Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About Elton John

Sir Elton John is a global icon who has significantly influenced the pop and rock music landscape. Since his breakout hit Your Song topped the charts in 1970, Elton John’s legacy has continued to grow, earning him the nickname Rocket Man. His career, spanning over five decades, remains as dynamic as ever, with the success of his duet Cold Heart with Dua Lipa in 2021. After completing his historic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Europe in 2023, Elton John said goodbye to touring, concluding with a headline performance at Glastonbury Festival. With a life full of incredible milestones, Elton John continues to captivate fans worldwide.

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As the world anticipates the release of a new documentary about him, Never Too Late, directed by R.J. Cutler and Elton’s husband, David Furnish, let’s dive into some intriguing facts you might not know about this legendary artist. The documentary showcases never-before-seen footage from Elton’s early days, particularly his legendary performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in 1970. The film will be available on Disney+ in December after a limited theatrical release.

Here are 10 Elton John facts that will give you even more insight into his extraordinary life and career.

1. Elton John’s Real Name Isn’t Elton John

Although he’s now known worldwide as Elton John, he was actually born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947. His transformation into the flamboyant superstar we know today took place in the 1960s when he decided to adopt a stage name that better suited his glamorous persona. He chose Elton from his bandmate, saxophonist Elton Dean of Bluesology, and John from Long John Baldry, the lead singer of the same band. This crucial moment was also creatively depicted in the biopic Rocketman.

In 1972, Elton officially changed his name to Elton Hercules John—Hercules being an added flair that matched his larger-than-life persona. The name “Hercules” wasn’t entirely random either, as it was the title of a song on his 1972 album Honky Château.

2. Bernie Taupin Writes the Lyrics

Despite being famous for hits like Your Song, Tiny Dancer, and Rocket Man, Elton John doesn’t write his own lyrics. That task has been left to Bernie Taupin, his long-time collaborator. The two met in 1967 after answering the same ad in a music magazine. Since then, they have shared a nearly unbreakable creative partnership.

In a now-legendary anecdote, Bernie wrote the lyrics to Your Song while sitting at the breakfast table. According to Taupin, there was even some egg yolk on the paper when he handed it to Elton. This scene, too, was dramatized in Rocketman, illustrating their seamless collaboration.

3. Elton John Can Compose Songs Almost Instantly

While Elton doesn’t write his own lyrics, his ability to compose music on the fly is nothing short of extraordinary. Once he receives lyrics from Bernie, Elton can typically write the accompanying music in the time it takes to play the song. His quick composition process is well-documented, with many of his classics being written in a matter of minutes.

There’s even a famous moment from a talk show in 1997 where an audience member handed Elton the manual for an oven, and he immediately turned the instructions into a song on the spot. This ability underscores his musical genius, making him one of the most prolific and versatile musicians in history.

4. Cold Heart Became His 10th Number-One Hit

In 2021, Elton John teamed up with Dua Lipa for Cold Heart, a mash-up of his earlier hits Sacrifice and Rocket Man. This collaboration marked his 10th number-one single and made him the first solo artist to have UK Top 10 singles across six consecutive decades. Cold Heart was produced by Australian duo PNAU, who had previously reworked several of Elton’s classic tracks for the remix album Good Morning to the Night.

Interestingly, Elton’s first number-one duet was back in 1976 with Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, a song he recorded with Kiki Dee. The song was an instant hit, much like Cold Heart, showcasing Elton’s unique ability to collaborate across genres and generations.

5. He Was the Original “Bitch”

Known for his fiery temper, Elton John’s 1974 hit The Bitch Is Back is a nod to his notorious outbursts. The phrase originated from Bernie Taupin’s then-wife, Maxine Feibelman, who would jokingly say it when Elton was in one of his moods. Although the song became a fan favorite, it wasn’t without controversy—several radio stations in the U.S. refused to play it due to its explicit title.

In 2018, Miley Cyrus paid tribute to the song by covering it on the album Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, proving that Elton’s influence transcends generations.

6. Addressing Male Suicide in the 1970s

In 1975, Elton John released Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, an autobiographical album that chronicled his and Bernie Taupin’s early struggles in the music industry. The album’s standout track, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, references a particularly dark period in Elton’s life when he attempted suicide in 1968. At the time, he was engaged to a woman but found himself conflicted about his sexuality and his career.

It was his friend, Long John Baldry, who ultimately convinced him to call off the engagement, helping Elton come to terms with his true identity. This pivotal moment in his life is also briefly depicted in Rocketman.

7. A Career Spanning 31 Studio Albums

Elton John has released a staggering 31 studio albums over the course of his career. His debut album, Empty Sky, came out in 1969 but didn’t make much of an impact. It wasn’t until the release of his 1970 self-titled album, which included the hit Your Song, that he shot to fame.

His prolific output in the 1970s was remarkable, releasing classics like Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player. Elton’s most recent album, The Lockdown Sessions (2021), was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic and features collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa.

8. The AIDS Crisis Inspired Elton’s Activism

The AIDS pandemic of the 1980s deeply affected Elton John, particularly after the death of his close friend Ryan White, a teenager who contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. White’s death in 1990 served as a wake-up call for Elton, who struggled with addiction at the time. Following White’s death, Elton checked into rehab and became a vocal advocate for AIDS awareness.

In 1992, he founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has since raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Elton’s dedication to this cause has been one of the defining aspects of his later career.

9. Before David Furnish, Elton Had a Wife

Although Elton John is now celebrated as a gay icon, he once married a woman. In 1984, he wed Renate Blauel, a German sound engineer he met while recording Too Low for Zero, which included hits like I’m Still Standing. However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1988.

