First Time Hearing Elton John - “Philadelphia Freedom” Reaction | Asia and BJ

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[@cleekmaker00]

One thing is certain; the AM and FM airwaves of the 1970's were full of Elton John's music.

[@morrison62]

Someone may have mentioned it already, but on May 17th, 1975, Elton John played this very song on SOUL TRAIN, being one of the first white artists on that show.

[@debrarogers6529]

It was May 24, 1975.

[@harpergras]

Dedicated to Tennis player Billie Jean King...This is one of my favorites by Elton...I was 13 when this song came out...I`m 61 now and it never gets old...Billie Jean King is the one Elton is hugging in the photo with the glasses and the curly hair...There are some other photos in this vid with both of them together.

[@eviekelpie1]

Just turned 61, and I've always loved this song

[@harpergras]

Great taste.@@eviekelpie1

[@nicholegallo1090]

As someone who is 10 mins away from the Betsy Ross Bridge. This song is a must for me. Philadelphia forever.

[@uncletom618]

The recording and production of this song was meant to emulate “The Philadelphia Sound”, others called it “Philly Soul”. The Philadelphia Sound, made famous by Thom Bell, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, endures decades after its inception. Songs by The O’Jays, The Stylistics, Patti LaBelle, and Teddy Pendergrass - to name just a few - will never go out of style.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

Hey guys Elton had his band backing him up since the early 70's. Nigel Ollson on drums, Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray RIP on bass. the band sang all the great back round harmonies

[@robertcussins2807]

Indeed. However, his first backing band was a band called "Hookfoot." They never got popular on their own, but man, they put out some excellent music even though no one really heard it. Have some of their stuff and they were quite good.

[@Ocrilat]

@@robertcussins2807 Hookfoot was their own band, and cut their own albums...Elton never belonged to the band. Members were on some of Elton's early albums (and Roger Pope and Caleb Quaye on later ones too), but mostly because DJM only wanted session musicians on Elton's albums, because they were already under contract to DJM (and so cheap). I would say the first 'Elton John Band' was really Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray (because as a kid, the three of them were on my first Elton John record I ever listened to, 11-17-70). They toured together as a trio, and DJM allowed them to play one song per album. This situation didn't really work, and Elton went to bat for Olsson and Murray, getting them as the rhythm section of the new Elton John Band, with those three plus Davey Johnstone. Ray Cooper joined a bit later, but that was the band during the key years when Elton became a superstar (1972-1975, Honkey Chateau - Captain Fantastic).

[@johnnyborealis]

the "band" is the same group of musicians he was working with in the 70's, they achieved a distinct sound together that contributed immensely to elton's success, so they honored the full band on this single

[@betseyhemmelgarn1230]

His concerts were amazing; his voice so strong and sounded just like the albums. So much energy.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Great choice. Basslime is kicking. Sir Elton John . A STAR.

[@davidhess8049]

I live about 30 miles west of Philadelphia, this song is very close to my heart

[@p.j.d.8199]

Bicentennial 1976, GREAT YEAR, every American was a Patriot. Turned 13 that yr and had my first boyfriend lol

[@abevillanueva1974]

A classic that was recorded for tennis legend Billie Jean King and the Philadelphia Freedom tennis team. However...it was released just before our Bicentennial year and it quickly became not only a #1 hit but also even today a CLASSIC to be played every 4th of July. How fitting this GIFT Elton gave to all of us! The live version with the London orchestra in 2002 shows how the arrangements with strings and winds are impeccable. Really, a music classic for the ages!

[@uncletom618]

Elton performed Benny and the Jets on Soul Train after the song hit number 1 on the R&B charts.

[@Frostrazor]

just saw Elton a few months ago on his farewell yellow brick Road tour. Magical night. Yes he had his whole band that he's had for decades. They were phenomenal!!! Elton said his last goodbyes "I've been doing this for 53 years - and I love each and every one of you - you will always be a part of my heart and soul. But now it's time I spent some time with my family"

[@davewhitlow2984]

As a kid of the 70's few songs remind me of those good times as much as this one. "Philidelphia Freedom", the smell of chlorine from the swimming pool, and laughter filling the air was the best. all was right with the word in my eyes. America, with ALL it's faults, seemed to be coming together. The Vietman was was over, Nixon had passed from the scene, the Bicentennial was being celebrated ('76) and the BEST music EVER produced was constantly on the airwaves.

