Your Song: PRS for Music celebrates 50th anniversary of Elton John’s most popular work

'Elton John' self-titled album released 50 years ago today on 10 April 1970

 To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sir Elton John’s self-titled studio album, ‘Elton John’, released 50 years ago today on 10 April 1970, PRS for Music has revealed a chart of the legendary artist’s Most Successful Songs.

Based on data provided by PRS for Music, the organisation which represents the rights of over 145,500 songwriters, composers and music publishers, the chart lists Elton John’s most streamed, downloaded, broadcast and performed songs in the UK. From Tiny Dancer, to Circle of Life, Elton John’s Most Successful Songs chart reveals The Rocket Man is still standing better than he ever did.

Topping the chart is Your Song, the opening track on Elton John’s eponymous album. Your Song was to be Elton’s breakthrough single and his first track to chart in the UK.

Last year, Your Song received over 3.7 million seconds (or six continuous weeks) of UK radio airtime, proving to be an enduring favourite with the British public.

Over the last five decades, Your Song has been covered numerous times, including standout renditions from Rod Stewart, Ellie Goulding and Lady Gaga. New versions were recorded in 1999 when Elton John guest-starred as himself in The Simpsons’ Valentine’s Day special and in 2001, when Baz Luhrmann used it as a focal point in his movie Moulin Rouge!, sung by Ewan McGregor. Your Song was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry in 2019. 

Also featured in Elton John’s Most Successful Songs chart is Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Elton’s first UK No.1, as well as I Don't Feel Like Dancin', co-written by Elton John alongside Jason Sellards and Scott Hoffman and performed by Scissor Sisters.

Candle in the Wind, written in honour of Marilyn Monroe in 1973 and re-recorded as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, also appears in Elton John’s Most Successful Songs chart.

‘Elton John’ was the multi-award-winning artist’s second studio album, securing five weeks in the Top 10 UK album chart. Recorded at Trident Studios, London, all songs on the album were co-written by Elton’s longstanding writing partner, Bernie Taupin.

Fifty years on, Sir Elton John continues to be a driving force in the music world. In 2019, his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour was the second largest-grossing world tour. Most recently, this year he was honoured with his second Oscar for Best Original Song for (I'm Gonna) Love Me Again, from the Rocketman film soundtrack. 

PRS for Music: Elton John’s Most Successful Songs Chart

1. Your Song
2. Rocket Man
3. I’m Still Standing
4. Circle Of Life
5. Can You Feel The Love Tonight
6. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me
7. Don't Go Breaking My Heart
8. Candle In The Wind
9. Tiny Dancer
10. Crocodile Rock
11. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
12. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
13. Nikita
14. Sacrifice
15. Daniel
16. I Don't Feel Like Dancin'
17. Sad Songs Say So Much
18. Bennie And The Jets
19. Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
20. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

NB: Chart rank based on UK streams, downloads, broadcasts and public performance data provided by PRS for Music for the period 1 January 2019 – 31 December 2019.

About PRS for Music

Here for music since 1914, PRS for Music is a world-leading music collective management organisation representing the rights of more than 175,000 talented songwriters, composers and music publishers. Redefining the global standard for music royalties, PRS for Music ensures songwriters and composers are paid whenever their musical compositions and songs are streamed, downloaded, broadcast, performed and played in public. 

For 110 years it has grown and protected the rights of the music creator community, paying out royalties with more accuracy, transparency and speed. In 2023, PRS for Music paid out £943.6m in royalties and collected a record £1.08 billion in revenues. prsformusic.com