Who is Elton John?
Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, is a legendary British singer, songwriter, and pianist who has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Renowned for his flamboyant style, powerful vocals, and captivating performances, Elton John's musical journey began at an early age. He displayed exceptional talent on the piano, earning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at just 11 years old.
In the late 1960s, Elton John teamed up with lyricist Bernie Taupin, sparking a partnership that would yield some of the most iconic and enduring songs in music history. Elton John's ascent to becoming a huge star can be attributed to his extraordinary musical talent, captivating performances, and a series of strategic decisions that propelled him into the global spotlight. Starting in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Elton John's unique blend of rock and pop, coupled with his dynamic stage presence, often characterized by extravagant costumes and elaborate spectacles, set him apart in the music scene.
His distinctive voice, flamboyant fashion sense, and energetic piano playing captured the attention of listeners and critics alike. Elton John's albums, including "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Honky Château," and "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy," showcased his versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Furthermore, his involvement in philanthropic efforts, particularly in raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, showcased his commitment to social causes, enhancing his public image.
Elton John's marriage to David Furnish is a significant aspect of his personal life. The two have been in a committed relationship for many years and decided to formalize their bond by getting married on December 21, 2014. Their marriage marked a milestone in their journey together and was celebrated as a moment of joy and love. Elton John and David Furnish are not only partners in life but also collaborators in various philanthropic and artistic endeavors, reflecting a strong and enduring partnership that goes beyond their personal relationship.
Elton John's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, sold over 300 million records globally, and has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music and philanthropy. Elton John was knighted and received the title "Sir" on February 24, 1998. Elton John's knighthood marked a significant recognition of his exceptional contributions to the music industry and philanthropic endeavors. The honor acknowledged his impressive musical career, which spans decades and has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Additionally, the title "Sir" not only recognizes his artistic achievements but also highlights his philanthropic efforts, including his dedication to raising awareness and funds for causes such as HIV/AIDS through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The knighthood underscored his multifaceted impact, both as a musical icon and as a committed advocate for positive change.
In essence, Elton John's trajectory to becoming a huge star was propelled by his exceptional musical prowess, iconic style, stage presence, and a genuine connection with his audience, establishing him as an enduring figure in the pantheon of music legends.
Elton John's Passion for the Arts
Elton John's fascination with art traces its origins to the 1990s, marked by his initial foray into collecting creations by contemporary British artists like Damien Hirst and David Hockney. Over the years, his collection has evolved to encompass both emerging talents and esteemed figures within the art realm, spanning a diverse range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. Swiftly ascending as a notable presence in the art sphere, he curated a collection that embraces contributions from acclaimed artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Cecily Brown, Philip Taaffe, among others. His discerning perspective on contemporary art is accentuated by his inclination towards pieces that resonate with his distinct personal taste and sensibilities.
Among the notable artworks in Elton John's collection, stands a renowned painting by David Hockney titled "The Splash." This iconic creation, portraying a vivid water splash within a swimming pool, is widely recognized as one of Hockney's most acclaimed achievements. Notably, Elton John acquired this masterpiece in 2006 for a reported sum of $2.9 million, marking it as one of the prized and higher-valued pieces within his curated collection.
Another significant artwork and among the highly valued pieces in Elton John's collection is a sculpture by Damien Hirst titled "Saint Bartholomew, Exquisite Pain." This creation showcases a cow's head and hooves suspended within formaldehyde, a distinctive hallmark of Hirst's artistic expression. Elton John acquired this sculpture in 2007 at a substantial cost of $11 million.
Elton John’s Photography Collection
One of the highlights of Elton John's art collection is his extensive photography collection and it is believed that he possesses one of the largest private photography collections in the world. His intrigue in photography was initially sparked by Los Angeles gallerist David Fahey, who introduced him to Irving Penn's images. This pivotal moment unveiled photography to him as an "art form" in a revelatory manner. From then onward, he immersed himself in collecting with unwavering enthusiasm, driven not by profit but a passionate desire.
In 1993, Sir Elton John purchased a vintage print (with five known variants) of Man Ray's "Glass Tears" for £112,000, establishing an auction record for a single photograph at that time. Created by Man Ray using a fashion mannequin and glass beads following his separation from his partner, American photographer Lee Miller, the potential value of this artwork in today's market is difficult to predict, but it is anticipated to exceed a million pounds. During that time, photography was considered a relatively subdued segment of the art market. However, a mere six years later, a different vintage print of the same image—only six of its kind in existence—achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first photograph to command a price exceeding $1 million. From that point onward, the trajectory shifted significantly, as artists like Andreas Gursky and Cindy Sherman now routinely secure prices ranging from $3 million to $4 million for individual prints.
