One of the most prolific and commercially successful artists in modern pop music, during a career spanning over half a century Elton John has sold over 300 million records, including Candle In the Wind 1997 ? the biggest selling single of all time. His achievements in the US charts alone total over 50 hits in the Top 40, with seven consecutive albums making No.1. Musically a child prodigy, by the age of 15 in 1962 Elton had formed his first pop group, Bluesology, and five years later met his long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Elton released his debut album Empty Sky in 1968, from which came his first big hit, Your Song, in 1970. A spectacularly productive career followed, in which he has released over 30 albums and been the recipient of no less than six Grammy Awards and five Brit Awards. A tireless worker for various charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, in 1998 he received a knighthood. Loved for his approachability and unaffected attitude to stardom, and after a career spanning nearly five decades, he still attracts capacity audiences in some of the largest auditoriums in the world, and fills them effortlessly with charismatic energy, and a musical performance that leaves fans of all ages shouting for more.
