Elton+John

Elton John was born March 25, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England with the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight. Reginald went to school at Pinner County Grammar School and began playing the piano at age four. Only 7 years later, when he was 11 years old, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. He changed his name to Elton John after his 'Bluesologists' Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. Dean was a saxophonist and Baldry was a singer. Elton first came out as being bisexual in 1976. Then, in 1988 he married Renate Blauel, and only 4 years later in 1988, the couple got a divorce. It was not a known fact until several years later that the reason Elton filed for a divorce was because he had been in a homosexual relationship with his partner David Furnish. Through his manhood, Elton John suffered through occasional addictions to cocaine, and has had difficulties with money spending, mainly because of the money he spent on drugs. Apart from his personal problems, Elton has managed to do himself good deeds as well as in programs such as becoming chairman and director of the Watford Football Club which is a professional football club in Watford, Hetfordshire, England. Then, in 2002 he resigned from being chairman, as they were in need of a full-time director. After the death of Elton's dear friend Ryan White, Elton was committed to being involved in various AIDS awareness programs and funds. He joined Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder to produce the hit single, 'That's What Friends Are For.' All profits toward this single were donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research. The song also won Grammy awards for 'Song of the Year' and 'Best Pop Performance, by a Duo or Group.' Despite his well-known music and success, Elton John states in his most famous quote that he has never and will never be full of himself. "I've always had a body-image problem. No self-esteem. And that will never leave me." This quote clearly states that this brilliant musician is still struggling through obstacles in his life, no matter the fame, money, and success. Being a middle-aged, homosexual man is one obstacle that he must face in his every day life, and still remain happy.