Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ Became the Gamechanger in Singer’s Career – Here’s Why

Elton John has been a well-renowned singer in the music industry, and it became possible through his hit song, "Rocket Man."

John started his career as a pianist at the Northwood Hotel. Years later, he and his friends formed the band, Bluesology, which became a backing to several musicians, including Major Lance, Pattie LaBelle and the Bluebelles, and Isley Brothers. He continued to perform with other artists until he decided to debut as a soloist with his first album, "Elton." Its first and second single, "Border Song" and "Your Song," appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.

Despite the album's success, John did not reach the peak of his career not until he released the follow-up album, "Honky Chateau" in 1972, which introduced his hit song, "Rocket Man."

This year, John and his fans marked the 50th anniversary of the single's release, and it became the gamechanger in his career.

How Great is Elton John's "Rocket Man"?

The song, which was inspired by the short story of the same name in Ray Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man," tells the story of an astronaut bound to Mars.

It immediately touched people's hearts that it immediately appeared on the UK charts at No. 2 and Billboard Hot 100 at No. 6. With those recognitions, it became his first major hit.

Despite dropping it years ago, the song still made it to Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of all Time. "Rocket Man" also served as the main track of the singer when he performed at the launch site of Space Shuttle "Discovery" in 1998.

In addition, John sang it as a tribute to David Bowie following his death in 2016. The song's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, revealed his inspiration in a 2016 video. He revealed that he was influenced by Bowie's "Space Oddity," eventually leading to a hit mashup of the song and "Rocket Man."

Most recently, Ipsos conducted a poll that hailed John's song as the most popular song in the UK. "Rocket Man" ranked first with 22 percent, with "I'm Still Standing," "Candle in the Wind," "Your Song," and "Tiny Dancer" completing the Top 5.

"Rocket Man" already set several records that made it a gamechanger in John's career. But on top of all those, its 2020 Oscars nod proved - even more - the power of the song. It even led to the birth of the "The Rocketman" biopic, which received critical responses from critics.

Tags

Elton John