Elton John

His 1970 breakthrough single 'Your Song' began his domination of the pop charts and established his credentials to fill the post-Beatles landscape with his unique take on piano-based ballads, pop and rock. Not since 50s stars Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis had a man and his piano made such an impact on modern music. Few would have imagined that Elton's early success and real emotional connection with fans would be sustained over the next 50 years to see him become a singer-songwriter extraordinaire and one of the most successful musical theatre composers in history. Flamboyant and prone to excess, Elton has overcome problems with drink, drugs, food and his sexuality along the way to become a notable fundraiser and charity campaigner, most famously through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Now married with two sons, Elton's priorities have changed and he has announced his retirement from performing after 2021. So it's the perfect time to celebrate his amazing achievements.