Elton John Takes Time’s Icon Crown For 2024
At 77, Elton John adds another milestone to his remarkable career as Time‘s Icon Of The Year for 2024. Living in his grand Georgian house near Windsor Castle, John shows a different side from his famous stage persona.
His impact keeps growing strong. Rocket Man hit one billion Spotify streams, while his team-up with Britney Spears proved he still knows how to top charts. After wrapping up his final tour in 2023, he’s now sharing his story in a new Disney+ documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late.
The Magic Behind The Music
Working with Bernie Taupin, John created songs that became worldwide classics. Their creative process remains simple and pure. “If I get a lyric and I look at it, the song comes straight out,” John explains.
Meeting David Furnish in 1993 changed everything. They formed a civil partnership in 2005 and married nine years later. Now parents to Zachary and Elijah, they focus on creating positive change through the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The foundation has raised over $565 million across 90 countries, making it one of the top HIV-related philanthropic organizations worldwide. Their innovative program letting people take HIV tests at Walmart shows their practical approach to healthcare access.
Looking Forward
Though he’s stepped away from touring, John stays creative. He’s writing music for musicals and supporting emerging artists through his podcast Rocket Hour. His recent work includes music for Tammy Faye and The Devil Wears Prada.
In 2021, he teamed up with Dua Lipa for Cold Heart, a dance track that mixes four classic Elton songs, including Rocket Man and Sacrifice. The song came together during lockdown, with both artists working remotely. The track turned into one of the year’s biggest hits, winning awards and topping charts worldwide.
“If people remember that we tried to change the world a bit, we were kind, we tried to help people – that would be enough,” John reflects on his legacy. From his early days playing piano to becoming Time‘s Icon of the Year, his story shows how staying true to yourself creates a lasting impact.
