Elton John (Reginald) began playing the piano at the young age of 4 and pursued his love of music while growing up. Elton's formal training was helped by receiving a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London when he was just 11 years old. After 6 years the young Reginald Dwight left the Academy to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.

Elton and a few of his friends formed a band called the Corvettes, then a band called Bluesology that had some success touring with several well known American soul and R&B stars, including Long John Baldry.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight left his childhood band to pursue his own dreams of being the lead singer. He changed his name to Elton Hercules John and released his first album in 1969, "Empty Sky".

Elton John continued to release albums in the 70s and also continued to rapidly gain in popularity, both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Elton released number 1 selling albums like "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy", and "Rock of the Westies" during the seventies.

The British born singer continued releasing successful albums throughout the 80s, 90s and is still releasing relevant material in the 21st century.

Elton John first stated that he was bisexual in 1976 and later declared he was just gay. The life of Elton has been watched closely by the media, chronicling his many problems throughout his life, including his struggles with sexuality, drug addiction, and alcoholism.

John was Knighted 1998, becoming Sir Elton John. He has released many best selling albums and singles that have achieved success throughout the world. Elton John was voted the forty-ninth greatest artist of all time by the Rolling Stone magazine.

Between 1992 to 2001 Elton John's philanthropic Aids fund distributed more than $30 million US dollars. The Elton John AIDS Foundation aims to support those with the disease, educate, and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

See also Elton John Quotes