Elton John

Elton John Achieves EGOT Status with Emmy Win

Elton John, a musical legend whose influence has spanned decades, continues to make history. On January 15, 2024, the iconic pop star achieved EGOT status by winning an Emmy Award, joining an elite group of artists who have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. His award was for Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, a live-streamed concert that aired on Disney+.

The Emmy, awarded in the category of Outstanding Live Variety Special, further underscores the significance of John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which concluded in July 2023. This tour marked the end of his career as a touring artist, with the concert from Dodger Stadium representing his final U.S. performance. The special, which aired on November 20, 2022, featured guest performances from notable artists such as Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile, and Kiki Dee.

In addition to his Emmy, John’s extraordinary career includes five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and one Tony Award. His Oscar wins were for Best Original Song for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King (1994) and “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman (2019). He also won a Tony Award for his work on Aida, for Best Original Musical Score alongside lyricist Tim Rice. John’s EGOT achievement places him among only 18 other performers to have reached this prestigious milestone.

Who is Elton John?

Elton John’s innovative fusion of pop and rock music has made him one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. A musical prodigy, John started playing the piano at the age of four and released his debut album in 1970, propelling him to international stardom. His career boasts numerous chart-topping hits, including “Crocodile Rock,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “Candle in the Wind.”

Beyond his success in pop music, John has also made his mark on Broadway, composing the score for Billy Elliot (2008), which won 10 Tony Awards. John was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. His EGOT achievement in 2024 adds another remarkable chapter to his unparalleled career.

Early Life and Career

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, England, Elton John demonstrated an early aptitude for music, teaching himself to play the piano at just four years old. His talent led him to a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in London. However, his relationship with his father, Stanley Dwight, was strained, especially as John pursued his musical aspirations over his father’s wishes. John dropped out of school at 17 to follow his dream of a career in pop music, later adopting the stage name Elton John from members of his band, Bluesology.

In 1967, John answered a job advertisement for a songwriter at Liberty Records, where he formed a partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two quickly became one of the most successful songwriting duos in history. John’s first breakthrough as a singer came in 1970 with his album Elton John, which featured the hit single “Your Song.” His subsequent albums, including Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) and Rock of the Westies (1975), solidified his place as a global superstar. His string of hit songs continued throughout the decade, including chart-toppers such as “Bennie and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock.”

Elton John’s remarkable career trajectory continues to inspire, as his recent Emmy win adds to the legacy of one of music’s most enduring and versatile talents.

Elton John’s Musical Journey: A Legacy of Hits and Achievements

Elton John, one of the most iconic figures of the 1970s, became renowned not only for his exceptional music but also for his theatrical live performances. Known for his extravagant costumes and signature glasses, John’s live shows were as much a visual spectacle as a musical experience. In an interview with W Magazine, he explained, “I wasn’t a sex symbol like Bowie, Marc Bolan, or Freddie Mercury, so I dressed more on the humorous side, because if I was going to be stuck at the piano for two hours, I was going to make people look at me.”

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and Personal Milestones

In 1976, John reached the top of the charts with the hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” a duet with Kiki Dee. Following this success, he decided to take a break from music and focus on his co-owned soccer team in England. During this period, he publicly revealed his bisexuality, which initially sparked public ridicule. However, he later came out as a gay man, and by 1979, he returned triumphantly with the album A Single Man.

The 1980s: A Period of Reflection and Tribute

Although the 1980s did not yield major chart-toppers, John continued to release memorable songs, including “Little Jeannie” and the poignant “Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny).” The latter was a tribute to his close friend, John Lennon, who was tragically murdered in 1980.

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and New Horizons

In the 1990s, John expanded his artistic horizons, collaborating with lyricist Tim Rice on the soundtrack for The Lion King. Their song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” earned John his first Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The duo later won a Tony Award for Aida in 2000. During this time, John received several prestigious honors, including his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

“Candle in the Wind 1997” and Personal Losses

In 1997, John faced profound personal grief, losing two close friends: fashion designer Gianni Versace and Princess Diana. In response, he reworked his classic “Candle in the Wind” as a tribute to Princess Diana. The song became a global phenomenon, selling over 30 million copies that year and earning John another Grammy Award.

Continued Success and Broadway Ventures

John’s musical journey continued into the 21st century with the release of The Captain & the Kid (2006), a sequel to his earlier album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). He also collaborated with Leon Russell on The Union (2010) and released his 30th studio album, The Diving Board (2013), produced by T Bone Burnett. In 2016, Wonderful Crazy Night received positive reviews, marking his 33rd album.

John also ventured into Broadway, helping bring Billy Elliot the Musical to the stage in 2008, where it became both a critical and commercial success. He further showcased his versatility with the 2011 animated film Gnomeo & Juliet, for which he served as both a producer and composer.

Rocketman and Critical Acclaim

In 2019, John’s life story was brought to the big screen with the biographical film Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton. The film highlighted both his musical achievements and his struggles with his identity, earning him and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.”

The Farewell Tour: A Historic End

On January 24, 2018, John announced that he would retire from touring after his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. The decision was motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family. The tour, which began in 2018, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a hip injury, but ultimately concluded in July 2023 in Stockholm, with John performing his final concert on July 8. The tour became the highest-grossing in history, amassing $939.1 million in ticket sales before being overtaken by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2023.

Legacy and EGOT Status

Elton John’s final tour was memorialized with the live-streamed special Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, which aired in 2022. The special won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Live Variety Special in 2024, marking John’s achievement of EGOT status—joining a select group of individuals who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Elton John’s incredible career continues to inspire generations, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists of all time.