elton john - goes digital, having Sold 200 Million Physical albums he is now set to conquer the digital world Feature

Elton John goes digital

For the first time, Sir Elton John's career-spanning catalogue of more than 30 albums will be available for digital download worldwide from March 26. It coincides with the global release in physical and digital formats of a new, 18-track compilation of his work, Rocket Man - The Definitive Hits, from Universal Music Group's Mercury Records.

The move brings one of popular music's most significant catalogues fully into the digital domain, with Sir Elton's biggest hits also being released as mobile-phone realtones for the first time. In addition, a selection of his most durable video clips, including "I'm Still Standing" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (with Kiki Dee), will be issued commercially through digital music services.

Sir Elton commented, "I've wanted my music to be available for digital download worldwide for some time, but I knew that the entire catalogue - not just the hits - needed care and attention to be released in this way. Now that it's happening, I'm pleased for the fans' sake. The world has certainly changed since Philips Records issued my first single on seven-inch vinyl - 39 years ago this month."

The digital catalogue line-up includes Sir Elton's 1969 debut album, Empty Sky, and such other landmark titles as Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across The Water, Honky Chateau, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy, The One and Made In England.

Sir Elton's four-decade catalogue will be available exclusively from iTunes from March 26 to April 30. It comprises more than 400 tracks, including some previously only issued as singles. The iTunes store is the world's most popular digital music store, and currently features over 4 million songs.

Rocket Man - The Definitive Hits will be available through digital music stores and physical retailers worldwide from Monday, March 26. This follows the weekend in which Sir Elton celebrates his 60th birthday, and plays his 60th concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, a performance record unmatched by any other artist.

Sir Elton John has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide since 1970, and is one of the most successful touring performers and top-selling recording artists of all time.