Elton John

Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of 300 million records worldwide. His creative partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin — established in 1967 when both answered a Liberty Records talent ad — is among the most successful and enduring songwriting collaborations in pop history. Taupin writes the lyrics first; Elton then sets them to music, typically within an hour, without Taupin present. This division of labor has remained nearly unchanged across six decades and dozens of albums. John's extraordinary piano technique, theatrical live performances, and gift for melody have produced some of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century, including 'Your Song,' 'Tiny Dancer,' 'Rocket Man,' 'Crocodile Rock,' 'Bennie and the Jets,' and 'Candle in the Wind.'