Princewill Pius
As Elton John’s career trajectory began to expand onward and upward, the “Crocodile Rock” singer knew he needed a new moniker to launch him to superstardom. In homage to his Bluesology bandmates, John named himself “Elton” after saxophonist Elton Dean, and “John” after singer Long John Baldry, per The Sun. John also changed his middle name to Hercules, reportedly inspired by a horse from the British sitcom Steptoe and Son – not the Greek mythological hero. From this, Elton John was born.
“When I became Elton John, it was like a new lease on life,” John said during a 1987 interview. “I didn’t particularly like being Reg Dwight. It had too many unhappy memories. I hated the word ‘Reg’, anyway. It was just a horrible name … As soon as I was Elton, it was just great. It was like a new personality.”
Fans of the 2019 biopic Rocketman might find this truth a bit confusing because the film suggests he might have derived his last name from The Beatles’ John Lennon, but you can chalk that up to artistic license.
John’s name wasn’t just for the stage. On Jan. 11, 1972, The London Gazette published a blurb about John’s officially shedding his surname and Christian names. The legendary performer did accept the fancy title of “Sir” when Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1998, though he insists that it’s the Americans — not the English — who think that’s a big deal.
Written by: Nicki
