#40 Elton John

Only Madonna and the Beatles have charted more often than Elton John. Elton began as a songwriter with his partner Bernie Taupin. However, no one wanted to record their stuff. So, they did it themselves. “Your Song” broke Elton John. John Lennon claimed the song was the best thing to hit the airwaves since the Beatles.

Throughout the 70s, Elton scored hit after hit. His flamboyant costumes and great melodies wowed audiences. Like Billy Joel, Elton’s music centered around the piano. That would come in handy when the two toured together.

Elton John is also known for his public battles with drugs, alcohol, and bulimia. He’s also an outspoken AIDS activist. He has attacked people for being homophobic, but also defended Eminem against the same charges. He continues to tour and record and score hit records.

Rock n Roll Moment: Elton is part owner of an English soccer team.

Essential Elton John:

Elton John (1970)
Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
Madman Across The Water (1971)
Honky Chateau (1972)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Greatest Hits (1974)
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1977)
Two Low for Zero (1983)
Lion King (1994)

Elton John’s Top 10:

Your Song
Levon
Tiny Dancer
Crocodile Rock
Saturday Night’s All Right For Fighting
Candle in the Wind
Bennie and the Jets
The Bitch is Back
I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues
Can You Feel The Love Tonight