[@jeffthewhiff]

You just can't beat classic 70s Elton John as his songs were so great and his band also should be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame as well because they were fantastic!

[@cojaysea]

I remember watching soul train one day which was broadcast from Philadelphia back when this song was new Elton was on piano and the crowd was dancing around him .

[@bkm2797]

Eltons tunes are so well rounded, all the instrumentation and background vocals pulls it together like no other. Thanks Asia and BJ

[@bobbyscarfo2544]

Any tune by Elton in the 70s.... especially the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album.... is gold.

[@BrettTwinSavage]

It'd be hard for me to pick a favorite 70s Elton song (his peak) but if I had to, it'd be this one.

[@williamdemerchant7295]

Any Elton John (which most always includes his great band) from the 1970's is excellent. Like Asia and BJ's chemistry during their reactions. Keep it up. 😊

[@markb1114]

Great song from Elton. A jam from back in the day.

[@marksperry9062]

Elton said this was the only time he set out to intentionally write a hit song, rather than just write a great song. Yes, there is prominent use of French Horns - very unusual. The brass and string parts were written by someone else and added to the song. There was a person in the industry at the time who specialized in adding background brass and string parts to rock and pop songs, and he was used. Also, radio stations didn’t want to play the song. Elton wrote it at just over 5 minutes (compared to a typical 3-3.5 minutes) as a big F-you to the stations. It messed up their song rotations and number of commercials. But the song became so popular with minimal radio play, that the stations were forced to play it. They asked for a shorter version, and Elton refused.

[@jackndan6603]

My first ever concert! 1974.😃🇨🇦

[@chrissywalls5902]

Philly girl here! And a huge EJ fan!! Thanks for this one!! Love the channel, love you guys. ❤ Happy New Year 🥂🥰 (LETS GO EAGLES 🦅💚😉)

[@PhillypaGrl]

Philly here, go Eagles! 💚💚

[@debjorgo]

“Saturday Nights all Right for Fighting”, "I'm Still Standing", “Island Girl”, "The Bitch is Back"....

[@americanaforever6725]

Great song 🎵!! Elton’s “Saturday Nights all Right for Fighting”, “Island Girl” and “ Empty Garden” are just a few of his hit list

[@paulgrable7096]

This was the first 45 I ever owned. Now many of you wonder what a 45 is but it is how they released singles before cassettes.

[@stephenday-dh6zd]

Recorded at Sigma sound studios in Philly, under the production of Gamble and Huff, and featuring the sound of MFSB.

[@willie417]

He did this song "Philadelphia Freedom and "Bennie and the Jets" on Soul Train😁, y'all remember Soul Train "The Hippest Trip in America"😏

[@badhairday_247]

You guys baked? 😂 What a composition from waaaay back. The sound of Philly baby.

[@seanswinton6242]

Inspired by the famous Gamble & Huff Philadelphia Sound that defined the O'Jays, MFSB, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes and countless others.

[@eviekelpie1]

Lyrics written for Elton's friend, tennis legend Ms Billie Jean King. Lyrics by Bernie Taupin, Elton's lyrical partner

[@carcarjinks1430]

i remember when this song first played on the radio. it was a real earworm. i'd be humming it to myself in school. there was so much fun music back then.

[@joelliebler5690]

Good fun song , with so many great songs from 1970 to 1974 with his last great album being Goodbye Yellow Brook Road! Check out Levon, Take Me To The Pilot, and Madman Across The Water.

[@redclover3]

Gotta say, Elton John had the tightest band around, and he worked with them forever! Sad to hear Dee Murray is gone. Davey Johnstone is one kickass guitarist.

[@stacymoore9836]

I was 13 and in junior high school when this song came out.

[@thedarknight24]

Great song . Still trying to get you guys to do a reaction to Dan Fogelberg"Auld lang syne"

[@67lenzo]

Love the hat!

