Michael Cook
- Apr 18, 2022
- 1 min read

Crocodile Rock - Elton John (1973) 4/19/22

Considering Elton John first cracked the charts in 1970 with "Your Song," (which we highlighted back on 3/22/20) , it's a little hard to believe it took three years and several hit singles for Elton to reach #1 on Billboard's Hot 100! (You can read about "Your Song" below.)

The song that finally hit #1? 1973's "Crocodile Rock," which not only topped the charts in the US, but in Canada, New Zealand, Italy and Switzerland It also reached the Top 10 in 8 other countries.

Trivia: "Crocodile Rock" was the first single released on the MCA label, from the first album on the label: "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player."

Elton and his trusty songwriting partner Bernie Taupin created a story about a couple who used to dance to the "Crocodile Rock" back in the day, and they crammed in musical nods to several of their favorite early rock & roll artists--including Bill Haley & The Comets, The Diamonds, Danny & The Juniors, Eddie Cochran, The Beach Boys, Johnny & The Hurricanes (from Toledo!)...and even Pat Boone! (They admittedly stole the falsetto "Ya-Ya's" from Pat's song, "Speedy Gonzales.")

But Elton claims their biggest influence was the band Daddy Cool, who never charted in the US, but topped the Australian chart for 10 weeks in 1971 with a song called "Eagle Rock." (Check it out below!).

These days, both Elton and Bernie call "Crocodile Rock" a bit of "fluff," but it is most certainly "fluff" of the highest grade--and it continues to be a "Great Song of '70s!"

"Crocodile Rock:"