How Elton John made it back to the top of the charts.
With a career spanning six decades, five Grammy Awards, and more than 300 million records sold worldwide, Elton John’s place in music history is assured. And yet, in a testament to his enduring brilliance, the Rocket Man returned to the top of the UK album charts in April with the release of Reprise: The Final Sessions. It’s safe to say the achievement took the 78-year-old by surprise.
“I never expect success!” he laughs. “When it comes along it’s lovely, but you never really know when the game is up, and many times during my career I’ve felt it was over.
“The surprise is in the fact someone still likes what you do enough to invest their time and their money, and that’s very special.”
Returning to the top of the hit parade marks the latest chapter in a remarkable journey, and reaffirms Elton’s position as not just a legend, but a continuing creative force.
“I’ve had a long and lucky career – I’ve always tried to mix things up, keep things fun, shock people and entertain in equal measure. I think that’s what people want – variety and delight.”
Reprise is being heralded as a reflective yet triumphant record – a sweeping collection of new tracks and reimagined classics, with contributions from long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin as well as guest spots from younger collaborators including Harry Styles, Rina Sawayama and Sam Fender.
“I wanted it to be a kind of ‘thank you’,” Elton says. “A gift to everyone I’ve worked with, to the fans, to Bernie. There’s a lot of emotion in it. I think it sounds like someone taking stock… but still having a bloody good time doing it.”
The superstar singer-songwriter has never exactly taken the quiet road. From the flamboyant fashion and glittering eyewear to the Las Vegas residencies, the world tours, the chart-toppers and charity work, Elton has made a life and a legacy out of being impossible to ignore.
Raised in Pinner, Middlesex, and classically trained on piano from a young age, he released his debut album Empty Sky in 1969. Global superstardom followed quickly in the 1970s, thanks to a string of now-iconic hits – Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road among them.
Asked how he’s maintained the momentum, Elton laughs: “I’ve never stopped being curious. I love new music. I love learning. The day I think I know it all is the day I’ll retire — properly this time!”
And how does he feel about his legacy?
“I hope people see that I’ve always led with passion, whether it was in music, in the fight against AIDS, or just being myself. If that’s the mark I leave on the world, I’ll be happy.”