[@donvito2682]

This song was released when I started my first year of high school. I had also started smoking that year. Marlboros were 50 cents a pack. At lunch time we would always leave the high school campus and eat at Dairy Queen. It was 99 cents for hamburger fries and a coke..after tax it came out to $1.07

[@johnlamere2189]

His original band kicked ass. Nigel Olsson (Drums), Dee Murray (Bass), Davey Johnstone (Guitar), Ray Cooper (Percussion), and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin (Lyrics).

[@ursulabklyn_mia6148]

Wow this takes me back to being a kid in the 70s. The song is burned in my childhood memory and I am from Brooklyn not Philly.

[@johnthegreek5836]

All of Elton John songs are great, I’m a huge fan

[@williamjclinton1]

Yes my Young Squires he performed this on Soul Train (May,1975) the first caucasian on the show ! David Bowie would appear on Soul Train(Nov, 1975) and performed "Fame" and "Golden Years" coming in a close 2nd on the cool meter !

[@stevensheegog3942]

I was 13 when I first heard this song. My friends and I were participating in the March of Dimes super walk, 25 miles, and at the halfway point was a break at Overton Park and this song was being played. Everyone were dancing and singing having a great time!

[@marvinpetty731]

My mom loved Elton John, the Beatles, and the bee gees, I think of her every time I hear one of these songs

[@onlyme114]

I had this on cassette and finally wore it out. I LOVE this song !!❤️🎶🎵❤️

[@ajcbng8289]

Dude. I'm back at the public pool shoving quarters into the jukebox to listen to Sir Elton. 💙

[@sharrongrant6240]

Background players were very likely studio musicians...don't remember an Elton John Band. But the incredible Ray Cooper played with him for years.

[@johnlamere2189]

It's Elton doing those vocals but his band sang great backing vocals also.

[@willfromyadkinville]

my 10 year old self loved this song!

[@seanswinton6242]

Me at 9 in Summer of 1976! Great year for music!

[@Piwork69]

This song was done in the manner of the "Philadelphia sound," which is a soul sound.

[@amrak5028]

The Band remained with the same members for ages, then they changed! Then they returned again. I will let W iki explain it. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is the ninth studio album by English musician Elton John. The album is an autobiographical account of the early musical careers of Elton John (Captain Fantastic) and his long-term lyricist Bernie Taupin (the Brown Dirt Cowboy). It was released in May 1975 by MCA Records in America and DJM in the UK and was an instant commercial success. The album was certified gold before its release, and reached No. 1 in its first week of release on the US Billboard 200, the first ever album to achieve both honors. It sold 1.4 million copies within four days of release, and stayed in the top position in the chart for seven weeks.[2][3] Though they would all appear on later albums, this was the last album of the 1970s with the original lineup of the Elton John Band (guitarist Davey Johnstone, bassist Dee Murray, and drummer Nigel Olsson). Murray and Olsson, who had formed John's rhythm section since 1970, were fired prior to the recording of the follow-up album Rock of the Westies, while Johnstone would leave in 1978. This was the last album until 1983's Too Low for Zero that Elton John and his classic band would play on together.

[@teresapack4788]

Reminds me of summers laying on the beach listening to the juke box. Brings back some wonderful memories.

[@artmv1149]

70s EJ was masterful, and his band was brilliant.

[@emire123]

"Recorded in the summer of 1974, during breaks between sessions for Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, the song was at the time the only song Elton John and Bernie Taupin had ever consciously written as a single, as John told journalist Paul Gambaccini. John was looking to honour Billie Jean King, and so asked Taupin to write a song called "Philadelphia Freedom" as a homage to her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms."

[@andywolf7663]

I remember going to the record store with my Dad to get this single. We played it on the record player over and over again. My sister, Dad and I would race to the record player to se who would be the first to reset the needle so we could hear it again. It brings back so many memories of a great man who loved this song and shared it with us. I wish he was still around to see your reactions, I know he would love them. Thanks so much for bringing back those memories

[@ms-um8gg]

The "Elton John Band" title was only used for Philadelphia Freedom and Lucy in the sky with diamonds..... It was the same band he had always used up until that point. There is NO confusion here. This is Elton John as a solo performer as always. For some reason they credited Elton John Band on this single.

