Elton John Biography

Elton Hercules John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England. When he was 3-years old, his grand-mother sat him down on her knees and taught him to play the piano. Soon, he was staying up late when his parents had visitors to play for them on the piano. Even at that age, he could play by ear. At 11, he went to the Royal Music Academy and studied classical music. He also sang in the choir. At 16, he formed a band called Bluesology and soon quit school to go on tour with them. They played for American artists who came to tour England, including Patti Labelle. They also became the main backing band for a blues singer named Long John Baldry.

Reg Dwight was the pianist of Bluesology. They recorded a number of singles, and at least two of them were sung by Reg (Come Back Baby and Mr. Frantic). Those were good songs and had a certain success. However, Reg was becoming restless being relegated to a back-up role and wanted more of the spotlight. He answered an ad in a magazine from a company named Liberty Records who was looking for new talents. He went to an audition and played He’ll Have To Go. He told the people there that he could write music, but not lyrics. So they gave him a bunch of lyrics written by a lad from Lincolnshire named Bernie Taupin. Elton began putting music to those words.

Elton was inspired by many musicians. Growing up, his mother would buy Elvis records, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, so he was very much inspired by early rock n' roll artists. He was also listening to blues and country music, and he learned classical music at the Royal Academy. Even now, he listens to everything that comes out, so his style is a blend of all those styles. In concert, he can ad lib on the piano for 15 minutes before launching into a song. And boy, can he play! He used to kick the piano stool and play standing up until his fingers bled! He could also lie under the piano and keep playing all the while!

As far as being a great composer, it's in his blood. It's a gift he was born with, and he has put it to good use.

(To Be Continued...)

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