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.
Elton John is among the many figures from the entertainment world to pay tribute to rock’n’roll icon, Little Richard, who died on Friday in Nashville at the age of 87.
His cause of death was cancer. Posting a photo of Little Richard in his heyday to Instagram, John said, “Without a doubt – musically, vocally and visually – he was my biggest influence.
Seeing him live in my teens was the most exciting event in my life at that point. Goosebumps, electricity and joy came from every pore.