Elton John’s father tried to discourage him from a musical career.  In 1994, Elton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He did it anyway.  

Elton John was born from musically inclined parents.  His parents loved music and purchased many records in order to expose Elton to as many of the popular bands as possible.  Additionally, his father played the trumpet for a semi-profession big band.

When Elton was 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. Elton excelled.  However, he did not enjoy school and because he was so good, he could get by without practicing and still pass with good grades.  He was so unenthralled with the Academy that he left before taking the final exams.  Even though, his father loved music, he tried to persuade his son to take a more conventional career path.  Elton chose music.  He did it anyway.

John’s father was absent much of the time and John’s mother was the caregiver.  She was a free-spirit and divorced Elton’s father when Elton was 14.  She then married a painter who was supportive of Elton’s career choice.  

Taking a job as a pianist as a local pub, Elton began his music career.  Money didn’t come easy.  So, he also ran errands for a music publishing company.  Smart move.

Here’s the kicker.  In 1967, John answered an ad place by Ray Williams from Liberty Records, who gave John an unopened envelope.  The envelope contained lyrics from Bernie Taupin who answered the same ad.  John wrote the music to accompany the lyrics which was the beginning of a musical partnership that still continues.  

Take a chance.  

“Unless you show off, you’re not going to get noticed.” – Elton John