2009: Daddy's Chronology

February, 11

Former band member John Jorgenson won a Grammy award for Best Country Instrumental for "Cluster Pluck", during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles.

March, 17

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noticed that was in Elton's mind: "I've always loved Leon, and I think it's terrible that he's been almost forgotten about now," Elton added. "He's been such an influence on my playing and his music has been such a big part of my life. It will be a duets record. I'm a huge fan, and he's just such a great guy as well. I'm hoping it will all come together, maybe the beginning of next year. These days, I just want to focus on recording things that I really want to do, and I've always wanted to work with Leon."

April, 22

Elton performed his 241st and final "Red Piano" show in Las Vegas. The show made its debut in February 2004 at The Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace. After initially signing on for 75 shows, Elton's engagement was extended until 2009.

May, 11

Gay Times asked a few celebrities to write a 16-year-old self letter. Among the letters was one from Sir Elton John offering the 16-year-old Reginald Kenneth Dwight some advice on life: "My advice to you is never to chase love – it will find you when you least expect it. Have fun, have lots of safe sex and enjoy your sexuality. Be proud of who you are and, as you get older and wiser, fight for gay rights" wrote Elton while he added: "Stay away from drugs, they’re a waste of time. Stand up for every human being’s rights. Be loving, kind and strong. Set an example" and finishing with a PS: "CHANGE YOUR NAME".

May, 20

Keynote speech at the 2009 BIO International Convention in Atlanta. "HIV/AIDS is still winning" said to the audience. “There are long standing stereotypes and prejudices that inhibit our efforts to combat AIDS”.

May, 30

Elton joined Brandi Carlile on "Carolina", a new song for her album, "Give Up the Ghost," which came out in the fall. "It was insane (work with Elton). It was like an out-of-body experience. He's been my hero since I was 11 years old. To get to work with Elton, it was just crazy. I don't even know how to describe it. He was amazing. He nailed the piano in one take. It took him an hour and a half to sing and play piano on this song, and then he stuck around and absolutely schooled me on new music for two hours and gave me a music lesson, basically. It was wonderful" declared Brandi to The Chronicle.

June, 26

Elton dedicated his song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to Michael Jackson in the middle of his annual "White Tie and Tiara Ball".

July, 2

Gay Icons, a photography exhibition held to celebrate the contribution of gay people to history and culture, opened at London's National Portrait Gallery. The icons, not all gay, included Nelson Mandela, Harvey Milk, Princess Diana, Ellen Degeneres, KD lang, Joe Orton, David Hockney and Will Young, and Elton helped in the selection: a black and white picture of Beatle John Lennon; he also named Graham Taylor, his former manager at Watford, as an inspirational figure.

September, 11

"Any seeing you all makes me feel very happy, because this week has been the one of the saddest weeks in my life. Because my keyboard player in my band, Guy Babylon, tragically died last week. And it's one of the saddest things that ever happened to me. So I want to dedicate this show to him tonight - and all of you people. Sending our love to him whereever he is. God bless you, Guy. I love you so much!" said Elton to the Naples audience, Italy. Guy Babylon died of a heart attack while swimming in the pool. A charity fund had been set up in Guy's name.

October, 16

Robert Key, one of the co-Founders of the Elton John Aids Foundation and its Director for 15 years, passed away having struggled against myelofibrosis for several years.

October, 20

Lily Allen kidnapped an Elton lookalike in her video and hold him captive for her single "Who’d Have Known". The video continued in this bizarre vein with Lily imprisoning Elton in her home, tying him up and forcing him to make a telephone call in which he declares his love for her. ‘Elton’ finally makes a hasty escape after wriggling free from his bindings as Lily snoozes in front of the TV.

November, 16

Elton John was on the mend after battling an E. coli bacterial infection and the flu that had forced him to cancel a series of concerts.

December, 11

Elton and David formally opened "Out The Closet" in London's Covent Garden. - I think the idea that the items we all buy and enjoy can help someone in dire need, particularly at this time of year, really strikes a chord" said Elton. 100% of proceeds from sales went to support the work on the Elton John AIDS Foundation.