
Fresh Air
Someone Once Told Elton John He Would Never Be A Pop Star
Dec 15, 2024
Pop music legend Elton John reflects on his incredible journey from a tumultuous childhood to international stardom. He humorously recounts navigating fame and the complexities of his identity, sharing the impact of early experiences on his artistry. Elton reveals how he turned self-doubt into ambition through a pivotal audition. He also pays homage to Liberace, discussing his influence on performance style, balancing flamboyance with authenticity. This candid chat offers a poignant look at the man behind the music.
21:51
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Quick takeaways
- Elton John's humorous insights into fame reveal the complexities of being adored while navigating his identity as an openly gay artist.
- His tumultuous childhood and lack of emotional support shaped his music career and struggles with addiction, highlighting his quest for validation.
Deep dives
Reflections on Stardom and Music
Elton John shares insights from his early career, highlighting a humorous yet enlightening lesson he learned about handling fame. He recalls a moment with Long John Baldry, revealing how his mentor's struggle with newfound popularity affected John's understanding of stardom. As John navigated his own rise, he experienced the laughter and confusion that came from receiving adoration from female fans, despite being openly gay. This blend of acceptance and childhood innocence revealed the duality of John's experience in a rapidly changing music landscape.
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