Princess Diana, an Academy Award

Elton John’s appeal has spanned generations as few entertainers’ have; studying his career quickly reveals that there is more to creating hits than just making good music. Fans have watched him transform from what might be described as the Liberace of rock and roll-clad in wild sunglasses, outrageously sequined outfits, and flamboyant hats-to respected artist, statesman, and AIDS activist.

They’ve seen him appear on magazine covers, television shows, television advertisements, and alongside some of the hottest entertainers of the moment. They’ve followed his personal life in the media, including his struggles with substance abuse, weight gain, sexual preference, and personal finances. They’ve also watched him push the envelope of artistry with his Disney movie soundtracks and his Broadway triumphs with The Lion King and Aida.

As a result, John achieved unprecedented success with his tribute to Princess Diana set to “Candle In The Wind,” which he performed only at her funeral. “I was singing on behalf of all those people who had stood for 13, 14 hours to pay tribute to someone they obviously thought a lot of,” he says. He donated the proceeds of the record sales-$32 million-to Princess Diana’s favorite charities. This song became the number one selling song of all time, eclipsing sales of the previous record holder, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. John’s fans have propelled him to sales of over 200 million albums worldwide, with 10 multiplatinum, 24 platinum, and 33 gold records in the United States alone. Along the way he accumulated an Academy Award for Can You Feel the Love Tonight in 1995, five Grammys, a People’s Choice Award in 1999, and a Tony Award for his musical Aida in 2000. He’s been honored with fashion, music video, and social responsibility awards as well.