From his beginnings as a sensitive singer and pianist through his ascent to superstardom, Elton John has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in rock & roll. With his outrageous costumes and campy theatricality, the man formerly known as Reginald Dwight typified 1970s rock in all its excess. During the '80s, he temporarily parted ways with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin and updated his sound, while struggling to redefine himself. By the early 2000s, he had reemerged as an elder statesman, often championing up-and-coming singer-songwriters, and achieving worldwide popularity once again.