Elton John: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Single (1974)

Elton & Lennon's O'Boogie Jam

Elton John’s “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 15, 1974, on DJM Records (catalogue: DJS.340). Backed with “One Day At A Time,” this reggae-tinged Beatles cover (Lennon/McCartney) and Lennon original, was produced by Gus Dudgeon at Caribou Ranch. Featuring John Lennon on backing vocals/guitar as Dr. Winston O'Boogie, the A-side peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart for 7 weeks and No. 1 in the US/Canada. Pressed by Tranco Limited (red translucent vinyl), issued in solid centre, push-out centre, and promo yellow label variants, it’s a star-studded ‘70s gem.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Lennon/McCartney)

Written-By – Lennon/McCartney. Producer – Gus Dudgeon. Featuring – Dr. Winston O'Boogie (guitar, backing vocals).

B-Side: “One Day At A Time” (John Lennon)

Written-By – J. Lennon. Producer – Gus Dudgeon.

Release Details:

Label: DJM Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Published By – Northern Songs (A), John Lennon / ATV Music Ltd. (B).

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – This Record Co Ltd.

Pressed By – Tranco Limited.

Variants:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre (DJS.340):

A: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Lennon/McCartney) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

B: “One Day At A Time” (John Lennon) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

Red translucent when held to light.

Vinyl, 7", Single, Push-out Centre (DJS.340):

A: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Lennon/McCartney) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

B: “One Day At A Time” (John Lennon) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

Vinyl, 7", Single, Promo (DJS 340):

A: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” (Lennon/McCartney) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

B: “One Day At A Time” (John Lennon) – Producer – Gus Dudgeon

Yellow labels in company sleeve.

Notes: Made in England.

Country Variations:

Angola - DJM - 1974

Canada - MCA - 1974

France - DJM - 1974

Germany - DJM - 1974

Jamaica - DJM - 1974

Japan - DJM - 1974

Mexico - Musart - 1974

Netherlands - DJM - 1974

Norway - DJM - 1974

Peru - Odeon - 1974

Philippines - Parlophone - 1974

Portugal - DJM - 1974

South Africa - DJM - 1974

Spain - DJM - 1974

USA - MCA - 1974

Australia - DJM - 1975

Italy - DJM - 1975

Yugoslavia - DJM - 1975

Production and Context:

Produced by Gus Dudgeon. Recorded at Caribou Ranch. Musicians: Elton John (vocals, piano), John Lennon (backing vocals, reggae guitar as Dr. Winston O'Boogie). “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” was a Beatles cover, “One Day At A Time” from Lennon’s Mind Games.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 15 (7 weeks).

US (Billboard Hot 100): 1 (2 weeks).

Canada (RPM): 1 (4 weeks).

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: November 23, 1974.

Peak: No. 15.

Weeks on Chart: 7.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” is Elton & Lennon’s reggae-psychedelic collab, with “One Day At A Time” a tender B-side. Verify catalogue DJS.340.

Streams on Spotify via compilations preserve the analog diamond. This single is a must-have for Elton/Lennon fans and ‘70s pop collectors.

Have you snagged this Elton-Lennon diamond in your vinyl collection? Does Lucy sparkle for you? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube