Elton John’s parents gave him a ‘s— name,’ but at least it means ‘Queen’

Becoming Elton John was more than just a name change for the music legend. It was a transformative process that involved shedding his birth name and adopting a new persona.

The Journey to Elton John

During a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Elton John opened up about the significance of changing his name and persona to achieve fame and success.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight to Elton John

Stephen Colbert pointed out that Elton John was originally known as Reginald Kenneth Dwight. However, Elton quickly dismissed his birth name, calling it “a s— name.”

The singer explained that he was named after his mother’s brother, but he despised the name Reginald and was eager to change it as soon as he could.

The Origin of Elton John

Elton John revealed that he derived his stage name from the saxophone player Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry. The name Elton Hercules John was born out of inspiration from his musical peers.

The Impact of the Name Change

Changing his name to Elton John marked a significant shift in the musician’s life. He reflected on how fame and success had led him to lose touch with his true self, but finding sobriety in 1990 helped him rediscover his identity.

Reconnecting with His Roots

Elton John expressed a desire to reconnect with the young boy he used to be before fame took over his life. He acknowledged the toll that celebrity status had taken on him and the importance of finding his authentic self.

The Evolution of Elton John

Despite the challenges he faced, Elton John’s journey to self-discovery and sobriety allowed him to evolve into a more grounded and content individual.

Watch Elton John’s Interview

Check out the interview above to hear Elton John share his insights on his name change and personal growth.

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FAQs

Q: Why did Elton John change his name?

A: Elton John changed his name to escape his birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, and to create a new persona that reflected his musical aspirations.

Q: How did Elton John come up with his stage name?

A: Elton John derived his stage name from the saxophone player Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry, combining elements from both names to create Elton Hercules John.

Q: What impact did changing his name have on Elton John?

A: Changing his name to Elton John helped the musician rediscover his true self and break free from the trappings of fame, leading to a journey of personal growth and sobriety.

Credit: ew.com