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.
These 20 albums were essential in shaping LGBTQ culture
Music has always played an important role in creating visibility, bringing people together under one roof to shake their booties, and consoling the souls of the dispossessed.From the flamboyant outfits of Bowie and Elton to the no-minced-words approach to lyrics from Janet and Gaga, the spirit of pride has echoed through pop culture.As pride month heats up, we took upon the impossible task of rounding out the 20 most important albums to shape gay culture – an essential collection of blockbuster classics and subversive selections alike.Judy Garland, Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)Often regarded as “the greatest night in show business history,” this two-part live recording won the Grammy for Album of the Year, making Garland the first woman to win the award.
Rufus Wainwright paid homage to the legend by recreating the concert in its entirety at Carnegie Hall in 2006 (a project which he revisited in 2022 for Judy’s 100th).Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)Released three years before Elton publicly came out for the first time, this masterpiece is the icon’s most popular album to date, spawning massive hits like “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”Queen, A Night At The Opera (1975)Freddie Mercury and Co.’s high-drama magnum opus was completed a week before the band embarked on a tour to support it.
The band only had four hours to shoot the music video for lead single “Bohemian Rhapsody” as they needed time to rehearse the setlist before touring.Diana Ross, Diana (1980)Miss Ross’ best-selling album marked a change in her sound.
After hearing Chic’s music in Studio 54, the diva enlisted Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards to help her create a more modern sound..