[@jerickson725]

I remember jamming to this when I 11-12, at the roller skating rink, and it playing at the public pool. I have been a huge Elton John fan ever since and have been to several of his concerts over the past 35 years ❤❤.

[@shawnfynn7889]

#3 Song on US Billboard's Top 100 Songs for 1975. Yes, those are French horns in the song.

[@Ocrilat]

Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone were the band, and not only sang the backing vocals, but wrote them as well. They also created their own 'parts' for every song on the albums, with little to no input from Elton. They were that good as a group.

[@Ocrilat]

Dee Murray on bass just kicks ass on this song. He was amazing on this.

[@romamazza5881]

This song was the one back than where I am from! Philadelphia. Pa

[@larrylawson2912]

The guitarist is, Davey Johnstone, Elton's guitarist for the last 50 years. Ever since he first appeared on the Madman Across the Water album. He can play anything with strings, including the sitar. Dude can wail. He's also played and recorded for Alice Cooper. How's that for a cool damn resume?

[@norcalboy2572]

A special song for me, as it was hot the month I was accepted into med school. Great memories.

[@Crazywater1976]

The song is written for Billie Jean King’s tennis team the Philadelphia Freedoms. There was a short time in 1974 when they were called The Elton John Band.

[@yactabay]

Nice that you were wondering if that was a French horn because that is the sound they make. It shows you really listen.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, his "Your Song" and "I’m Still Standing" are next for you!! He's talking about Billie Jean King who played tennis for the professional team the Philadelphia Freedom and is in the video.

[@alexgilliam7329]

Not according to Bernie Taupin. Bernie Taupin, who shared the songwriting credit for “Philadelphia Freedom,” has said the song was not about tennis.

[@classiclife7204]

Sir Elton currying favor with Americans for the upcoming Bicentennial. Made it to #1, so I guess it worked?

[@joebloggs396]

Taupin wrote it, it was just a soul number with no real meaning, the title was from a tennis team.

[@dickcnormis1444]

I was in 6th glade when this was on the radio constantly in 1976 for the Bicentennial celebration. NYC had the most incredible celebration along with the whole country. Every time I hear it, I’m transported back to those days.

[@deborahcornell171]

@dicknormis1444 I remember watching the Tall Ships come into the harbor on the news. It was beautiful & it stands out in my memory. 💙🗽⛵💙

[@michaelasay8587]

Dick....what's a glade? I'm thinking a form of a roller skate or action? Lol...

[@alexakl6445]

We're the same age - I remember that too : )

[@jonrc72]

Great comment about the nail polish! Cracked me up!!

[@michaelchilcott210]

i have always loved this track ever since i first heard it all those years ago i was 14 years old for some reason it makes me think and feel a long hot summers day. loved your reaction 😊😊

[@PatrickSimpson-nd3er]

Not many read the constitution for what it really is saying Bernie Taupin understood what the founding fathers were trying to say in "Philadelphia" way back then and also seen the absolute and beautiful direct relationship between it and Billy Jean King's story..genius! Ben Franklin Would be proud 😉us Philadelphians of a certain age range have always known that. Independence freedom Peace of mind and LOVE ❤ is the true American experiment

[@numberonesongs4444]

A great reaction guys. Elton always had a band. He does have a long list of hits for you guys to discover. A song you guys should listen to is titled, Your Song. Get the video of him singing live. The old video(Top of the Pops), younger Elton clip. Keep up the good work.

[@jennypenny]

This tune gets stuck in your head…love it

[@Marianneisglowing]

I workout to this song. I love it. Philly in the house.

[@rosemarywatson1231]

This is my jam. Favorite of all time!

