The Biography Channel - Elton John Biography

The Rocketman talks candidly about his troubled childhood, years of substance abuse, and the string of tragic deaths in his life, including those of John Lennon and Princess Diana.

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Elton John
born: 25-03-1947
birth place: Pinner, England

An important addition to the band was Davie Johnstone, on guitar and backing vocals, in 1972. When teamed with bassist Dee Murray, drummer Nigel Olsson, and Elton, the four produced magic and would soon be known as The Elton John Band. The group released ‘Honky Chateau’ (1972), which shot to the top of the charts, spent five weeks at number one and had hit singles ‘Rocket Ma’” and ‘Honky Cat’.

With all this success under his belt, in 1973 Elton created Rocket Records, his own label. He then released ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player’ (1973), with hits ‘Crocodile Rock’ and ‘Daniel’. Following that was his more introspective album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ (1973), another chart-topper, with a number of hit singles, most notably ‘Candle in the Wind’. Some believe this to be his best album ever.

1974 saw Elton and his band in collaboration with John Lennon, including a surprise joint concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City. It would prove to be Lennon’s final public performance. Elton went on tour in the US in 1974, with an entourage of 35 musicians, roadies and management. They flew from city to city in their own Boeing jet, Elton had reached ‘musical royalty’ status.

In 1975, he played the Pinball Wizard in the Ken Russell movie ‘Tommy’ and performed the title song. Elton also performed with Cher, Bette Midler and Flip Wilson on the spectacular ‘Cher Bono Television Special’ (1975). He released an autobiographical album about his ambiguous sexuality, ‘Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy’ (1975) and the following year, announced his bisexuality to the world, in a 1976 Rolling Stone magazine interview. Soon after this, a stressed and over-worked Elton fired Olsson and Murray, which was a disastrous knock to the band and perhaps not the wisest career move.

Not one to let things slow him down however, Elton decided to change tack and work with a female vocalist. Enter English singer Kiki Dee and her and Elton’s duet ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ (1976) which leapt straight to number one on the charts. Later that year, Elton sold out Madison Square Garden for seven nights, a record that remains to this day. In 1979, he became the first Western pop star to perform in Israel and the USSR. His flamboyant style and spectacular costumes, along with his obvious musical talent, meant that his concerts were always well received.

Success was to come at a price and Elton had been battling with bulimia and drug and alcohol addiction through the 1970s and into the 1980s. However, with the start of a new decade, came a turning point and Elton invited Olsson and Murray back into the band. They gave a free concert to a delighted, and large, audience, in Central Park, New York City in 1980. In a sad twist of fate, this concert took place almost across the road from Lennon’s apartment and a few months later, he would be murdered. Elton’s posthumous tribute to his friend ‘Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)’ was released on his ‘Jump Up!’ (1982) album.