Elton John

The shimmering sequins of Sir Elton's stage show and his persona in general can sometimes blind us to the fact that he, along with writing partner Bernie Taupin, is one of the master songwriters of the age. Yeah, "Candle in the Wind 1997," his Princess Di salute, might be a tad maudlin, and some of his most popular numbers do suffer from oldies overexposure. But throughout his career -- from "Your Song" to "Country Comforts" to "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" to "Tiny Dancer" to "Rocket Man" to "Daniel" to "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" to "I'm Still Standing" -- Elton John has created near-perfection in song time and time again in hits that are etched into the public consciousness. "Superstar" is a term so overused, it has become almost bereft of meaning, but with Elton John it still rings true.