With numerous music awards and a long-standing reputation as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Sir Elton John talked about what he really wants his legacy to be, and it's not centered on music.
The "Rocket Man" singer also called on members of the LGBT community to continue to resist political hostility, lamenting the setbacks the community has faced in recent years.
John also recently revealed that he has completed work on his next album at the age of 79, and explained why this project is different from anything he has done before.
Elton John says his true legacy is his family.
Sir Elton John has built a career filled with global hits, sold-out concerts, major awards, and film work, including The Lion King. But when reflecting on his legacy and mortality, the music icon says he doesn't want his greatest achievement to be his career in the entertainment industry.
In a new interview with Out, John and his husband, David Furnish, discussed legacy and the importance of family.
When asked how he would like to be remembered, John replied, "If my children are happy and know that I gave everything I had to support and love them, that will be enough for me.".
He added that while his music has won awards and he tries to support up-and-coming artists, "being a father and raising a family with David" will always be most important to him.
John launches the Impact Awards program.
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John and Furnish are also celebrating Pride Month with a new initiative honoring LGBTQ+ individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
The couple has teamed up with iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble to host the Elton John Impact Awards, which will honor the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Orville Peck and Chappelle Roane.
Explaining the rationale for the awards, John said he'd seen people punished simply for wanting to live openly. He said this initiative aims to recognize those who have maintained their courage while also making it clear that the work isn't over.
«"These awards exist because such courage deserves to be honored and celebrated, not simply taken for granted," he said.
Elton John spoke out against political hostility
In another segment of the interview, John touched on the political hostility the LGBTQ+ community has faced in recent years.
The "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" singer urged members of the LGBT community to continue to unite and speak out, noting that openness has long been central to the community's survival.
«"The hostility is real, and it's growing," he said. "We're seeing rights being undermined, funding being cut, and vulnerable communities becoming even more vulnerable. Now is not the time to remain silent or turn a blind eye.".
He added that the Elton John Impact Awards are one way to say that the community is "here," "proud," and "will never go away.".
John says losing his sight changed his approach to songwriting.
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Although John stopped touring, he did not stop making music.
Last month, while accepting the prestigious Glenn Gould Award in Toronto, the singer known for the hit "Tiny Dancer" revealed that he had completed work on a new album. He also explained how the loss of vision in his right eye forced him to rethink his songwriting process.
«"I've been having trouble with my eyesight lately, and I always record albums by looking at the lyrics and writing lyrics to them, so I'm kind of in a bind right now," he said, according to a video recorded by a fan.
John explained that this failure prompted him to adopt a new method, which involves writing the melodies first and coming up with the lyrics later.
«"I've never done this before. And now I do it," he said.
Elton John says his new album sounds 'different'.
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John said the new album is unlike anything he's done before, particularly because of its upbeat tone.
«"It's so cool," he said. "I'm so happy about it because it gave me another chance to make music.".
In an interview with Good Morning America in 2024, John revealed that he lost the sight in his right eye after an infection he contracted during a summer vacation in France.
«"It just shocked me, I can't see anything. I can't read anything, I can't see anything," he said then.
The article "Elton John reveals what legacy would be 'enough' for him" first appeared on The Blast.