Meaning: This quote by Elton John reflects his thoughts on changing his name from Reginald to Elton John. The quote suggests that Elton John was in agreement with the idea of changing his name and was eager to do so because he was not particularly fond of his birth name, which he describes as a very '50s English name.

Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, made the decision to change his name early in his career. The name "Elton John" was inspired by two of his bandmates, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, and the change marked a significant moment in his transformation from a struggling musician to the global superstar we know today.

The quote sheds light on the importance of identity and self-expression. For Elton John, his birth name did not align with the image and persona he wanted to portray as an artist. By changing his name, he was able to reinvent himself and create a larger-than-life persona that would become synonymous with his legendary music career.

In addition to the personal significance of the name change, Elton John's decision also reflects the larger cultural and historical context of the time. The 1950s, the era in which the name Reginald was popular, was marked by conservative values and traditional norms. By shedding his birth name, Elton John signaled a departure from the constraints of that era and embraced a more flamboyant and unconventional identity, which would later become a hallmark of his public image.

The quote also provides a glimpse into the process of artistic self-discovery and reinvention. As an artist, Elton John sought to create a persona that resonated with his musical style and performance. By shedding the name Reginald, which he felt was incongruent with his artistic vision, he was able to step into the larger-than-life persona of Elton John, a name that would become iconic in the music industry.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the idea that a name holds significant personal and cultural meaning. While some individuals may feel a strong connection to their birth names, others may find that their given names do not fully encapsulate their identity. In Elton John's case, the name change allowed him to align his public persona with his true sense of self and artistic expression.

Overall, this quote from Elton John offers insight into the transformative power of a name and the importance of aligning one's identity with one's artistic vision. By embracing the name Elton John, the musician was able to craft a larger-than-life persona that would leave an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture.