# In 1970, Elton John first heard the track he still considers the one song he wishes he had written. Decades later he saved its “forgotten” writer from the brink

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1970-elton-john-first-heard-the-track-he-still-considers-the-one-song-he-wishes-he-had-written-decades-later-he-saved-its-forgotten-writer-from-the-brink/
- Published: 2026-11-12T11:13:46+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T13:52:42+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-1970-song-elton-john-wishes-he-had-written-forgotten/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Elton John wishes he had written Leon Russell’s ‘A Song for You’.
- The ballad appeared on Russell’s 1970 solo debut.
- John regarded Russell as a piano-playing idol.

## Summary

Elton John has said that Leon Russell’s 1970 ballad ‘A Song for You’ is the song he wishes he had written. First hearing it as a young songwriter, John admired its heartfelt piano-led melody and the way Russell put emotion into the performance; the admiration also helped shape John’s commitment to artistic integrity after his own career took off.

Russell had built a reputation as a pianist, songwriter and sought-after session musician, working with artists including Ray Charles and Bob Dylan. John later described him as his piano-playing idol and recalled meeting him after a Troubadour performance. The article also contrasts John’s early hunger with his later acceptance that his 2004 album *Peachtree Road* had disappointed commercially.

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