneth Dwight. Image:
    Sang Tan, AP Photo, 2009

  • Elton released his first album.

    "Empty Sky" was released in England in 1969, but not released in the United States utnil 1975.

  • Elton released his first big single.

    "Your Song" peaked in the top 10 on both the US and UK charts in 1971.

  • "Crocodile Rock" reached #1.

  • Elton and John

    Elton played with John Lennon at Madison Square Garden, in what ended up being Lennon's last live performance.

  • "Bennie and the Jets" reached #1

    Elton's tribute to R&B became his second #1 hit, inspiring Axl Rose of Guns 'n' Roses to become a performer.

  • "Philadelphia Freedom" reached #1

    "Philadelphia Freedom" reached #1
    Elton John's song "Philadelphia Freedom" based on his friendship with tennis star Billie Jean King and her professional team, the Philadelphia Freedoms, reached number one in 1975. Image:
    Mark J. Terrill, April 2006, AP Images

  • "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" reached #1

    Elton's duet with Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" stayed in the #1 spot for four weeks in 1976.

  • Elton broke Madison Square Garden record

    Elton broke Madison Square Garden record
    Elton broke the record for the most sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden with 26. Image:
    AP Photo, October 1984

  • "Elton John AIDS Foundation" was created

    Elton creatd the "Elton John AIDS Foundation" to further education in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

  • "Candle in the Wind 1997" became the best selling single of all time.

    "Candle in the Wind 1997" became the best selling single of all time.
    Elton's tribute to Princess Diana of Wales, "Candle in the Wind 1997", an adaption of his earlier song, became the best selling single of all time, selling 33 million copies worldwide. The lyrics were written by Elton's songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. Image:
    Taupin with the original, handwritten lyrics.
    AP Photo, by John Barr, February 1998

  • Billy Elliot opens

    Billy Elliot opens
    The musical "Billy Elliot" opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre. Elton John composed the music for this show. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008 and continues to run on Broadway. Image:
    Photo by Andy Rob taken on April 21st, 2008, Wikimedia Commons