This is a good book into the rise of Elton John from his childhood to his chart success from “your song” and throughout the 70’s. The author takes you through the different bands he joined and how he began writing music until he met Bernie Taupin. Together they would have some of the biggest hits not only of the 70’s but of all time. “Candle in the Wind” for instance is originally off 1973 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album and Elton John asked Bernie to rework some of the lyrics for Diana which he did. Things like that unless you are a true fan you may not know. I spent the 70’s buying albums, records, and Elton Johns were some of the ones I always bought. I liked his music so finding out about the different tours and all of the people that would go to see him was an added plus to the book, also finding out that he made it here in the U.S first before England was also a plus. Like I said this book only takes you through the 70’s ends with album 21 at 33 which I thought was still a good record at the beginning of 1980. The author goes into different people’s reviews of his albums but even for me back then I never paid too much attention to those because a lot of them did not like certain groups when they first came out but after a few records they would change their tune. I will say the one time I saw him in concert was on his “One” tour, which was right after he got out of rehab and the music was great. Back to playing the piano like he used to but he was not flamboyant with his dress, but he did play over 2 hours’ worth of music. Over all a good book and for most people I think they will find out things that they don’t know.

One of the criteria I have for a well-written biography is for it to engage me, insofar as I am effortlessly turning the pages in keen interest. Joyously, that happened here. Elton John is one of my favorite musical artists from my heyday in the seventies, so I was delighted to delve into this biography. Additionally, I had read one of this author's other biographies about Paul McCartney's Wings group during the 70's: "Man on the Run." That was an excellent book, so I expected much here and wasn't disappointed.

The author writes for various musical magazines and culled much of this book from interviews he had done with Elton. He covers the span of Elton's life from childhood to the present day with a heavy concentration on his fruitful and wildly successful period of the 70's. Had I been able to fully indulge the intricate details of the book, I could have paused reading each time a performance or TV spot was referenced to locate the corresponding video online. He details the strong emotional bond Elton has with his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, as well as their decades long working relationship. He also talks about Elton's drug use, heartaches, loneliness, and search for love and happiness.

Throughout it all, Elton's core shines through with his love of performing, whether it be at a huge arena or in a small college chapel where the prom act cancelled.

This was a very informative and well-written book on a musical icon.

Tom Doyle does a great job of balancing Elton John's personal life with his creative, performing life. The music is well represented and the personal details never delve into tabloid fodder. Even though it is subtitled as his life in the 70's I wish he had expanded it and not crammed the following 35 years into the epilogue. Elton and Bernie's creativity did not end in 1980. Highly recommended.

This book is a definitive biography on Elton John. From his start to the legend he has became with a lot of interesting things included to keep you glued to the pages. There are so many tidbits presented in this amazing book also, (coming out gay to his parents, thoughts on performances, etc), this book has everything. This is not only a book about Mr. John, but also about his writing partner, Bernie Taupin and their relationship. There are stories about interactions with royalty, stars and every day people. You get a look at Elton John the star, as well as Elton John the person. References to his amazing songs in his catalog is peppered throughout as well as his amazing concerts. Of course, there are references and pictures of some of his stage attire. What a fitting tribute to a great entertainer. Must read for any fan of Reginald Kenneth Dwight aka Sir Elton John.. Incredible book!!!! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced reading copy in return for my honest review.