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John in 2011, photo by DFree /Bigstock.com
Birth Name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight
Place of Birth: Hendon, Middlesex, England, U.K.
Date of Birth: 25 March, 1947
Ethnicity: English, small amount of Welsh
Elton John, full legal name Elton Hercules John, is an English pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, and actor. His songs include “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Honky Cat,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Daniel,” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Step into Christmas,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “The Bitch Is Back,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Sad Songs (Say So Much),” “Nikita,” “Sacrifice,” “The One,” “Believe,” “Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” “Candle in the Wind 1997,” “I Want Love,” “Electricity,” “Looking Up,” “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” “Cold Heart (Pnau remix),” and “Hold Me Closer.” He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967. He leads the Elton John Band; and was previously a member of blues group Bluesology. His film roles include Born to Boogie , Tommy (1975), Spice World , The Road to El Dorado , The Country Bears , Kingsman: The Golden Circle , and Spinal Tap II: The End Continues , and the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late . He is nicknamed “Rocket Man,” after his song.
Elton is the son of Sheila Eileen (Harris) and Stanley Dwight, who had served in the RAF and played the trumpet. He was initially raised in a concil house. Elton is married to Canadian filmmaker and advertising executive David Furnish, with whom he has two children. He has legally changed his name from Reginald Kenneth Dwight to Elton Hercules John. He was inspired by the horse Hercules on the sitcom Steptoe and Son .
Elton’s paternal grandfather was Edwin Dwight (the son of William Dwight and Sarah Jane Williamson). Edwin was born in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, as were his parents. William was the son of James Dwight and Jane Warner.
Elton’s paternal grandmother was named Sheila Ellen/Eileen Shirley (the daughter of George Shirley and Sarah Ann). Sheila was born in Buckinghamshire.
Elton’s maternal grandfather was Frederick George Harris (the son of Frederick George Harris and Jane Ann Edwards). Elton’s grandfather Frederick was born in Paddington, London. Elton’s great-grandfather Frederick was born in Kingsbury, Middlesex, the son of John Harris and Elizabeth. Jane was born in Towyn, Merionetshire, Wales.
Elton’s maternal grandmother was named Ivy White.
Sources: Family history of Elton John – http://www.telegraph.co.uk
Genealogy of Elton John – http://www.geni.com