What Is The Real Name Of Elton John?

Sir Elton Hercules John is now the official name of the popstar and songwriter, as he changed it by deed poll in 1967 out of respect to his colleagues from his band, Bluesology - saxophonist Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. However his birth name was Reginald Kenneth Dwight.

He was born on the 25th of March 1947 in Pinner Middlesex, to Stanley Dwight and Sheila Harris. His parents had an unhappy marriage and later divorced in 1962.

Reginald began to play piano at the age of 3 years old and wowed his parents with his aptitude for music. He had a particular interest in rock and roll music, but his father preferred him to study classical music such as Handel and pushed him into entering the Royal Academy of Music on a scholarship at the age of 11 years old.

In 1964 Reginald formed a band called Bluesology which later became the backing band for Long John Baldry, who would later provide inspiration for Dwight's name change.

Sir Elton John has sold over 250 million records worldwide.