Fifty-three years ago today, Elton John released a song that has gone on to become one of his most celebrated and lasting hits thanks to its massive pop culture impact. Decades later, the legacy of “Candle in the Wind” was celebrated when one of the most respected outlets ranked it as one of the “Greatest Songs of All Time.”
‘Candle in the Wind’ by Elton John Was First Released 53 Years Ago Today
Before “Candle in the Wind” came out as a single months later, it was first released on October 5, 1973. As a Classical Music article notes, that was the date when Elton John’s iconic album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which featured the legendary track, was originally released. The song became a hit that reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it became even more legendary over two decades later.
After the tragic and sudden passing of his friend Princess Diana, John rewrote some of the song’s lyrics and performed what became known as “Candle In The Wind 1997” during her funeral. That version of the song became a touchstone for millions of people around the world who mourned the loss of the people’s princess. That led to the tribute spending 14 consecutive weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and further cementing the track’s legacy.
Who Ranked ‘Candle in the Wind’ by Elton John Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’?
When Rolling Stone published its 2004 version of its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” ranking, it included “Candle In The Wind” at No. 356. Notably, the outlet listed the track, which was originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, above several classic tunes. Some of the tracks it surpassed on the list include Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven,” Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” and The Beatles’ “All You Need is Love.”
There are many reasons why “Candle in the Wind” has gone down in music history. The most obvious is how empathetic the song is, both in terms of its lyrics and John’s vocal performance. Additionally, it has become the song that many people turn to during their moments of immense grief. Another one of its highlights is how restrained the piano-focused ballad is, even though it was performed by an artist who is known and loved for his bombastic persona.
Next: 60 Years Ago, a 1966 Hit Once Ranked the ‘Greatest Song of All Time’ Debuted on the Chart
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/oAK3bOZ
via IFTTT