Philadelphia Freedom

Philadelphia Freedom

Elton John

An Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition, produced by Gus Dudgeon, “Philadelphia Freedom” was released as a single February 24, 1975.

Written as a favour to John’s friend, tennis legend Billie Jean King, who at the time was a member of the Philadelphia Freedoms in World Team Tennis, the song topped the charts in North America on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Canada’s RPM in April of 1975.

Recorded in the summer of 1974 during breaks between recording sessions for the Captain Fantastic And the Brown Dirt Cowboy“ album, the song features Elton John (lead vocal/piano), Davey Johnstone (guitar), Dee Murray (bass), Nigel Olsson (drums), Ray Cooper (percussion) and Gene Page (orchestral arrangement).

“Philadelphia Freedom” is also a musical homage to the distinctive Philadelphia sound of the early ‘70s that included soul pioneers Delfonics, music producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and The Spinners’ producer Thom Bell (whom Elton would work with in 1977 on tracks that were released on his 1979 EP The Thom Bell Sessions).