Via royalmailgroup.com: Royal Mail announced they are issuing a set of 12 Special Stamps to celebrate one of the UK’s most influential music artists and cultural figures, Elton John. With more than 300 million record sales, he is one of the most successful music stars of all time.
This year sees the 50th anniversary of his first album and, as he continues his final tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, Elton becomes only the second individual music artist to have a dedicated stamp issue.
Eight stamps showcase some of Elton’s most admired and iconic albums: Honky Château; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; Caribou; Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy; Sleeping With The Past; The One; Made In England and Songs From The West Coast. The arc of the vinyl record appears from the right-hand side of each album cover.
Completing the set, four stamps, presented in a Miniature Sheet, show Elton in action performing live across five decades: Hammersmith Odeon, London, 1973; Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, 1975; Diamond Jubilee Concert, Buckingham Palace, London, 2012 and Madison Square Garden, New York, 2018.
A global superstar, Elton John is one of the most successful recording artists of all time and has, over his 50-year career, achieved one diamond, 38 platinum or multi-platinum and 26 gold albums. He has been awarded 13 Ivor Novellos, five Grammys and the Grammy Legend Award, five BRITS, including the first BRITS Icon Award, an Academy Award, a Tony Award and a Golden Globe. He wrote the award-winning and much acclaimed soundtracks and stage music for The Lion King and Billy Elliot.
Elton is a noted philanthropist. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised more than $450 million globally to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS. In recognition of his contribution to music and for his charity work he was knighted in 1998.
Elton John, said: “To say I was surprised when Royal Mail got in touch, is an understatement. Never did I think I’d appear on a stamp…! It’s wonderful, a great honor.”
Philip Parker, Royal Mail, said: “Elton is one of the most successful British solo artists of all time. He has recorded some of the best-known songs in pop history such as Candle in the Wind and Rocket Man. Our stamps issued today showcase some of his most iconic albums, and celebrate his fantastic musical contribution.”