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Elton John met Bernie Taupin after they both answered an ad for musicians. They went on to become one of the most successful songwriting duos in history. Occasionally they credited themselves with the pseudonyms "Ann Horse" and "Carte Blanche," which was a flourish on the expression "an horse and cart, blanche."

Kiki Dee's duet with Elton John, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," was one of the most successful singles of the 1970s.

His flamboyant stage persona set him apart from other singer-songwriters of the 1970s. In interviews, Elton has said this was his way to rebel against his strict upbringing.

Elton's mother, Sheila, and his stepfather, Fred Fairebrother, supported and encouraged him when he was starting out in the music world.

When "Your Song" hit the radio in 1970, the song catapulted Elton John and Bernie Taupin to fame. They went on to produce a string of hits, including "Rocket Man," Crocodile Rock," and "Candle in the Wind."

Elton John became chairman and director of the Watford Football Club in 1976. Here he is with Rod Stewart.

Though he no longer has complete financial control of the Waterford Football Club, Elton still invests large amounts of his time and money into the team, often performing at Vicarage Road stadium.

The 1970s music scene allowed for a new crop of singer-songwriters with simple, piano-driven melodies to become successful. Ray Charles performed "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" with Elton John on his album Genius Loves Company.

Though his music and lyrics were sparse and gimmick-free, Elton's stage presence was usually characterized as flamboyant. His large, tinted glasses and colorful costumes were almost always over the top.

No strangers to heavy makeup and cutting edge costumes, the members of KISS pose with Elton in 1974.

With fellow icon Cher in 1975.

An avid tennis player, Elton John often plays in celebrity tournaments and promotes the sport. His song "Philadelphia Freedom" is a tribute to his friend Billie Jean King and her tennis team. Here he is playing tennis in New York in 1975.

He received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975.

Elton John toured the Soviet Union in 1979. His concerts were the first by a western rock star in the Eastern Bloc.