London, England (AHN) - Elton John announced Wednesday that he is making his back catalog - more than 30 albums - available for digital download later this month. The collection will be available on Apple Inc.'s iTunes from March 26 through April 30 and will then be accessible through other download services.
John's back catalog spans four decades, starting with his 1969 debut, "Empty Sky."
John said in a statement, "I've wanted my music to be available for digital download worldwide for some time, but I knew that the entire catalog - 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 7-inch vinyl - 39 years ago this month."
More than 400 tracks will be available, along with some of his most well-known video segments, such as his duet with Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart."
John said he will also be making some of his most popular songs available as mobile phone ringtones.
John turns 60 on Sunday and is celebrating his birthday with a concert at New York's Madison Square Garden this weekend.
He is releasing a new compilation album called "Rocket Man" on March 29.
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