Elton John is one of the most famous musicians in the world. He has built an incredible career as a singer, songwriter, and piano player. With a net worth of $650 million, he remains one of the richest and most successful artists of all time.
A Musical Legend
Elton John has sold over 300 million albums worldwide. This makes him the fifth best-selling artist ever, behind Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles.
He has had 50 songs reach the Top 40 charts, and nine of those hit No. 1. Elton also holds a record with seven albums in a row reaching No. 1.
His 1997 version of Candle in the Wind, honoring Princess Diana, is the best-selling single in the UK and US. He is also the first solo artist to have UK Top 10 singles in six different decades.
Winning All the Big Awards
On January 15, 2024, Elton achieved EGOT status. This means he has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Only 19 people in history have done this.
The Emmy was for Outstanding Variety Special. He already had five Grammys, an Oscar, and a Tony.
Success on Tour
Elton’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was a massive success. Between 2018 and 2023, the tour earned $940 million from 330 shows.
Although Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has now earned more, Elton’s tour is still one of the highest-grossing of all time. On average, each of his concerts earned $2.85 million.
In touring years, Elton can easily earn over $80 million from performances and other projects.
Early Life and Start of His Career
Elton John was born Reginald Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Middlesex, England. He started playing the piano at age three and later studied music at the Royal Academy of Music.
In 1966, he changed his name to Elton John. He was inspired by two musicians he admired, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
That same year, he met Bernie Taupin, a songwriter. Together, they wrote over 30 albums that sold more than 300 million copies.
A Big Spender with a Growing Fortune
Elton hasn’t always been careful with money. In the 1990s, he admitted spending $2 million every month on luxuries. He once spent $12 million on homes in just six months and $500,000 on flowers.
Despite this, his wealth has grown over time. In 2000, his net worth was $100 million. By 2020, it was over $500 million.
Luxury Homes Around the World
Elton owns several incredible homes. His main home is a 37-acre estate in Old Windsor, England, called Woodside. He bought it in 1974 for £400,000 (around $5 million today).
Other properties include:
- A $33 million mansion in Beverly Hills with 25,000 square feet of space.
- A 13,000-square-foot penthouse in Atlanta, which he sold for $14 million in 2023.
- A penthouse in Toronto, added to his collection in 2022.
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An Impressive Art Collection
Elton is also an art lover. His art collection is worth an estimated $200 million. It includes works by artists like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.
His Personal Life
Elton married Renata Blauel in 1984, but they divorced in 1988. Later, he came out as gay.
In 1993, he met filmmaker David Furnish, and they married in 2014. The couple has two sons, Zachary and Elijah, born via surrogate.
A Lasting Legacy
Elton John is more than a music legend. He has also made smart investments and championed LGBTQ+ rights. His story of talent, resilience, and success continues to inspire people around the world.