INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life, from his rollercoaster lifestyle as shown in the film Rocketman, to becoming a living legend.
Christened Reginald Dwight, he was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming a pop star. By the age of twenty-three he was performing his first gig in America, facing an astonished audience in his bright yellow dungarees, a star-spangled T-shirt, and boots with wings. Elton John had arrived and the music world would never be the same again.
His life has been full of drama, from the early rejection of his work with song-writing partner Bernie Taupin to spinning out of control as a chart-topping superstar; from half-heartedly trying to drown himself in his LA swimming pool to disco-dancing with Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation to conquering Broadway with Aida, The Lion King, and Billy Elliot the Musical. All the while Elton was hiding a drug addiction that would grip him for over a decade.
In Me, Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and changing his life, about finding love with David Furnish and becoming a father. In a voice that is warm, humble, and open, this is Elton on his music and his relationships, his passions and his mistakes. This is a story that will stay with you by a living legend.
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
October 15, 2019 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781250147615
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781250147615
- File size: 43235 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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Starred review from October 21, 2019
The legendary pop star looks back cheerfully on a melodramatic life in this rollicking autobiography. John recounts his ascent from toiling pub pianist to becoming the biggest singer-songwriter of the 1970s with hits such as "Rocketman" and "Bennie and the Jets," to elder statesmanship as one of the first openly gay stars and Britainâs griever-in-chief with his "Candle in the Wind" tribute at Princess Diâs funeral. Beyond a vivid account of his flamboyant showmanship and outfits (think pink suit with Eiffel Tower headdress), he gives an unusually candid look at his insecuritiesâhis unrelentingly critical mother haunts the bookâand at the bubble of celebrity entitlement that enabled his rock-star excesses, including childish tantrums, controlling and callous behavior toward a string of boyfriends, and rampant drug use. (After ingesting much vodka and cocaine with Duran Duran, he "returned to the video set, demanded they begin running the cameras, took off all clothes and started rolling around on the floor naked.") John keeps his good humor throughout, treating even his suicide attempts as farces and poking fun at his own vanity. ("However much a hair transplant hurt, it was a mere pinprick compared to the sensation of hitting your head on a car door immediately after having a hair transplant.") Johnâs fans will love this funny, down-to-earth, and openhearted self-portrait. Photos. -
Starred review from November 15, 2019
John has entertained fans and shaped the musical landscape for 50 years with poignant ballads, energetic pop songs, and memorable show tunes. Now the iconic singer/songwriter turns inward, with this self-aware, revealing memoir. John deftly sets the scene, describing his childhood in staid, suburban 1950s Britain. His life was changed by rock and roll, and he began playing in bands, backing established acts such as the Isley Brothers and Patti LaBelle. In 1967, he met lyricist Bernie Taupin, which launched a songwriting partnership that would last decades. John chronicles years of writing, recording, and whirlwind touring. With unflinching detail and touches of self-deprecating humor, he also discusses his contentious relationship with his parents, his sexuality, the years of drug and alcohol abuse, and his stint in rehab (he includes his devastating farewell letter to cocaine). John concludes by reflecting on his relationship with husband David Furnish, his recent fatherhood, and what he still hopes to accomplish.
VERDICT Intimate, with brushes of gossip and hard-won wisdom, this compelling work joins the ranks of other masterly rock memoirs. A must-read for John's many devotees, it will also make fans out of those new to his music.--James Collins, Morristown-Morris Twp. P.L., NJ
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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May 1, 2019
On the stacked heels of the biopic Rocketman, due out on May 31, comes the first ever autobiography from one of the biggest singer/songwriter stars of the contemporary pop music world.
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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