Writers: Elton John (music) and Bernie Taupin (lyrics)
Producer: Gus Dudgeon
Recorded: May 1973, Strawberry Studios, France
Released: October 1973 (album); February 1974 (single)
| Players: | Elton John–vocals, piano, organ Davey Johnstone–guitars Dee Murray–bass Nigel Olsson–drums |
| Album: | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (MCA, 1973) |
Elton John's real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight. He took his professional name from Elton Dean and Long John Baldry, members of his '60s band Bluesology.
The title character of “Bennie And The Jets” refers to Sally Bennington, one of lyricist Bernie Taupin's girlfriends.
The song was actually recorded in a studio. The applause was overdubbed from a Royal Festival Hall live performance in February 1972 and from a Jimi Hendrix recording.
“Bennie And The Jets” was John's second Number One hit in the U.S. and spent 16 weeks in the Billboard top 40.
John dueted with Cher on this song on her television show in 1975.
