Career Timeline of Elton John: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Elton John made an impact.

Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer, songwriter, and pianist renowned for his musical talent, flamboyant performances, and long-standing songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. He is an EGOT winner and one of the best-selling music artists in history, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. His impact on the music industry is significant and enduring.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 1975: New Line-Up Introduction at Wembley Stadium

In June 1975, Elton John introduced a new band line-up at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper were retained, Quaye and Roger Pope returned, and Kenny Passarelli joined as the new bassist. James Newton Howard joined to arrange in the studio and play keyboards.

1975: Consecutive Number-One Albums in the United States

Between 1972 and 1975, Elton John achieved seven consecutive number-one albums in the United States, a feat that had not been accomplished prior to that time.

1975: Part-Owner of Los Angeles Aztecs

From late 1975 to 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.

1975: Release of "Philadelphia Freedom"

In 1975, Elton John released the song "Philadelphia Freedom" in tribute to his friend Billie Jean King's World Team Tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms.

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1975: Financing Monty Python and the Holy Grail

In 1975, Elton John was among a group of musicians who helped finance the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

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1975: Release of "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy"

In 1975, Elton John's autobiographical album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" debuted at number one in the US, remaining there for seven weeks. The album revealed John's personality, with lyrics by Taupin describing their early days in London. The release also signaled the end of the Elton John Band, leading to Olsson and Murray being dismissed.

1976: Part-Owner of Los Angeles Aztecs

From late 1975 to 1976, Elton John was a part-owner of the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League.

1976: Chairman and Director of Watford

In 1976, Elton John became the chairman and director of Watford, a team he has supported since his youth.

1976: Critical Peak of Career

The years 1970 to 1976 are widely regarded as the critical peak of Elton John's career.

November 1977: Announcement of Retirement from Performing

In November 1977, Elton John announced he was retiring from performing, leading Taupin to begin collaborating with others.

1979: Tour of the Soviet Union and Israel

In 1979, accompanied by Ray Cooper, Elton John became one of the first Western artists to tour the Soviet Union and Israel.

1980: Release of 21 at 33

In 1980, Elton John released the album 21 at 33, which was a significant career boost aided by the hit song "Little Jeannie".

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1983: Reunion with Taupin on "Too Low For Zero"

In 1979, John and Taupin reunited, though they did not collaborate on a full album until 1983's "Too Low For Zero".

1983: Watford finishes runners up

In 1983, under Elton John's chairmanship, Watford Football Club finished as runners-up in the English First Division, marking a significant achievement for the club.

1984: FA Cup Final Appearance

In 1984, Watford Football Club reached the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium during Elton John's tenure as chairman.

1985: Performance at Live Aid

In 1985, Elton John was one of the performers at Live Aid, held at Wembley Stadium. He performed "Bennie and the Jets" and "Rocket Man", and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Kiki Dee.

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1986: Success of "That's What Friends Are For"

In 1986, Elton John's collaboration with Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder on "That's What Friends Are For" reached number one in the US, raising funds for HIV/AIDS research.

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1987: Sale of Watford Football Club

In 1987, Elton John sold Watford Football Club to Jack Petchey but remained president of the club.

1990: First Solo UK Number One Hit

In 1990, Elton John achieved his first solo UK number one hit single, with "Sacrifice" (coupled with "Healing Hands").

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1990: Commercials for Diet Coke

In 1990, Elton John started appearing in commercials for Diet Coke.

1992: Release of "The One" Album

In 1992, Elton John released the album "The One", his first album recorded entirely sober.

1994: Success of "The Lion King" Soundtrack

In 1994, Elton John, along with Tim Rice, wrote the songs for the Disney animated film "The Lion King". At the 67th Academy Awards, John won the award for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".

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November 1999: "The Lion King" Certified Diamond

On November 10, 1999, the RIAA certified "The Lion King" soundtrack "Diamond" for selling 15 million copies.

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2002: Stepping Down as Chairman

In 2002, Elton John stepped down as chairman of Watford Football Club, recognizing the need for a full-time chairman, but he continued as president.

2004: Opening of "Elton's Closet"

Since 2004, Elton John has opened a shop called "Elton's Closet" annually, selling his secondhand clothes.

2005: Concert at Vicarage Road

In 2005, Elton John held a concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated the proceeds to the club.

2010: Concert at Vicarage Road

In 2010, Elton John held a concert at Watford's home stadium, Vicarage Road, and donated the proceeds to the club.

December 2014: Opening of "Sir Elton John stand"

On December 13, 2014, Elton John appeared at Watford's Vicarage Road with his husband and sons for the opening of the "Sir Elton John stand", calling the occasion "one of the greatest days of my life".

2018: John Lewis & Partners Christmas Advert

In 2018, Elton John's John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert, "The Boy & The Piano", aired in the UK, showing him reminiscing about his life and career in reverse, ending with Christmas Day in the 1950s when he received a piano from his mother.

November 2022: Appearance in "If These Walls Could Sing"

In November 2022, Elton John was among the people interviewed for the documentary film If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney, about the recording studios at Abbey Road, which premiered in November 2022.

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2023: Eradication of AIDS

In 2023, Elton John addressed a cross-party gathering of politicians at Westminster and said that the winner of the next general election could help to eradicate AIDS worldwide by the end of the decade.