A woman celebrating her 93rd birthday was surprised by a huge bouquet of flowers delivered to her, and the card said they were from Elton John himself. Rocket Man had just entertained her the night before, where Harriet Schwenk saw her favorite musician perform from the eighth row of the concert. 

 

Years ago, Schwenk babysat the children of a freelance concert promoter who pulled strings to get her a back-stage tour before the world-famous star arrived.  David Van Puffelen, the concert promoter, was given permission by Elton John’s assistant to deliver the flowers to the woman. It isn’t clear how Elton John knew of her or that it was her birthday, but he was touched enough by her presence at his concert that he make this kind effort. 

 

The huge bouquet was half as tall as the 4-foot-7 elderly woman, who took it to her church on Sunday to show all her friends. She was the most popular congregation member that day. Her grand daughter attended the concert with her, both of them being avid Elton John fans. 

 

Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in 1947, and he studied music in school growing up. It was no surprise that he began his musical career right upon graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. His first band, formed in 1961, was called Bluesology, and at the time he changed his given moniker to Elton Hercules John, being inspired by sax player Elton Dean and the band’s front man Long John Baldry.