Elton John (1947-), Singer and composer

Sir Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight)

Sitter in 8 portraits
Musician. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he was educated at Pinner County Grammar School and the Royal Academy of Music. He changed his name to Elton Hercules John, and began his career as a writer and singer in 1967. He toured the United States and became an overnight success in 1970. John became the first international pop star to perform in Russia in 1979. Vice-President of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain since 1975, he founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1993. He has released more than 60 albums, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), and more than 600 songs. Candle in the Wind (1974) achieved international status when he sang it at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.