Queen (June 18, 1976) “You're My Best Friend” / “'39” – Single 7" UK
- Jun 18, 1976
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 21
A warm, melodic ballad written by bassist John Deacon for his wife, “You’re My Best Friend” became one of Queen’s most beloved and commercially successful singles from the landmark album A Night at the Opera.
RELEASE DETAILS
Artist: Queen
Label: EMI
Date: June 18, 1976
Catalogue: EMI 2494
Format: 7" Vinyl Single
Country: UK
A-Side: “You’re My Best Friend” Written by: John Deacon
Produced by: Roy Thomas Baker, Queen B-Side: “‘39” Written by: Brian May Produced by: Roy Thomas Baker, Queen
TRACK LIST UK 7" Commercial Single (EMI 2494)
A. You’re My Best Friend
B. ’39
LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS
Main Commercial – EMI 2494 (Stereo) Promo / Factory Sample copies exist
PERSONNEL
Freddie Mercury — lead vocals
Brian May — guitar, vocals
Roger Taylor — drums, vocals
John Deacon — bass, Wurlitzer electric piano, vocals
International Issues
Australia
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Elektra — Australia · 1976
Belgium
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Belgium · 1976
Brazil
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Brazil · 1976
Canada
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Elektra — Canada · 1976
Germany
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Germany · 1976
Guatemala
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Guatemala · 1976
India
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — India · 1976
Ireland
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Ireland · 1976
Italy
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Italy · 1976
Japan
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Elektra — Japan · 1976
Kenya
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Kenya · 1976
Mexico
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Mexico · 1976
Netherlands
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Netherlands · 1976
New Zealand
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Elektra — New Zealand · 1976
Philippines
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Philippines · 1976
South Africa
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — South Africa · 1976
Spain
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Spain · 1976
USA
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — Elektra — US · 1976
Yugoslavia
You’re My Best Friend — 7", 45 RPM, Single — EMI — Yugoslavia · 1976
THE STORY
Released on June 18, 1976 on EMI, “You’re My Best Friend” / “’39” was the second single from Queen’s fourth studio album A Night at the Opera. Written by John Deacon about his wife Veronica, the A-side features a distinctive Wurlitzer electric piano and became a major international hit, reaching No.7 in the UK and No.16 in the US. The B-side “’39” is Brian May’s sci-fi folk-rock storytelling piece.
CONTEXT & NOTES
The single was released due to continuous airplay and public demand. It is certified Platinum in the US and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. The UK pressing includes variants with different centre types and promo labels. “You’re My Best Friend” remains one of Queen’s most enduring and frequently performed songs.
RELATED MATERIAL
Queen (1975) A Night at the Opera (Album)
For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.
SOURCES
Discogs, 45cat, 45worlds, Official Charts, Wikipedia
All single artwork, photographs, labels, 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.
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