Elton John's week: Two awards from NARAS

Singer also has big plans for March and April

February 22, 2000
Web posted at: 3:26 p.m. EST (2026 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Sir Elton John was honored Monday night at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) MusiCares function in Los Angeles.

The singer was named as the organization's Person of the Year for the work he does with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. MusiCares bills itself as "a lifeline to music people who find themselves in times of trouble and need."

"It's a great honor," John says. "I mean, it's fantastic, although I don't feel comfortable (receiving it)."

And it was just the first honor the NARAS will give John this week. On Wednesday night, he'll receive a Legends Award at the Grammys.

Amazingly, John says it will be the first time he has attended the Grammys, despite his record of charting a Top 40 single every year from 1970 to 1996. He says he feels too young to be receiving an award honoring his career achievements.

"I mean, I'm only 53, so I've got a few more years to come," he says.

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The accolades are just the beginning of a busy winter and spring for John. "Aida," the musical he wrote with Tim Rice, opens on Broadway on March 23. Six days later, the animated "The Road to El Dorado" premieres. The DreamWorks film features six songs from John and Rice, with an additional five on the impending album.

"It's a great movie, beautiful animation, and a lot of laughs. It just happens that it's coming out six days after 'Aida' opens on Broadway."

Between the opening of "Aida" and the premiere of his film on March 29, John will celebrate his birthday on the 25th, hold his annual Oscar party in Los Angeles on the 26th, and host an L.A. benefit for breast cancer on the 28th.

When will he find time to rest?

"The 27th, I suppose," he says.

He certainly won't rest in April. That's when he plans to start up his concert touring again.

"I do about 20 more dates in (the United States of) America and then I go to Europe and start over there," he says. "But I'm very happy, very happy."

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October 19, 1999
Elton John's friendships still standin' when it comes to 'Aida'
May 26, 1999
Elton John's 'Aida': 'It's very camp'
October 13, 1998

Grammy Awards
Elton John Fan Site
Elton John AIDS Foundation

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