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

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.