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.
Paul O'Grady's quick-witted response to 'rubber gloves' police raid on gay bars in London and Manchester
manchestereveningnews.co.ukPaul O’Grady famously snapped back at police officers who conducted ‘homophobic’ raids at gay bars in London and Manchester during the AIDS epidemic.
The beloved comedian, who regularly performed in the 80s and 90s as drag queen Lily Savage, died unexpectedly on Tuesday (March 28) at the age of 67.
Elton John, Queen Consort Camilla, Lorraine Kelly and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Divina de Campo were just some of the many to lead tributes to the ‘much admired’ entertainer. READ MORE: Paul O'Grady was 'laughing and so full of life' hours before sudden death, devastated friend says O’Grady debuted the persona of Lily in the 1970s before rising to fame in the 1980s with a residency at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
One evening in 1987 - during the height of the AIDS pandemic - police raided the venue just as the performer was about to take to the stage.
