Elton John is a British singer-songwriter and pianist who rose to prominence in the early 1970s and became one of the most successful and influential musicians of his era. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, Elton John showed a talent for music at a young age and began playing piano at the age of three.
John’s career took off in the late 1960s when he teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin to write songs. Together, they crafted a string of hit singles and albums that would catapult John to international stardom. His flamboyant stage presence, distinctive voice, and virtuosic piano playing set him apart as a unique and captivating performer.
Some of Elton John’s most famous songs include “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” His music spans a variety of genres, including pop, rock, glam rock, and ballads.
Throughout his career, Elton John has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to his musical achievements, Elton John is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and treatment programs around the world.
Elton John announced his retirement from touring in 2018, embarking on a farewell tour titled the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, which is expected to be his final tour. Despite retiring from touring, Elton John continues to be active in the music industry and remains a beloved and iconic figure in popular music.
1. “Your Song”
“Your Song” is a classic ballad written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, released in 1970 as part of John’s self-titled second studio album, “Elton John.” The song is widely regarded as one of John’s signature songs and has become a timeless classic in the pop music canon.
“Your Song” features John’s soulful vocals and poignant piano melody, accompanied by heartfelt lyrics penned by Taupin. The song’s lyrics express feelings of love and gratitude, with the narrator expressing their affection for their partner and their desire to convey their love through music.
Upon its release, “Your Song” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Elton John’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as one of the greatest love songs of all time.
“Your Song” has been covered by numerous artists from various genres and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and universal themes of love and devotion continue to resonate with listeners, making it a staple of Elton John’s live performances and a favorite among fans of his music.
2. “Rocket Man”
“Rocket Man” is a song by Elton John, released in 1972 as part of his album “Honky Château.” The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and has become one of John’s most iconic and enduring songs.
“Rocket Man” is characterized by its atmospheric melody, introspective lyrics, and ethereal soundscapes. The song’s lyrics tell the story of an astronaut who is embarking on a space mission and reflects on the loneliness and isolation of space travel. The term “Rocket Man” has since become synonymous with space exploration and has been used to describe astronauts and space enthusiasts.
Upon its release, “Rocket Man” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Elton John’s most beloved and recognizable songs, often cited as one of the greatest songs in the history of popular music.
“Rocket Man” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and universal themes of loneliness and longing continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the music world.
3. “Tiny Dancer”
“Tiny Dancer” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was released in 1971 as part of John’s fourth studio album, “Madman Across the Water.”
“Tiny Dancer” is characterized by its melodic piano arrangement, heartfelt vocals by Elton John, and vivid storytelling lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The song’s lyrics depict scenes of life in Los Angeles, including references to the city’s vibrant culture and the struggles of its inhabitants.
Despite not achieving significant commercial success upon its initial release, “Tiny Dancer” has since become one of Elton John’s most beloved and enduring songs. It has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, and its popularity has only grown over the years.
“Tiny Dancer” is often considered one of the highlights of Elton John’s discography, and it remains a favorite among fans and critics alike. Its timeless melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic of the singer-songwriter genre.
4. “Candle in the Wind”
“Candle in the Wind” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was originally released in 1973 on John’s album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” However, the most famous version of the song was re-recorded and released as a tribute to Princess Diana following her tragic death in 1997.
The original version of “Candle in the Wind” was written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, capturing the fragility and tragic nature of her life. The lyrics compare Monroe’s life to a candle burning at both ends, symbolizing her fame and struggles.
In 1997, Elton John performed a reworked version of “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Diana’s funeral, with the lyrics adapted to pay tribute to her life and legacy. This version, titled “Candle in the Wind 1997,” became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with proceeds going to Diana’s charities.
The song’s poignant lyrics and Elton John’s emotional performance struck a chord with audiences around the world, and it remains one of the most iconic and enduring tributes in music history.
5. “Bennie and the Jets”
“Bennie and the Jets” is a song by Elton John, released in 1974 as part of his album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and has become one of John’s most iconic and recognizable songs.
“Bennie and the Jets” is characterized by its infectious groove, funky rhythm, and flamboyant piano riff. The song’s lyrics depict a fictional band named “Bennie and the Jets” and their charismatic frontwoman, Bennie. The song’s unique vocal effects, including crowd noise and applause, add to its distinctive sound.
Upon its release, “Bennie and the Jets” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Elton John’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances.
“Bennie and the Jets” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its funky groove, catchy melody, and playful lyrics continue to captivate listeners, making it a timeless classic in the music world.
6. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was released in 1974 as part of John’s ninth studio album, “Caribou.”
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a powerful ballad characterized by its emotional lyrics and Elton John’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics express feelings of loneliness, regret, and a desire for connection with others.
The song gained renewed popularity in 1991 when Elton John performed a live version with George Michael at the Wembley Arena in London. This live recording was released as a single and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” remains one of Elton John’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its poignant lyrics and memorable melody continue to resonate with audiences, and it is often regarded as one of the highlights of his extensive discography.
7. “Crocodile Rock”
“Crocodile Rock” is a song by Elton John, released in 1972 as part of his album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.” The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and quickly became one of John’s most iconic and beloved songs.
“Crocodile Rock” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and nostalgic lyrics that celebrate the music and culture of the 1950s and 1960s. The song’s infectious rhythm and memorable chorus make it a favorite among fans of classic rock and pop music.
Upon its release, “Crocodile Rock” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Elton John’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances.
“Crocodile Rock” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and feel-good vibe continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic in the music world.
8. “Daniel”
“Daniel” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was released in 1973 as part of John’s album “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player.”
“Daniel” is a soft rock ballad characterized by its gentle melody and reflective lyrics. The song tells the story of a man named Daniel who is returning home after the war, with the narrator expressing a sense of admiration and concern for him.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness, longing, and the passage of time. The narrator reflects on the changes that Daniel has gone through and expresses a desire to understand and support him.
“Daniel” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Elton John’s most popular and enduring songs, and it is often included in his live performances.
9. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song by Elton John, released in 1973 as the title track of his double album of the same name. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and has become one of John’s most beloved and enduring songs.
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is characterized by its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and emotional vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s desire to leave behind the trappings of fame and return to a simpler way of life. The “yellow brick road” symbolizes the path to success and the pressures that come with it.
Upon its release, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Elton John’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances.
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Its poignant lyrics, haunting melody, and universal themes of longing and self-discovery continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the music world.
10. “I’m Still Standing”
“I’m Still Standing” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was released in 1983 as part of John’s album “Too Low for Zero.”
“I’m Still Standing” is an upbeat and energetic pop-rock anthem characterized by its catchy melody and defiant lyrics. The song’s lyrics convey a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, with the narrator proclaiming their strength and independence despite setbacks and challenges.
The song’s infectious rhythm and Elton John’s dynamic vocal performance helped propel it to commercial success. “I’m Still Standing” became a hit single, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
“I’m Still Standing” remains one of Elton John’s most iconic and enduring songs. Its empowering message and catchy chorus have made it a favorite among fans, and it is often performed as an encore during John’s live concerts.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
