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.
Championing LGBTQ+ musicians has always been at the forefront of Elton’s work, something that continues to be prominent on his upcoming album.
The Lockdown Sessions, a collaboration record, features an array of LGBTQ+ artists such as Rina Sawayama, Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus.
Elton tells GAY TIMES that “great queer talent” like these are a driving force for changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. “Lil Nas X in particular is breaking barriers down amongst the hip hop community and the Black community which is really important, because that can be very homophobic sometimes,” Elton explains.
The Your Song singer, who is one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time after debuting in the 1960s, has seen how industry