Elton John Birthday: Celebrating The Rocket Man’s 75th Year With 75 Rare And Beautiful Photos | HuffPost

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Sir Elton John, or Reginald Kenneth Dwight as he’s known to some, turns 75 years young on 25 March.

With a career spanning five decades, Sir Elton has sold more than 100 million records, making him one of the most successful musicians of all time – and a bona fide legend to boot.

His biggest hits like Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man and Sacrifice have become pop music standards, and he’s also responsible for the biggest selling UK single of all time. His reworking of his classic single Candle In The Wind, which he released following the death of his friend Princess Diana in 1997, has sold a staggering 33 million copies worldwide.

As well as making – and breaking – records since his first single way back in 1968, Elton has also amassed a huge collection of awards, including Brits, Grammys and two Oscars.

And it’s not just his distinctive sound that sets Elton apart. He’s always embraced a memorable look or two, from his trademark specs to taking to the stage dressed as Donald Duck. No wonder he’s such good mates with Lady Gaga.

So, as he turns 75, we’re taking a look back at some of his most memorable looks in 75 beautiful and rare, black and white snaps.

Happy birthday Sir Elt!

Elton John: 75 Rare And Beautiful Early Years Photos

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(01 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(02 of75)

British singer, songwriter and musician Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight) playing piano. Rome, 1973 (Photo by Rino Petrosino\Mondadori Portfolio by Getty Images) (credit:Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(03 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(04 of75)

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Elton John performs at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 25, 1975. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Larry Hulst via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(05 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(07 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(09 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(10 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(70 of75)

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Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(71 of75)

CIRCA 1971: Pop singer Elton John poses for a portrait wearing glasses in circa 1971. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(72 of75)

Elton John (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage) (credit:Chris Walter via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(73 of75)

(Original Caption) 8/25/1975-- L-r: Rock star Elton John is shown embracing singer Bette Midler on the set of the "Cher" TV show on CBS. Both are wearing outlandish costumes. (credit:Bettmann via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(74 of75)

7th November 1970: Portrait of British-born musician Elton John playing the piano and singing. John wears sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt covered in white stars, and many rings. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

Elton John: Rare Early Years Photos(75 of75)

Portrait of British musician Elton John, dressed in a leather duster (or long coat) as he plays piano, 1970. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

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