Philadelphia Freedom
Elton John
1975
Annual listening list: initial release cycle, with recent carryovers; not an original-release-date field. Release chronology remains partly unverified.
Release: 1975
Release: 1975Source checked
Non-album single first released in February 1975; the 1977 compilation appearance was later.
The large badge identifies this listening list, not a newly issued recording. Later reissues and renewed chart popularity do not replace an original release date. How years are assigned.
Billie Jean King talks about Philadelphia Freedom
Non-album single first released in February 1975; the 1977 compilation appearance was later.
Inspiration and background
Documented songwriting inspiration
Billie Jean King recalled Elton offering to write a song for her in 1974 and choosing a title connected with her Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team. Their friendship and love of the Philadelphia sound informed the dedication; King emphasized that they did not intend it as a song describing tennis.
Evidence scope: Direct interview with Billie Jean King on the origin, title and dedication.
Sources for this information
Billie Jean King talks about Philadelphia Freedom
Direct interview with Billie Jean King on the origin, title and dedication. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Earlier note and its recorded status
Earlier status: Supplied note - not independently verified. This earlier wording is retained as historical context; the reviewed account above is the current summary.
Written as a tribute to tennis player Billie Jean King and her team, the Philadelphia Freedoms.
Other appearances and versions
catalog version unspecified
Original release date and exact pressing/version are not independently established.
An annual chart year and an original release date are different. Similar titles may be covers or different masters; no audio fingerprint has been performed.
Sources and scope
Source-backed annual association (secondary source; not a complete discographic review)
Editorial artist-repertoire classification
Billboard year-end 1975 table (Wikipedia transcription)
Secondary transcription reviewed 2026-10-11: title, artist and annual chart association; not original release date or complete recording metadata.
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