In 1970, a year after starting his solo career, John released his first hit single, "Your Song", which became his first top ten in both the UK and the US.

His critical success was at its peak in the 1970s, when he released a streak of chart-topping singles in the US and UK, including "Rocket Man" (1972), "Honky Cat" (1972), "Crocodile Rock" (1972), "Daniel' (1973), "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" (1973), "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973), "Step into Christmas" (1973), "Bennie and the Jets" (1974), "The Bitch Is Back" (1974), "Philadelphia Freedom" (1975), "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" (1975), and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (1976).

[1] John continued his success in the 1980s and 1990s, having several hit singles including "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" (1983), "I'm Still Standing" (1983), "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" (1984), "Nikita" (1985), "Sacrifice" (1989), "The One" (1992), and "Believe" (1995).

[2][3] In 1997, John released the double A-side single "Something About the Way You Look Tonight"/"Candle in the Wind 1997" in dedication to the memory of Princess Diana.

[5][6] Throughout his career, John has sold 100 million singles worldwide, making him one of the biggest selling music artists of all time.