Lasting Legacy of Elton John: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Elton John continue to shape the world today.
Sir Elton John is a highly acclaimed British singer, songwriter, and pianist. Especially known for his influential work in the 1970s, his music and flamboyant performances have left a lasting mark on the music industry. His songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin stands as one of the most successful collaborations ever.
1986: The Phantom of the Opera musical release
In 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber released The Phantom of the Opera musical.
1986: "Don't Give Up" impact on sobriety
In 1986, John attributed his sobriety to the Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel duet "Don't Give Up".
1992: Elton John AIDS Foundation Establishment
In 1992, Elton John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
1994: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Axl Rose.
September 1997: Performance of 'Candle in the Wind 1997' at Diana's Funeral
On 6 September 1997, Elton John performed "Candle in the Wind 1997" live for the only time at Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral in Westminster Abbey. The song became the fastest- and biggest-selling single of all time.
1998: 'Candle in the Wind 1997' Wins Grammy Award
In 1998, "Candle in the Wind 1997" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards.
October 2006: Named a Disney Legend
On 9 October 2006, The Walt Disney Company named Elton John a Disney Legend for his contributions to Disney's films and theatrical works.
2007: Kanye West sampled John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
In 2007, Kanye West sampled Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on his song "Good Morning".
2009: 'Candle in the Wind 1997' Recognized as Best-Selling Single
In 2009, Guinness World Records recognized "Candle in the Wind 1997" as "the biggest-selling single since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s."
September 2013: Receives Brits Icon Award
In September 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon Award for his "lasting impact" on the culture of the United Kingdom, presented by Rod Stewart.
2014: "Don't Give Up" influence
In 2014, John said that Kate Bush played a big part in his rebirth and that the record "Don't Give Up" helped him so much.
2014: The Lion King musical grossed over $6 billion
In 2014, The Lion King musical grossed over $6 billion, becoming the top-earning title in box-office history for both stage productions and films.
December 2015: Billy Elliot's global success
As of December 2015, Billy Elliot had been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide, grossing over $800 million.
April 2016: End of London production of Billy Elliot
In April 2016, the London production of Billy Elliot, the 12th-longest-running musical in West End history, concluded its run with 4,566 performances.
2017: Elton John appears in Kingsman: The Golden Circle
In 2017, Elton John appeared as a fictionalized version of himself in the film Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
May 2019: Release of Rocketman biopic
In May 2019, Rocketman, a biopic about Elton John's life from his childhood to the 1980s, was released.
October 2019: Release of autobiography Me
In October 2019, Elton John released his "first and only autobiography", Me.
2019: Rocketman Biopic Release
In 2019, the biopic Rocketman, dramatizing Elton John's life and career, was released.
2020: John Reflects on Sobriety
In 2020, John recalled that making "The One" album was tough because he "was used to making records under the haze of alcohol or drugs, and here I was, 100% sober."
2021: UK Top 10 Singles Across Six Decades
In 2021, Elton John became the first solo artist with UK top 10 singles across six decades.
2022: Crediting Ryan White's Family for Sobriety
At a 2022 concert in Indianapolis, John said he cleaned himself up after spending time with the family of Ryan White.
2023: End of Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
In 2023, Elton John's final tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, ended, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever at the time.
December 2024: New Elton John wax figure revealed
In December 2024, Madame Tussauds revealed a new wax work of John, featuring him in his 1970s heyday, suspended mid-air over his rhinestone piano.
2024: Named Time Magazine's Icon of the Year
In 2024, John was named Time Magazine's Icon of the Year.
