Elton John, the flamboyant piano man and legendary singer behind hits like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer,” is known worldwide by his stage name. But what name did his parents give him at birth? The answer might surprise you, and as Elton John himself admits, it wasn’t a name he was particularly fond of. Recently, during an appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” the topic of his birth name resurfaced, revealing a humorous yet insightful look into the origins of the name he famously shed.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight: Unpacking Elton John’s Birth Name
Born in Pinner, Middlesex, England, on March 25, 1947, Elton John entered the world as Reginald Kenneth Dwight. As host Stephen Colbert gently brought up, “You were born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, which is also a lovely name.” However, Elton John’s reaction was far from agreement. With his characteristic candor, he declared, “It’s a s – – t name,” sparking laughter from the audience and a playful “Agree to disagree” from Colbert.
Elton John on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' discussing his birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight
But why such strong feelings about his given name? Elton John elaborated on the perceived absurdity of “Reginald” as a name for a baby. “Who the hell calls their — a little baby; a little baby? ‘Reginald, oh Reginald,'” he questioned, conveying his lifelong bewilderment. The origins of the name further explain his aversion. He revealed that he was named after his mother’s brother. His mother, Sheila Eileen Dwight, had initially wanted to name him Raymond, but his father, Stanley Dwight, opposed it. This disagreement, as Elton John described as “not unusual” for his parents, resulted in the compromise – Reginald.
From Reginald to Reggie? Still Not Quite Right
Even the shortened, arguably more approachable nickname “Reggie” didn’t appeal to the future superstar. While acknowledging the popularity of “Reggies” in the United States, he pointed out its lack of resonance in the UK. More importantly, “Reggie” was still just a nickname, not his actual chosen identity. “It wasn’t ‘Reggie,’ it was Reginald,” he emphasized, highlighting the formality and, in his view, the awkwardness of the full name. This dissatisfaction fueled his desire for a change as soon as he could legally make it happen.
A young Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, in his early career
The Transformation to Elton Hercules John: Finding a New Identity
In 1972, the transformation became official. Reginald Kenneth Dwight legally became Elton Hercules John, marking a pivotal moment in his personal and professional life. The choice of “Elton” was inspired by Elton Dean, the saxophone player in Bluesology, a band Elton John played with in the 1960s. He recalled thinking, “‘Elton! There’s not many Eltons in the world, that’s pretty unusual,'” appreciating the uniqueness of the name.
For his new surname, he drew inspiration from Bluesology’s vocalist, Long John Baldry. And the rather grand middle name, “Hercules”? It came from a more whimsical source: a horse named Hercules in the popular British sitcom “Steptoe and Son.” This eclectic mix of inspirations resulted in “Elton Hercules John,” a name as distinctive and memorable as the artist himself.
Elton John in 1974, after changing his name to Elton Hercules John
The Price of Fame and the Longing for “Reginald”
While the name change was liberating, Elton John later reflected on an unexpected consequence. By 1975, immersed in the whirlwind of fame as “Elton Hercules John,” he felt a sense of loss for “Reginald.” “Reg’ had been lost, and I craved to find that little boy that I used to be,” he confessed. The creation of his larger-than-life persona, Elton John: Superstar, came at the cost of his connection to his original self.
He described fame as a “very weird thing,” acknowledging the initial enjoyment but the subsequent realization that fame had become his sole defining aspect. This imbalance led to unhappiness, mood swings, and substance abuse. It wasn’t until 1990, when he achieved sobriety, that he began to reconnect with his past and “re-found my old self.” Rediscovering “that little boy again” was a crucial part of his journey to recovery and self-acceptance.
Elton John with Brandi Carlile on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'
In conclusion, while Reginald Kenneth Dwight might not have been a name that resonated with the iconic musician, understanding Elton John’s real name provides a deeper appreciation for his journey of self-discovery and the creation of his enduring artistic identity. The story behind his name change is not just a matter of personal preference, but a reflection of his evolution from a boy named Reginald to the global superstar known and loved as Elton John.
