Ser Elton John has been one of the most iconic and successful British pop stars since the 1970s. His music is based on his life experiences, those of his country and his time. Elton John is known for his passion and vivacity for his career, his fortitude in the fight against AIDS, his homosexuality and his importance to the evolution of the British and American pop/rock genre. Elton John has been called "the liberator of rock and roll". ” (8) for his spectacular display of music, images, outward extravagance and artistic passion. Originally from Reginald (Reggie) Kenneth Dwight, Elton Hercules John started his first band at 14 (2) and continued to lay the foundation for American pop music for 53 years. Elton's music stands out for its ability to attract listeners' attention with its original combination of sounds (2). The songs written by both Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin (3) were premeditated to give both a rhythm and shades of sentimental value. The decline of rock and roll in America allowed Elton John to succeed. As a contemporary pop/rock artist, Elton John was the byproduct of early artists such as Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Little Richard and Bob Dylan (10). Music within this genre usually gives off a more traditional rock and roll sound, but is lyrically developed to be catchy, uplifting, and relatable. The "British Invasion" refers to the explosion of British cultural influence through pop music, also known as Britpop, in America in the late 1950s and 1960s. The slow decline of rock and roll in America gave Britpop a head start on success; America was awed by the new British bands offering a new sound and style, and very quickly integrated it into their culture. (1) Americans jumped on the bandwagon that...... middle of paper......22462/>.Hoffman, Frank. The British invasion. Ed. Robert Birkline. Survey of American popular music. Sam Houston University, nd Web. May 3, 2014. .Petridis, Alexis. “Elton John: 'When I was on drugs there was a monstrous side to me'” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 16 September 2013. Web. 13 May 2014. "Sir Elton Hercules John." Genes_family_tree. Np, nd Web. May 13, 2014. "Sir Elton John Biography." Sir Elton John. The biography channel and the Web. May 13, 2014. "Your song." By Elton Joh Songfacts. Tone Media and Web. May 13th 2014. .