One of the most astonishing transformations in music history began with an earnest, bespectacled pianist named Reginald Kenneth Dwight — a shy kid who dreamed of writing songs for others. Our guest will take us inside that dream that took an unexpected turn when he reinvented himself as Elton John - a name that would soon be synonymous with spectacle, melody, and superstardom - releasing a run of number one albums that redefined pop and rock music.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Elton never intended to be a stage performer at all — his plan was to write songs for others
- The unlikely and almost accidental origins of his ultimate songwriting partner
- How his very first American concert drew a dozen rock legends into the audience
- A deep, inside look at the classic albums that made him unstoppable
- The artists who shaped his sound, his showmanship, and his fearless stage persona
- And how he evolved into a master of the modern soundtrack — from Broadway to Hollywood
Want to learn more music history?
Subscribe to our bonus Garage to Stadium content across our social + web channels
Guest Biography
Gillian Garr, author of Elton John, Captain Fantastic on the Yellow Brick Road. She's written extensively on music for a variety of publications, including Rolling Stone, Mojo and Goldmine. Gillian is the author of over 15 music biography books, including books on Green Day, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix and the history of women in rock and roll. She joins us from Seattle.
