Elton John's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Elton John. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Sir Elton John is a highly successful British singer, songwriter, and pianist, renowned for his contributions to the music industry. His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs, contributing to over 300 million records sold globally. Elton John's impact extends beyond music, solidifying him as one of the best-selling artists ever and an EGOT winner.

Sections (6)

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

1970: Peak period of John's career

From 1970 to 1976, this period is widely regarded as the most commercially successful and critical peak of John's career.

1972: Peak period of John's career

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.

August 1975: Named Outstanding Rock Personality of the Year

On 9 August 1975, Elton John was named the outstanding rock personality of the year at the first annual Rock Music Awards in Santa Monica, California, US.

October 1975: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In October 1975, John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his achievements and influence in the entertainment industry.

1975: Achieved seven 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.

1976: Peak period of John's career

From 1970 to 1976, this period is widely regarded as the most commercially successful and critical peak of John's career.

1983: Watford finished runners up in the First Division

In 1983, at their height, Watford Football Club finished runners up in the First Division.

1987: Libel case against The Sun newspaper

In 1987, Elton John won a libel case against The Sun newspaper, which published false allegations that he had had sex with rent boys.

1991: Grammy Win for "Basque" and Brit Award for Best British Male

In 1991, "Basque" won the Grammy for Best Instrumental, and a guest concert appearance at Wembley Arena John made on George Michael's cover of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was released as a single and topped the charts in both the UK and the US. At the 1991 Brit Awards in London, John won Best British Male.

1992: Release of The One Album

In 1992, Elton John released the US number 8 album The One, featuring the hit song "The One". It was his first album recorded entirely sober.

1992: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1992, John and Taupin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to music.

1994: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses.

1995: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

In 1995, John was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), acknowledging his contributions to music and culture.

1997: Presented Empire Inspiration Award to Monty Python

In 1997, at the 2nd Empire Awards, Elton John presented the comedy group Monty Python with the Empire Inspiration Award.

February 1998: Knighthood by Elizabeth II

On 24 February 1998, John was knighted by Elizabeth II for services to music and to charity, marking a significant honor.

1998: Met Tony Blair at Brit Awards

In 1998, Elton John met Tony Blair at the Brit Awards, where Blair awarded him the Freddie Mercury Award for his charitable work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

1998: Knighthood from Elizabeth II

In 1998, John received a knighthood from Elizabeth II for services to music and to charity, marking significant recognition of his contributions.

November 1999: The Lion King Certified Diamond

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

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1999: The Lion King debuted in West End theatre

In 1999, The Lion King musical debuted in West End theatre. Also in 1999, John composed music for Disney's musical production Aida, for which he received awards.

2000: MusiCares Person of the Year

In 2000, John was named the MusiCares Person of the Year for his artistic achievement in the music industry and dedication to philanthropy, celebrating his contributions.

2003: Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time"

In 2003, six of Elton John's albums from the period of 1970 to 1976 were listed in Rolling Stone's "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ranked highest at number 91.

2004: Kennedy Center Honor

In 2004, John received a Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

2005: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2005, John was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his lasting impact on the world of music.

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.

2006: Disney Legends Award

In 2006, John received a Disney Legends Award, celebrating his contributions to the Disney legacy through his music and film work.

2010: PRS for Music Heritage Award

In 2010, John received the PRS for Music Heritage Award, commemorated with a plaque erected at the Namaste Lounge Pub in Northwood, London, where he performed his first gig.

September 2013: Received Brits Icon Award

In September 2013, Elton John received the first Brits Icon Award for his lasting impact on British culture. He also performed a duet with Rod Stewart.

December 2015: Billy Elliot success

As of December 2015, Billy Elliot has been seen by over 5.25 million people in London and nearly 11 million people worldwide, grossing over $800 million and winning over 80 theatre awards internationally.

July 2019: Sober Anniversary

In July 2019, John shared in an Instagram post that he had been sober for 29 years, marking a significant milestone in his journey to overcome addiction.

2019: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron appointed John a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his contributions to the arts and music.

2020: Appointment to Order of the Companions of Honour

In 2020, John was appointed by Elizabeth II to be a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and to charity, signifying another honor in recognition of his contributions.

October 2021: "Cold Heart" reaches number one in the UK

In October 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" reached number one in the UK, becoming Elton John's first UK number one in 16 years since 2005's "Ghetto Gospel".

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November 2021: "Cold Heart" hits number 1 in Australia

In November 2021, "Cold Heart" also peaked at number 1 in Australia. At 74 years, 7 months and 14 days, John became the oldest artist to hit the top of the ARIA Singles Chart.

2022: National Humanities Medal

In 2022, after John performed at the White House, President Joe Biden surprised him by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal, celebrating his contributions to the humanities.

2022: Received the National Humanities Medal

In 2022, after performing at the White House, US President Joe Biden surprised Elton John by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal.

July 2023: Final concert of the farewell tour

On 8 July 2023, Elton John performed the final concert of his farewell tour in Stockholm at the Tele2 Arena. At the time, the tour was the highest-grossing tour ever.