More On Elton - Joe's Comments

Touring America in 1998 before sellout crowds that have greeted for thirty years, Elton John ended his concerts alone, center stage. In the soft glow of the spotlight-his Versace outfit replaced by a casual jogging suit-the former Reg Dwight reflected on his often troubled and unhappy life, a life that included a painful childhood, suicide attempts, mood swings, weight problems, and alcohol and drug abuse. The star somberly thanked his fans. "You've been the one constant in my life," he said.

Indeed, while his career has experienced dips, Elton John has enjoyed an unfailing run on the charts that no one has topped. In every year since the 1970 release of "Your Song", he has landed at least one song in the top 40. When he did it for the 24th straight year with "Simple Life". Elton surpassed Elvis Presley. Such consistency has packed concert halls and huge stadiums, sold millions of albums, brought worldwide fame rivaled by few and secured him an undeniable place in U.S. culture.

The media attention bestowed upon Elton has often focused on peripheral issues-his costumes and eyeglasses, his alcoholism and sobriety, his marriage and his homosexuality, his hair weaves and transplants, his role in the battle against AIDS. Lost in such stories is the extraordinary body of work created by Elton John and his long-time collaborator,lyricist Bernie Taupin.