Elton+John

=__Elton John and his Contribution to Gay Rights__=

Elton John's Life
Elton John, a pop singer, composer, and pianist was born in Pinner in Middlesex, England on March 25, 1947. Originally, his name was Reginald Kenneth Dwight, but when his music career started becoming more famous, he created a new name based on a singer named Long John Baldry and a saxophone player, Elton Dean. He was born to a RAF or Royal Air Force trumpeter. Elton is often known for his unusual glasses (as seen to the right) and flashy outfits. When he was four, he played the piano by ear, and then when he was 11, Elton studied at the Royal Academy of Music. In 1967, Bernie Taupin helped him compose songs such as “Rocket Man” in 1972, “Honky Cat” in 1972, and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” in 1973. Afterwards, Elton's publisher convinced him to perform the songs. At the concerts, Elton wore sequined and fringed jumpsuits, huge glasses, and ermine boots.

Elton John also composed “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King. Later, he wrote music for the West End Musical, “Billy Elliot” (2005). With Bernie Taupin, he composed for another musical, “Leslat” (2006). His career has had many ups and downs, including job problems, drug addiction, and public court cases, but he seems to have pulled through because he has been in the Top 40 Single every year from 1970 to 1996 and his music career has lasted 35 years.

On December 21, 2005, the first day same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales, Elton John and David Furnish, joined a civil partnership.

Elton John's Contribution
Elton Hercules John came out in the early 90's and has become the world's most famous gay person (this can be argued). One thing he is famous for is his commitment to HIV charities. He was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for all the work he has done. One of his major contributions to this cause is that he created the Elton John AIDS Foundation of Los Angeles and London. This foundation has given out more than $21 million in grants. When he came out in the 90's he had just struggled through drug addiction and lots of drinking and part of his method of healing himself. His long and painful process of coming out helped make it easier for others to come out after him.

Elton has some strong opinions about gay rights and matters that involve gay rights. For instance, in November, 2006, he said in an interview, “I think that religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people.” Also, he said that “Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays.” Later in the interview Elton told the reporter how there are so many gay people who love their religion and that he thinks religion should be banned completely.

McLeese, Don. “John, Elton. World Book Encyclopedia. 2001 edition.

“Ban religion, says Elton John.” ABC NEWSONLINE. 2006. ABC. May 22, 2007. [|]

“Elton John & Rufus Wainwright-Brief Article/” Find Articles. 2000. Look Smart. May 28, 2007. [|]

“Elton Urges Global Gay Rights.” Guardian Unlimited. 2005. The Observer. May 17, 2007. [|]

“The Flamboyant King of Pop.” BBC. 2004. BBC. May 27, 2007. [|]

“Sir Elton (Hercules) John Biography.” Online Encyclopedia. 2007. Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth, ME. May 25, 2007. [|]

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Quotes by Elton John