On this upcoming 29 November, one of the world’s best known superstars – Sir Elton John – will enchant Thai music fans in his concert “Elton John “All The Hits” Tour Live in Bangkok”. Of course, everyone has heard of the living legend Elton John! But only a few knows his life background that has shaped him who he is today. Therefore, before the spectacular event takes place in the end of the month, let recapitulate his biography once again.
John’s original name is not Sir Elton John!
Do you know that Sir Elton Hercules John was not his name by birth? His original name was Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He changed his name to Elton John in 1967 and was made a Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II for his "services to music and charitable services" in 1998.
John’s musical talent shined since childhood
Elton John’s fans all know that the superstar always accompanies himself on the piano. But do you know that he started playing the piano at the age of 3 as the way of escaping his solitary life when their parents disputed? Plus, within a year, without any formal piano lessons, he was able to play Winifred Atwell's "The Skater's Waltz" by ear. Mesmerized by his musical talent, John’s parents encouraged him to take up piano lessons at the age of 7. At age 17, he decided to leave school to pursue a career in the music industry, despite his parents’ disagreement.
John’s musical partner: Bernie Taupin
While John was struggling with his musical career, he met Bernie Taupin, an English lyricist. They quickly became the perfect musical partner. Taupin would write a set of lyrics, and John would then lay down the music, arrange it, and record. John once gave interview regarding their collaboration that “We started writing together. It felt comfortable right away. It was like a hand in a glove”.
For two years, they paired up as staff songwriters for various artists, creating fame for themselves. Finally, when the opportunity came, John made his first album and became a new rising star. The pair still works together until now.
Elton John – The legendary artist!
In his five-decade career, John released 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums. He has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. He set a very high standard for other artists with 58 Billboard Top 40 singles in the United States. His hits included ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ (Lion King), ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, ‘Home Again’, ‘Sacrifice’ to name but a few.
Not only receiving wide acclaim from his worldwide fans, John received the honor to perform at numerous royal events, including the funeral of Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in 1997.
For the funeral, he rewrote, re-recorded his own song ‘Candle in the Wind’ (1973) by adapting most of the lyrics to suit the circumstances of Diana's life and death. The special version, ‘Candle in the Wind 1997 (Goodbye England’s Rose)’, is the biggest-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts, having gained worldwide sales of 33 million copies".
John’s ongoing popularity!
His popularity is not declining no matter how long the time has passed by! The evidence was that John has recently been named the first recipient of the Brits Icon award in recognition of his "lasting impact" on UK’s culture. How powerful he is!
On February 2016, John planned to release his thirty-third studio album. But before that, don’t miss this rare opportunity to be immersed in the spectacular concert on this 29 November. Ticket prices are 2,000/ 3,000/ 4,000/ 5,000/ 6,000 Baht. For more updates please visit us at www.bectero.com.
