Elton John Reflects on Changing His 'S--- Name' and Its Impact on His Life

The music legend opened up about rejecting his birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, and how adopting 'Elton John' shaped his identity and career.

Elton John revealed on 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' that he disliked his birth name, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, calling it a 's--- name.'
He explained that his parents argued over his name, with his mother wanting to name him Raymond, but his father ultimately chose Reginald.
John legally changed his name in 1972, drawing inspiration from Bluesology bandmates Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, and adding 'Hercules' from a sitcom character.
The singer shared that while the name change helped establish his persona, he later struggled with losing his connection to his younger self during his rise to fame.
John reflected on overcoming personal challenges, including substance abuse, and rediscovering his true self after achieving sobriety in 1990.