Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford F.C. from 1976 to 1987 and from 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary life president of the club.
About that time Elton John got a Xmas gift from pal Freddie Mercury, a month after Freddie’s death
Sir Elton John and Queen singer Freddie Mercury, who died of the disease.In his 2013 memoir Love Is the Cure: On Life, Loss, and the End of AIDS, John wrote about the life-shattering loss of Mercury to AIDS.
He also revealed how, that Christmas, Mercury had one final trick up his sleeve.“I’d seen what the disease had done to so many of my other friends,” John wrote. “I knew exactly what it was going to do to Freddie.
As did he. He knew death, agonizing death, was coming.”Related: Sir Elton John raves over “seismic” talent of Lil Nas XFreddie Mercury passed on November 24, 1991.
A month later, a still-grieving Elton John tried his best to celebrate Christmas when a friend arrived on his doorstep, gift in hand.
