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'''Elton John''' (born Reginald Dwight in [[London]], 1947) is an English singer/pianist who achieved prominence in the early 1970s. In 2005 he 'married' his long-term partner [[David Furnish]] in a Civil Partnership Ceremony.

'''Elton John''' (born Reginald Dwight in [[London]], 1947) is an English singer/pianist who achieved prominence in the early 1970s. In 2005 he "married" his long-term partner [[David Furnish]] in a Civil Partnership Ceremony.

==Musical Style and Voice==

==Musical Style and Voice==

In his early years, his classical-influenced piano melodies, combined with lyrics by [[Bernie Taupin]] and a set of orchestral arrangements by [[Paul Buckmaster]], and his rich tenor voice, set him apart from the other singer-songwriters of the time. For many years, John would switch from his normal tenor to a falsetto in most of his songs. In most cases, soft rock is his main genre, but he often sings songs in the genre of country rock, hard rock, and emotional, moving ballads.  

In his early years, his classical-influenced piano melodies, combined with lyrics by [[Bernie Taupin]] and a set of orchestral arrangements by [[Paul Buckmaster]], and his rich tenor voice set him apart from the other singer-songwriters of the time. For many years, John would switch from his normal tenor to a falsetto in most of his songs. In most cases, soft rock is his main genre, but he often sings songs in the genre of country rock, hard rock, and emotional, moving ballads.  

In 1986, Elton John received surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords, which was likely brought upon by years of marijuana abuse starting during the recording of ''Rock of the Westies''. After the surgery, he discovered that he could not sing falsetto anymore, and he now has a lower vocal register.

In 1986, Elton John received surgery to remove polyps from his vocal cords, which was likely brought upon by years of marijuana abuse starting during the recording of ''Rock of the Westies''.{{fact|date=January 2008}} After the surgery, he discovered that he could not sing falsetto anymore, and he now has a lower vocal register.

==Views on Religion==

==Views on Religion==

In 2006, John stated that he would support "ban[ning] religion completely". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6140710.stm]

In 2006, John stated that he would support "ban[ning] religion completely". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6140710.stm]