Elton John

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Lore & Background

John's critical and commercial success peaked in the 1970s with a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK beginning with Honky Château (1972) and culminating with Blue Moves (1976), including his best-selling album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973) and concept album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975). In the 1980s, he released hit singles including "I'm Still Standing" and "Sacrifice". Following Princess Diana's death in 1997, he released the double A-side charity single "Candle in the Wind 1997"/"Something About the Way You Look Tonight", which sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and performed it at Diana's funeral. He has continued recording new music in the 21st century.

In Their Own Story

John's first major collaboration was "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", his 1976 duet with Kiki Dee. He later collaborated with George Michael on a live recording of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" in 1991, having worked with him on the 1985 song "Wrap Her Up". He composed music with Tim Rice for The Lion King in 1993 and Aida in 2000. Other collaborators include Ed Sheeran ("Merry Christmas"), Dua Lipa ("Cold Heart"), Britney Spears ("Hold Me Closer"), Leon Russell (on their collaborative album The Union), Eminem (a live recording of "Stan"), Tupac Shakur (the posthumous single "Ghetto Gospel"), Kanye West ("All of the Lights"), Lady Gaga ("Sine from Above") and Ozzy Osbourne ("Ordinary Man"). In 2021, he released The Lockdown Sessions, featuring collaborations with Years & Years, Damon Albarn, Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Puth, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Stevie Nicks, and Glen Campbell.

Reader's Guide

John's collaboration with Kanye West is specifically on the song "All of the Lights". The source does not mention any other direct musical work between them, nor does it describe studio sessions, The Life of Pablo, or any fashion influence. John's role is that of a collaborator on that track. His broader career shows a pattern of working across genres and generations, from 1970s duets to 2020s pop and hip-hop features. The source confirms his status as an active legend through continued recording in the 21st century and his 2021 collaborative album.

Did You Know?

• Elton John has recorded a total of 464 songs, most written by him and Bernie Taupin.
• He formed the blues band Bluesology in 1962.
• His first hit single was "Your Song", released in 1970.
• The double A-side charity single "Candle in the Wind 1997"/"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" sold over 33 million copies worldwide.
• John collaborated with Kanye West on the song "All of the Lights".