More than just a pop star
How Elton John changed the music industry
When people think of Elton John, the first things that probably spring to mind are his huge glasses, glittering stage outfits and songs like Rocket Man or I’m Still Standing comes to mind. Perhaps one also thinks of sold-out stadiums, spectacular live shows, or the fact that Elton John seems to have always been part of pop culture.
What is sometimes almost overlooked is that his influence on the music industry extends far beyond hit songs and stage outfits. Elton John has not only shaped pop and glam rock, but has also transformed the visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the music world. At the same time, he has been committed to the fight against AIDS for decades, and it is precisely this aspect of his story that is often underestimated.
«If my fall made you smile, you might not want to witness what’s about to happen when I get up.»
A pop star who stood out from the crowd
Elton John began his career in the late 1960s and became one of the most influential figures in pop music during the 1970s. His music straddled the genres of pop, rock, glam rock and ballads, often accompanied by elaborate stage outfits and a stage presence that was hard for anyone to ignore at the time. Especially at a time when male rock stars usually had to conform to a very specific image, Elton John stood out as being markedly different.
He wore glitter, feathers and flamboyant suits, played the piano instead of the guitar, and turned precisely that into his strength. Today, that might seem obvious, but back then it was quite revolutionary. Particularly in the mainstream, this kind of self-expression was anything but normal. Many artists who later experimented with gender roles and aesthetics were following a path that Elton John had helped to shape.
However, his influence is not merely visual. Musically, too, Elton John has had a profound impact on pop music. Together with songwriter Bernie Taupin, he created songs that were both catchy and emotionally complex. Ballads suddenly came to be regarded on a par with grand rock anthems, and piano music became suitable for stadium audiences. To this day, many subsequent pop and rock musicians cite Elton John as a major influence – from George Michael to Lady Gaga.
A particularly important part of his story is the role he has played in raising the profile of LGBTQ+ people in the music industry. Elton John first came out as bisexual in 1976 and later spoke openly about his homosexuality. That may sound less spectacular from today’s perspective, but at the time it was an enormous risk, especially for one of the world’s biggest pop stars. The music industry was significantly more conservative than it is today, and openly queer artists were rarely visible in the mainstream.
That is precisely why his openness had such a profound impact. For many fans, Elton John became a figure who demonstrated that success and visibility are possible even outside traditional gender roles. His influence therefore extends far beyond music. For many people, he also became a symbol of self-determination and acceptance.
A commitment that is often overlooked
What many people are less aware of, however, is that Elton John has been deeply involved in the fight against AIDS and HIV for decades. In 1992, he set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation after the AIDS crisis had claimed countless lives in the 1980s and early 1990s, including those of many artists, friends and colleagues.
The foundation supports projects around the world, funds education, medical care and prevention programmes, and has raised millions of dollars to date for the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, over 600 million US dollars has been raised since its inception to support programmes in more than 90 countries.
It is precisely this part of his career that shows that Elton John did not limit his influence to music alone. Whilst many stars tended to steer clear of political or social issues, he deliberately used his fame to raise awareness of a subject that had long been considered taboo. This was by no means a given, particularly in the early years of the AIDS crisis.
A career that leaves a lasting impact
Perhaps that is precisely why Elton John remains such a special figure in music history to this day. Of course, it is down to his songs, his stage presence and his decades-long career. But it is also because his influence extends far beyond the world of entertainment.
He has shown that pop music can be successful, flamboyant, emotional and socially relevant all at the same time.
And to be honest:
How many artists can you think of who have remained relevant musically, culturally and socially for over five decades?
Not many.
If you haven’t heard much of Elton John’s music yet and aren’t quite sure where to start, I’d definitely recommend „Goodbye Yellow Brick Road“. The album illustrates quite well why Elton John is still regarded as one of the most influential artists in pop history.
Here you'll be taken straight to the album. Enjoy!
Sources:
– https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/22/stairway-to-heaven-unreleased-mix-led-zeppelin-iv-remastered
– https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
– https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/elton-john-me-book-memoir-8533251/
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