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 musical talent and flamboyant stage presence. His long-standing songwriting collaboration with Bernie Taupin has produced numerous hit songs. As a testament to his widespread impact, he has sold over 300 million records globally, securing his position as one of the best-selling music artists ever and achieving EGOT status.

Sections (6)

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

August 1975: Named Outstanding Rock Personality of the Year

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

October 1975: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In October 1975, Elton John received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1975: Consecutive Number One Albums in the US

From 1972 to 1975, Elton John had seven consecutive albums reach number one in the US. This was a previously unattained feat.

1976: Elton John's Most Successful Period and Number One Success

1970-1976 marked Elton John's most commercially successful and critically acclaimed period. During this period, he had six singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

1987: Libel Case Against The Sun

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

1990: First Solo UK Number One Hit with "Sacrifice"

In 1990, Elton John achieved his first solo UK number one hit single, with "Sacrifice" (coupled with "Healing Hands"), which stayed at the top spot for five weeks.

1990: Sobriety Achieved

In 1990, Elton John achieved sobriety after struggling with a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol from the late 1970s to the late 1980s.

1991: Grammy Win and Brit Award

In 1991, "Basque" won the Grammy for Best Instrumental. 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: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1992, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1992: "The One" Album Release and Publishing Deal

In 1992, Elton John released the album "The One", his first album recorded entirely sober, featuring the hit song of the same name. He also released "Runaway Train", a duet with Eric Clapton, and signed a music publishing deal with Warner/Chappell 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.

1994: The Lion King Soundtrack and Academy Award Win

In 1994, Elton John wrote the songs for Disney's "The Lion King" with Tim Rice. He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".

1995: Appointment as CBE

In 1995, Elton John was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

1997: Presentation of Empire Inspiration Award

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

February 1998: Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II

On February 24, 1998, Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to music and charity.

1998: Knight Bachelor Appointment

In 1998, Elton John was appointed Knight Bachelor for his services to music and charity, a high honor recognizing his contributions.

1998: Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II

In 1998, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Elton John for his services to music and charity.

November 1999: "The Lion King" Certified Diamond

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

2000: MusiCares Person of the Year

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

August 2003: "Are You Ready for Love" Tops UK Charts

In August 2003, Elton John's fifth UK number one single, "Are You Ready for Love", topped the charts.

2004: Kennedy Center Honor

Elton John received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2004.

2005: Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2005, Elton John was awarded the Society of Singers Lifetime Achievement Award.

October 2006: Named a Disney Legend

On October 9, 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

Elton John received a Disney Legends Award in 2006.

April 2009: Sunday Times Rich List Ranking

In April 2009, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated Elton John's wealth at £175 million (US$265 million) and ranked him the 322nd wealthiest person in Britain.

2009: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Recognized by Guinness World Records

In 2009, the Guinness World Records recognized "Candle in the Wind 1997" as the biggest-selling single since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s, with 33 million copies sold worldwide.

2010: PRS for Music Heritage Award

In 2010, Elton John received the PRS for Music Heritage Award, which was erected on The Namaste Lounge Pub in Northwood, London, where he performed his first gig.

October 2011: 3000th Concert

On October 8, 2011, Elton John performed his 3000th concert at Caesars Palace.

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. He performed a duet of "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" with Rod Stewart.

July 2019: Sober for 29 Years

In July 2019, Elton John stated in an Instagram post that he had been sober for 29 years.

2019: Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Elton John a chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Also in 2019, John was featured on a series of UK postage stamps issued by the Royal Mail.

2019: Wealth Estimation in the Sunday Times Rich List

In the 2019 Sunday Times Rich List, Elton John was estimated to have a fortune of £320 million, making him one of the 10 wealthiest people in the British music industry.

2020: Appointment to Order of the Companions of Honour

In 2020, Elton John was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour, further recognizing his services to music and charity.

October 2021: "Cold Heart" Peaks at Number One in the UK

In October 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" peaked at number one in the UK, marking Elton John's first UK number one in 16 years since 2005's "Ghetto Gospel". This achievement made him the first solo artist to have top 10 singles in the UK in six different decades.

November 2021: "Cold Heart" Peaks at Number One in Australia

In November 2021, "Cold Heart (PNAU remix)" also peaked at number one in Australia. At 74 years, 7 months and 14 days, Elton John became the oldest artist to top the ARIA Singles Chart.