UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Musician Sir Elton John was born on this day in 1947. Here is a quiz on the British singer, songwriter and pianist

Q1. The acronym EGOT, which Sir Elton John completed in 2024, denotes a person who has won all four of which set of major North American performing-arts awards?

  • A. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony
  • B. Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar and Tony
  • C. Emmy, Grammy, Olivier and Tony
  • D. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and BAFTA

Q2. Sir Elton John is among a select group who have won a competitive EGOT. How many people have won a competitive EGOT?

  • A. 19
  • B. 20
  • C. 22
  • D. 28

Q3. Royalties from the sale of Sir Elton John's singles are channelled to HIV/AIDS research primarily through which organisation founded by him?

  • A. The Elton John AIDS Foundation
  • B. The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
  • C. UNAIDS
  • D. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Q4. With reference to Sir Elton John's AIDS philanthropy and his single-sale proceeds, consider the following statements: 1. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. 2. He has donated all royalties from the sale of his singles to AIDS research. 3. The proceeds from the 1997 version of 'Candle in the Wind' were directed to Bernie Taupin rather than to charity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992.
  2. He has donated all royalties from the sale of his singles to AIDS research.
  3. The proceeds from the 1997 version of 'Candle in the Wind' were directed to Bernie Taupin rather than to charity.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. With reference to the song 'Candle in the Wind', consider the following statements: 1. The original 1973 version commemorated actress Marilyn Monroe. 2. Its lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. 3. The 1997 re-recording was a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. 4. The recorded 1997 version became the best-selling single of all time. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The original 1973 version commemorated actress Marilyn Monroe.
  2. Its lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin.
  3. The 1997 re-recording was a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
  4. The recorded 1997 version became the best-selling single of all time.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q6. Comparing the original 'Candle in the Wind' with its 1997 version, consider the following statements: 1. The original honoured Marilyn Monroe, whereas the 1997 version honoured Princess Diana. 2. Unlike the original, the 1997 version was written by an entirely new lyricist who had never worked with Elton John before. 3. The 1997 version was performed by Elton John at the funeral of Princess Diana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The original honoured Marilyn Monroe, whereas the 1997 version honoured Princess Diana.
  2. Unlike the original, the 1997 version was written by an entirely new lyricist who had never worked with Elton John before.
  3. The 1997 version was performed by Elton John at the funeral of Princess Diana.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. Sir Elton John received his knighthood in 1998. Which reigning monarch conferred the knighthood on him?

  • A. Queen Elizabeth II
  • B. King Charles III
  • C. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
  • D. King George VI

Q8. Which was Sir Elton John's first American album, the release that established him as a major international star?

  • A. Elton John (1970)
  • B. Empty Sky (1969)
  • C. Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
  • D. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

Q9. The 2019 biographical musical film 'Rocketman', dramatising Sir Elton John's life, was directed by which one of the following?

  • A. Dexter Fletcher
  • B. Bryan Singer
  • C. Stephen Daldry
  • D. Baz Luhrmann

Q10. With reference to Sir Elton John's birth and early life, consider the following statements: 1. He was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight. 2. He was born on 25 March 1947. 3. He was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England. 4. His stage forename 'Elton' was taken from John Lennon. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. He was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight.
  2. He was born on 25 March 1947.
  3. He was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England.
  4. His stage forename 'Elton' was taken from John Lennon.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4