On this day in music history: April 13, 1974 - “Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also peaking at #15 on the R&B singles chart. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, it is the second US chart topper for the British singer, songwriter and musician born Reginald Kenneth Dwight (legally changed to Elton Hercules John). John and Taupin will write the song as a satirical statement on the hedonism and excess prevalent in the music industry of the 1970s. Though Elton himself likes the song, he feels that radio wont play it, and is against releasing it as a single, but fate will have other plans. The song will begin receiving heavy airplay as an album cut from radio station CKLW in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, making it a number one airplay record in the Detroit area. It’s huge popularity will prompt MCA Records to release it as a single. Entering the Hot 100 at #69 on February 16, 1974, it will reach the top of the chart eight weeks later. He will also perform the song on the syndicated music program “Soul Train”. Bennie And The Jets is certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:00:11 +0000
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