Elton John Facts And Quotes To Celebrate His 67th Birthday

Tuesday is Sir Elton John’s birthday. To celebrate the “Rocket Man” turning 67, some facts and quotes have been revealed a day before his "Million Dollar Piano" show will kick off in Las Vegas.

John (real name: Reginald Kenneth Dwight) was born in Middlesex, England, and he was only 3 when he began to play the piano, Lancaster Online wrote. He changed his name to Elton John to seem more posh and to pay homage to saxophonist Elton Dean and singer Long John Baldry.

John's first top 10 hit was “Your Song,” which was released in 1970, and he's had more than 50 songs in the top 40. John’s biggest-selling single, “Candle in the Wind,” was written in 1973 as a tribute to the late Marilyn Monroe. But after Princess Diana died, he changed the words and sang it at Diana's funeral. The revised version sold 33 million copies and its proceeds went to charity.

John received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services” in 1998, which is why he is now referred to as Sir Elton John. Two years earlier, he was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, according to Lancaster Online.

While John is blowing out 67 candles Tuesday, some of his most famous quotes are provided below, courtesy of Brainy Quote:

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.”

“And I'm afraid, in this day and age, trust, which I count so, you know, I love loyalty. I love trust.”

“The great thing about rock and roll is that someone like me can be a star.”

“I love places that have an incredible history. I love the Italian way of life. I love the food. I love the people. I love the attitudes of Italians.”

“I have a lot of money stashed away, but I do live my life from day to day.”

“Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving.”

“I never thought of myself as being handsome or good-looking or whatever.”

“I hate to say this, but I always listen to the music and the instrumentation first, and then grab on to the lyrics later.”

“Fame attracts lunatics.”

“I do like my rock stars to be a little larger than life. I don't mind the earnest ones at all, but I do like a bit of individuality.”

“I've only been interested in the artistic side of life.”

“I loathe celebrity. I can't stand it.”

“It's just so wonderful to have someone in the house like a child to turn your attention to. It's not about you anymore, it's about this lovely little human being.”

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