"Philadelphia Freedom" is a song released by The Elton John Band as a single in 1975. The song was the fourth of Elton John's six number 1 US hits during the early and mid-1970s, which saw his recordings dominating the charts. In Canada it was his eighth single to hit the top of the RPM national singles chart.
The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page which includes flutes, horns, and strings.
The song made its album debut on 1977's Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II. The unedited version (without an early fade out) appears on the box set To Be Continued... and the 40th anniversary edition of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album.
Last Updated: September 15, 2021
