About this item
Based on rare one-on-one interviews with the flamboyant rock n roll icon, this is the first book to trace Elton Johns meteoric rise from obscurity to worldwide celebrity in the wildest, weirdest decade of the twentieth century.. In August 1970, Elton John achieved overnight fame with a rousing performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. Over the next five years, the artist formerly known as Reginald Dwight went from unheard of to unstoppable, scoring seven consecutive #1 albums and sixteen Top Ten singles in America. By the middle of the decade, he was solely responsible for 2 percent of global record sales. One in fifty albums sold in the world bore his name. Elton Johns live shows became raucous theatrical extravaganzas, attended by all the glitterati of the era.. But beneath the spangled bodysuits and oversized eyeglasses, Elton was a desperately shy man, conflicted about his success, his sexuality, and his narcotic indulgences. In 1975, at the height of his fame, he attempted suicide. After coming out as bisexual in a controversial Rolling Stone interview that nearly wrecked his career, and announcing his retirement from live performance in 1977 at the age of thirty, he gradually found his way back to the thing he cared about most: the music. . Captain Fantastic gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the rise, fall, and return to glory of one of the worlds most mercurial performers. Rock journalist Tom Doyles insider account of the Rocket Mans turbulent ascent is based on a series of one-pn-one interviews in which Elton laid bare many previously unrevealed details of his early career. Here is an intimate exploration of Eltons working relationship with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, whose lyrics often chronicled the ups and downs of their life together in the spotlight. Through these pages pass a parade of legends whose paths crossed with Eltons during the decade - including John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Groucho Marx, Katharine Hepburn, Princess Margaret, Elvis Presley, and an acid-damaged Brian Wilson.. A fascinating portrait of the artist at the apex of his celebrity, Captain Fantastic takes us on a rollicking fame-and-drug-fueled ride aboard Elton Johns rocket ship to superstardom.. Praise for Captain Fantastic. "Veteran rock journalist [Tom] Doyle continues his foray into the 1970s music scene with a compelling profile of an unlikely rock star. . . . In chronicling Elton Johns stratospheric rise to fame, replete with platinum records, increasingly outlandish stage shows, and mountains of cash, the author deftly manages to keep his subject in sharp focus. Based on hours of one-on-one interviews with Captain Fantastic himself, this breezy yet comprehensive biography demonstrates what it was like for the talented musician to churn out an impossible string of hit records. . . . A great way to better understand the man behind the garish glasses and platform boots." - Kirkus Reviews. "In this adoring and candid set of fans notes, music journalist Doyle (Man on the Run) draws on interviews with John and his colleagues, especially his writing partner, Bernie Taupin, to capture the meteoric rise and fall of the man who released at least one album every year of the 1970s. . . . This energetic book . . . makes a convincing case that John reached his peak and made his best music in the 70s." - Publishers Weekly. "A breezy and surprisingly poignant romp through a decade, and a career, that effectively invented modern celebrity culture." - Peter Doggett, author of You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup
About the Author
Can anything good come out of the Middle East? Tom Doyle has a passion to tell the Real Stories behind today's headlines. His books are powerful, impacting, can't the book down, inspirational first-hand accounts of Real People living in some of the most dangerous places for believers in Christ in the world. Did you know that there is a vibrant underground church in Syria, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan? Tom can take you there and introduce you to new followers of Jesus who have risked it all to follow their Savior. A gifted story teller, Tom's books read like fast paced, action packed novels that will inspire you and elevate your faith.Global terrorism is at an all-time high. But that's not the whole story. A new Jesus movement is erupting around the world, and persecuted believers are leading the way. The stories in his books introduce you to some amazingly courageous Jesus followers. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in King Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace, these believers are fearless and not alone. So, the question is this: "Is Christianity winning or losing? " Tom's books are written to tell stories of victory from the front lines of the war raging around Jesus' church. The battle is fierce and not letting up. Yet this is one of our finest hours.As the Vice President and Middle East Director for e3 Partners since 2001, Tom's experience in the heart of these Islamic nations is extensive. Tom brings God's astounding work in these nations to light. Whether in his books, on television (FOX News, The 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street) , on the radio (Focus on the Family, American Family Radio, Janet Parshall Live) , at conferences (Epicenter, Passion, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, Calvary Chapel, The Crescent Project, and e3 Partners) , or in local churches, Tom shares fresh, compelling, and thought-provoking reports of God's activity in the epicenter of terrorism and global conflict known as the Middle East. Tom graduated from Biola College in 1979 and Dallas Theological Seminary in 1983, and is a licensed guide for the State of Israel with over 70 trips. After pastoring churches in Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico for 20 years, he became the Middle East director for e3 Partners/I Am Second. His wife of 37 years, JoAnn, serves with him at e3 as the director of Not Forgotten, a ministry to women of the Middle East. They have six children and four grandchildren and are praying for about 20 more! Tom has written 8 books including the best-selling: "Dreams and Visions-Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World? " And, "Killing Christians-Living the Faith Where it is Not Safe to Believe." His latest book "Standing in the Fire-Courageous Christians Living in Frightening Times" gives fresh, and dramatic stories of Islamic Terrorists, Secret Police, and other former Muslims who are now living all-out for Christ.
