Elton John began his fascination with music at a young age, teaching himself how to play the piano when he was just four years old. John and his
father had conflicting views of what was in store for his future, but, despite his father’s disapproval, he dropped out of school at seventeen and
started working with a band called Bluesology. In 1967, John teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin, and they wrote songs for other artists. John’s
first album, Empty Sky, which came out in 1969, featured songs written by himself and Taupin. Unfortunately, it was not successful. Then, in 1970,
he released his first self-titled American album, which debuted his first hit, “Your Song.” That was the album that really got his singing career up
and running, leading him to several other top-selling albums, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in 1973 and Rock of the Westies in 1975.
After publicly announcing he was bisexual in 1976 and taking a little break from singing, he made a musical comeback with his 1979 album, A
Single Man. During the 1980's, John did not create many number one hits, but he still did well on the charts. One of his most memorable songs
from this time was “Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)," which was an emotional tribute to Beatles member, John Lennon, who was killed in 1980.
John's musical career got him started with things he would have never thought of doing, like drugs and drinking in excess, leading to an addiction.
After coming to terms with the fact that he needed help ending his drug addiction, John checked into rehabilitation in 1990. With rehab getting him
back on his feet, he helped develop The Lion King soundtrack, including the song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” which gave John his first
Academy Award for Best Original Song. After this, John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. In more recent years, John
was the producer and composer for the 2011 animated movie, Gnomeo and Juliet, and he puts on numerous shows every year ("Elton John"). Like
many artists, John’s music has more complex meanings than just what the lyrics say, whether it is an allusion to his sexuality, drugs, or something
else. His hit “Rocket Man” is no exception.