Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE is an English singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s, having released 31 albums since 1969.

Why Elton John changed his name?

When the two first met in 1967, they recorded the first John/Taupin song, "Scarecrow". Six months later, John began going by the name Elton John in homage to two members of Bluesology: saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry. He legally changed his name to Elton Hercules John on 7 January 1972.

What was Elton John's name before he changed it?

Elton John is one of the biggest names in music, but of course, Elton John's name wasn't always Elton John. He was born Reginald Dwight, and the biopic “Rocketman” suggests that Dwight got his stage name from his bandmate Elton Dean and Beatles singer John Lennon.

Why was Elton John called Reggie?

Elton was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Middlesex. After he started to make a name for himself in the music industry he wanted to change his name. This was due to his "dislike" for the name Reg and the "unhappy memories" it brought with it. He legally changed his name to Elton John on May 7, 1972.

Why is Elton called Rocketman?

“In that book, there was a story called The Rocket Man, which was about how astronauts in the future would become sort of an everyday job. So I kind of took that idea and ran with that.” Elton himself, added: “Do you know, I never knew that?”

23 related questions found

Is Bernie Taupin rich?

Bernie Taupin has a net worth of $200 million. Taupin is best known for his multi-decade collaboration with Elton John, for whom he wrote numerous songs.

What is Elton John's birthday?

Sir Elton John is officially 75 years old today! The “Rocket Man” singer was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, U.K. The singer, pianist, and composer has spent six decades in the music industry and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon!

Was Elton John's mother mean?

Elton John's mother, Sheila, may have been even crueler than she appears in Rocketman, as portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard.

What is Pink's real name?

Pink, also spelled P! nk, byname of Alecia Beth Moore, (born September 8, 1979, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, U.S.), American singer and songwriter who was known for her rock-influenced pop songs, powerful voice, and gymnastics-filled concerts.

What is Rod Stewart's real name?

Rod Stewart, in full Roderick David Stewart, (born January 10, 1945, London, England), British singer and songwriter whose soulful, raspy voice graced rock and pop hits beginning in the late 1960s.

Did Elton John take his name from John Lennon?

His name was legally changed to Elton Hercules John on January 7, 1972. So, it wasn't a photo of John Lennon that gave him the inspiration, like the film suggests. Saying that, Elton was a huge fan of The Beatles, and later collaborated with Lennon on a few occasions.

What is George Michael's real name?

Early Life and Wham!

Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, England.

Are Elton and Bernie still friends?

John and Taupin are still on great terms today. While John is a producer on Rocketman and Taupin is not, they both attended the premiere at Cannes and did an interview together about how emotional watching the film made them.

Did Elton John attend his father's funeral?

Sadly, the pair were never able to fully mend their relationship before Stanley's death in 1991. John, not wanting to appear a “hypocrite,” didn't attend the funeral. “In the end, he was proud of me,” he admitted to PEOPLE in 2008.

Did Elton John's father ever accept him?

He was dismissive, disappointed and finally absent. I just wanted him to acknowledge what I'd done. But he never did."

Does Elton see his brothers?

Having found fame, Elton visits his dad and half brothers later on in the film and though Stanley is happy to see him, the scene shows him only caring about getting his son's autograph for a friend at work.

Why did Elton and Bernie Taupin split?

According to both Bernie and Elton, their two-year break was due to their intensive working relationship, rather than any acrimonious fallings-out, but they came back together by 1976.

Are Elton and Bernie a couple?

The pair soon met and developed a close relationship that Taupin called a “non-sexual love affair.” Taron Egerton, left, as Elton John and Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin in "Rocketman." “When we started it out it was really just me and him,” Taupin said.

Who owns rights to Elton John songs?

LONDON (Reuters) - Elton John has signed a deal with Universal Music Group for his back catalogue and any new work as well as brand management, merchandising and licensing rights, the company said on Friday.

Is Elton divorced?

The couple divorced in 1988 and John went on to marry David Furnish, with whom he has two children. Blauel has since kept a low profile.