Elton has since expressed regret for not being honest about his sexuality at the time, saying that his marriage caused both him and Blauel a great deal of sadness. His reflections on this chapter of his life can be found in his autobiography Me and the movie Rocketman. Interestingly, Blauel later sued Elton over certain revelations in his autobiography, claiming they violated a confidentiality agreement they made during their divorce.

10. Elton John Doesn’t Own a Smartphone

Despite being highly active on social media, Elton John has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t own a smartphone. Instead, he relies on an iPad to stay in touch with his family, including his sons Zachary and Elijah, and his husband David Furnish. While his tech use is minimal, Elton maintains a connection to his fans and continues to embrace the digital age in his own unique way.

These lesser-known facts about Elton John reveal even more about his fascinating life, from his incredible musical talents to his deeply personal struggles. As fans eagerly await the release of Never Too Late, these insights into his life and career further solidify his status as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history.

Elton John Reflects on His Health and Legacy After Surgeries

Elton John recently shared some candid thoughts about his health following a series of medical procedures. The iconic musician, now 77 years old and celebrated for hits like “Rocket Man,” revealed, “there’s not much of me left,” during a conversation at the premiere of his new documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late. Through humor, he addressed the realities of aging and the physical toll that years of performing and various health challenges have taken on him.

The Reality of Health Challenges

Over the years, Elton John has faced a multitude of health issues, necessitating hip and knee surgeries among other medical interventions. His comments at the documentary premiere were both humorous and poignant, reflecting not just his personal experiences but also a larger narrative around aging and health in the entertainment industry. “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” he joked. “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate, I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. But I’m still here.”

This light-hearted take on what could be a daunting subject underscores how John approaches life. It also opens up a conversation about how many artists navigate health challenges while balancing their careers, artistry, and personal lives.

Acknowledging Support

One of the notable themes in Elton’s reflections was the gratitude he expressed towards his family and fans. Throughout his journey, his husband, David Furnish, and their two sons have provided significant emotional support. “I found complete and utter happiness and bliss when I met David and when I had my children, our children. And it satisfied me so much. I’ve never felt happiness like I have now,” he said. This statement not only reveals a deeper side to the artist but also highlights the importance of familial support in coping with life’s challenges.

Elton John’s ability to lean on those close to him amid struggles has been a source of strength. It serves as a reminder to many that personal connections can be invaluable in the face of adversity.

Retirement from Touring: A New Chapter

John’s conversation also touched on his decision to retire from touring after his expansive Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which takes place through 2023. It’s a significant shift for any artist, especially someone with such a prolific and enduring career. He explained his reasoning, saying, “I decided to stop touring because I’m 77 years of age. I’ve done all there is to do, to play. I’ve succeeded. I’ve been there and I’ve done it.”

This decision resonates not only with his fans but also within the industry, as many artists face similar crossroads. The choice to retire signifies not an end but rather a transformation of creative focus. As John continues to navigate this next phase of life, fans can take heart knowing that he remains active in music, albeit in a different capacity. “I’m still going to have music in [my] life,” he reassured attendees at the premiere.

Continued Musical Contributions

True to his word, during his documentary premiere, Elton John delighted the audience with a live performance of “Tiny Dancer.” This moment encapsulated his enduring love for music and its critical role in his life. While touring is a physically demanding undertaking that requires significant stamina, he can continue to create and share music with his fans in other capacities. This dedication underscores his commitment to his craft and the joy it brings him and his audience.

The Documentary: A Peek into John’s Life

Fans eagerly anticipate the release of Elton John: Never Too Late, which is set to debut in select theaters on November 15 before transitioning to Disney+ on December 13. This documentary aims to chronicle John’s remarkable life journey, offering an intimate glimpse into his experiences, from his formative years in music to the personal battles he faced with addiction.

Exploring the Highs and Lows

The film will explore both the triumphs and tribulations that shaped John’s career. Notable highlights include his early days striving for recognition, the breakthrough moments that marked his rise to fame, and the challenges he faced along the way. The mixture of success and struggle paints a complex picture of a man who is not just a superstar but also someone who has experienced life’s ups and downs.

One significant aspect of the documentary is its focus on John’s final North American performance, held on November 20, 2022, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This concert was a symbolic farewell to the road that has defined much of his life, encapsulating decades of performances and memories in a single night.

Navigating the Future

As Elton John transitions into this new era of his life, he stands as a figure of resilience and reinvention. His journey reflects not only a commitment to his music but also a deep understanding of the importance of health, family, and personal fulfillment. By continuing to share his story through this documentary, John invites fans to connect with him on a deeper level, understanding the person behind the performer.

The Lessons to Take Away

Health is Wealth: Elton’s journey serves as an important reminder that health should be prioritized, especially as one navigates the aging process.
Family is Fundamental: His reflections on family underscore the vital role that loved ones play in maintaining emotional well-being and happiness.
Reinvention is Possible: Retirement from touring doesn’t mean the end of a career. Instead, it can lead to new avenues for creativity and connection.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Joy and Music

As Elton John continues to chart his course, fans remain eager to support and celebrate his music. With his candid reflections on life, health, and family, he highlights the message that joy can still prevail, no matter the circumstances. The anticipation surrounding Elton John: Never Too Late speaks to his enduring legacy and the profound impact he has had on music and culture.

In a world that often seems defined by challenges and change, Elton John’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of love, family, and creativity. Whether through performances, documentaries, or personal discussions, his voice remains a vibrant part of the music landscape, offering insight and inspiration to countless fans and aspiring artists.

Elton John’s story is far from over. His ability to connect with audiences through his music, coupled with his openness about his personal experiences, ensures that he will remain a cherished figure for generations to come. As fans eagerly await the documentary and reflect on his contributions to music, one thing is certain: the spirit of Elton John will continue to resonate, echoing through both his past works and the new narratives he will undoubtedly create in the future.