Sir Elton John celebrates his 60th birthday on Sunday. His career has spanned five decades, selling more than 250 million records.

He became well known for his flamboyant costumes and outrageous glasses, such as these ones he wore on Top of the Pops in 1974.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in 1973 was one of his most successful albums, featuring the hits Candle in the Wind and Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting.

Sir Elton, pictured here in 1980, released his studio album, 21 at 33, in the same year. The title referred to it being his 21st studio album and his age - 33 - when it was recorded.

Sir Elton became a personal friend of Princess Diana. He will headline a celebrity concert to mark the 10th anniversary of her death later this year.

In 1997, Sir Elton sang a specially-altered version of his hit Candle in the Wind at the funeral of Princess Diana in London's Westminster Abbey. He was knighted by the Queen in 1998.

He began playing piano as a young boy and later honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Music. In the 1960s, he changed his name from Reginald Dwight to Elton John.

He caused controversy at the Grammys in 2001 when he duetted with rapper Eminem, who had been accused of writing homophobic lyrics.

Sir Elton has never been afraid to send himself up - he made a guest appearance in classic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous alongside Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in 2003.

Sir Elton (right) and his partner David Furnish wore lavish costumes to a pantomime-themed party to celebrate Matt Lucas' civil partnership to TV producer Kevin McGee in 2006.

Sir Elton and David Furnish celebrated their own civil wedding partnership in Windsor in December. 700 guests including George Michael and Victoria Beckham went to the reception.