Classic Pop Icons

Elton John’s breakthrough hit “Your Song” is Song of the Week on Classic Pop Icons. “Your Song” was first released on Elton John’s self-titled second album which was released in April 1970 in the UK and three months later in the US. The song was also released on single in the UK backed with “Into the Old Man’s Shoes” and as the B-side of the “Take Me to the Pilot” single in the US.

“Your Song” was written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John while they were living at John’s mother’s house in October 1969. The pair had met two years before after both had answered an advertisement in the New Musical Express placed by Ray Williams, who was the A&R manager for Liberty Records. They spent the next couple of years penning songs for artists such as Lulu, and also Elton John’s early solo material, including the album “Empty Sky”.

The second album, “Elton John,” took the singer’s career to the next level and the second single from the album, “Your Song,” would become one of his most memorable and celebrated recordings. As with many classic recordings, “Your Song” was written very swiftly. Taupin reportedly wrote the lyrics over breakfast and John wrote the music later that day. In a 1989 interview with Music Connection, Bernie Taupin shared his views on the song:

Taupin has never disclosed who the song was written about.

The short composition time was typical of how the pair worked in this period, with classic songs seemingly coming to them with ease. Elton John has said “I don’t think I’ve written a love song as good since” and he’s probably right.

Bernie Taupin and Elton John

Elton John’s popularity in the US was helped greatly by the publicity he received from his celebrated debut gigs at West Hollywood’s Troubadour in August 1970. John chose to open the first gig with “Your Song”. After witnessing this show, noted LA Times critic Robert Hilburn wrote “Tuesday night at the Troubadour was just the beginning. He’s going to be one of rock’s biggest and most important stars.” Twenty years later, Rolling Stone put the gigs on a list of the 20 most important concerts in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

The song has not only appeared in probably every Elton John concert over the last 40 years, but also in massive worldwide gigs such as the Concert For Diana in 2007 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert in 2012.

“Your Song” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

“Your Song” – Elton John

In 2002, Elton John and Italian tenor Alessandro Safina recorded a duet on “Your Song” for Sport Relief. The single went to number four on the UK singles chart.

“Your Song” – Elton John and Alessandro Safina

Authorship

The words and music for “Your Song” were written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, respectively.

Recording date/location

“Your Song” was recorded in January 1970 at Trident Studios in London.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Your Song”:

• Elton John – vocals, pianos
• Frank Clark – acoustic guitar
• Colin Green – guitar
• Clive Hicks – 12-string guitar
• Dave Richmond – bass guitar
• Barry Morgan – drums.

The strings were arranged by Paul Buckmaster.

The song was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who would work with Elton John on much of his best work over the next decade. In 1972, Dudgeon founded Rocket Records with John, Taupin and Steve Brown.

Chart performance

Although originally released as the B-side of “Take Me to the Pilot” in the US, disc jockeys much preferred “Your Song” and it was soon promoted to the A-side. The single reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1971.

The song reached number seven on the UK singles chart.

Other notable recordings

“Your Song” – Three Dog Night

Three Dog Night and Elton John released their versions of “Your Song” at the same time, via the albums “It Ain’t Easy” and “Elton John,” respectively. Elton had been a warm-up act for Three Dog Night and they had already featured the John/Taupin song “Lady Samantha” on their previous album “Suitable for Framing”.

This is a solid version of the song which has much in common with Elton’s, although taken a little faster and with the addition of two well worked guitar breaks. Danny Hutton’s Bowie-esque vocal is ok but doesn’t quite hit the spot in the way that Elton’s does.

“Your Song” – Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding had a big hit with her cover of “Your Song” in 2010, reaching number two on the UK singles chart. This has a very appealing, laidback arrangement which allows you to absorb the song’s message. The vocal has a fragile quality which does fit the lyric but doesn’t particularly inspire this listener.

There will be a new Song of the Week on January 14.

Elton John’s “Your Song” is on the album “Elton John” and a number of compilations, including “Elton John – Greatest Hits 1970-2002”.

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