Elton John

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.

Elton John Official Autobiography

Laura Mauler

Six stars! It was everything I'd hoped it would be. 

I've also started listening to musicians that were never part of my scene (Little Richard, Rod Stewart, The Band) because Elton John talks about them in a way that really sparked my interest. So that's nice, to have the book unexpectedly launch me into something new; a tiny surprise gift.

Jackie Beauregard

I just love this book !!!! Such talent! Singing and writing ! Made me laugh a lot and yes sometimes cry ! What an honest man !Have not seen Rocket man yet but will make an effort to

Lynette Pedersen

I am not the biggest Elton John fan. In fact, the bulk of the albums he talked about in the book I really had not idea what songs were on them. I know the big hits, of course, but I'm hardly an Elton John connoisseur. Having said that, this book was a crazy fun read regardless of my lack of overwhelming fandom. I thoroughly enjoyed his story told in his unabashedly frank and hilarious style. I was going to get around to watching Rocketman eventually, but now I'll be checking it out sooner rather than later. I think I'll also be giving a listen to those albums I'm unfamiliar with, and listening in proper order to respect his insistence on about an "album musician." I think I finally understand what it means when someone says someone is a "musician's musician," and I think Elton John fits the bill after reading this. Definitely worth the time, even if you aren't a super fan :)

'The rock memoir of the decade' Daily Mail In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life, which is also the subject of the smash-hit film Rocketman. The result is Me - the joyously funny, honest and moving story of the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of all time. ______________ 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 songwriting 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 the Queen; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation. 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. ______________ 'Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all' The Times 'Chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid' Telegraph

Fraser Simons

After seeing Rocketman, I knew most of the big things and I have never been into his music much, so it was an interesting read but a 3.5 rounded up for me. I liked that it was frank and candid and it kept my attention. But with no personal connection to the artist a bunch of it could have been cut and was there for big fans. Which makes sense. Still a decent read.

Jessica Guht

I experience so many emotions while reading this book, and I absolutely loved it. It was nice to see into the life of Elton John, and for him to talk about both his successes and low points, acknowledging that he is not a perfect person.

Caroline Lewicki

Elton John is such an incredibly interesting person. I loved "Rocketman", so when he released a book from his perspective, it felt essential to me that I read it. It did not disappoint. He's funny and witty, but also insightful and reflects on some of the grittier parts of his fame and what was going on in the world at the time. He shares some really funny stories about other celebrities, without being slanderous or gossipy. His antics with Ringo Starr are particularly fun to read about. I loved it and my respect and love for Elton John has only been bolstered by his book.

If you like audiobooks, Sir Elton himself reads the preface and epilogue, and Taron Egerton reads the remainder of the book, which was awesome

Sam Pulliam

I won this book and it was sent by the publisher but this has no bearing on my review.
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This is an autobiography by Elton John that details his decade-spanning career and humbly celebrates the successes while not shying away from personal low points.
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I don’t even like movies but I’ve seen Rocketman twice and think about it all the time. Even before that, I was interested in reading Elton John’s autobiography and was thrilled when I got the chance to read it. I have always enjoyed autobiographies from musicians. I like learning about music in this way but Me does some specific things I truly appreciate. For one, it does not shy away from showing John in a less than flattering light. From his temper to his eating disorder to his drug abuse, readers are brought along for the ride. It isn’t just a “look at me I’m so great” type of story. I also greatly appreciate John acknowledging the true roots of the music he became famous for. He talks about Black artists he played with and looked up to and celebrates them. Many stories about rock and pop music conveniently don’t talk about Black people who pioneered the genre unless it’s Hendrix. Maybe Chuck Berry. Hearing John talk multiple times at length about Black pioneers in music was refreshing.
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I went back and forth between physically reading and listening to the audiobook on my walks. The audiobook is read by Taron Egerton who plays him in the Rocketman film. His acting and use of different voices really added to the experience.

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 the Queen; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation. 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.

Lynn Braden

Me: Elton John Official Autobiography tells the story of the remarkable life of Sir Elton John in his own words. He takes an incredibly candid look at not only his triumphs, of which there are many, but also his failures and the bad choices that he has made. The framework of this book traces his very successful career, but sprinkled throughout, he also shares events that shaped him as a person. John's sarcastic sense of humor, at times, makes the book both funny and tragic, but it comes across as a very realistic reflection of his life and career. He talks about "what ifs" that might have changed his life, but in the end, he is at peace with the choices he has made because of the happiness he has found in his life.
This is a very well written book that reads like fiction because John's voice comes though so loud and clear, making the story flow easily. The pictures included in the book add visuals of the people who are mentioned throughout the story. Overall, this is a wonderful look into the life of a rock star, so good, in fact, that I didn't want it to end.

Elton John is the most enduringly successful singer-songwriter of all time. His life is extraordinary, his seven decees (so far) packed with incredible highs and lows. Nowi in his own words and with his usual honesty, he shares his story — every hilarious, heartbreaking moment. He reveals the truth about his childhood growing up in the London suburb of Pinner, and his difficult relationship with his parents. Christened Reginald Dwight, he was a shy boy with unlikely dreams of pop stardom. 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. Me is full of drama, from the early rejection of Elton's work with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin to spinning out of control as a chart-topping superstar ; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to disco dancing with the Queen ; from suicide attempts to a secret drug addiction that would grip him for over a decade. Elton also writes powerfully about getting clean and setting up his AIDS Foundation. He describes finding true love with David Furnish, holidaying with Versace and singing at Princess Diana's funeral. And he pinpoints the moment he realizes that he wants to be a father and his Iife changes once again. Joyously funny, entertaining and at times deeply moving, Me will take you on an intimate journey with a living legend.

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Beth Seaton

The Sunday Times bestseller with a new chapter bringing the story up to date. 'The rock memoir of the decade' Daily Mail 'The rock star's gloriously entertaining and candid memoir is a gift to the reader' Sunday Times In his first and only official autobiography, music icon Elton John reveals the truth about his extraordinary life. Me is the the joyously funny, honest and moving story of the most enduringly successful singer/songwriter of all time. ______________ 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 songwriting 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 the Queen; from friendships with John Lennon, Freddie Mercury and George Michael to setting up his AIDS Foundation. 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. ______________ 'Self-deprecating, funny . . . You cannot help but enjoy his company throughout, temper tantrums and all' The Times 'Racy, pacy and crammed with scurrilous anecdotes - what more could you ask from the rocket man' Guardian (Book of the Week) 'Chatty, gossipy, amusing and at times brutally candid' Telegraph

Me Elton John Official Autobiography

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