Little known fact: Sir Elton John legally changed his middle name from Kenneth to Hercules in 1972. It seems John knew he was destined to have a powerful voice and high-profile adventures. But before his new name, his adventures began around 1962 when a young 15-year-old Elton John was hired as a pianist at a local pub in his hometown. Over the years, this young musician has become an internationally appreciated and acclaimed artist.
What happened between then and now? Let’s find out together.
Read below as we take a look back at Sir Elton John’s career from wide-eyed DJM Records songwriter to global superstar.
A young Elton John and the Elton John of the 70s
Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in the South East of England on March 25, 1947.
Growing up, music was often played in the Dwight household, with John’s parents both being regular record buyers. “I heard Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and that was it,” Elton John said. rolling stone in 1973. “I never wanted to be anything else. I’m more of a Little Richard stylist than a Jerry Lee Lewis, I think. Jerry Lee is a very complex and skilled pianist, but Little Richard is more of a delivery man.
Inspired by the tunes he heard, a young Elton John started playing his grandmother’s piano. Several years later, John would form his first band, Bluesology, with some of his friends. In the late ’60s, John was introduced to his lyricist and longtime partner, Bernie Taupin. Together they worked as songwriters and composers for Dick James’ DJM Records.
Soon after, John and Taupin began writing songs for John to record himself. Obviously, it turned out to be a good career choice. Between the years of 1972 and 1975, John released seven consecutive records which all became number one albums. (Honkey Castle (1972), Don’t shoot me, I’m just the pianist (1973), goodbye yellow brick road (1973), Caribou (1974), The biggest hits (1974), Captain Fantastic and the Cowboy from Brown Dirt (1975) and rock of the westies (1975) for reference.)
It was a type of success that was unprecedented.
Chivalry
In 1998 Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his work in music and charity. He was soon awarded the title of Companion of Honor, the highest title in the English honor system.
This award came after John released hit songs like “I’m Still Standing”, “Rocket Man”, “Your Song”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Bennie And The Jets”, and others. He also helped write songs for the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King. John also founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a non-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars for HIV and education efforts.
An old dog with new tricks
Today, Elton John has released dozens of albums and has almost as many awards. And the Rocket Man hasn’t slowed down either. In 2021, John released a star-studded collaborative album titled The Lockdown Sessions. The album’s opening track, “Cold Heart—PNAU Remix”, features pop icon Dua Lipa and was John’s first UK number one single in 16 years.
Elton John has also built quite a musical legacy. He became an inspiration for the next generation of pop artists in addition to having 10 godchildren (including Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono).
Keep playing, Rocket Man. We will be at each of your farewell visits.
(Young Elton John) Photo credit: Ed Caraeff / Iconic Images
(Former Elton John) Photo credit: Greg Gorman
