Elton John's first U.S. hit, 'Your Song' celebrates an anniversary today, as the classic entered the Billboard Hot 100 on this day in 1970!
'Your Song' reach number eight on the charts, but initially got it start elsewhere. Written by Elton and Bernie Taupin, "Your Song" was first released by Three Dog Night on the album "It Ain't Easy." Elton opened for the band and let them record it, but they did not release the single, wanting Elton to have it as a way in to the US market.
Elton made it the first cut on his self-titled second album and was released in the US in October as the B-side to "Take Me to the Pilot". "Your Song" got the preferential treatment by jocks and made it to number eight on the Billboard chart.
"Your Song" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, placed at number 136 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", and listed among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
The song has been covered by Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding, and Ewan McGregor in the 2001 musical Moulin Rouge!
Happy Anniversary Elton.