Could someone please explain to me why Elton John is so famous.

In his four-decade career John has sold more than 250 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time.[3] His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" has sold over 33 million copies worldwide, and is the best selling single in Billboard history.[4] He has more than 50 Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won six Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him Number 49 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.[5]

He wrote string of excellent pop songs in rapid succession in the early 70's.

Then we was one of the first entertainers to come out of the closet.

The John Man actually didn't write his own songs. Bernie Taupin did. Dancing in the Dark was not one of the songs Bernie wrote, however.

Porn Actor wrote:

The John Man actually didn't write his own songs. Bernie Taupin did. Dancing in the Dark was not one of the songs Bernie wrote, however.

Pretty sure "The John Man" didn't write Dancing in the Dark...

Porn Actor wrote:

The John Man actually didn't write his own songs. Bernie Taupin did.

Taupin = lyrics

John = music

That's why when they split, Elton's songs had idiotic lyrics. Philadelphia Freedom??!? Bleccch.

What did u say? wrote:

Actually EJ writes the music and BT does the lyrics. The man is an OUTSTANDING entertainer. Along with Springsteen, he's a guy you can count on for a great show every time.

Now THERE is something we can all agree on...

What did u say? wrote:

BT wrote those lyrics.

Seriously? Aaargh, another bubble popped. I'll assume that BT was drunk or on drugs when he did that.

maybe too young wrote:

It's like he's famous from being famous. What the hell has he done to be such a big deal?

Here are the top reasons that pop into my mind:

Great Voice

A true entertainer

Too many hits to name

Unique fashion

That duo with Eminem was huge at the grammys

Great in the studio and live performances

Has longevity

He is so talented he was able to become a star despite his looks. He really is that good.

People love his songs. I play in a mediocre classic rock band and folks go bananas when we play Elton John covers. I'm not a huge fan myself, but there are a few songs of his that I really like.

He's a rocket man... ROCKET MAN!

He's the man who wrote, "Kiss the Bride," that's why.

He's also segued into Broadway success with "The Lion King" and "Aida"

Because he sang Candle in the Wind at a funeral with over half the world's population watching. He didn't make a mistake and and he didn't break down unlike Pavarotti.

maybe too young wrote:

It's like he's famous from being famous. What the hell has he done to be such a big deal?

Holy crap you MUST be too young. His early stuff was just absolute genius.

Levon

Rocket Man

Your Song

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Bennie and the Jets

The Bitch is Back

Saturday's Alright for Fighting

Border Song - see video linked below

Daniel

Crocodile Rock

Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me

Empty Garden (GREAT tribute to John Lennon)

Honky Cat

Island Girl

Great cover of Pinball Wizard

Someone Saved My Life Tonight

Tiny Dancer

Your Song is one of the best songs ever written. He had problems with his vocal chords later on in his career, but in the early 70s his voice was amazing.

See this early video (1970) of Elton John singing Border Song. Like the song or not (I LOVE it), his voice, his phrasing...just brilliant.

Elton John is a BAMF. One of the most talented musicians ever.

He served in the English Navy.

I vote straight Republican and Elton John is the man. Plus, he can disagree with your views and unlike 99% of liberals, he doesn't hate you for being different and conservatives apppreciate that, i.e. singing at Rush Limbaugh's wedding. Do you think they have the same agenda? Plus, Elton dismisses the stupidity in a lot of liberal "logic" like gay marriage. He realizes what the word marriage means.

Yo g wrote:

You conservatives are all the same, the only reason you don't like him because he's gay.

Card carrying conservative and have followed EJ since the late-70s. Even when I first heard "Philadelphia Freedom" I thought that is a gay song. Reading the lyrics below, proves that. They should have just named it "Brotherly Love Freedom".

I used to be a rolling stone

You know if the cause was right

I'd leave to find the answer on the road

I used to be a heart beating for someone

But the times have changed

The less I say the more my work gets done

`Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom

From the day that I was born I've waved the flag

Philadelphia freedom took me knee-high to a man

Yeah gave me peace of mind my daddy never had

Oh Philadelphia freedom shine on me, I love you

Shine a light through the eyes of the ones left behind

Shine a light shine a light

Shine a light won't you shine a light

Philadelphia freedom I love you, yes I do

If you choose to you can live your life alone

Some people choose the city

Some others choose the good old family home

I like living easy without family ties

Till the whippoorwill of freedom zapped me

Right between the eyes

I'd like to throw Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters in there.