Elton John

With his outrageous costumes and campy theatricality, the man formerly known as Reginald Dwight typified 1970s rock in all its excess, yet evaded fad-dom with an indomitable spirit, genial persona, and simple genius. From his beginnings as a sensitive singer and pianist through his ascent to superstardom, Elton John has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in rock & roll. While a brief breakup with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin left some scars, John would rebound by the end of the '80s, remaining a constant on the pop charts, the definitive voice of musical eulogy with ever-evolving hit "Candle in the Wind," and a Broadway mover-and-shaker with long-running hits like LION KING, AIDA, and BILLY ELLIOT.

• rock
• pop