Matthew Restall is a historian of early Latin America, focusing on Aztec and Maya history, on the Spanish Conquest period, and on the African diaspora, as well as a popular music historian, having authored books on Elton John and pop music. He teaches at the Pennsylvania State University, where he is Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies. A recipient of Guggenheim, NEH, and other fellowships, he has published books in seven languages. On Elton John is his 39 at 61 (hint: Elton John's 21 at 33).