This ongoing series explores the stories behind some of music’s most influential artists, tracing the moments, decisions, and recordings that helped shape their careers. From unexpected first hits and career-changing opportunities to little-known facts and lasting legacies, these are the tales that helped define generations of popular music.
The second artist in this series of “Tales,” is Elton John.
His first hit record was the ballad, “Your Song.”
A little known fact is that tThree Dog Night was first to record and release “Your Song,” on their 1970 album It Ain’t Easy.
At the time, Elton John was the opening act for Three Dog Night.
The band really liked the song but decided not to release it as a single, deliberately leaving it to Elton John so he could have a chance at his own success.
That single is what began a mammoth songwriting and recording career, along with lyricist Bernie Taupin.
