
He combined the first name of saxophonist Elton Dean with the surname of singer Long John Baldry, adopting "Elton John" early in his career.
Bernie Taupin has been Elton's primary lyricist since the late 1960s; Bernie typically writes the words and Elton composes the music.
Yes — Rocketman (2019) is a musical biopic starring Taron Egerton that dramatizes key moments of Elton's life and career.
He launched the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2018 and completed it in 2023, announcing his retirement from touring while staying active in other work.
As a teen he studied at the Royal Academy of Music, receiving classical piano training that influenced his playing and compositions.
Elton entered a civil partnership with David Furnish in 2005 and they married in 2014; the couple have two sons via surrogacy.
He primarily plays acoustic and electric piano and various keyboards; on recordings and stage he sometimes uses organs and synths.
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