Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE is an English singer, composer and pianist. In five decades, Elton John has sold over 250 million records and has over 50 Top 40 hits. John was one of the dominant commercial forces in the rock world during the 1970s, with a string of seven consecutive #1 records on the U.S. album charts, 23 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10 ones, and six #1 hits. His success had a profound impact on popular music, and contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. Key musical elements in John’s success included his melodic gifts matched with the contributions of his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin, his rich tenor and gospel-chorded piano, aggressive string arrangements, his flamboyant fashion sense and on-stage showmanship. As told by himself, his somewhat “flashy” outfits were due to the fact that he sits behind the piano and would otherwise vanish on stage. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and knighted in 1998. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked John #49 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. He continues to be a major public figure.