Elton John, born as Reginald Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Middlesex, England, displayed a prodigious talent for the piano from a young age. He began playing at the age of three on his grandmother’s piano and started formal lessons at seven. His exceptional skills earned him a scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of Music at the age of eleven. Despite his father’s attempts to steer him towards a more traditional career in banking, Elton’s passion for music prevailed.
Rise to Success
Elton John’s rise to success began in the late 1960s when he formed the band Bluesology with his friends. It was during this time that he adopted the name Elton John as an homage to blues legends Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. In 1969 and 1970, he released his debut albums, “Empty Sky” and “Elton John,” respectively. These albums laid the foundation for his future success.
Throughout the 1970s, Elton John saw seven consecutive albums top the charts, solidifying his status as a musical powerhouse. In 1973, he founded his own record label, The Rocket Record Company, which released albums by artists like Neil Sedaka. Despite owning a record label, Elton chose to sign an $8 million deal with MCA to release his own music.
Elton John continued to release successful albums in the 1980s and signed a groundbreaking $39 million, twelve-year contract with Warner Bros. Records in 1992. His musical talents extended beyond his own albums, as he composed the music for the Disney animated movie “The Lion King” in 1994, earning a Grammy Award for Best Song.
Personal Life
Elton John’s personal life has also made headlines throughout his career. He was married to German recording engineer Renata Blauel from 1984 to 1988. After coming out as gay, he entered into a relationship with filmmaker David Furnish in 1993. The couple entered into a civil partnership in 2005 and got married in December 2014 after same-sex marriage became legal in the United Kingdom. They have two sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, who were born via a surrogate.
Highest-Paid Celebrities
Elton John consistently ranks among the highest-paid celebrities in the world. Between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $45 million. His Las Vegas residency, “The Million Dollar Piano,” which ran from 2011 to 2018, allowed him to earn a significant portion of his income. Elton negotiated a deal where he received 88% of the door revenues for every show, resulting in earnings of around $500,000 per show.
Elton John Net Worth Milestones
Elton John’s net worth has experienced significant growth over the years. In 2000, his net worth was $100 million, but by 2009, it had reached $265 million. In 2013, his net worth surpassed $300 million, and by 2020, it had reached an impressive $500 million. Elton’s astute investments and business ventures, coupled with his successful music career, have contributed to his substantial wealth.
Art Collection
Elton John is renowned for his extensive art collection, which could be worth around $200 million. His collection includes works by renowned artists such as Mapplethorpe, Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, and Damien Hirst. In 2004, Elton sold 70 photographs from his collection for $900,000, showcasing his keen eye for art.
Real Estate
Elton John’s real estate portfolio is equally impressive. Since 1974, his primary residence has been Woodside, a 37-acre estate in Old Windsor, Berkshire, England. He purchased the property for £400,000 (equivalent to $5 million today) and has since refurbished and refurnished the entire estate.
In addition to Woodside, Elton owns homes in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nice, London, and Venice. His Beverly Hills estate, which he acquired for $33 million in 2015, spans nearly 20 acres and features a 25,000-square-foot main house, an 11-car subterranean garage, a screening room, a wine cellar, and a gym. Elton also owns a neighboring property that he purchased for $7.2 million in 2012.
Ferrari Testarossa
Elton John’s love for luxury cars is evident in his ownership of a red 1987 Ferrari Testarossa. Given to him as a birthday present by MCA Records, the iconic car had been stored in Australia for years before Elton sold it at auction in 2001. The Ferrari Testarossa, made famous on the TV show “Miami Vice,” is a symbol of Elton’s extravagant lifestyle.
FAQs
1. What is Elton John’s net worth?
Elton John’s net worth is $550 million as of October 2023.
2. How many albums has Elton John sold?
Elton John has sold over 300 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most commercially successful artists of all time.
3. What is Elton John’s most successful single?
Elton John’s most successful single is “Candle in the Wind,” which is the best-selling single in both UK and US singles chart history.
4. How many children does Elton John have?
Elton John has two sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John, who were born via a surrogate.
5. What is Elton John’s real estate portfolio?
Elton John owns properties in Woodside, Old Windsor, Berkshire, England, as well as in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nice, London, and Venice. His Beverly Hills estate, which he purchased for $33 million in 2015, is one of his notable properties.
6. What is Elton John’s art collection worth?
Elton John’s art collection is estimated to be worth around $200 million and includes works by renowned artists such as Mapplethorpe, Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, and Damien Hirst.