Elton John - A Musical Icon Hits The Stage Once Again
10786
Arts & Entertainment > Music
Mar 1, 2007
Jay Nault
Elton John - A Musical Icon Hits The Stage Once Again
Elton John, over time, has proven to be one of the most influential musicians of his time. His ?time? spans several decades, and his legion of fans spans several generations. John has been performing for more than 30 years, and this summer?s tour is bound to attract millions of followers around the United States.
Early Life
Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in England in 1947, and his early childhood was shaped primarily by the women in his life. His father, Stanley Dwight, was a Squadron Leader in the RAF, which meant that he was rarely around his son, as his military duty kept him on tour for years.
John proved to be something of a child prodigy, as by the age of four, he was able to play piano melodies by ear after hearing them either on the radio or record player. He continued to hone his love for music, and he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music when he was 11.
John studied at the Academy for six years, but left before he graduated because he felt he was ready to concentrate on his professional music career. John played in his share of bands while he was a student, and it was during this time that his professional attitude and style were formulated in such a way that they would serve him throughout his career.
Early Career
John?s first band was formed when he was 13, and it was called The Corvettes. The Corvettes ultimately changed their name to Bluesology, which experienced some success as a backup band for such R&B artists as the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle. This exposure led to Bluesology being signed to serve as Long John Baldry?s supporting band, and they would tour and play small shows throughout England during this time.
John soon became disillusioned with the tight-fisted control that Baldry exerted over Bluesology and left the band soon thereafter. Even though there were initial failures, as John auditioned for lead singer roles with King Crimson and Gentle Giant without being hired, this part of his life led him to a partnership that exists to this day.
Career Success
John once again failed in an audition with Liberty Records, but as he was leaving the audition, he was given a group of lyrics without music that were written by Bernie Taupin, who has also tried out for a role with Liberty Records. John wrote music to support the lyrics, and the two began corresponding. John and Taupin met six months later, and it was during this time that John changed his name to what it is today. After a couple of years of writing music together, the partners were ready to encounter the 1970?s, which was a decade where they experienced a level of success that was unmatched in history.
Taupin and John began releasing singles with moderate success, and formed a band of musicians that would lead to John?s first number one album, Honky Chateau, in 1972. The album contained such hits as ?Rocket Man? and ?Honky Cat,? and spent five weeks at number one.
The following year, John started his own label, Rocket Records, and his string of success was amazing. His next nine albums all climbed to the top of the US Album charts, and his 31 releases since his first have sold hundreds of millions of copies around the world.
Awards/Acknowledgements
John is revered by millions, both inside the music industry and by the public in general. He has been recognized in several ways. John has won five Grammy Awards, although this is just the ?tip of the iceberg? in terms of his recognition. In 1995, John won an Academy Award for Best Music, Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," featured in The Lion King. He won a Golden Globe Award that same year for Best Original Song - Motion Picture for the same score. In 1996, he was appointed a Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.), and in 1998, he was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his contribution to music and fund-raising for AIDS charities. Finally, in 2000, John won a Tony Award for Best Original Musical Score for his work with Aida. John was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Written by Jay Nault sponsored by www.stubhub.com/. StubHub sells sports tickets,concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. Please link to this site when using this article.
Early Life
Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in England in 1947, and his early childhood was shaped primarily by the women in his life. His father, Stanley Dwight, was a Squadron Leader in the RAF, which meant that he was rarely around his son, as his military duty kept him on tour for years.
John proved to be something of a child prodigy, as by the age of four, he was able to play piano melodies by ear after hearing them either on the radio or record player. He continued to hone his love for music, and he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music when he was 11.
John studied at the Academy for six years, but left before he graduated because he felt he was ready to concentrate on his professional music career. John played in his share of bands while he was a student, and it was during this time that his professional attitude and style were formulated in such a way that they would serve him throughout his career.
