Dick Clark once famously said, "Music is the soundtrack of our lives." And for many of us, Elton John takes up a whole lot of real estate on life's mix-tape.

Born almost 65 years ago as Reginald Kenneth Dwight, John was a piano protege who later adopted his stage-name in homage to Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and English blues singer Long John Baldry. After joining forces with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967, he released a string of albums that would go on to become iconic -- including 1973's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.' That year is when the photo on the left was taken.

Dozens of hit songs -- and a whole lot of wacky costumes and sunglasses -- later, Elton's grown up. In addition to founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation that raises millions annually for HIV/AIDS prevention, he's won Grammys, Oscars, Tonys and Golden Globes, yet somehow his hair is even fuller now than it was decades ago (we're guessing his wig collection could rival even that of his good friend Lady Gaga).

But through it all, he kept the silky voice we all know so well. And as long as that sticks around, who gives a damn if his hair does?

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