john became famous in the early 1970s when he and lyricist bernie taupin wrote several songs which he performed and recorded. john became a huge star, not only for his musical abilities, but for his flamboyant stage personality. he composed several musicals. he also composed the music for the animated movies "the lion king" (1994) and "the road to el dorado" (2000). he is active in charity work. in 1997, in honor of diana, princess of wales, john co-wrote and released a version of his hit "candle in the wind". that became the world's best-selling single of all time. it sold 37 million copies within two months.