Reginald Kenneth Dwight was born on the 25th of March, 1947 but Elton Hercules John became his legal name on the 7th of January, 1972. He chose this name, allegedly, to pay homage to two members of his original bandmates in Bluesology. Saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry. John was always musical, learning piano on his own at a young age and gained recognition for his talents around age 11, playing at various school functions. When he began to seriously consider a career in music, his father, who served in the Royal Air Force, tried to steer him toward a more conventional career, such as banking. John has said that his wild stage costumes and performances were his way of letting go after such a restrictive childhood.