SHORT TAKES : Elton John Makes No. 1 in Britain

Despite his American success, Elton John had never hit No. 1 on the British singles charts in his 19-year career until “Sacrifice” recently made it. He celebrated the milestone Monday night at a party with Tina Turner and George Michael at a restaurant in London’s Soho District.

“It still hasn’t sunk in,” John said. “It has taken me 19 years, but it was worth it.” John has had 47 hit singles and had reached No. 1 with a duet, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Kiki Dee, but his other big songs like “Rocket Man,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Pinball Wizard” and “Candle in the Wind” never reached the top in England.