Contrary to the artist’s own prediction, issued at an early point in his career, there has never been an Elton John renaissance. There hasn’t had to be, because he’s remained consistently popular and productive for all the intervening years since he made that statement.

As of1992, in fact, he broke Elvis Presley’s old record for the most consecutive years of Top 40 hits on Billboard’s singles chart, having been a continual presence in every annum since the late-1970 entry of “Your Song.” Today, at 46, he is among the most successful acts of the rock era, arguably in a class with Presley and the Beatles.

Moreover, his longevity as an ongoing, active recording artist surpasses that of either of them. No one can boast a longer uninterrupted ride at the top.