Book Review: ‘Me’ By Elton John Is A Great Biography

Elton John is an icon in the entertainment industry. He’s been around for decades and has numerous number one singles and albums. He’s won Grammy awards and an Oscar. And now for the first time he’s telling his story in his own words. And what an honest, refreshing book it is. Elton holds nothing back about his time growing up, getting into the business, his sexuality, drug use, making of his albums (and the songs that became hits that he didn’t like) to finally finding love and all the losses along the way. Nothing is off limits including all his outrageous clothes.

Born Christened Reginald Dwight he was a shy kid growing up. He had an abusive dad at times and a same with his mother. He decided that he wanted to be in the music business and become a Popstar. And thanks to meeting his longtime songwriter Bernie Taupin he made the dream become a reality. But it wasn’t easy and it took a lot of hard work. Elton goes into it in detail about the writing of songs and the music behind them. to recording, dealing with record companies and the endless touring. At a few points over the years he retired, as he couldn’t handle being on the road. There were times when he walked out of concerts before they began, only to return, including at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, when he was put in.

The book goes behind the scene of his sexuality and the men he was involved with and the things he did on the sly. How he became involved with drugs and getting help. Including a great story involving the Rolling Stones. He talks about his long friendship with Rod Stewart and how they would play pranks on each other.

The book goes in order of how his life was lived through all the albums, Live Aid, Princess Diana and losing her and the other friends along the way. To finally finding the love of his life, getting his children to his final tour. Everything and anything is in this book.

There’s so many great stories and as I said before Elton is brutally honest. It’s not always something you find in celebrity autobiographies and Elton is to be applauded. If you think you know Elton you don’t until you read this book.

Elton John’s book Me is in stores on Tuesday, October 15th from Henry Holt.