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Elton John (24 May 1974) Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - 7" Single UK

  • Writer: Elton John
    Elton John
  • May 24, 1974
  • 2 min read

A powerful orchestral pop ballad from the Caribou album — one of Elton John’s most enduring classics, featuring Beach Boys backing vocals and dramatic production by Gus Dudgeon.

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: 24 May 1974

Catalogue: DJS 302

Format: 7" Single

Country: United Kingdom

Label: DJM Records

Album: Caribou (1974)

A-Side: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

B-Side: Sick City


THE STORY

Released on 24 May 1974 as the lead single from Elton John’s eighth studio album Caribou, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a sweeping, emotional ballad co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The song features rich orchestration, prominent backing vocals from members of the Beach Boys (Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston, and others), and became a major international hit despite only reaching No. 16 in the UK.

CONTEXT & NOTES

The single marked a high point in Elton’s early 1970s run of success. The song’s dramatic arrangement and poignant lyrics helped it become a staple of his live shows. A live duet version with George Michael in 1991 would later top the charts in both the UK and US.

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Single

A. Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me – 5:35 B. Sick City

All Variants

  • 7" Single, Solid Centre (DJM Records – DJS.302)

  • 7" Single, Pushout Centre (DJM Records – DJS.302)

  • 7" Single, 4-Prong Pushout Centre (DJM Records – DJS.302)

  • 7" Promo (DJM Records – DJS 302)

  • 7" Reissue (DJM Records – DJS 10302, 1976)

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 16 (8 weeks on chart)

US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 2 Canada: Peak No. 1

PERSONNEL

  • Elton John – piano, organ, vocals

  • Davey Johnstone – electric & acoustic guitar

  • Dee Murray – bass

  • Nigel Olsson – drums

  • Ray Cooper – percussion

  • David Hentschel – Mellotron

  • Carl Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Billy Hinsche, Toni Tennille – backing vocals

  • Gus Dudgeon – production


PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

  • UK release issued in a plain company sleeve (no picture sleeve, unlike most European releases)

  • Standard 1970s DJM Records paper sleeve

WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS

 UK labels feature the classic yellow DJM logo on black background with full track and production credits. No picture sleeve was used in the UK.

RELATED MATERIAL

  • The Bitch Is Back / Cold Highway (August 1974)

  • Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds / One Day At A Time (November 1974)

  • Philadelphia Freedom (February 1975)

  • Someone Saved My Life Tonight / House Of Cards (June 1975)

  • Island Girl / Sugar On The Floor (September 1975)

SOURCES Discogs • Official Charts • Wikipedia

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.








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