Elton John Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1755 GMT (0155 HKT) March 19, 2020

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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/04/showbiz/elton-john-fast-facts/index.html">Elton John</a> is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7735709/elton-john-biggest-billboard-hot-100-hits" target="_blank">The singer has charted more than 60 songs on Billboard's Hot 100 list</a>, including nine No. 1 hits. <a href="https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/elton-john" target="_blank">The five-time Grammy winner </a>was inducted into the <a href="https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/elton-john" target="_blank">Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994</a> and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his music and work in AIDS charities. Take a look at the life of the legendary musician, here performing in Los Angeles in 2016:
Photos: The legendary Elton John
Elton John is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. The singer has charted more than 60 songs on Billboard's Hot 100 list, including nine No. 1 hits. The five-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his music and work in AIDS charities. Take a look at the life of the legendary musician, here performing in Los Angeles in 2016:
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Elton John plays the piano in 1970, the year he launched his first world tour.
Photos: The legendary Elton John
Elton John plays the piano in 1970, the year he launched his first world tour.
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John appears in one of his first publicity photos in 1968. The singer had officially changed his name to Elton John a year earlier after being born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, in 1947. The name was inspired by members of his early band, Bluesology, whose saxophone player was Elton Dean and lead singer was Long John Baldry.
Photos: The legendary Elton John
John appears in one of his first publicity photos in 1968. The singer had officially changed his name to Elton John a year earlier after being born as Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England, in 1947. The name was inspired by members of his early band, Bluesology, whose saxophone player was Elton Dean and lead singer was Long John Baldry.
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John, here in 1973, was known for wearing colorful costumes and wild glasses, especially in the early years. His on-stage outfits have included a duck suit, a sequined baseball uniform and a Ronald McDonald outfit. He would wear the colorful clothes to create a spectacle and offset his shyness.
Photos: The legendary Elton John