Early Career
John?s first band was formed when he was 13, and it was called The Corvettes. The Corvettes ultimately changed their name to Bluesology, which experienced some success as a backup band for such R&B artists as the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle. This exposure led to Bluesology being signed to serve as Long John Baldry?s supporting band, and they would tour and play small shows throughout England during this time.
John soon became disillusioned with the tight-fisted control that Baldry exerted over Bluesology and left the band soon thereafter. Even though there were initial failures, as John auditioned for lead singer roles with King Crimson and Gentle Giant without being hired, this part of his life led him to a partnership that exists to this day.
Career Success
John once again failed in an audition with Liberty Records, but as he was leaving the audition, he was given a group of lyrics without music that were written by Bernie Taupin, who has also tried out for a role with Liberty Records. John wrote music to support the lyrics, and the two began corresponding. John and Taupin met six months later, and it was during this time that John changed his name to what it is today. After a couple of years of writing music together, the partners were ready to encounter the 1970?s, which was a decade where they experienced a level of success that was unmatched in history.
Taupin and John began releasing singles with moderate success, and formed a band of musicians that would lead to John?s first number one album, Honky Chateau, in 1972. The album contained such hits as ?Rocket Man? and ?Honky Cat,? and spent five weeks at number one.
The following year, John started his own label, Rocket Records, and his string of success was amazing. His next nine albums all climbed to the top of the US Album charts, and his 31 releases since his first have sold hundreds of millions of copies around the world.
Awards/Acknowledgements
John is revered by millions, both inside the music industry and by the public in general. He has been recognized in several ways. John has won five Grammy Awards, although this is just the ?tip of the iceberg? in terms of his recognition. In 1995, John won an Academy Award for Best Music, Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," featured in The Lion King. He won a Golden Globe Award that same year for Best Original Song - Motion Picture for the same score. In 1996, he was appointed a Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E.), and in 1998, he was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth for his contribution to music and fund-raising for AIDS charities. Finally, in 2000, John won a Tony Award for Best Original Musical Score for his work with Aida. John was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Written by Jay Nault sponsored by www.stubhub.com/. StubHub sells sports tickets,concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. Please link to this site when using this article.
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Very few female artists in the world today combine the stage prence, aring lyrics and sultry style that Fiona Apple brings to life in all of her work. Apple has gained a wide-ranging and extremely loyal following, and she is t to perform live in
Category:
One of the more intriguing and mysterious figures in modern music is Beck, and he?s hitting the road this summer to provide more lting memories for those lucky enough to attend his shows. Some would call Beck a musician, while others would label him
Category:
Eric Clapton, thought by many to be the preeminent guitar authority in the world, is returning to the stage in the summer of 2006. His story is one that relates directly to the decades of timeless music he has produced, and Clapton is revered by fans of
Category:
The AL Central race is beginning to take shape as we move into the second month of the baseball season, and it appears that teams are lining up to engage in a season-long chase of the defending World Series Champions Chicago White Sox. Each team?s
Category:
Elton John, over time, has proven to be one of the most influential musicians of his time. His ?time? spans several decades, and his legion of fans spans several generations. John has been performing for more than 30 years, and this summer?s tour is
Category:
Other links at Arts & Entertainment > Music
DJ equipments are rather costly and for anyone just starting out, they may not have the necessary budget. One great source you can purchase from is online. Not only can you get the equipments at a lower price than from the retail stores, you can also comp
Category:
Try to keep time with a metronome for about twenty seconds. It will show you how good you really can keep time.
Category:
Use MySpace to get a ton of new fans and sell your music to quit your dayjob. Learn all proven online music marketing strategies.
Category:
Did you know it was possible for you to release your very own record without the aid of record labels, music contracts, recording contracts, whether they be from indie or major?
Category:
The above article is regarding the various brands of guitar amplifiers, which have revolutionized the music industry. Here are given a brief description of the most famous brands of all.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68228
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
