The Elton John Story (Hardcover)

In a career spanning four decades, Elton John has proved he can do it all in the world of popular music. He is a true legend. Yet until now, no book published has successfully captured his passion and outlandishness or the truth behind his complex private life. Previous books have handled his life with kid gloves, almost making him into a tasteful 21st century George Gershwin. In reality Elton's life more closely parallels Oscar Wilde. He has been wild, glitzy, boozy, bawdy and unconventional. And it is his big personality and grand gestures, no less that his tremendous talent that mesmerises his millions of fans. Mark Bego draws on interviews with many people who know or worked with Elton to create a unique insight into the life and career of the singer/songwriter. Including: Patti LaBelle, with whom Elton was very friendly in the 1970s; Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Monkee Micky Dolenz, Martha Reeves and Rita Coolidge, all long-term friends; and Long John Baldry and Tony King - both gay comrades of Elton before he hit the big time. The Elton John Story is the book that every Elton John fan has been waiting for. It is filled with all of the addictions, the self-doubts, bad toupees, affairs and scandals - but also with the triumphant later years, the coming-to-terms with his sexuality and the establishment of a happy and healthy private life. Mark Bego is the author of 50 bestselling books on rock n' roll and show business, including two New York Times bestsellers, a Los Angeles Times bestseller and a Chicago Tribune bestseller. Five of his books have sold either a million or half a million copies. He is widely acknowledged as one of the best biographers in the rock and pop music field.