ALL IN A NAME
SUPERSTAR singer Elton John is a huge hit in the music industry.
But before the star, who is on TV tonight in Elton John: Uncensored, hit the big time he was once called Reg Dwight - here's why he changed his name...
Why did Elton John change his name from Reg Dwight?
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.
Where did the name Elton John come from?
When Elton was just starting out he was in a band called Bluesology.
They had a saxophone player named Elton Dean - so he took his first name.
The John came from John Baldry, the singer in the band.
Meanwhile, Elton also changed his middle name to Hercules.
Apparently this was not after the hero of mythology, but after a horse named Hercules on British sitcom Steptoe and Son.
More on Elton John
What has Elton John said about his name change?
As we mentioned earlier, the name change was mainly down to his dislike for the name.
Elton said in a 1987 interview: "When I became Elton John, it was like a new lease on life.
"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."