Philadelphia Freedom (song) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Philadelphia Freedom" |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||
| Single by The Elton John Band | ||||
| B-side | "I Saw Her Standing There" (live with John Lennon) | |||
| Released | 24 February 1975 | |||
| Recorded | August 1974 | |||
| Studio | Sound Factory (Hollywood) | |||
| Genre |
|
|||
| Length | 5:38 5:20 (Edited version) |
|||
| Label | MCA (US) DJM (UK) |
|||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Gus Dudgeon | |||
| Elton John singles chronology | ||||
|
||||
"Philadelphia Freedom" is a famous song by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It came out as a single in 1975. The song was a huge hit for Elton John. It became his fourth number one song in the United States during the 1970s. It also reached the top of the charts in Canada.
The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. They wrote it as a special favor for John's friend, the tennis star Billie Jean King. She was part of a professional tennis team called the Philadelphia Freedoms. The song has a beautiful orchestral sound. This includes flutes, horns, and strings.
The song first appeared on an album in 1977. This album was called Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II. You can also find a longer version of the song on the box set To Be Continued....
Contents
The Story Behind the Song
How the Song Was Created
The song "Philadelphia Freedom" was recorded in the summer of 1974. This happened during breaks while Elton John was working on another album. Elton John and Bernie Taupin usually wrote songs without a specific plan. But this time, they wrote "Philadelphia Freedom" especially to be a single.
Elton John wanted to honor his friend, Billie Jean King. She played for the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team. So, he asked Bernie Taupin to write a song named "Philadelphia Freedom" for her team.
What the Lyrics Mean
Bernie Taupin said he couldn't write a song about tennis. He believes the lyrics don't relate to tennis at all. They also don't relate to Philadelphia soul music or even patriotism.
However, many people thought the lyrics sounded patriotic and uplifting. Even though it came out in 1975, the song felt right for Americans. The country was getting ready to celebrate its 200th birthday in July 1976. In the U.S., the song sold very well. It was certified Gold in 1975 and Platinum in 1995. Billboard magazine even ranked it as the third most popular song of 1975.
Honoring the "Philadelphia Sound"
The song also pays tribute to the "Philadelphia sound" in music. This was a special type of soul music. It included groups like the Delfonics and the Spinners. It also featured talented writer-producers like Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell. Elton John even worked with Thom Bell later on an album.
Today, "Philadelphia Freedom" plays in Philadelphia's Franklin Institute IMAX Theater. It plays before every show. This is a way to honor the city's love for freedom. The song's lyrics are also written on the walls of the Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia.
The B-Side Song
The B-side of the "Philadelphia Freedom" single was a song called "I Saw Her Standing There". This was a live recording. It featured the Elton John Band playing with John Lennon. They performed together on November 28, 1974. This was John Lennon's last concert appearance. You can find these recordings on other albums too.
How Well Did It Do?
Top Chart Positions
"Philadelphia Freedom" was a very successful song around the world. Here's how high it went on some music charts in 1975:
- Australia: 4
- Canada (RPM Top Singles): 1
- Germany: 50
- New Zealand: 2
- United Kingdom: 12
- U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 1
- U.S. Billboard R&B: 32
Year-End Charts
The song was one of the biggest hits of 1975.
- Australia: 56
- Canada: 5
- New Zealand: 14
- U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 3
Awards and Sales
The song sold very well in the United States.
| Region | Certification | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | Platinum | 2,000,000^ |
|
^shipments figures based on certification alone |
||
Who Played on the Song?
Many talented musicians helped create "Philadelphia Freedom":
- Elton John – played the electric piano and sang
- Ray Cooper – played tambourine, maracas, and congas
- Davey Johnstone – played electric and acoustic guitars
- Dee Murray – played bass
- Nigel Olsson – played drums
- Gene Page – created the orchestral arrangement
Other Versions of the Song
Cover Songs
Other artists have recorded their own versions of "Philadelphia Freedom":
- In 1975, MFSB covered the song on their album, also called Philadelphia Freedom.
- Esther Phillips recorded it in 1979 for her album Here's Esther...Are You Ready.
- Hall & Oates covered it in 1991 on a tribute album called Two Rooms.
Live Performances
Elton John has also released live recordings of the song:
- A full band version is on the album One Night Only – The Greatest Hits.
- A version with just Elton John and a piano is on Live at Madison Square Garden. This was a special CD for his fan club members.
