Elton John - John O'Mahony

This series of biographies of famous composers and musicians aims to introduce young readers of 10-14 to the world of music. The books feature the story of the life of the composer, but woven into each book will be educational themes such as the form of a symphony, the development of particular instruments and the techniques of composition. The books will also cover the role that personal and political beliefs played in the lives of composers.;Reginald Kenneth Dwight, born in 1947 in a London suburb, did not seem destined for fame. But with the lyrical talents of Bernie Taupin and a new identity under the name of Elton John, a unique musician and entertainer emerged.;Elton John was to bring originality, both in terms of music composition and stage presence, to the pop scene for over twenty years. Through sheer determination and ambition, Elton made it to the top, though it was not easy. He struggled through problems with his weight, an unsuccessful marriage and a traumatic libel case, but he continued into the nineties still making hit records and donating time and money to AIDS charities. Elton John came through it all as one of pop music's most outstanding entertainers.