[@vinniemoran7362]

Thanks for reacting to this song! Almost no one does! :)))))

[@blackwolf6082]

This is my ultimate road song

[@AW-yj6md]

You probably heard all that, Trombone, there were string instruments, so many, many songs fron the 70's, where yes, horn section was staple, but also string, and woodwind instruments,..the Stylistics,..Al Green, Aretha,..it's again that influence from the big band era, so many of these artists grew up in, and where a lot was stilled carried over into the 1960's, look at Burt Bacharach, and Dione Warrick,..new music, new composers, writers, singers, but that still old world added in, old world instruments,..so very many groups, Ojays, Spinners, Temptations, in the 70's were still adding string instruments, usually if you saw them on stage, they would most likely have a big band, orchestra behind them,..I remember Elton being in Soul Train 🚆, playing, now don't remember a band behind him,..maybe they just had the music taped, and him singing along, don't think he lip sinked,..hope it wasn't, ..but you will so hear almost orchestra like bands behind these artists of the 70's,..I so love this song,..last year found a performance by choir of kids, think from a school, on KZbin, perform, right in front of Elton!(I would've been crazy nervous!), it was some ceremony, I can't remember, giving him an award or key to the city, Philadelphia, they put it down, let me tell you,..I teared up, and Elton was ohh so moved,..there is so much music that has touched us, changed our lives for the better, so glad they honored him like that,..do keep going,..so loved that you reacted to this,..ohh and, huh he was distracted by your beautiful nails,..girl, there actually is an old, old black and white b movie, where some alien woman, comes to earth, and the men who fall victim to her, she holds her hands up, flexes her fingers and hypothesizes them with this glittery, nail polish,..lol, so don't feel bad that he didn't catch what you were saying,..keep going, enjoy, Godspeed, Peace ✌

[@VikingJeff]

Best song ever

[@michaelfrazia4569]

loved this song since I heard it as a little kid when it came out. never gets old

[@uncletom618]

Fun Fact: The legendary TV show American Bandstand (with Dick Clark) originated in Philadelphia.

[@quintondees4501]

I grew up with this, good music

[@darrylmccants7280]

For some strange reason i’am feeling the song by Barry White You’re My First, my Last, My Everything when i listen to this. Maybe it’s the string section that’s doing it, but it has that same vibe. Call me crazy, i was loving the nail polish too.

[@albeone3574]

Yeah girl that was in fact a French Horn you heard in there. Yeah he had a whole orchestra backing him and his band, like that on a few of his hit songs.

[@tylerhackner9731]

My mom was in South Jersey close to philly when this song was poppin’

[@craigmarkowski7156]

This the song was written for Billy Jean king !! And like the gentleman below says in his comment , There is no difference between Elton John and Elton john's band it's all the same !

[@Hollingsworth2781]

Elton had his band play on all his songs.

[@Zebred2001]

Great reaction Asia and BJ but you should really check out Elton's live performance of Philadelphia Freedom on Soul Train!

[@markbarnwell942]

Elton and Billie Jean at the pinnacle of their careers had to hide who they are. Two of the greatest in their respective fields had to hide being gay. That wasn't that long ago folks.

[@BrettTwinSavage]

I had forgotten that! Worse, I never made that connection (and I should have!)

[@carrietobey6091]

Great song! from my birth year! I am an oldhead

[@Jamesscearce]

I always thought of this song in context with the American Bicentennial in 1976... I felt the lyrics juxtaposed the Americans gaining independence from British rule "I used to be a heart beating for someone... but the times have changed"... and "Philadelphia freedom gave me a peace of mind my daddy never had".

[@joebloggs396]

Taupin said there is no political meaning.

[@bartmiller6360]

Love this Song! Big part of my childhood ❤

[@samlove1081]

Dear Asia, you are so beautiful, BJ, you are cute too!! Keep up the good work you two.

[@samlove1081]

P.S, Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉

[@AsiaandBJ]

Happy new year!!

[@AsiaandBJ]

Thank you so much!!

[@SalManila1]

He's talking about the American Revolution. FREEDOM FROM ENGLAND.

[@nv0us]

The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) band

[@olliemerritt9279]

My favorite!!!

[@mariano2078]

Yes, There’s French Horn That Can Be Done With An Euphonium

[@jollyj3285]

Great song!!!!!!

[@megA_t.6532]

Did you hear what I just said? I didn't hear what you said...I'm groovin on nail polish! Lol