Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947 in Middlesex, England (Elton John). He began playing piano when he was four years old and his musical talent blossomed throughout his early childhood. He received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music when he was only eleven (All Music). After leaving school to start a professional career in music, he performed in a hotel bar before becoming a member of a band known as The Corvettes. Shortly thereafter, the band was reformed as Bluesology and he played keyboard for the group as they traveled and performed throughout the United Kingdom. He created his stage name by combining the names of the band’s saxophonist, Elton Dean, and their lead singer, Long John Baldry—he legally changed his name in 1967 (Elton John).
With a new name and a determined spirit, Elton answered a talent advertisement for Liberty Records. This opportunity introduced him to Bernie Taupin and they began writing songs together by sending letters to each other (Elton John). Bernie would write the lyrics of a song first and Elton would compose the music; throughout their careers they have continued to use this method of songwriting. In 1970, Elton John released a self-titled album and the hit “Your Song” introduced him to a worldwide audience (Elton John). The album peaked at number four on The Billboard 200 chart and “Your Song” reached the eighth position on The Billboard Hot 100. More importantly, the song established Elton as a familiar voice on the radio in the United States where he would ultimately garner tremendous success (All Music).
The video for “Your Song” opens as the camera pans over a chandelier lit with candles. A young Elton John is seen sitting behind a black piano as he play...
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...1998 for his long and successful career in music (Elton John). He continues to perform “Your Song” in all of his concerts and once said, “I don’t think I’ve written a love song as good since.”
Works Cited
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"Elton John." AllMusic. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.
"Elton John." Biography : EltonJohn.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.
"Lady Gaga, Elton John Record Song for Disney Movie." Rolling Stone. N.p., n.d. Web.
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"Working with Ewan McGregor." Nicole Kidman Working with Ewan McGregor
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"Your Song." Elton John Songfacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
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