He has a deep appreciation for photography as an art form and has collected works by iconic photographers like Man Ray, Irving Penn, Tina Modotti, Alfred Stieglitz, and Richard Avedon. Furthermore, the collection comprises a variety of artworks from artists of lesser renown, including Harry Callahan, Berenice Abbott, Imogen Cunningham, Emmanuel Sougez, and Paul Outerbridge. Elton John's photographic collection stands as a testament to his profound appreciation for the visual arts, particularly within the realm of photography.
Elton John possesses numerous captivating pieces within the collection fall under the category of documentary photography, exemplified by works like Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother" from 1936 and Walker Evans' "Floyde Burroughs." Additionally, he gathers photography series with specific themes, encompassing portraits of individuals such as Chet Baker, Igor Stravinsky, Francis Bacon, and Salvador Dalí. Notably, he possesses the world's most extensive compilation of 9/11 photographs, totaling around 2,000 images that span from snapshots captured by amateur photographers on the scene to pieces crafted by Magnum photojournalists.
In 2016, Elton John's celebrated photography collection was showcased at the esteemed Tate Modern. This exhibition provided a captivating opportunity for the public to engage with the works of legendary photographers. "The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Collection of Sir Elton John" presented a captivating display of over 150 photographs by over 60 artists, spanning the years between the 1920s and the 1950s. This collection, reportedly comprising around 7,000 prints, offered a remarkable insight into the evolution of modernist photography. Curated by Shoair Mavlian of the Tate, with assistance from Newell Harbin, the director of John's extensive collection, the exhibition is structured around seven distinct themes that encompass a spectrum from portraiture to abstraction. "The Radical Eye" marks the initiation of an enduring collaboration between the Tate and Sir Elton John along with his husband David Furnish, a partnership that will ultimately lead to significant artworks being contributed to the national collection.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish played host to an exclusive private preview of the Radical Eye exhibition at Tate Modern, in collaboration with Bulgari, to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Attendees secured tickets starting at £1000, reserved through the foundation. During the dinner event, cherished selections from Sir Elton's collection were auctioned by the accomplished auctioneer Simon de Pury as part of the Radical Eye auction, with the entirety of the auction proceeds dedicated to supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
From iconic images by legendary photographers to pieces by emerging talents, Elton John's collection reflects his discerning eye for captivating moments frozen in time. This collection serves as a multifaceted representation of his artistic sensibilities and showcases his dedication to preserving and celebrating the artistry of photography. Through his collection, Elton John not only contributes to the preservation of photographic history but also provides insight into his own creative inspirations and the stories he finds compelling. This extensive compilation of photographs not only highlights his admiration for the art form but also his ability to capture the essence of various epochs, perspectives, and emotions.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation
In 1992 Elton John established The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), a nonprofit organization, with the main objective of raising awareness, funds, and support for the global prevention, treatment, and eradication of HIV/AIDS.
EJAF operates with a strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It focuses on supporting projects that provide access to medical care, treatment, prevention programs, education, and advocacy efforts. These initiatives aim to reduce the transmission of the virus, improve the quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS, and ultimately work toward ending the epidemic.
Over the years, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has been involved in numerous activities, including fundraising events, campaigns, and collaborations with other organizations and governments. The foundation works in collaboration with local partners, governments, and organizations to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and to create a lasting impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Through its various programs and initiatives, the foundation strives to empower marginalized communities, reduce stigma, promote education about HIV/AIDS, and improve access to healthcare services. EJAF's efforts extend both globally and within the communities it serves, making a significant contribution to the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.
Elton John utilizes diverse approaches to generate funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. One of these methods involves hosting auctions wherein EJAF curates collections of valuable items, encompassing artworks, memorabilia, and unique experiences. The proceeds from these auctions are channeled directly into the foundation's initiatives, drawing the interest of collectors, art aficionados, and individuals who champion the cause.
In 2016, he auctioned an untitled artwork by the collaboration of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat at Sotheby's. Expected to command a price of approximately $1.1 million, the untitled painting, spanning nearly nine feet wide and created during 1984-85, had never previously appeared in an auction setting. Acquired by Sir Elton John from dealer Larry Gagosian, the artwork features a skull and crossbones motif set against what resembles a paper bag, reminiscent of heroin packaging and the markers denoting distinct strains. Adjacent to the skull, Basquiat's characteristic uppercase letters form a red icon with the word "stomach" and a copyright symbol. Initially projected to fetch between $800,000 and $1,140,000, the final selling price reached $934,689 (£655,669).
Elton John's personal dedication to the cause, combined with the foundation's outreach and partnerships, has helped EJAF become a prominent force in raising awareness and funds to combat HIV/AIDS, with a focus on creating a world free from the disease.
Selena Mattei
