Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John CBE, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, is one of the best-selling music artists of all time with an estimated 300 million records sold. A Royal Academy of Music scholarship recipient at age eleven, he formed his legendary songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin in 1967—a collaboration that has endured nearly six decades. The early 1970s represented one of the most dominant runs in music history: seven consecutive number-one US albums between 1972 and 1975. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973) remains one of the greatest albums ever made. "Candle in the Wind 1997" is the best-selling physical single in history. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2018–2023) became one of the highest-grossing tours ever at over $900 million. Elton holds EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), five Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe. His Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised over $600 million, making it one of the most impactful music-philanthropist foundations in history.